The trouble is that the Mom has had years of custody in which to convince these kids that their Dad is some sort of bad guy. I don’t think young kids can make a fair and informed decision under those circumstances. And what they do is going to have an impact on the rest of their lives.
There has been years of "supervised" visitation, often with a professional. This is from an interview with the father. Why?
Even while in detention, the kids have no desire to see their father - interesting.
Yes it will inpact them into adulthood but forcing them will also affect that.