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Despite medical experts’ suspicions that 2-year-old Deondray Ashe had growing issues in his home, doctors couldn’t be certain that injuries revealed before his death in June were the result of abuse.
 According to a review by the Florida Department of Children & Families and a story in the Lakeland (Fla.) Ledger, a child protection team physician who examined Deondray on March 27 diagnosed the child “with chronic bilateral subdural hematoma, healing rib fractures not in typical position, growth retardation, evidence of cerebral palsy, severe developmental delays, acute sinus infection, pneumonia, sagging skin in which the BMI is below normal, the Ledger reported.
While state child welfare officials had expressed some concerns about Deondray’s physical condition, newly released details show they had no proof, either, the Ledger noted.
Read the entire story here.
Child-abuse cases have increased in South Florida, according to reports from the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). This has department officials, child and foster care advocates, and guardians calling for greater awareness.
The news follows a year when DCF investigated some challenging, difficult, and by some reports, gruesome cases, according to a recent article in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
In Broward County, cases rose to 15,748 in 2010, compared with 14,876 the year before, according to the Sun-Sentinel’s report of the DCF numbers. In Palm Beach County, cases rose to 12,183 — up from 11,947 the previous year, the paper reported.
“You’ll see a lot of domestic violence,” DCF spokesman Mark Riordan said in the paper. “That’s where the cycle is perpetuated. It’s a learned response.”
Read the rest of this entry »
Governor Charlie Crist has appointed long-time Department of Children and Families program head and juvenile justice attorney Alan Abramowitz as executive director of the Statewide Guardian Ad Litem Office. Abramowitz will succeed Theresa Flury, for a term to run until December 8, 2013.
 Abramowitz to head Florida GAL Currently, Abramowitz directs the statewide Family Safety Program Office within the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF).
“With 15 years of experience in social service and juvenile justice, Alan has continually worked to improve the lives of children who depend on the child welfare system,” Governor Crist said. “He is an effective and caring advocate for the young people of Florida, and I am confident the Guardian Ad Litem Program will excel under his leadership.”
Read the rest of this entry »
Florida’s Children First honored child advocate and attorney Tracey McPharlin at its annual Palm Beach Child Advocate Awards Reception.
The event had approximately 100 attendees and raised more than $27,000, which will go toward FCF’s child advocacy efforts across the state.
McPharlin passed away just 10 days after the ceremony on November 6, 2010, in Ft. Lauderdale following a battle with cancer.
Read the entire Florida Bar News story here
 Did you know that kids in foster can’t be “tagged” in Facebook photos, or have their pictures published in the newspaper – even for good things. It’s not fair and it’s not normal.
Florida’s Children First works every day to make things more fair for children in the state’s system of care. This year, with the youth in Florida Youth SHINE, we will again push for broader “normalcy” reforms.
Will you help us? Read the rest of this entry »
Florida’s Children First (FCF), the statewide legal advocacy organization focused on protecting the legal rights of at-risk and foster care children, will hold its annual Child Advocate Awards and Reception fundraiser this coming February.
The event will be at the Tower Club on Thursday, February 24. It typically draws more than 300 prominent attorneys, child advocates, elected officials, judges, community and business leaders, and others concerned about the future of Florida’s children, especially abused, abandoned and neglected children and youth.
This past February, the event honored Mr. Jesse H. Diner, showcased several foster care success stories and raised $100,000 for the organization.
Leaders hope to match or beat the fundraising milestone – and awareness generated for the state’s most vulnerable citizens.
“As President of the Florida Bar, Jesse was a true leader in advancing the rights of foster children and their legal representation in Florida,” said FCF President Howard Talenfeld. “This year, we hope to recognize another equally staunch advocate for children’s rights.”
To learn more, or to make a contribution, call 954-796-0860 or send an email to fcf@floridaschildrenfirst.org.
“Aging Out” of foster care might become a slower process for thousands of Florida foster care children, believe advocates, attorneys, guardians and other care givers.
The way the system works now, children turning 18 are forced to leave the foster care system. They’re left to handle unemployment, homelessness, pregnancy – even getting a driver license or earn their high school diploma – on their own.
Now, a proposal under development from the Florida Department of Children and Families may seek to extend foster care to age 21. According to the Fort Myers News-Press, the extension would “broaden access to pre-independent living services and extends adoption subsidies for teens.” It actually costs the system more to “age out” kids at 18 than to extend their assistance for a few more years.
