FL - Nubia Barahona, 10, slain, twin injured, West Palm Beach, 11 Feb 2011 *Arrest*

[peeples]

Sadly in Iowa, the state is given more funding for kids in foster care, than they get for kin care or parental reunification

I know good foster parents, I know bad ones.. the bad ones far outweigh the good ones sadly

 

[mywarmbluefleece]

I'm not ready yet, but things like this really make me want to be a foster parent. How could someone do this to a child?

 

[Texas Mist]

Updated: 7:04 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011
Posted: 5:08 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011

Barahona child abuse investigator mishandled previous cases

The state child abuse investigator currently under fire for not following up on an allegation that twins Victor and Nubia Barahona were being tied and confined to a bathroom by their adoptive parents was cited for a similar mishandling of a case last year, according to state Department of Children and Families documents released Thursday.

Andrea Fleary, who was placed under paid administrative leave Feb. 17, two days after the twins were found in West Palm Beach - Nubia's dead body in the back of a truck and Victor seizing and covered in toxic chemicals - was given a "final counseling notice" Feb. 15 of last year, for failing to find a home for a child removed from her biological family by the 24-hour deadline established by DCF.

The victim's uncle called the Miami-Dade Police Department to report that a 39-year-old man and his daughter were sleeping in the same bed together "nude", according to a 2009 Miami Herald article

more here

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/b...igator-mishandled-previous-cases-1279186.html

 

[Wise Old Owl]

Thank you so very much Texas Mist.

I've had connection problems ALL DAY - thank you Comcast. I just got home and FINALLY was able to log back in.

It really doesn't surprise me about Fleary. I kinda saw this coming. I just dont' know what to "chalk this up to". But in the end it doesn't really matter. Another child is dead because of someone's incompetance. Whether it is Flearly's fault or the "agency/supervisor" that was assigned to her case doesn't matter. Someone dropped the ball somewhere and a child is dead. Is it the "union's" fault?

Now that I am back online - I need to go catch up. Feedback anyone?

 

[CHICANA]

Updated: 7:04 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011
Posted: 5:08 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011

Barahona child abuse investigator mishandled previous cases

The state child abuse investigator currently under fire for not following up on an allegation that twins Victor and Nubia Barahona were being tied and confined to a bathroom by their adoptive parents was cited for a similar mishandling of a case last year, according to state Department of Children and Families documents released Thursday.

Andrea Fleary, who was placed under paid administrative leave Feb. 17, two days after the twins were found in West Palm Beach - Nubia's dead body in the back of a truck and Victor seizing and covered in toxic chemicals - was given a "final counseling notice" Feb. 15 of last year, for failing to find a home for a child removed from her biological family by the 24-hour deadline established by DCF.

The victim's uncle called the Miami-Dade Police Department to report that a 39-year-old man and his daughter were sleeping in the same bed together "nude", according to a 2009 Miami Herald article

more here

]

If the outcomes weren't so tragic, this article would be hilarious.
They're making her the scapegoat.
Lets go after those that let her the off for all the other errors.
You know, she has to be in contact with her supervisor. She might have just been following orders given by dumb people who don't know the definition of the word final.

From your link-
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/b...igator-mishandled-previous-cases-1279186.html

She was given a "final counseling notice" Feb. 15 of last year.
In 2003, the department issued her first final counseling notice

How many final notices did she get ? 10 ? 20 ? We know that it 2003 she received her 1st final notice and last year (2010) she received her final counseling notice, yet she was still on the job this month.

Definition of final -- : coming at the end : being the last in a series, process, or progress

 

[Wise Old Owl]

Ok :furious: Now :furious: I'm :furious: REALLY :furious: MAD :furious:

Here's the link:

http://miami.cbslocal.com/2011/02/24/26941/

There are three inbedded video links in this article. I watched the last one.

I'm fed up with "investigative" reporters that claim to have "the inside scoop" on the "latest information".

This reporter interviewed the adult daughter. She asked her when the last time she saw Nubia. This "unusual" :furious: woman says: "I dont' know - September, maybe October".

Ok, WHAT ABOUT CHRISTMAS?? We are dealing with a family (extended family) that encompassed several young children! Her own daughter is 6, Nubia and V were 10, the other adopted daughter is 7 and the oldest adopted boy is 11. WTH happened at Christmas? Did you have a family gathering? Was there a family Christmas dinner? When did you all exchange presents?

