FL S0074

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

Twin children born May 30, 2000, were placed with foster parents Jorge and Carmen Barahona in March 2004 despite relatives in Texas expressing interest in caring for them, and were later adopted by the Barahonas on May 29, 2009

Multiple abuse reports and warning signs between 2005-2011 were dismissed or inadequately investigated by DCF, including allegations of sexual abuse, severe neglect, food hoarding, and children appearing unkempt at school

On February 14, 2011, "Victim" was found dead and "Survivor" was found in critical condition in a truck on I-95 in Palm Beach County after six years of severe abuse including beatings, sexual abuse, denial of medical care, and being bound with duct tape

DCF previously paid $1.25 million under statutory limits, and this bill provides the remaining $3.75 million of a $5 million settlement agreement, with attorney and lobbying fees capped at 25% of the awarded amount