DCF contractor arrested in Marion County for not reporting child abuse

A contractor for the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) has been arrested in Marion County for allegedly failing to report child abuse involving siblings of a 3-year-old girl who was beaten to death earlier this year, WKMG News 6 ClickOrlando reported.

The woman, Cristina Feliz, worked out of Kids Central in Ocala and was assigned to the case involving the siblings of Paisley Brown, the child killed in Citra in February, according to WKMG News 6 ClickOrlando. Paisley’s siblings were later placed in foster care with Vanessa Pawlicki, who was arrested for allegedly abusing a 9-year-old boy in her care.

According to the arrest report cited by WKMG News 6 ClickOrlando, Feliz was informed about a video showing potential abuse of one of the children in foster care. Instead of reporting it, Feliz told the person to report it themselves, stating she did not want to get involved as the information came from a third party. Florida law requires mandatory reporters like social workers to report suspected child abuse immediately.

Marion County deputies emphasized in the report that given the children’s history of abuse, any evidence such as video footage should have been treated as suspected abuse and reported without delay, WKMG News 6 ClickOrlando noted.

Kids Central, whose mission is to protect children’s safety and well-being, acknowledged the arrest and stated they are aware of the allegations involving one of their employees, according to WKMG News 6 ClickOrlando.

The case traces back to February when Paisley Brown was beaten to death in Citra. The boyfriend of Paisley’s mother faces charges related to her death, and the mother is also charged with child neglect and aggravated manslaughter, WKMG News 6 ClickOrlando reported.