The Florida Department of Children and Families is charged with protecting children who are taken from unsafe homes and placed in foster care. However, in this case, GloriaLaw uncovered a breakdown of the system and proved through litigation that a 9 year old boy was raped in a foster home after he was placed in a home where a known sexual predator resided. The case settled before trial, providing compensation for the child’s lifetime of counselling and care.
CLB (the victim) was taken from his mother who was unable to provide a safe environment. He was placed in a foster home with an older boy who had previously sexually abused other children. To make matters worse, documents obtained by Gloria Seidule from DCF showed the caseworkers knew about the prior abuse and placed CLB in the foster home knowing the two boys would be sharing a bedroom.
Rules regulating DCF placements specifically addressed prevention of sexual assault in foster care including precautions, assessment, therapy and preventative plans. The lawsuit against DCF alleged the caseworkers deliberately ignored these rules when they placed CLB into a dangerous environment that resulted in sexual abuse.
The Law Office of Gloria Seidule filed suit in Volusia County alleging violation of Federal Law against the caseworkers who were involved in the placement. This case resulted in a settlement for the benefit of CLB which will pay for his lifetime of counselling, needs and for the permanent damages he will suffer as a result of his sexual abuse as a minor.