It just infuriates me that these reporters are given such an opening to ask the "next question" and they just pass it by.

I feel nothing for this "woman". Her moaning and groaning about now her life is ruined and she doesn't have her daughter. Oh, boo hoo. Cry me a river. You picked your own daughter up from this house everyday and never asked about Nubia and V? Never wanted to see them? Never? GMAB.

Ok - I'm done now. Must sit on hands.

 

[CHICANA]

Updated: 7:04 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011
Posted: 5:08 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011

Barahona child abuse investigator mishandled previous cases

The state child abuse investigator currently under fire for not following up on an allegation that twins Victor and Nubia Barahona were being tied and confined to a bathroom by their adoptive parents was cited for a similar mishandling of a case last year, according to state Department of Children and Families documents released Thursday.

Andrea Fleary, who was placed under paid administrative leave Feb. 17, two days after the twins were found in West Palm Beach - Nubia's dead body in the back of a truck and Victor seizing and covered in toxic chemicals - was given a "final counseling notice" Feb. 15 of last year, for failing to find a home for a child removed from her biological family by the 24-hour deadline established by DCF.

The victim's uncle called the Miami-Dade Police Department to report that a 39-year-old man and his daughter were sleeping in the same bed together "nude", according to a 2009 Miami Herald article

more here

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/b...igator-mishandled-previous-cases-1279186.html

However, she did remove the half naked child from the perv father and she's the one who got in trouble.
What about the investigator that left the girl there after finding her hiding in the bathroom, naked from the waist down ? Was she left by the other worker because there was no placement available ?
Was she supposed to leave her to be molested by her father because there wasn't a foster placement available ?
I can't believe I'm coming to her defense. Maybe she was just following orders. Honestly, I don't trust any of them, but Nubia & her brother were at risk way before this CW entered the picture.
Police told DCF of the complaint, and hours later, another investigator and police went to the man's home and found him in his bed undressed, and his daughter locked in the bathroom. She was naked from the waist down.
The DCF investigator told the father to sleep in a separate bedroom, but took no futher action.

The next day, DCF received another report that the man had moved with his daughter into a nearby motel. Fleary was sent to the motel, and immediately took the girl into custody, according to the Herald.

 

[LCoastMom]

Updated: 7:04 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011
Posted: 5:08 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011

Barahona child abuse investigator mishandled previous cases

The state child abuse investigator currently under fire for not following up on an allegation that twins Victor and Nubia Barahona were being tied and confined to a bathroom by their adoptive parents was cited for a similar mishandling of a case last year, according to state Department of Children and Families documents released Thursday.

Andrea Fleary, who was placed under paid administrative leave Feb. 17, two days after the twins were found in West Palm Beach - Nubia's dead body in the back of a truck and Victor seizing and covered in toxic chemicals - was given a "final counseling notice" Feb. 15 of last year, for failing to find a home for a child removed from her biological family by the 24-hour deadline established by DCF.

The victim's uncle called the Miami-Dade Police Department to report that a 39-year-old man and his daughter were sleeping in the same bed together "nude", according to a 2009 Miami Herald article

more here

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/b...igator-mishandled-previous-cases-1279186.html

We so saw this coming!

In 1992, Fleary was given a written reprimand for punching a colleague in the face.

And yet she is still (was still) employed!

But Fleary, a 22-year DCF employee, was also described as a dependable and dedicated worker, who excelled at working with others. Her 2009 evaluation also noted former DCF Secretary George Sheldon had commended Fleary for her dedication.

While she quite obviously is an under achiever who doesn't work weekends, she is a small cog in the wheel. DCF needs to clean house, not scapegoat the last caseworker who screwed up.

 

[LCoastMom]

OMGoodness...

http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/region_c_palm_beach_county/jorge-barahona's-step-daughter,-jennifer-perez,-said-she-never-suspected-anything-was-wrong

Perez says she never suspected anything wrong in the Barahona household.

"I can't believe it," states Perez.

Sitting with her attorney, the step-daughter of Jorge Barahona says she is in a state of shock at what has transpired in just a week.

Perez's attorney says her client is being treated unfairly. <<How unusual>>

Perez's mother, Carmen Barahona has yet to be charged with abuse, but she believes the accusations against her mother are true.