The proposal would need Gov.-elect Rick Scott’s approval, and then find a sponsor in the Legislature. Read the rest of this entry »
Sexual assaults among the developmentally disabled population are shocking and growing. For caregivers and advocates, the reality is clear: Group homes and other residential facilities must provide safeguards or they could face damage suits, awards and judgments by lawyers and attorneys for the abused and their families.
According to a recent news report, a horrifying epidemic is growing by the day: the sexual assault of people with mental disabilities. According to The Arc of Pennsylvania, the largest advocacy organization in the United States for citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities, 85 percent of people with a mental disabilities are victims of sexual abuse. In a candid video interview below, the relative of a child raped over more than a decade shared her thoughts on sexual abuse. View the original report here.
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Human trafficking — whether of immigrants or U.S. citizens caught in a rough stage of life — affects everyone. For child advocates, care givers and attorneys who deal with society’s most vulnerable citizens, the results are devastating, and demand greater protections. According to a story in the Fort Myers (Florida) News-Press, human trafficking historically has been perceived as crimes affecting mostly foreigners. Today, its victim profile has expanded. It includes “a larger extent American adults and children exploited for gain.”
In Lee County (Florida) alone, the paper writes, “the number of people tagged as victims and investigations…has been growing in the past year. Of 11 arrests linked to trafficking in Lee in roughly that time, the lead investigator said at least seven involved domestic victims.”
The paper continued, “…Trafficking, often called modern-day slavery, doesn’t have to involve transportation of a victim. One case involved a 15-year-old girl who told investigators her mother forced her to prostitute in exchange for food. At one point, she banged on a window seeking her mother’s help when she was left in a room with men, according to sheriff’s reports. The girl cut and burned herself to deal with the pain.” Read the entire story here.
Community-based care — not “entitlements” or history — led Orlando area Department of Children and Families (DCF) administrators to give a four-year, $200 million child welfare services contract for Orange and Osceola Counties to Community Based Care of Seminole. Some believe this is the model for the future.
Meanwhile, according to Seminole Voice, Family Services of Metro Orlando is dismayed by the decision. “It’s the first time a lead agency like us… has been replaced for something other than performance issues,” Bart Mawoussi, director of communications and grants, told the Voice. “And we kind of saw that as a puzzling decision.”
But DCF officials say the better-suited agency prevailed. “Community based care is a legislative design, and competition was expected,” DCF CEO John Cooper said. “This is not an entitlement.”
The is a critical decision, as thousands of children, families, foster parents and social workers will be affected by the decision. According to DCF, the two-county area has among the highest child-abuse rates in the nation. Read the entire story here.
Infants and toddlers in Florida are dying at an alarming rate — of causes that often are completely avoidable. Whether they’re accidentally smothered while sleeping with their parents or from sleeping outside the safe confines of a crib, their numbers are startling. They’ve drawn the attention of the Florida Department of Children and Families, caregivers, advocates and others.
At least 11 times in the past year, babies have died when something went wrong with a makeshift sleeping arrangement, according to a story in the Palm Beach Post. DCF officials believe they’ve improved the odds by providing cribs through a partnership with the West Palm Beach-based Clinics Can Help
The only catch: To get the crib, the parent must agree to attend an hourlong class on parenting, the Post reported. DCF regional director Perry Borman said the Cribs R for Infant Baby Safety project (CRIBS) can save lives. “When it happens you think, ‘This could’ve been prevented,’?” DCF spokeswoman Elisa Cramer told the Post. A recent Florida Child Abuse Death Review report noted how unsafe sleeping arrangements are the leading cause of death in Florida children younger than 12 months in 2008 and the second-leading cause of all verified child abuse and neglect deaths. Read the entire story here.
For foster children and hopeful parents, adoption is redemption and a chance at a new life for children – and adoptive parents. At a recent Miami event as part of Carla’s National Adoption Day, 50 children were given new, permanent homes.
For the children, the adoption was among 50 that took place at the Miami Children’s Museum as part of Carla’s National Adoption Day. The event was renamed in memory of Miami child advocate Carla Merhige, who was killed last year by her mentally ill brother, according to the Miami Herald. The national event is intended to raise awareness of the 129,000 children in foster care nationwide awaiting permanent homes.
“Adoption is not just about taking care of a child until they turn 18. Adoption is forever,” said DCF Secretary George Sheldon to the families before their adoptions were finalized. Read the entire story here.
