Sunshine Rainey has been found, but her mother faces a legal battle as Mercer County Children and Youth Services has taken custody of her.

Sunshine, 15, of Farrell, had been missing since July 5 when she got into a vehicle not far from her grandmother's house in Farrell.

Her mother, Brenda Carr, reported the disappearance to police July 8, and searched for the girl throughout the Shenango Valley, following tips of alleged sightings and hanging missing-person signs.

While Sunshine had not contacted her mother, she had called an ex-boyfriend, who reported the calls to Ms. Carr.

The girl was in Greenville with her father, Ms. Carr said.

Ms. Carr brought her daughter home Wednesday night with the help of police, she said.

Southwest Mercer County Regional police said Friday no one would be available to discuss the case until Monday.

CYS took custody of the girl Thursday morning, Ms. Carr said, declining to discuss that aspect of the case.

Although she faces a legal battle to get Sunshine back, Ms. Carr said she has peace of mind about the girl's condition.

"I know that she's at least safe, anyway," Ms. Carr said. "That is the best thing that can happen because now I am able to sleep. I couldn't sleep because I was out there walking the streets."

Ms. Carr thanked everyone who prayed for her and Sunshine's safe return, and Sunshine's ex-boyfriend.

"If it wasn't for the ex-boyfriend, I probably wouldn't have found her," she said.

Sunshine initially disappeared July 3, but has left home before and usually heads to her grandmother's house. Ms. Carr said the girl was staying there when she got into the vehicle.