Florida Child Injury Lawyer Blog

Pursuant to Section 12-72 of the Washington County, Florida, Code of Ordinances, a "dangerous dog" is defined as any dog that, according to the records of the appropriate authority:
1. Has aggressively bitten, attacked, endangered, or inflicted severe injury on a human being on public or private property;
2. Aggressively bitten, severely injured or killed a domestic animal while off the owner's property;
3. Has been used primarily or in part for the purpose of fighting or is a dog trained for fighting; or
4. When unprovoked, chased or approached a person on the streets, sidewalk or any public or private grounds in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack.

Section 12-72 also provides the following definitions for clarification:
1. "Unprovoked." The victim, who has been conducting himself/herself peacefully and lawfully has been bitten or chased in a menacing fashion or attacked by a dog.
2. "Proper Enclosure." While on the owner's property, a dangerous dog is securely confined indoors or in a securely enclosed and locked pen or structure suitable to prevent the entry of young children designed to prevent the animal from escaping.

Washington County incorporates Florida Statutes sec. 767.12-.14 into its Code of Ordinances. To see the language of those Florida statutes see the state's website under Chapter 767.

Florida law does not require the classification of a dog as a "dangerous dog" in order to pursue claim or a case for dog bite injuries. In fact, there is no requirement that Animal Control take any action for a person to pursue a case for medical bills, medical treatment, pain and suffering, and related damges for a dog bite injury.

Whether a dog is classified as a dangerous dog or not, it is vital that dog owners maintain control of their dogs for the protection of others. This would include consistent use of leashes and a secure backyard and / or front yard with appropriate fencing. In Florida, a dog bite victim typically need only prove that a dog bite took place. There is no requirement that the dog bite victim prove the dangerous history or propensities of the dog. Even if this was the dog's first bite every, the dog bite victim can pursue a cause of action against the dog owner for the related damages and injuries.

You can read more about the Florida Dog Bite Law at Florida Dog Bite Statute - There is Teeth to this Florida Law - Rights of Injured Children and Adults. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Dog Bite Injuries, Medical Bills and Treatment, Damages / Compensation, and other topics. You can receive a free child injury book at The ABCs of Child Injury. See also Florida Animal and Dog Bite Injuries at the Wood, Atter & Wolf Website.

Jackson County, Florida does not have its own dangerous dog ordinance. However, Florida Statutes Chapter 767 is incorporated into the county's ordinance regarding the definition and classification procedures. For more information on the incorporated Florida Statutes please see the state's website under Chapter 767.

Although Jackson County does not have its own dangerous dog ordinance, section 10-1 of the Jackson County, Florida, Code of Ordinances addresses the restraint of dogs. Pursuant to sec. 10-1, every dog owner must exercise proper care and control of his dogs to prevent his or her dog from becoming a public nuisance. Any dog that is classified as vicious by a judicial authority must be permanently confined to the owner's premises or humanely destroyed. Exceptions to this section: a dog defending its owner's property, or governmental police dogs acting in their official capacity. Any owner of a dog classified as vicious must post and keep posted in a visible place on the premises where the dog is kept a sign with the words "Bad dog" or "Beware of dog" written thereon in prominent letters.

Florida law does not require the classification of a dog as a "dangerous dog" in order to pursue claim or a case for dog bite injuries. In fact, there is no requirement that Animal Control take any action for a person to pursue a case for medical bills, medical treatment, pain and suffering, and related damges for a dog bite injury.

Whether a dog is classified as a dangerous dog or not, it is vital that dog owners maintain control of their dogs for the protection of others. This would include consistent use of leashes and a secure backyard and / or front yard with appropriate fencing. In Florida, a dog bite victim typically need only prove that a dog bite took place. There is no requirement that the dog bite victim prove the dangerous history or propensities of the dog. Even if this was the dog's first bite every, the dog bite victim can pursue a cause of action against the dog owner for the related damages and injuries.

You can read more about the Florida Dog Bite Law at Florida Dog Bite Statute - There is Teeth to this Florida Law - Rights of Injured Children and Adults. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Dog Bite Injuries, Medical Bills and Treatment, Damages / Compensation, and other topics. You can receive a free child injury book at The ABCs of Child Injury. See also Florida Animal and Dog Bite Injuries at the Wood, Atter & Wolf Website.