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Tallahassee, FL – August 27, 2025 – WJHG News Channel 7- New law makes moving easier for Florida foster families Moving is stressful enough, but for foster families in Florida, it’s often meant starting from scratch.
Miami, FL – August 14, 2025 – NBC 6 South Florida- North Miami couple arrested after kids found ‘severely malnourished’: Police A North Miami couple was arrested for child neglect after authorities said their two young children were found “severely malnourished” and one had arm and leg fractures.
Yorkville, IL – August 12, 2025 – Fox 32- Illinois lawmaker, DCFS dispute legality of intern investigators in child abuse cases An Illinois lawmaker is accusing the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) of breaking state law by allowing uncertified interns to conduct child abuse and neglect investigations, while the agency says all investigators meet legal certification requirements.
Miami Gardens, FL – August 5, 2025 – CBS News- Miami Gardens mom faces neglect charges after nine children found living in “deplorable conditions,” police say A Miami Gardens mom is facing multiple counts of child neglect after police discovered nine children living in a home in “deplorable conditions,” according to Miami Gardens police.
Riviera Beach, FL – July 7, 2025 – CBS 12 News- DCF won’t comment after 7-year-old girl stomped to death; mom charged with murder It’s the agency with the most important mission in the state: keeping kids safe.
Tallahassee, FL – July 4, 2025 – WCJB- New Florida laws expand access to care for children with disabilities Children with disabilities across Florida will soon see more support, thanks to two new state laws aimed at improving access to care.
Clewiston, FL – May 27, 2025 – Fox 4- Clewiston city director arrested, accused of sending explicit texts to child A City of Clewiston operations director is facing serious charges – accused of sending sexually explicit texts to a 12-year-old girl.
Miami, FL – April 30, 2025 – NBC Miami- ‘Wish you well in hell’: Survivor quotes Cardi B as nurse gets life in adoptive daughter’s murder A Miami-Dade nurse convicted in the 2018 death of her 7-year-old adoptive daughter and the abuse of her other two adopted children was sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday.
Orlando, FL – April 29, 2025 – WFTV 9- Records show Florida knew about defects in application portal for DCF benefits For more than a year, Florida’s Department of Children and Families has been telling 9 Investigates there are no problems with the state’s website for SNAP and Medicaid benefits.
Springfield, IL – April 25, 2025 – Capitol News Illinois- Illinois community-based foster homes face insurance ‘crisis’ Insurance companies are reducing the scope of coverage for some community foster agencies in Illinois, leading to higher costs, diminished coverage and fewer options for agencies who say a continuance of the trend could lead to closures.
Miami, FL – April 1, 2025 – WPLG Local 10- Disgraced ex-NYC councilman caught with child sex abuse videos at Miami airport, feds say A former member of the New York City Council — who left office in disgrace leading up to a federal bribery conviction — is now in the feds’ crosshairs again: this time in South Florida.
Cook County, IL – March 24, 2025 – WCBU- Illinois’ child welfare agency failed to produce critical reports after child deaths The state agency responsible for keeping Illinois’ most vulnerable children safe has failed to produce legally required public reports after examining what went wrong in hundreds of cases of child deaths and thousands of serious injuries, the Illinois Answers Project reports.
Chicago, IL – March 22, 2025 – ABC 7 Chicago- Illinois child welfare agency’s reporting on abuse and deaths scrutinized The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is now under scrutiny for its lack of proper reporting on child abuse and neglect cases, according to a report from the Illinois Answers Project.
Tallahassee, FL – March 9, 2025 – WFSU- Two Florida state agencies announce new tools for combating human trafficking Two state agencies are working to identify kids vulnerable to sex trafficking before they’re victimized. The Florida Department of Children and Families and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement have announced an enhanced screening tool and new grant funding for law enforcement.
Chicago, IL – January 31, 2025 – NPR Illinois- DCFS launches new app for caseworkers and families The state of Illinois is rolling out a new app to help parents of abused and neglected children better communicate with their Department of Children and Family Services [DCFS] caseworkers and with other service providers.
Broward County, FL – January 30, 2025 – The Sun-Sentinel- Broward Sheriff’s Office will stop staffing juvenile detention center in May Blaming staff shortages and an unsafe building to work in, the Broward Sheriff’s Office will no longer send deputies to work at the state’s Department of Justice’s Juvenile Assessment Center.
