H.C. v. Department of Children & Family Services

H.C. (“the Father”) appeals an order adjudicating his children, H.C.(l) and H.C.(2) (collectively, “the Children”), dependent based on a finding of “abuse” as defined in section 39.01(2), Florida Statutes (2013). We reverse.

In December 2013, the Department of Children and Family Services (“the Department”) filed a verified petition for dependency, alleging abuse based on “two purple-green, non-patterned bruises on [H.C.(2)’s] left lateral thigh as well as a purple loop mark.”1 Although the Department originally became involved with the family in December 2012 due to domestic violence by both…