Pursuant to Section 4-17 of the Franklin County, Florida, Code of Laws and Ordinances, a "dangerous dog" is defined as any that has:

1. Aggressively bitten, attacked or endangered, or inflicted severe injury on a human being on public or private property; or
2. More than once, severely injured or killed a domestic animal while off the owner's property; or
3. Been used primarily or in part for the purpose of dog fighting, or is a dog trained for fighting; or
4. When unprovoked, bitten a domestic animal or a human, regardless of whether on public or private property, or when unprovoked has chased or approached a person up the streets, sidewalks of any public grounds in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack.

Exceptions. (See sec. 4-18). A dog will not be classified as dangerous ...
1. Because of injuries it has inflicted upon another domestic animal which at the time was teasing, tormenting, abusing or assaulting the dog.
2. If the threat or injury was sustained by a person who at the time, was committing or attempting to commit a tort or a crime upon the owner of the dog; or was willfully trespassing upon the premises occupied by the owner; or was teasing, tormenting, assaulting or abusing the dog or its owner.

Control of a "Dangerous Dog" in Franklin County, Florida. All dogs that are classified as dangerous and are not humanely destroyed MUST be confined in a proper enclosure.
- It is unlawful for any owner of a dangerous dog to keep the dog on any premises which does not have a proper enclosure that confines the dog.
- The proper enclosure shall include suitable shelter and protection and must provide adequate exercise room, light, ventilation and sanitation.
- The dog may not be let out of its proper enclosure, unless doing so is necessary to receive veterinary care or exercise. If let out, the dog must wear a fitted muzzle and shall also be restrained by an adult capable of controlling the dog and on a shall of sufficient strength no more than three (3) feet in length.
- The owner must also place warning signs on the premises where the dog is maintained warning that the dangerous dog is kept on said premises. A sign must also be posted on the enclosure where the dog is maintained.

Florida law does not require the classification of a dog as a "dangerous dog" in order to pursue claim or a case for dog bite injuries. In fact, there is no requirement that Animal Control take any action for a person to pursue a case for medical bills, medical treatment, pain and suffering, and related damges for a dog bite injury.

Whether a dog is classified as a dangerous dog or not, it is vital that dog owners maintain control of their dogs for the protection of others. This would include consistent use of leashes and a secure backyard and / or front yard with appropriate fencing. In Florida, a dog bite victim typically need only prove that a dog bite took place. There is no requirement that the dog bite victim prove the dangerous history or propensities of the dog. Even if this was the dog's first bite every, the dog bite victim can pursue a cause of action against the dog owner for the related damages and injuries.

You can read more about the Florida Dog Bite Law at Florida Dog Bite Statute - There is Teeth to this Florida Law - Rights of Injured Children and Adults. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Dog Bite Injuries, Medical Bills and Treatment, Damages / Compensation, and other topics. You can receive a free child injury book at The ABCs of Child Injury. See also Florida Animal and Dog Bite Injuries at the Wood, Atter & Wolf Website.

In Florida and other States, law enforcement officers and detectives are working to try to make the Internet a safer place for children. Unfortunately, like any other arena, some child predators are using the Internet to find victims. In Lake County, Florida, investigators and detectives spent 4 months chatting online with Howard Scott Kalin, age 47, from Maryland according to a news story posted in the Orlando Sentinel. According to the report, Kalin was under the impression that he was chatting with a 14 year old boy and the boy's caregiver. The sheriff's report indicated that Kalin travelled to Florida and planned to play basketball with the 14 year old and then have sex with the 14 year old child. What a disturbing plan and situation. Fortunately, the 14 year old boy was really an undercover agent and no child was put in danger. Kalin practices law and runs a business. He is an educated man who even has a family. The police conducted a search of Kalin's car and found lubricant and condoms.

Mr. Kalin will be entitled to defend himself against these charges through the services of a Florida criminal defense attorney or the services of the public defender's office if he cannot afford an attorney. There may be some technical legal defenses to such charges but it would appear that that Kalin will have an uphill battle to defend himself against these charges. The evidence seems to be quite extensive assuming that the 4 months of Internet chat records are admitted into evidence along with the evidence seized at the scene like the basketball, lubricant, and condoms. See Magician-Lawyer Charged in Cyber Crime Involving Undercover Detective Posing at 14 Year Old Boy.

