First Judicial Circuit Judge Steven Warrick today ordered a change of placement for three Gulf Breeze siblings who had been placed in foster care in Crestview after concerns arose over the caregivers, who were accused of not allowing the children to keep Bibles and other religious items. Other issues included alleged contentiousness with the kids’ parents.
The family remains under a goal of reunification, and three times Warrick stated he wanted reunification, although he did not grant it today, citing a need for the parents to complete more of their case plan.
The father told the their kids’ Bibles were sent back from the foster caregivers along with other Christian gifts, including a stuffed Jesus doll. He said his daughter has to keep her Bible at school, calling that “quite alarming.”
Assistant Regional Counsel Michelle Sandler with the Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel, 1st Region represented the father in the case; Jason Cobb, a private attorney under contract, represented the mother.
Natalie Pugh, represented the Florida Department of Families, and Audra Rogers. Circuit 1 Foster Support Manager with Northwest Florida Health Network spoke on behalf of the caregivers.
Warrick also cited concerns over “contentious” environment, stating “I think it would be best for everyone” to order a change of placement as requested by the parents’ attorneys.
One of the two caregivers spoke via remote connection. “That really hurts my feelings,” she said, referring to allegations against her and her wife, including accusations they were creating problems in an effort to adopt the children instead of supporting reunification.
Warrick three times stated his desire for the children to be reunified with their parents. He gave the parents 48 hours to provide suggestions for a new caregiver(s) who could be approved by the department. The father expressed hope that someone from their church family could be approved.
Warrick set an Oct. 6 follow-up court date.
EDITOR’S NOTE: If your children have had religious items removed or returned after being place into foster care in the First Judicial Circuit, we want to hear from you. Pls email your contact info to info@ssrnews.com.
