Fugative/probation violator, how can one be caught?

My husband's ex-wife had her boyfriend arrested for assault a year and a half ago. She dropped the charges but he the state pursued the case and after 2 months in jail he was released on probation. He moved right back in with her and the kids. The judge ordered that he move out and have no contact with the kids whatsoever. (That turned out to be an unenforceable order). He moved in to a trailer 20 feet from the kids and was with them all the time.

So fast forward to this year. He is still on probation when he is picked up at 6am for hit and run and DUI. He goes back to jail. Since he violated his probation from the assault charge, he is placed under community control or house arrest for one year and probation for 3.
So now we learn that he has skipped out on his probation officer. Apparently he said that he couldn't handle house arrest so he took off but he'll be back soon and will turn himself in at that time and just serve his time in jail.
CAN HE DO THAT? What kind of punishment is house arrest if you can just decide to leave?

The main question is though, can the sheriff go over the girlfriend's house or her parent's house where he used to live and go in and look for him? How fair is this that a guy can violate probation, is probably hanging out his girlfriend's place but unless someone can prove he is in there law enforcement can't do anything. She is on probation too, for trespassing (hacking into my husband's email) so if he is in her house she will be bounced to jail with him.
In the past they have told the kids not to tell anyone if they see this guy. And even if they do it is hearsay because they are young. We are afraid to let them have their timesharing with their mom right now but have no choice.

We just want our kids to be safe and know that with a guy who fired shots at their mother, put a gun to her head and threatened her with a knife (all in her statement to the police) running around loose, no one is safe. Any ideas?

My thoughts. Find out who her probation office is, fill them in, and let them go and check her, if they find him, problem solved. If he skipped on the probation I believe that is going to be yet another charge that will probably just get him even more probation to run along with the current probation.

Probation officer is all filled in but cannot enter her house. She would have to invite him in. The way I understand it the police can't go in either unless they are certain he is there.

Strange rules. I have a family member that just got off probation and they would certainly disagree with that statement.

I would love it if someone would tell me otherwise but so far her probation officer and his have said they can't go in looking.

I would love it if someone would tell me otherwise but so far her probation officer and his have said they can't go in looking.

How long have you and your husband been trying to get custody of the kids? They don't need to be in that situation and I would think a judge would agree. Good luck to you and God Bless those kids!!!!