How does one go from "I'm in shock" to "Yep my mom is GUILTY!" in a single interview?

"Tell my daughter I love her, and I am very proud of her and I'm not mad. What she did was the right thing and not to be afraid of me," states Perez.

Why would her daughter be afraid of her or think she was mad - unless she had been told not to tell?

 

[peeples]

However, she did remove the half naked child from the perv father and she's the one who got in trouble.
What about the investigator that left the girl there after finding her hiding in the bathroom, naked from the waist down ? Was she left by the other worker because there was no placement available ?
Was she supposed to leave her to be molested by her father because there wasn't a foster placement available ?
I can't believe I'm coming to her defense. Maybe she was just following orders. Honestly, I don't trust any of them, but Nubia & her brother were at risk way before this CW entered the picture.
Police told DCF of the complaint, and hours later, another investigator and police went to the man's home and found him in his bed undressed, and his daughter locked in the bathroom. She was naked from the waist down.
The DCF investigator told the father to sleep in a separate bedroom, but took no futher action.

The next day, DCF received another report that the man had moved with his daughter into a nearby motel. Fleary was sent to the motel, and immediately took the girl into custody, according to the Herald.

Chicana, You and I have VERY similiar feelings about DHS/CPS. But i'm with you....sometimes there is no placements, so what was she to do.. I personally would have taken the kids home with me or something... but they can't do that. She was in a no win situation in THAT CASE anyway.

 

[LCoastMom]

Guardian claims he was pulled from Barahona twins' case with no explanation

MIAMI — The volunteer guardian who warned child welfare authorities against Jorge and Carmen Barahona adopting twins says he was pulled off the case not long before the adoption and has never been told why.

"I still don't know," said Paul Neumann, 50. "I've never been told."

Neumann also said that a Guardian ad Litem Judicial Review Report issued March 14, 2008, which recommended that the children stay with the Barahonas and that the way be cleared for them to be adopted, did not represent his opinion in the case.

That document contained a space for Neumann to sign, but Cooky Silverman, one of his supervisors, signed it in his absence. Neumann said supervisors sometimes were called on to do that.

"In this case, I might have recommended that they stay with that family for the time being," Neumann said. "But I would never have agreed that they be adopted by them."

The twins had lived with the Barahonas since 2004 and the couple wanted to adopt them. Neumann had filed reports with the guardian ad litem program critical of the Barahonas.

His superiors have ordered him not to make public his complaints about the couple, and he has not. But he confirmed that he expressed doubts about the welfare of the children if they remained with the Barahonas.

Neumann said he has recently been asked by state guardian ad litem officials to reenter the case and represent Victor and two other children adopted by the Barahonas. He has agreed.

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/guardian-claims-he-was-pulled-from-barahona-twins-1280905.html

Much more at link...

 

[Wise Old Owl]

Here we go. What happened to the "transparency" and the "THOUSANDS of pages"?

Herald sues DCF for records in case of abused twins

By Diana Moskovitz
[email protected]
The Miami Herald sued the Department of Children & Families Thursday, seeking records the agency has refused to release about a call made to its abuse hotline days before adopted twins were found &#8212; one dead, the other with severe chemical burns &#8212; in a truck on the side of Interstate 95.

The Herald is seeking documents related to DCF&#8217;s investigation into the Feb. 10 abuse hotline call about 10-year-olds Nubia and Victor Docter, who lived with Jorge and Carmen Barahona in West Miami-Dade County


As of Thursday, DCF had refused to produce records related to the call, despite requests from The Herald. The suit was filed in Miami-Dade circuit court and names DCF Secretary David E. Wilkins, DCF Communications Director Joe Follick and the agency as defendants.

&#8220;We believe these are public records,&#8221; said Herald Managing Editor Rick Hirsch.

**more at link**

http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/02/24/2084169/herald-sues-dcf-for-records-in.html#

 

[CHICANA]

Here we go. What happened to the "transparency" and the "THOUSANDS of pages"?

Herald sues DCF for records in case of abused twins

By Diana Moskovitz
[email protected]
The Miami Herald sued the Department of Children & Families Thursday, seeking records the agency has refused to release about a call made to its abuse hotline days before adopted twins were found — one dead, the other with severe chemical burns — in a truck on the side of Interstate 95.

