BERWICK — A mother with a history of substance abuse and mental health issues absconded with her two small children, but turned them over to a relative amid a multi-state search for them, police say.

Police were worried about the safety of the 4-year-old girl and 6-year-old boy, who were taken by Olivia Marion Wilkerson, 33, Tuesday night, said Police Chief Kenneth Strish. Wilkerson does not have custody of the children, he added.

Officers were told the youngsters were missing Wednesday morning, he said.

Detective Greg Martin said Wilkerson fled to Delaware, where she handed the youngsters over to the relative, who called child protective services there.  Berwick officers were notified Wednesday evening, and were working to reunite them with their family in Berwick, he said.

Wilkerson, who is homeless, remains at large, officers said.

A felony warrant for two counts interfering with the custody of children has been filed against Wilkerson, along with a charge of corrupting minors.