When the Florida Supreme Court issued its Juvenile Rules Opinion this week on requiring attorneys for Florida foster children with special needs, it was the successful culmination of a 10-year effort by the state’s leading foster child advocates, including the Florida Guardian ad Litem (GAL) program and Florida’s Children First... View Article
Results & verdicts
more results & verdictsCategories for Child Abuse
Judge Blasts Agency for Miami Foster Kids Forced into ‘Cockfights’
Abused, abandoned and neglected are the lives many South Florida foster children lead. Yet, what one Miami judge saw recently regarding the events they endured and care they receive he called ineptitude and incompetent. The judge was commenting on the violent “cockfights” and brawls children at a Miami group home for... View Article
One Year Later, Phoebe’s Abuse, Death Still Haunt Child Advocates
Just about a year ago, child advocates and attorneys who represent children who have been harmed by child abuse, sex abuse and other personal injuries were aghast at the story of Phoebe Jonchuck, the 5-year-old Central Florida girl whose father, John, threw her from a bridge into Tampa Bay. We all... View Article
Kan. Lawmaker Explores Ending State’s Private Child Welfare Program
Florida child welfare administrators have had a long, troubled history with privatization of foster care services provided to the state’s at-risk, harmed, abused, and needy children. Our children have suffered sexual abuse, child abuse, personal injury, and other harm for years. Florida, it seems, wasn’t the only state with issues. A... View Article
Florida DCF Reviewing Child’s ‘Suspicious’ Death of ‘Consistent with Child Abuse’
Florida child advocates and child abuse attorneys who represent children and families in cases of wrongful death, child abuse and other personal injuries, are watching closely as the Florida Department of Children and Families reviews the death of Knowellan Kelly, a 15-month-old who died at All Children’s Hospital in St.... View Article
Florida foster child abuse, sexual abuse, and personal injury damages attorney Howard Talenfeld wrote the following commentary for the Daily Business Review. It was originally published on November 18, 2015. For more than 15 years since the privatization of child welfare in Florida, the Florida Department of Children and Families has... View Article
Florida Foster Child Abuse Attorney: Bill Would Limit Bad Group Homes, Improve Placement Options
The following commentary was written by Fort Lauderdale foster child abuse attorney Howard Talenfeld and published in the Daily Business Review on November 18, 2015. For more than 15 years since the privatization of child welfare in Florida, the Florida Department of Children and Families has contracted with lead agencies like ChildNet... View Article
Child Abuse Attorney: Will DCF Chief’s Admitting Failure in 2 Cases Lead to Improved Care?
As Florida’s child advocates and attorneys who fight for the rights of kids who suffer child abuse, sexual abuse and other physical personal injury mourn the finding of the bodies of two children in recent days, Florida Department of Children and Families Secretary Mike Carroll had an admission. The Florida... View Article
Florida’s Children First to Host Palm Beach Fundraiser, Awards For Foster Kids, Child Abuse Advocates
Florida’s Children First (FCF) will recognize Palm Beach County individuals for their tireless efforts to advocate for the state’s most vulnerable citizens at its annual Palm Beach Reception on Oct. 28 at the National Croquet Center Point Club in West Palm Beach. FCF is a statewide, nonprofit organization dedicated to... View Article
Florida investigators are examining a body found in a refrigerator, leaving child abuse attorneys and other advocates wondering if it is the remains of an 11-year-old girl who has been missing and is presumed dead. The mother, who declined to assist police, has been arrested and charged with aggravated child... View Article