The Herald is seeking documents related to DCF’s investigation into the Feb. 10 abuse hotline call about 10-year-olds Nubia and Victor Docter, who lived with Jorge and Carmen Barahona in West Miami-Dade County


As of Thursday, DCF had refused to produce records related to the call, despite requests from The Herald. The suit was filed in Miami-Dade circuit court and names DCF Secretary David E. Wilkins, DCF Communications Director Joe Follick and the agency as defendants.

“We believe these are public records,” said Herald Managing Editor Rick Hirsch.

**more at link**

http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/02/24/2084169/herald-sues-dcf-for-records-in.html#

I don't believe they did anything all weekend. They can't release the reports because they have to 'make' them first. In order to do that, they have to find someone to take the fall and be willing to testify to whatever is written in the reports. In essence, they need someone with really good creative writing skills who would be willing to lie in court about the "diligent" search for the twins that fateful weekend.
That's gonna take some time, but I'm sure they'll be able to find someone.
Of course this is all just speculation on my part.

 

[CHICANA]

Chicana, You and I have VERY similiar feelings about DHS/CPS. But i'm with you....sometimes there is no placements, so what was she to do.. I personally would have taken the kids home with me or something... but they can't do that. She was in a no win situation in THAT CASE anyway.

Exactly. In THAT case.

 

[LCoastMom]

Fla. agency didn't tell police about alleged abuse

The Department of Children and Families last week detailed their attempts to search for the children after a judge criticized their hasty investigation. DCF regional director Jacqui Colyer said they called police Monday, four days after a report came to the hotline.

On Feb. 14 "we begin to realize that something is amiss and we immediately begin to put out all kinds of alerts to the police," Colyer said last week.

When asked by The Associated Press (News - Alert) for records of the agency's contact with police, DCF officials said Tuesday they were mistaken about notifying police. West Palm Beach Police first contacted child–welfare investigators on Feb. 14 after finding the twin boy, coated in a toxic chemical with critical burns, in the front seat of his father's truck. Only then did DCF call authorities in Miami, where the family lives, agency spokesman Mark Riordan acknowledged.

http://topnews360.tmcnet.com/topics/associated-press/articles/2011/02/25/148673-fla-agency-didnt-tell-police-alleged-abuse.htm

More at link including original statements from/about the aunt and uncle who wanted to adopt.

<< sarcasm alert >> I'm just shocked! DCF didn't call the police to assist in finding the twins! Are we all equally shocked? The cover up started before LE knew there was a possible crime...

Back to real thinking - where are the thousands of pages, where is the investigation (panel met yesterday), where is the arrest of CB??? Why has the news dropped to zip on this case over the last few days?

 

[LCoastMom]

DCF creates webpage for Barahona case

Recommended Process: Jim Sewell

• Starting today with an overview of the foster care and adoption system with a focus on the critical events and decisions of the Barahona case
  
• At our next meeting we will review the process in more depth and identify areas of strength and areas needing improvement
  
• At the meetings after that we will review the Child Protective Investigation System with the same focus on identification of areas of strength and areas needing improvement
  
• Finally the Team Will Craft Recommended Improvements

Meeting Dates and Times:

• February 25, 2011, 2:00 p.m.
• March 1, 2011, 8:00 a.m.
• March 3, 2011, 8:00 a.m.
• March 7, 2011, at 2:00 p.m.
• March 10, 2011, 2:30 p.m.

Prepare to be underwhelmed... just say'n.

http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/initiatives/barahona/

Photos of press and Blue Ribbon panel (Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Martinez, Dr. Sewell):

http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/initiatives/barahona/20110225_mtgPhotos.shtml

Barahona Documents Released (PDF):

http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/initiatives/barahona/barahona.asp?path=

News and press releases:

http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/initiatives/barahona/news.shtml

 

[LCoastMom]

Mother told to write letter to child who reported Barahona abuse
<snipped>

MIAMI (WSVN) -- The parents of the little girl who may have been the whistle blower in the Barahona family tragedy returned before a judge Friday afternoon, where the child's mother was once again denied direct contact with that child.

The child's mother, Jennifer Perez, had argued for a chance to visit her daughter. The judge would only permit her to write her daughter a letter.