Florida parents depend on day care centers to follow proper safety procedures at the facility and during any transportation. It was recently reported that the owner of a Boynton Beach, Florida day care center has been charged with child neglect after a police officer saw her drive a minivan full of children not wearing seat belts. Abagail Denson, the owner of Abby’s Little Angels, was arrested Friday and also charged with driving an unregistered vehicle. Denson had six children, between the ages of two and four, in the back of her van without proper restraints. The Department of Children and Families is investigating further.

Passengers in a car crash are much more likely to be killed if they are not wearing a seat belt. Seat belts protect people from being thrown from a vehicle. If thrown from a vehicle, the risk of death is five times greater. That is why Florida has seat belt laws. The law states that the front seat passengers must wear seat belts. In addition, all passengers under 18 years old must wear a seat belt or be otherwise restrained by a child car seat. It is against the law to operate a vehicle if all the passengers do not meet these standards.

Children three-years-old and younger must be secured in a federally approved child-restraint seat. Children four through five must be secured by either a federally approved child restraint seat or safety belt. The driver of the vehicle is responsible for buckling up the child. For more information on this topic, see Florida daycare owner charged with neglect.

In sunny Florida, swimming is a favorite past time, both at public facilities as well as private residences. Pool owners must exercise the necessary safety precautions to prevent children from drowning. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, in the first few months of 2011, there have been 37 drownings and 38 near-drowning incidents reported. So many of the drowning and near-drowning incidents that happen every year are preventable and every drowning and near-drowning is a terrible tragedy

Recently in Crystal River, Florida, a two-year-old girl nearly drowned after she climbed a ladder and fell into her families above- ground swimming pool. Sheriff’s deputies performed CPR on the child until the paramedics arrived, and she was airlifted in critical condition to Tampa’s All Children’s Hospital.

There are many things that Florida pool owner's can do to prevent child drowning and injuries around the pool. The first and most important thing a parent can do is to create a safe environment around the pool; parents should secure a barrier that will not allow children into the pool unsupervised. Because the vast majority of drowning happens when an adult is not looking (even for a short period of time), supervision is the primary tool of prevention for poolside accidents. Other safety tips include door alarms, knowledge of CPR, and safety drain covers in pools and spas. For more information on this topic, see Two-year-old nearly drowns in family pool.

Parents send their children to school with the expectation that they will be educated, not mistreated. Although teachers are given the authority to discipline children when they are acting out of order, the methods of physical restraint and seclusion have gone too far.

It was reported that Orange County schools have physically retrained 195 students approximately 1,910 times during this school year, a number that represents almost one quarter of the 8,222 cases reported in Florida. 2,944 disabled students were restrained by teachers who forced them to sit or lay face down on the floor. Teachers also used a strap-and-mat contraption to immobilize the children. Orange County educators claim that they only use the technique in emergencies with children who have behavior problems or engage in acts such as hitting, kicking, biting, or slapping themselves in the face. Many parents, disability advocates and law makers want to put an end to the retraining methods because it could traumatize and injure students. Also reported were 3,386 incidents of seclusion involving 1,047.

Parents of five-year-old Alex Ortaliz, a disabled child, were outraged when they found out that their child had been physically restrained against his will. Alex was born prematurely and suffered brain bleeds as an infant. He was the poster child for the United Cerebral Palsy charter school where he has excelled since age two. The teacher involved in the restraint claimed that Alex was acting out of control and dangerous.

Florida parents are trying to get a law passed that would prevent school employees from holding students with disabilities face-down or shutting them in rooms to try to control behaviors associated with their conditions. For more information on this topic, see Orange students restrained more than any in FL by far.

