FL S0018

Appropriates $3.75 million total ($1.875 million for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019) to compensate Survivor and the Estate of Victim for negligence by the Department of Children and Families.

Allocates compensation as follows: Survivor receives $1.125 million and the Estate of Victim receives $2.625 million, paid in two equal installments by August 1, 2017 and August 1, 2018.

Combined with the $1.25 million already paid by the Department under Florida Statutes section 768.28, the total settlement reaches $5 million and constitutes sole compensation for all present and future claims related to the children's injuries and death.

Limits attorney fees relating to this claim to a maximum of 25 percent of the amount awarded under the act.

Concerns systematic failures by the Department spanning 6 years, including failure to remove children from foster home where they suffered severe abuse, medical neglect, sexual abuse, and other injuries, culminating in the death of Victim in February 2011.