The potential mistreatment of approximately twelve children in Broward County is currently being examined by the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Following a report of a domestic disturbance at a residence, Florida authorities initiated an investigation.
On Thursday, May 11, the North Lauderdale Fire Rescue Department received a call regarding a sick child requiring medical assistance. The child was transported by first responders to Coral Springs Medical Center for treatment. While investigating the situation, authorities discovered an additional ten children living in the same household. As a precautionary measure, all the children were taken to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital for evaluations.
THE LATEST: The Florida Department of Children and Families confirmed Friday that it is working with the Broward Sheriff’s Office in a neglect investigation launched after 11 children were taken to area hospitals Thursday. https://t.co/BCQ735fph1
— WPLG Local 10 News (@WPLGLocal10) May 12, 2023
According to information from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Mike Sargis, the city manager of North Lauderdale, stated that the child who prompted the initial call was an infant. The group of eleven children included infants as well as teenagers. Sargis mentioned that each child exhibited various indications of neglect. Fortunately, all the children were eventually discharged.
Initially, a city representative informed the press that the house was a foster home. However, both the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the Broward Sheriff’s Office later clarified that this was not the case. The authorities have also not disclosed the specific conditions found inside the residence.
As reported by NBC South Florida, the local authorities came across the children in distress while responding to a domestic disturbance.
Residents in the neighborhood did not observe any unusual activities or occurrences at the house. They informed reporters that they frequently witnessed the children playing outside. Commissioner Mario Bustamante, a long-standing resident of the area, expressed astonishment upon learning about the situation, as he had never suspected anything to be amiss.
According to a spokesperson from the Department of Children and Families (DCF), the agency is collaborating closely with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation, as reported by a local news station. The Special Victim’s Unit of the sheriff’s department is actively involved in the case in coordination with Child Protective Investigation Services.
As of now, city officials have not disclosed any additional details regarding the situation.