Politics and bureaucracy got in the way of the protection of the Florida children cared for and transported by Florida day care centers. A bill sponsored by Democratic State Senator Maria Sachs (Delray Beach, Florida) would have required that Florida day care vans have an alarm in the van to remind the driver and attendant to check the bus for passengers. The alarm would need to be manually turned off in the back of the bus which, by its location, would require the day care employees to check the whole bus for any children who may have been left behind. The death of Haile Brockington, who was only 2 1/2 years old at the time, would have been avoided with either better supervision OR the day care van alarm. Sachs plans on pushing and lobbying this bill at the next legislative session. It will not be passed this year but there may be hope for the future. With or without this law in place, day care centers should be diligent in checking the van or bus to make sure that all children are safely escorted off the bus. Florida's heat especially in the summer is brutal and can easily cause serious personal injuries and death to a child who is left in the vehicle even for only minutes. For more information, see Law to Prevent Child Daycare Van Deaths Fails to Pass Florida Legislature.

In Florida, two Florida middle schools are moving forward with a program that is being federally funded to provide all students in the school with an Apple iPad. Even in these days of budget constraints, the school board saw an opportunity to advance the education of the students though the wonderful tool and device known as iPad. Even though there is an expense to such technology, hopefully the decision is a good short term and long term decision and approach to the educational of these students. See 2 Tampa Schools Will Get iPads for All Students.

A 7-year-old girl escaped serious injury last week when a full-sized pickup truck suddenly crashed into her house. The truck was headed down the 500 block of Clermont Drive West when the driver encountered a problem, which resulted in the loss of control over the vehicle. The passenger grabbed the steering wheel and attempted to remove the driver’s foot from the gas pedal but was unable to maintain control. According to the Clay County Fire Rescue Chief, the truck made a big loop and went through a fence of another home before it crashed into the room of the house with the little girl. No one else was present in the room when the truck accident occurred. Family members pulled the little girl out from under the truck where she was surrounded by a pile of debris caused by the accident.

The unidentified girl and truck driver were taken to Orange Park Medical Center for treatment but no condition report has been released. The home suffered structural damage, but the county’s Technical Rescue Team were able to stabilize the ceiling and roof.

An automobile collision involving a child can be especially traumatic for all parties involved. Drivers of automobiles should pay special attention when driving in neighborhoods with children and also make sure their vehicles are functioning properly. For more information on this topic, see Child ends up under truck that crashes into Orange Park home

A one-year-old sleeping baby’s life was saved by her canopy bed when a large oak tree crashed through the ceiling of her home. The tree was blown through the roof of the single- family home located on Yellow Bluff Road in Jacksonville (Oceanway) last week during a thunder storm. When the oak tree fell through the ceiling, the limbs landed on Chyanne Waltman’s canopy bed which protected her from sustaining any serious injuries. However, one tree limb did fall and cut her head open, which caused some swelling. Firefighters took the one-year-old to the hospital to receive treatment for her head injuries, and she was released home hours later that day. The family said they were just relieved that Cheyanne is safe.

Child safety is a vital issue. Although not all accidents can be foreseen, there are plenty of precautionary measures that Jacksonville parents can take to ensure that their child is safe at home. Improper use of electric appliances and children playing with fire and unintentional poisons are just a few of the hazards that are waiting to hurt children in the home. Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center designed the “Safety House” to advise parents on how to keep their house safe, and to teach young children how to recognize the hazards that can occur within the home.

For more information on preventing household hazards, see the Guide to Preventing Household Injuries and Accidental Poisonings. If you would like to read more about the child saved by her canopy bed, see Child Hurt After Tree Falls on Home.

In Florida, children can be seen in every community riding their bicycles. Whether near schools, parks, homes, or commercial areas, there are many bicyclists including children bicyclists out there. Unfortunately and tragically, some children suffer serious personal injuries and death every year in Florida and other States that result from being hit by a vehicle while riding a bicycle. While helmets and other bicycle safety can help reduce the incidence and severity of an automobile / bicycle accident, a child on a bicycle that is hit by a car often times is left with a serious permanent personal injury. In some cases, a child is hit by a motorist and the driver flees the scene of the accident. The Orlando Sentinel reported an accident involving a 7 year old boy (Maximillian Guerra) of Merritt Island who was hit by a driver who fled the scene of the accident. Rather than stay to render assistance to the injured child, the driver (Bryan Berka) fled the scene but was later arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol after Berka admitted to that he hit the child and left the scene of the accident. While it appears from the news report that Mr. Berka will have an uphill battle defending himself against these criminal charges, Mr. Berka will still be entitled to representation from a Florida criminal defense attorney or the public defender's office. For more information on this story, see Man Struck 7 Year Old Boy on Bike - Fled in Pickup Truck According to Florida Highway Patrol.

