A three-judge panel was appointed Friday to review the case of seven children abandoned by their father under Nebraska's Safe Haven Law.

The move comes after the state's Department of Health and Human Services lost an appeal to keep the Staton children together in a relative's care. However, they won't be forced to leave yet.

The children and two of their siblings were abandoned by their father, Gary Staton, at Creighton University Medical Center last month. Seven of the nine were placed with their great aunt in Lincoln while the courts reviewed the issue of their permanent custody.

The other two opted for placement with a foster family in Omaha so they could remain in the same school.

Last week, Juvenile Court Judge Elizabeth Crnkovich ordered the children be temporarily removed from the great aunt's home, saying she was not properly set up for so many children. State officials immediately appealed that decision, saying it was best to keep the kids with family.

The initial appeal was dismissed Thursday, but another appeal is pending while the panel of judges reviews the case. In the meantime, the kids will stay put.