Oh I am so glad I didn’t have to go through this. It must be awful for everyone including the kids

Aw bless, that’s a stressful situation !
The process can be almost immediate for serious matters or can take a week or more for less serious matters. The court will usually try to speed up the matter and get the closest court date as possible.
The Recovery Order remains in place for a period of 12 months or until the child is returned. It may also be used to prevent your ex-partner from taking your child again, permitting arrest without warrant if they attempt to do so in the future.
I hope your kids are located & returned soon !

I don’t have an answer, but want to offer you my best wishes.