It is often difficult for a parent to deal with the myriad of issues presented by a serious personal injury whether caused by an automobile accident, bicycle accident, pedestrian accident or other cause. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child What Every Parent Should Know has chapters on Medical Bills & Medical Treatment, Damages / Compensation, Automobile Accidents, Day Care Injuries, Sports Related Injuries, Playground Injuries and other topics. You can receive a free book at Free Child Injury Book for Parents Needing Help. The book is also available for $4.99 at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple i Books. When a child is injured, it is important for the child to have a voice to advocate for the child's rights, safety, and welfare.

What does a chef, optician, U.S. serviceman, bank teller, janitor, and engineer have in common? Well, in Gainesville Florid and other counties, an arrest for using a computer to solicit sex with a child among other crimes is what these folks have in common. The Gainesville Police Department and the Alachua County Sheriff's Department were law enforcement agencies among others that participated in a five day sex sting. Undercover law enforcement officials posed as juveniles or parents online to have the suspect meet at an undercover house for sex with a child. The Internet sex sting seemed similar to those televised by NBC's series To Catch a Predator. It is interesting that people are informed in writing online about a child's age and still take the affirmative steps to go to a house that they have never been to before to have sex with a child they have never met before. This shows that many people are selfish and depraved who victimize children without any though whatsoever as to the effects on the child or the fact that the acts are immoral and illegal. Of course, not all persons caught in the net of a sting are successfully prosecuted. Some are able to present a Defense of sorts to get out of the charges, but most are probably successfully prosecuted and most defendants end up pleading guilty or no contest to the charges and then face the criminal sanctions and consequences of their bad acts and intentions. For more information, see Gainesville, Florida Chef Among 17 Arrested in Internet Child Sex Sting.

Pursuant to section 1-5-3 of the Hendry County, Florida, Code of Ordinances, a "dangerous dog" is defined as any dog that has:
1. Without provocation, bitten, attacked, endangered or otherwise inflicted personal injury on a human being while on public or private property;
2. Without provocation, severely injured or killed a domestic animal while off the owner's property;
3. Been used primarily, or in part, for the purpose of fighting, or is a dog trained for dog fighting;
4. Without provocation, chased or approached a person upon the streets, sidewalks or other public grounds in an aggressive, menacing fashion or apparent attitude or attack.

Section 1-5-3 incorporates Florida Statute sec. 767.12 into its classification for dangerous dogs. The ordinance also expressly states the list of acts given under section 1-5-3 are not exhaustive and other acts committed by a dog could subject the animal to classification as a dangerous dog.

Exceptions: A dog will not be declared dangerous if
1. The threat, injury or damages was sustained by a person who, at the time, was unlawfully on the property.
2. Or, by person who was lawfully on the property and was teasing, tormenting, abusing other assaulting the dog or its owner or a family member.
3. The dog was protecting or defending a human being within its immediate vicinity from an unjustified attack or assault.

Florida law does not require the classification of a dog as a "dangerous dog" in order to pursue claim or a case for dog bite injuries. In fact, there is no requirement that Animal Control take any action for a person to pursue a case for medical bills, medical treatment, pain and suffering, and related damges for a dog bite injury.

Whether a dog is classified as a dangerous dog or not, it is vital that dog owners maintain control of their dogs for the protection of others. This would include consistent use of leashes and a secure backyard and / or front yard with appropriate fencing. In Florida, a dog bite victim typically need only prove that a dog bite took place. There is no requirement that the dog bite victim prove the dangerous history or propensities of the dog. Even if this was the dog's first bite every, the dog bite victim can pursue a cause of action against the dog owner for the related damages and injuries.

You can read more about the Florida Dog Bite Law at Florida Dog Bite Statute - There is Teeth to this Florida Law - Rights of Injured Children and Adults. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Dog Bite Injuries, Medical Bills and Treatment, Damages / Compensation, and other topics. You can receive a free child injury book at The ABCs of Child Injury. See also Florida Animal and Dog Bite Injuries at the Wood, Atter & Wolf Website.

