Family Fights To Get Children Back From DCF

JACKSONVILLE, Fla -- The main purpose of the Department of Children and Families is to protect our children. But a Jacksonville family said DCF is ripping them apart and it has put a damper on their holidays
"There's absolutely no physical harm being done to those boys," said Travis Murray.
The Christmas tree is ready but the house is quiet; void of children. Four days ago DCF removed three children from their home after allegations of physical child abuse. Sarah Crews and her live in boyfriend Travis Murray are raising their three children.

"I'm the one accused of hitting," said Murray. "They arrested me for child abuse, a third degree felony."
Crews and Murray say the child has ADHD and his injuries were caused by another child, not them.
"They get in fights constantly," said Crews. "I have to pull them apart."
DCF spokesperson John Harrell says the agency follows protocol.
"We feel confident regarding our investigation," said Harrell.
Harrell said the child protective team removes a child whenever there is evidence that a child is in danger.
"A judge reviews the decision so it is not just us." said Harrell. "Ultimately custody decisions are made by judges."
Harrell said the family now has to complete a case plan before there is reunification.
"I shouldn't have to disrupt my family," said Crews. "They want her away from me," added Murray.
Murray said he is ready to move out if it means the children can come home. In the meantime, they plan to fight DCF.

"It is not right what DCF is doing," said Crews.
But because of the process their children may not be home for Christmas.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/story/news/local/consumer/on-your-side/2014/12/09/dcf-abuse-family-fighting-children/20158075/

Mother Of Child Abused By Foster Parent Speaks Out

• By Adam Wright
• December 5, 2014

FORT MYERS, Fla.- For the first time, WINK News is hearing from a woman who says her 11-year old daughter was beaten with a belt by her foster mother.
Kelly Paulsen hasn’t seen her daughter in over a year and is worried for her safety.
“I just want to squeeze her and tell her I’m so sorry,  and that I think about her every day, every second of every day,” said Paulsen.

The Department of Children and Families removed Paulsen’s daughter from her home 3 years ago. The child was placed in the care of Dunbar Christian Preschool Director Teresa Robinson.
Police say Robinson beat her foster daughter with a belt back in November, causing serious injuries. A police report states a medical professional said the child’s injuries were too numerous to count. Robinson now faces child abuse charges and the victim has been removed from her care.
While DCF investigates, Robinson was told not have contact with the kids at the preschool she owns. WINK News found Robinson outside the preschool Friday, after bonding out of jail.
DCF said she is allowed to be on the property but only if no children are present. Robinson declined to speak with WINK News.
Meanwhile, Paulsen says her daughter was taken from her based on accusations that were never proven. She says she has been fighting to regain custody of her daughter with no luck.
“I just hope that she’s with someone that will take good care of her and not hurt her, because she’s just a great little girl,” said Paulsen.

DCF tells WINK News they have had prior contact with Robinson but did not specify how many times they have contacted her or why. She has had a total of nine foster children in care since 2008.