Vernon, CT – November 19, 2024 – WLBT- Woman left 4 kids home alone in ‘filth’ for days while she took a trip to New York, police say A woman in Connecticut is accused of leaving her four kids alone for days while she took a trip to New York, according to authorities.
Flagler County, FL – November 10, 2024 – CBS 12- Flagler County middle school employee accused of attacking disabled student An employee at Indian Trails Middle School has been accused of child abuse after she was caught on camera striking a disabled student in an unprovoked attack.
Chicago, Il – November 8, 2024 – CBS News Chicago- Troubled teen who escaped DCFS caseworkers was not placed into secure facility after being found A 17-year-old with a violent history escaped from his caseworkers in Chicago last month, and it turns out the foster child in the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services was not placed in a secure facility recommended to the state after being brought back into custody.
Jacksonville, FL – September 20, 2024 – Action News Jax- Duval County teacher under investigation after 8-year-old is injured A Beauclerc Elementary School teacher is being investigated by Duval County Public Schools after a physical incident with an 8-year-old student.
Miami, FL – September 3, 2024 – Miami Herald- Rising costs of care could strain funding for Florida program for brain-damaged kids Facing withering criticism from parents, advocates, lawmakers and insurance regulators, Florida’s compensation program for children born with catastrophic brain injuries opened its bank account three years ago and improved the lives of some of the state’s most disabled children.
Orlando, FL – September 2, 2024 – Orlando Sentinel- Autism drowning deaths prompt push for children’s specialized swim lessons Drowning is the number one cause of death for kids with autism and Florida leads the nation in fatalies.
Aventura, FL – August 5, 2024 – WSVN News 7- Parents arrested after leaving toddler in hot car while they shopped at Target in Aventura, police say A man and woman were arrested on child abuse charges after allegedly leaving their 2-year-old child in a hot car while they shopped at Target in Aventura.
Austin, TX – July 18, 2024 – WPLG Local 10- Largest housing provider for migrant children engaged in pervasive sexual abuse, US says Employees of the largest housing provider for unaccompanied migrant children in the U.S. repeatedly sexually abused and harassed children in their care for at least eight years, the Justice Department said Thursday, alleging a shocking litany of offenses that took place as the company amassed billions of dollars in government contracts.
Daytona Beach, FL – July 9, 2024 – WESH 2- Police: Man arrested in Daytona Beach after dangling, dropping child off second-floor resort balcony A 31-year-old man was arrested on Saturday after allegedly dropping a 4-year-old off the second floor of a Daytona Beach resort, according to an affidavit from the police department.
Palm Coast, FL – July 7, 2024 – WSVN 7- Florida woman charged with child neglect after good Samaritan finds 2-year-old son wandering near busy road alone A good Samaritan found a 2-year-old boy wandering in a Florida neighborhood all alone, and now the child’s mother is facing charges after she was found fast asleep inside their home.
Homestead, FL – May 16, 2024 – WPLG Local 10- Homestead couple accused of murdering their 6-month-old baby girl Two 24-year-old parents brought their 6-month-old to Homestead Hospital in cardiac arrest Sunday afternoon; doctors found that the baby had no pulse and signs of severe child abuse, according to police.
Brevard County, FL – May 16, 2024 – WESH 2 Orlando- Family sues Brevard County day care for alleged child abuse and negligence An incident at a Brevard County day care involving a child and teacher has led to more allegations of child abuse and negligence after the Department of Children and Families studied surveillance video.
Chicago, IL – May 7, 2024 – WSIL – TV- Lawsuit alleges pervasive child sexual abuse at Illinois juvenile detention centers for decades A group of 95 people filed a lawsuit in Illinois on Monday alleging they were sexually abused as children in juvenile detention centers across the state for over two decades.
Wildwood, FL – May 4, 2024 – Fox 35 Orlando- Florida DCF worker accused of abusing 11-year-old foster child A Kids Central employee was arrested after he aggressively threw an 11-year-old foster child onto a couch and hurt her, according to an arrest affidavit from the Wildwood Police Department.
Tallahassee, FL – May 3, 2024 – The Tampa Bay Times – Nearly 600,000 Florida kids shed from government health care, study says Nearly 600,000 Florida children lost their government-provided health insurance last year after the federal government ended the national COVID-related health emergency, more than any other state except Texas, according to a newly released report by the Georgetown Center for Children and Families.
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