Pursuant to section 14-27 of the Collier County, Florida, Code of Ordinances, a "dangerous or vicious dog" is defined as any dog that has:
1. Aggressively bitten, attacked, endangered or otherwise inflicted severe personal injury onto a human being on public or private property;
2. Severely injured or killed a domestic animal while of its owner's property;
3. Been used primarily or in part for the purpose of dog fighting or is a dog trained for dog fighting;
4. When unprovoked, chased or approached a person upon the streets, sidewalks or other public grounds in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack.

Section 14-35 of the Collier County Code of Ordinances sets out the various obligations and responsibilities of owners of dogs that have been classified as "dangerous or vicious." After a dog has been classified as dangerous or vicious its owner must, not later than 14 days after the final effective date of classification, file a complete written standard form application with animal services in order to be issued a certificate of registration for the dog. The application fee for each certificate is $300.00 to be renewed annually at the same rate.

The owner also has a duty to notify animal services when a his or her dog that has been classified as dangerous
1. Becomes loose or unconfined;
2. Has bitten a human being or attack another animal; and/or
3. Is sold, given away or dies.

Florida law does not require the classification of a dog as a "dangerous dog" in order to pursue claim or a case for dog bite injuries. In fact, there is no requirement that Animal Control take any action for a person to pursue a case for medical bills, medical treatment, pain and suffering, and related damges for a dog bite injury.

Whether a dog is classified as a dangerous dog or not, it is vital that dog owners maintain control of their dogs for the protection of others. This would include consistent use of leashes and a secure backyard and / or front yard with appropriate fencing. In Florida, a dog bite victim typically need only prove that a dog bite took place. There is no requirement that the dog bite victim prove the dangerous history or propensities of the dog. Even if this was the dog's first bite every, the dog bite victim can pursue a cause of action against the dog owner for the related damages and injuries.

You can read more about the Florida Dog Bite Law at Florida Dog Bite Statute - There is Teeth to this Florida Law - Rights of Injured Children and Adults. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Dog Bite Injuries, Medical Bills and Treatment, Damages / Compensation, and other topics. You can receive a free child injury book at The ABCs of Child Injury. See also Florida Animal and Dog Bite Injuries at the Wood, Atter & Wolf Website.

During the school year and even summer time, children travel to school in school buses. Many are picked up at a designated Florida school bus stop and dropped off at the same location. Unfortunately and tragically, many Florida children suffer serious personal injuries and death every year while waiting at a school bus stop. It is important for all drivers to slow down any time there are or may be children in a designated area especially at a school bus stop. In Clermont, Florida, it was reported that a boy was hit by a pick up truck while he waited for a school bus in the morning. The boy was later rushed to a local hospital where he died. It was reported in the Miami Herald and other Florida news outlets that the driver did not have a driver's license and may face other charges related to this horrible automobile / pedestrian accident.

The death of a child is an event that will have a life long impact on the family, neighborhood, school and the community. For more information, see Central Florida Boy Struck and Killed at Bus Stop.

Continue reading " Boy Hit by Pick Up Truck Waiting for School Bus in Clermont Florida " »

A former investigator for the Florida Department of Children and Families has resigned and pleaded guilty to official misconduct. The charge stemmed from a 2009 incident where the former investigator was suspected to falsified records and allowed the continued abuse of a 6-year-old boy. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducted an investigation of 28-year-old Qua Keita Anderson. FDLE investigators found that Anderson had falsified records while investigation a case of suspected child abuse in Duval County involving Karla Castillo, the child's mother, in July 2009. According Anderson's records, an interview was conducted with the child and child's father in 2009, by September the case was closed and no abuse was indicted. The family later moved to Highlands County where other abuse allegations were reported. A different DCF investigator investigated the abuse allegations and found a "failure to protect" and "physical abuse." The charge was pressed against Anderson in July 2010, she pleaded guilty on March 22 and was sentenced to six months probation and 50 hours community service. Anderson also resigned on January 14 in lieu of termination. For more please read Former DCF investigator pleads guilty to official misconduct after falsifying records.

