child custody

Department of Children and Families Case Worker Accused of Falsifying Documents

Andrew Stine — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:55:03 GMT

The Florida Department of Children and Families is the state agency charged with the responsibility of protecting abused and neglected children, elderly, and the disabled. We often hear stories about DCF investigations involving child abuse or neglect, and how these children are taken away from their homes for fear of their safety or even their lives. As a community, we put our trust and faith into this organization to protect children from perilous situations. Unfortunately, the Florida DCF is receiving some heat as a case worker has been accused of falsifying documents and not fulfilling her duties.

DCF Under Investiagtion

According to WPTV News, Maria Clacher, 49, a case manager working for a state DCF subcontractor was arrested Monday on a felony charge. She has been accused of falsifying records relating to children under her care after a Florida Department of Law Enforcement Investigation.

Case managers for DCF are supposed to make face-to-face contact at least once every 30 days with the care giver and the child. A form must be filled out and a photograph must be taken of the child. According to an official and statements in a complaint affidavit supporting Clacher's arrest, Clacher falsified at least 13 visits for five families between Oct. 2010 - June 2011.

According to WPTV, investigators were told Clacher was difficult to get in touch with, rarely or never took photographs and also rarely performed home visits. They also pointed out inaccuracies in case notes. Clacher was terminated in June 2011 for falsifying her visits. When confronted about the issues, she simply said she can't remember, according to WPTV.

Criminal Defense

Children who are taken from their homes and placed in one of the 19,000 foster homes that the DCF are responsible for should feel safe and well cared for. Having a case manager who disregarded her duties not only affected the organization but the children that were depending on her supervision to keep them safe. If you have been accused of child abuse or child neglect, contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. There is a strong chance you could lose your child.

Distributed by Viestly

Child Abduction in Boynton Beach

Andrew Stine — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:46:18 GMT

Federal, state and local authorities are coordinating efforts to find a 3-year-old girl abducted in Boynton Beach by her father. The girl, abducted after her father picked her up for a weekend visit, was taken to Mexico, Boynton Beach police said Tuesday.

Jazmin Lopez was picked up Saturday from her mother's home for what was supposed to be one of her usual one- or two-day visits with her father, Feliz De La Cruz Lopez, 26, police said. But instead of bringing her home, Lopez took the girl somewhere near Tabasco, Mexico, according to police, reported by Andy Reid, Sun Sentinel.

"He basically just stole his own daughter," Sgt. Tom Wallace said. "He has no right to take her."

"The problem we face is … it's a location in Mexico the size of the area of Florida. It's very difficult narrowing it down," Wallace said.

The girl's mother, Irma Velasquez, 20, called police Monday night to report that Jazmin Lopez had not been returned from a weekend visit with her father.

In phone calls to Velasquez, Lopez said that he took the girl to Mexico and he told Velasquez that "maybe if she prays," something good might happen, Wallace said.

Velasquez spent much of Tuesday with police, talking to investigators and counselors. She and her daughter live just a few blocks from the Police Department, at the town-house-style Pelican Point apartments.
Inside the apartment Tuesday, toys sat on the floor and a child gate was open at the base of the stairs. Christmas lights hung across the street as the neighborhood went on with holiday preparations while Velasquez waited for her daughter.

Mexico and the United States have standing international agreements to return abducted children, Wallace said.

Family Law in Palm Beach County

Family law is an area of law that deals with family-related issues and domestic relations including marriage, divorce, adoption, property settlements, alimony, and parental responsibility orders like child custody, child support and alimony. This category of law has grown dramatically in recent years, as courts and legislators have redefined the definition of marriage, divorce, child custody and child support. It has been in the national spotlight many times lately.

Despite changes made by federal and state lawmakers, family law remains an emotional issue that always evokes passionate feelings from everyone involved. Palm Beach County has several qualified attorneys who either specialize in family law or incorporate it as part of their practice.

It is difficult to give simple answers to the many complicated questions surrounding family law. Every family is different and every case is unique. Additionally, many of the cases that go before a family court require individual discretion by judges and different rulings are written for different cases.

If you are involved in a family law case, it is important to find a lawyer who has experience in this field. A Palm Beach County attorney who understands family law will fight for your rights and will also be sensitive to your needs during this very emotional and difficult time in your life.

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Can Too Much Tylenol PM Lead to Child Neglect Charges?

Andrew Stine — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:01:30 GMT

According to state child protective service agencies, more than 1 million children are victims of child abuse and neglect each year. More often than not, child abuse and neglect is not reported to the system because the victims’ suffering goes unreported. Abuse and neglect can happen in any home and often can happen without the parents realizing it.

According to the Department of Children & Families, child abuse is considered any actions that result in imminent risk of serious harm, death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation of a child under 18 years old by a parent or guardian.

