Once again, Florida lives down to its reprehensible record on "child protection"
Once again, Florida lives down to its reprehensible "child protection" record. State attorneys have charged 12-year-old Cristian Fernandez as an adult, and are holding him responsible for the death of his 2-year-old brother. He faces life in prison without parole if convicted.
This boy's mother was herself only 12 years old when she gave birth to him. And what became of her? She is in jail facing manslaughter charges for leaving the 2-year-old in Cristian's "care," and for concealing previous injuries to the toddler. In contrast, the human who sexually assaulted her was hit with the staggering sentence of ... probation!
That child-rapist not only avoided any prison time, but is described as an "absentee father" in news reports that also referred to him as "dad."
What was Florida's first clue that a little more intensive supervision of Cristian's "home" might be required? That the "dad" didn't pay child support? That the "dad" didn't defend his son? That instead of reporting the abusive human his former child-victim moved in with—after all, she was an adult herself by then, and entitled to make such choices—the "dad" just moved on? Didn't Florida even consider the obvious danger of using a 12-year-old boy as a "babysitter" for a toddler? Didn't they think that toddler might be "at risk"?
So, a female child is sexually assaulted. That child gives birth at 12! The magic of "family reunification" puts her baby back together with the child who gave birth to him. And the result is ... another dead baby.
At least this time, since he's being tried as an adult, Cristian will have a lawyer. The state of Florida doesn't appoint attorneys for children in abuse/neglect proceedings, but only non-lawyer volunteers. Of course, Florida doesn't have to worry about providing one for Cristian's little brother—he doesn't need one, not anymore. And the next time some Florida senatorial candidate runs on a platform to make America a "Christian country," the Devil might just die laughing.
© 2011 Andrew Vachss. All rights reserved.
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I had one student stab her sister to death because she was using the phone too long. Another tried to choke her baby brother in his crib because he wouldn't stop crying. She told me the next day and the school notified Child "Protective" Services.
How come we can't destroy the monsters who create these children? Calling them animals is a slap in the face to my dog.
Brilliant last line, by the way.