Although many child injuries may be unintentional, the injuries are still preventable. According to Patricia Schnitzer of the University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that almost 7.1 million injury-related emergency room visits are made by children under 15 years of age. Most of these injuries result from inadequate supervision. Another focus of child injury prevention should be on improving caregiver skills. However, this area is problematic because no published guidelines for child supervision exist. Caregivers are merely just reminded to to provide constant supervision to toddlers and infants. Schnitzer said that one way to educate families and caregivers is to recognize those at-risk families - those families with low-income or education levels, and young or single parents. For more read Majority of child injuries are preventable.

As the summer months approach in Florida and other States, parents should consider providing swimming lessons to their children. Swimming lessons and classes can and do save lives. Especially since drowning is the number one cause of accidental death for child 4-years-old or younger. Children do not recognize how dangerous swimming pools, ponds, lakes, rivers, and oceans can actually be. Swimming lessons can teach children how to swim, proper breathing techniques, and water safety tips. Children and adults alike should be aware of the size and depth of residential pools and have a basic knowledge about water safety, which can be taught in swimming classes. Children should not swim if they are fatigued and should never be near or in the water without adult supervision. Although swimming lessons are critical, direct supervision of child is a key factor in preventing accidental injuries or death. Children can drown in swimming pools, inflatable pools, or even buckets of water, depending upon their size and weight. Children should know basic water safety and be supervised while in or near water. For swimming lessons available in Ormond Beach, Southeast Volusia and Deltona please see Local Swim Lessons.

A 3-year-old girl tragically drowned in an inflatable pool in Daytona Beach, Florida. Police initially thought the girl's death to be solely due to a tragic accident. The girl's mother left the 3-year-old with her brother in the pool in the garage of their home while she used the restroom. The young girl, identified as Victoria Cunningham, drowned in less than 2 feet of water. No other details regarding Victoria's are available. The case has been handed over to the Florida Department of Children and Families. For more read 3-year-old girl drowns in inflatable pool in Daytona Beach, Florida. Police are investigating the causes of the drowning including what role (if any) the girl's brother played who was with the girl while the mother left to use the bathroom.

The death of this young girl is a tragedy for her family and community. As the summer months are approaching, Florida families need to be aware of household safety regarding drownings. A key way to prevent many child drownings is to use direct supervision while children are playing in swimming pools. As illustrated by this news report, a child can drown in a small amount of water when left unattended even for a brief period of time.

There is a constitutional right to gun ownership in this country. While it is a constitutional right, it is also a legal and moral responsibility to make sure that guns are properly secure and kept out of the reach of children. Gun safety at home is vital to the protection of the parents, children, and any visitors who come to the home. A gun is not a toy to be played with or waved around. Of course, children, especially toddlers, do not always appreciate or even understand the dangers of gun and merely see the gun as a play object or toy. In Miramar, Florida, it was reported that a shooting took place in the home. According to the news story reported by CNN News, Julia Bennett was shot once in the back and died as a result of this gun shot injuries. The victim's toddler son may have shot his mother accidentally according to the 911 call made by the boy's father. Miramar Police and possibly other law enforcement agencies will investigate this most unfortunate and tragic death. The investigation may include forensic evidence (gun shot residue) to determine if the toddler did fire the gun. Criminal charges have not been filed but law enforcement and the State Attorney may end up considering charges related to the access and use of the gun by the toddler. Gun owners and home owners should pay close attention to incidents like these and take due care to safeguard guns in the home. See Toddler Shoots Mom Dead, Boy's Father Tells Florida Police.

Florida has great weather almost year round. Residents and visitors flock to the beach to enjoy great Spring and Summer weather. Unfortunately, with more crowds come more beach traffic. Many beaches in Florida still allow beach driving even thought beach driving presents a significant risk to pedestrians, sun bathers, and, yes children. The convenience of beach driving and parking should take a back seat to safety problems that beach driving and beach parking create. So what if a person needs to walk another block or two to get to the beach. It is a small sacrifice that people should make to make the beaches safer for all people including children. The Daytona Beach News Journal newspaper / website did a series of articles on Beach Driving and Dangers to Children and Others. Until all beach driving is banned, this is a topic that should be constantly raised and discussed with city, county, and state officials for Florida. See also For Those Hit on Sand, Daytona Beach Now Just a Bad Memory.