Child Neglect in West Palm Beach

A family in West Palm Beach is now dealing with the Department of Children & Families after the parents and grandmother were all arrested and charged with child neglect after feeding their children too much Tylenol PM. The mother of the children, 31-year-old Mary Lorraine Phillips was released from Palm Beach County Jail today. The father, James Howard Phillips, 42, and maternal grandmother, Glenda Bledsoe, are being held at the jail in lieu of $3,000 and $9,000 bond respectively, according to WPTV News.

Mary is charged with three counts of cruelty towards a child. James is charged with child neglect and violation of a domestic injunction. Bledsoe is charged with two counts of cruelty toward a child and one count of child neglect.

DCF investigators report that the children (a 6-year-old boy and 5-year- old girl) were consistently given a medication at bedtime that made them tired. Further investigation revealed that Mary Phillips allegedly medicates her children often. On June 22nd, Bledso took her grandson to the hospital after he had a seizure the night before. The tests conducted at the hospital show that the boy had too much Tylenol PM in his system. Medical records show the boy has been unable to gain weight since he was an infant but tends to thrive under custody of a hospital or separate guardian. The children are now in DCF custody.

Child Neglect Criminal Defense

Being charged with child neglect or abuse can be a difficult process because not only will your county police investigate you but you will also have to submit to a DCF investigation. A criminal defense lawyer can answer your questions during and after the investigation. Only a criminal defense lawyer can help protect your rights in court because the legislation created to protect children is aggressive and difficult to defend yourself again if you have been accused of harming children.

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What can I do if I'm Facing Child Neglect Charges?

Andrew Stine — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 13:46:02 GMT

An 18-month-old’s future is in the hands of the law now after his father was arrested Saturday on child neglect charges. The case was so severe that an emergency hearing has been scheduled for today to determine who will receive custody of the child. It is highly unlikely that the father will be able to have the child in his care ever again.

The following is an article from WPTV News Channel 5:

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- A neighbor called authorities after spotting an 18-month-old boy picking up beer cans and drinking out of them outside his Orlando home.

Orange County Sheriff's deputies arrested the child's father Saturday night and an emergency hearing is scheduled for Monday morning at the Juvenile Justice Center in Orlando to determine who will take custody of the child.

Officials say the father was "passed out" inside his mobile home when deputies arrived after the neighbor called 911. The child was alone outside, drinking beer.

Elvin Garcia was arrested on child neglect charges and made his first appearance in court Sunday morning. Department of Children and Families investigators described the home as "deplorable."

Child Neglect and Abuse in Florida

Over one million children are victims of child abuse and neglect each year, according to state child protective service agencies. Many of them never receive help because the crimes committed against them are not reported to authorities. Abused children can be found in all races, ages, religions, and socioeconomic standings. When abuse or neglect is reported, the Department of Children and Families steps in to protect the abused when possible.

If you suspect anyone you know is being abused, call the Florida Abuse hotline at 1-800-962-2873. Just make one phone call and you can salvage the future of abused, neglected, and/or exploited children and vulnerable adults in Florida.

Child Abuse and Neglect Criminal Defense

Everyone’s circumstances are different. If you are facing child neglect or abuse charges you most likely don’t have anyone on your team, trying to protect your rights. The justice system has no mercy for people who commit crimes against children, but at the same time, you need someone who can ensure you a fair trial. An experienced criminal defense lawyer will conduct his own investigation and make sure all the evidence is present when you are tried. Have a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney explain the process to come.

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How Even Your Faith Can't Help You Keep Your Kids if You are Convicted of Child Neglect

Andrew Stine — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 13:10:21 GMT

According to an article in WPTV News, a Riviera Beach couple was arrested Wednesday night for child neglect, after allegedly telling police that they live life in God and don't need to work despite not having any money to feed their toddler.

Claire Justin, 28, and Neil Vilain, 41, are being held at the Palm Beach County Jail in lieu of $3,000 bond on charges of child neglect.

This morning, Palm Beach County Circuit Judge Ted S. Booras ordered they have no contact with their 3-year-old child, who was placed in the custody of her maternal grandmother by the state Department of Children and Families, police said.

When the officer spoke with Justin and Vilain, they said they believe that "the way most people live is evil," according to the report. They added that neither of them works, their condo is in foreclosure and that their electricity was turned off two days prior. They also said that despite not paying the bill, their water was still running. To survive, Justin steals a nutritional supplement from Walmart every day for the toddler, and chips and water for the couple, the report says.

"The two apparently believe that the 'normal' American lifestyle is evil and that they need to live with minimal items to survive," the deputy stated in the report. "Neil (Vilain) says he lives day-to-day and does not think about the future of the family. He says he leaves that in the hands of God."

Child Neglect Criminal Defense

There is no excuse for neglecting your child, whether it is because of your faith or your financial situation, you can always ask for help. If you have been charged with child neglect, you need to ask for help from a criminal defense lawyer. The law does not take too kindly to people who harm their children, especially if the harm comes from parents who just aren't paying attention. Have your criminal defense lawyer explain exactly what might happen to you throughout the process and you can team up and devise a defense strategy that might give you a chance to keep your child.

Distributed by Viestly