CR v. Department of Children and Families

C.R. (“the father”) appeals an order adjudicating his child, C.R. (“the child”), dependent based upon prior domestic violence between the father and the child’s mother. We reverse.

The police responded to a domestic disturbance call at the family home, and took the child into state custody. After this incident, the parents separated. Subsequently, the trial court issued a permanent injunction for protection against domestic violence, and ordered the father to have no contact with the mother.

The Florida Department of Children and Families (“the Department”) petitioned the court for an…