FL S0044

Appropriates $3.75 million from the General Revenue Fund to compensate Survivor and the Estate of Victim for injuries and death resulting from Department of Children and Families negligence.

Settlement follows six years of abuse by foster parents Jorge and Carmen Barahona, including severe neglect, sexual abuse, and torture, which culminated in Victim's death on February 14, 2011, and Survivor's near-fatal injuries.

Department of Children and Families had failed to act on multiple abuse reports and allegations between 2004 and 2011, including documented medical neglect, inappropriate sexual contact, poor school attendance, and evidence of physical abuse.

Chief Financial Officer is directed to issue warrant to adoptive parents of Survivor and Richard Milstein (personal representative of Victim's Estate) for the $3.75 million payment.

Attorney fees and lobbying fees relating to this claim are capped at 25 percent of the awarded amount, with total compensation (including prior $1.25 million payment under Florida Statutes §768.28) representing sole compensation for all claims arising from this matter.