AUSTIN (AP) - The head of the Texas agency that removed more than 400 children in the since-discredited raid of a polygamist group -- is retiring.

Sixty-one-year-old Carey Cockerell will retire August 31st as commissioner of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

The agency has come under criticism for the April raid on the Yearning For Zion Ranch in Eldorado amid allegations of abuse.

The Texas Supreme Court later ruled the children were improperly removed -- and they've been returned to their parents.

Cockerell says he'll soon be a grandfather and is looking forward to a lot of quality time with his family after four decades of working in state and local programs.

Polygamist group spokesman Rod Parker criticized the agency -- but said he doesn't know Cockerell.

Parker says he hopes a new administration will be more reasonable and flexible.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

AP-NY-06-27-08 1656EDT