FL H1037

Department of Children and Families must request up to $180,000 annually in its legislative budget to replenish a special needs trust established for Angela Sozzani to cover her placement costs and medical care and treatment expenses.

Angela Sozzani, born April 21, 2000, suffered severe brain injury from near-drowning on April 17, 2002, while in DCF foster care; she requires 24-hour medical care with a life expectancy of 20-30 years.

DCF agreed to tender $100,000 on behalf of foster parents Ronald and Joyce Bryson as settlement for their negligent supervision; settlement funds from all defendants will be deposited into Sozzani's special needs trust.

Department may request additional funds beyond the $180,000 limit under extraordinary circumstances for Sozzani's placement and medical care costs not covered by Medicaid.

Upon Sozzani's death, remaining trust funds shall first satisfy the Medicaid lien, with any remainder reverting to the General Revenue Fund; no attorney fees have been awarded as counsel provided pro bono representation.