'Modern Family' Star Ariel Winter -- I Can Work Without My Mother's Help

Ariel Winter refused to miss work this morning ... despite the family drama in her personal life ... and soldiered over to the "Modern Family" set without her mother.

We broke the story ... the 14-year-old actress, who plays Alex Dunphy on the show, was removed from her mother's care by a judge in the wake of serious allegations of physical and emotional abuse.

Ariel is now in the care of her older sister Shanelle -- who has temporary guardianship over the actress. Her mother, Chrystal, has been ordered to stay at least 100 yards away.

This morning, Ariel hitched a ride to work with a female companion ... sporting a brave face in front of the media.