The child is also said to be very confused as to why she cannot see her mother. DCF also said that this mother possibly told the child not to say anything about the alleged abuse.

The doctor suggested the mother tell her daughter that she did the right thing in telling authorities about the abuse, so the girl might have her fears about what she did straightened out from a psychological standpoint. "A very nice letter from her mother," said the judge, "a very nice note expressing those exact sentiments delivered to her."

There is no time line for when this letter should be delivered, but the judge made it clear that once the letter is drafted someone must look at it and approve it for the eyes of the little girl.

http://www.wsvn.com/news/articles/local/21003635560047/

Of course JP's attorney still states she knew nothing of the abuse!

AP meanwhile is suffering from anxiety... fearing her mother is angry with her.

 

[LolaMoon08]

I am just sickened by this case!

I am praying that young Victor finds a way to overcome what he has had to endure at the hands of these monsters. I am so happy to hear that he is improving, physically. He is going to need so much counseling... I just can't wrap my mind around what this poor boy is going through... mentally! I am hoping that someone sets up some kind of trust fund for him and his future (no doubt a lawsuit against DCF will be in the future). He is going to have to be Nubia's voice and I hope he can find some kind of strength in that. Poor, poor boy. I can not even imagine.

Nubia, such a beautiful name for a beautiful little girl. You are now safe and will never be harmed again. R.I.P sweet angel.

Those two other children? What they have witnessed? Were they abused in the same manner? So many victims!! Young victims! So senseless!!

Little Allesandra... What a hero!! I pray that she doesn't feel too much guilt for coming forward... she is so young and she thinks she has done something wrong... so much so that she is suffering from anxiety because she believes her mother is mad at her. How horrible for this little girl. I hope that when she gets older that she doesn't feel too much guilt for not coming forward sooner... she is just a little girl and I can not even imagine the pressure she felt having to witness the things going on in that house... she had to be terrified!! I am disgusted with not only her grandparents, but her MOTHER!! Thank God she has an amazing father who has removed her from this nightmare! I hope that she never has to see her mother again.

 

[CHICANA]

Fla. agency didn't tell police about alleged abuse

The Department of Children and Families last week detailed their attempts to search for the children after a judge criticized their hasty investigation. DCF regional director Jacqui Colyer said they called police Monday, four days after a report came to the hotline.

On Feb. 14 "we begin to realize that something is amiss and we immediately begin to put out all kinds of alerts to the police," Colyer said last week.

When asked by The Associated Press (News - Alert) for records of the agency's contact with police, DCF officials said Tuesday they were mistaken about notifying police. West Palm Beach Police first contacted child–welfare investigators on Feb. 14 after finding the twin boy, coated in a toxic chemical with critical burns, in the front seat of his father's truck. Only then did DCF call authorities in Miami, where the family lives, agency spokesman Mark Riordan acknowledged.

http://topnews360.tmcnet.com/topics/associated-press/articles/2011/02/25/148673-fla-agency-didnt-tell-police-alleged-abuse.htm

More at link including original statements from/about the aunt and uncle who wanted to adopt.

<< sarcasm alert >> I'm just shocked! DCF didn't call the police to assist in finding the twins! Are we all equally shocked? The cover up started before LE knew there was a possible crime...

Back to real thinking - where are the thousands of pages, where is the investigation (panel met yesterday), where is the arrest of CB??? Why has the news dropped to zip on this case over the last few days?

They are blatant liars.
Even though we've known from the get go that they didn't do anything over that fateful weekend, it's still a shock for me to see it in writing. I really thought they'd find a way to cover it up.
These people are the ones entrusted to care for the most vulnerable. I'm not letting them off on the 'heavy caseload' excuse. They can and do take children who are not at risk for petty or made up reasons and they do nothing when a child is in grave danger.

 

[LCoastMom]

They are blatant liars.
Even though we've known from the get go that they didn't do anything over that fateful weekend, it's still a shock for me to see it in writing. I really thought they'd find a way to cover it up.
These people are the ones entrusted to care for the most vulnerable. I'm not letting them off on the 'heavy caseload' excuse. They can and do take children who are not at risk for petty or made up reasons and they do nothing when a child is in grave danger.

I so agree. What I find so frightening, we were prepared for the sanitized version - what they are refusing to disclose must be horrific.