Whether a child is injured on the beach or elsewhere, it is quite challenging for a parent to handle the financial and emotional stresses of dealing with a serious injury to a child. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Ever Parent Should Know has chapters on Automobile Accidents, Damages / Compensation, Medical Bills / Medical Treatment, Swimming Pool and Water Park Injuries, and other topics. Get a free copy of the child injury book. It is also available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iBooks. Search for the book by title - The ABCs of Child Injury - or by author, David Wolf.

Be very careful when driving on or visiting any beach with beach driving.

The first years of a child's life are some of his or her critical learning years. In fact, research has shown that most of a child's brain development is complete before he or she even begins kindergarten. Unfortunately, many children are denied the opportunity to learn during these critical years. Despite parents' best efforts, their children may still be denied access to an early development center because of economic reasons or lack of availability in the center itself. According to Susan Main, executive director of the Early Learning Coalition of Duval County, the number one barrier to access is affordability. Main estimated it takes $7,500-$9,000 annually to sustain a quality early learning environment per child. Currently, if families meet certain requirements they can qualify for a child care subsidy program. Access usually comes in the form of vouchers that are offered for services at licensed day care centers. The vouchers are only available to working families that earn up to 150 person of poverty level income. Parents must be working or going to school more than 20 hours per week. The vouchers allow qualifying parents to pay a smaller fee for childcare services proportionate to their income and selected center. However, the program only covers about 30% of eligible children and the wait list stretches about 6 months with about 4,800 people currently listed. The problem is worsened by the state of the economy, lack of parental knowledge about available resources and lack of transportation services to get children to the care centers.

The benefits of early-childhood development are long-lasting and increase a child's success rate in school. However, providing quality care for children has proven to be problematic in Florida. For more read Providing quality child care proves difficult in Florida.

44-year-old Derek Lee, a U.S. Forest Service employee, pleaded guilty to receiving images and videos depicting child pornography over the Internet. Lee, of Orange Park, faces up to 5-20 federal imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and a potential life term of supervised release. Court documents revealed that an investigator with Florida's Child Predator Cybercrime unit began an online undercover investigation to identify individuals accessing and sharing child pornography depictions. The investigation identified a particular host computer that was sharing several hundreds of child pornographic depictions; Lee's home was revealed as the location of the host computer. Officers executed a search warrant at Lee's home in December 2010. In an interview with agents Lee's 21-year-old stepson Jeffrey McMillan admitted he possessed child pornography on his computer and also indicated that images and videos were on his stepfather's computer. McMillan was subsequently arrested and Lee was asked to return to his home where he was interviewed. When Lee was questioned about the files on his computer he responded, "If you have a search warrant, you found that I have child pornography on my computer." Lee's computer contained about 111 videos and 116 images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. He has been downloading child pornography for 10 years. For more read U.S. Forest Service employee pleads guilty to receiving images of child pornography.

A toddler escaped serious personal injury after she fell from the top floor a four-story Florida hotel and was caught by a British woman. 16-month-old Jah-Nea Myles apparently slipped through the balcony railing and fell into the arms of Helen Beard. Beach was at the hotel's pool when she saw the toddler hanging from the railing and ran underneath her to catch the child. Investigators with the Orange County Sheriff's Office described the child as playful after the incident. Helena Myles, Jah-Nea's mother, told police her friend Dominique Holt was watching her child in the adjacent hotel room. Holt, 21, told police she went to the bathroom and all of a sudden heard screaming and saw the balcony door ajar. Holt ran out onto the balcony where she saw Jah-Nea in Beard's arms. Police said no criminal charges are pending. For more read 16-month-old toddler escapes serious personal injury after falling from balcony of Florida hotel.

This child is incredibly lucky. She could have sustained serious personal injuries or death. Direct supervision of children is a key method in preventing many child injuries. Of course, some incidents happen so fast that they are difficult to predict or prevent. Parents, day care providers, teachers, babysitters, and others should be mindful of any areas that may endanger a child like balconies, swimming pools, parking lots, and other locations.