WCSO takes over DCFS

Given how the Department of Children and Families completely BOTCHED their investigation of "Baby Remi" resulting in the 2 month old babys death recently, I'm going to look on this as another POSITIVE of the Sheriff's office.

From the SO...

DeFuniak Springs, Fla— An arrest has been made in an investigation stemming from the December death of a 2-month-old infant.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a medical assist on December 13, 2015 in reference to an infant, unresponsive at the Raceway Store at 14338 US 90 in Mossy Head. The child was transported to Sacred Heart where he was pronounced dead on December 14, 2015.

Due to the complexity of the injuries additional examination was required by a specialist, prolonging the autopsy results. Tissue samples were sent to a lab in south Florida and the results of the examination were returned to the First Judicial Circuit Medical Examiner’s Office ruling the infant’s death as a Homicide.

Based on information obtained through the investigation and the autopsy, a second degree murder warrant was obtained for the arrest of Harold C. Bielec Jr., the infant’s father.

“This has been a heartbreaking case for all those involved in the investigation,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “We hope that this child finds peace in the next life that he was denied in this one.”

Since this case began Walton County Sheriff’s Office has been working closely with the Department of Children and Families’ Child Protective Investigations Unit. Both agencies have held several meetings over the course of the investigation and we will continue to work closely with DCF and the State Attorney’s Office as this case progresses.

Bielec was arrested this afternoon without incident at his residence in Mossy Head on Leisure Lake Road. Bielec was also found to have Failure to Appear warrants outstanding from Okaloosa County. He was transported and booked in the Walton County Jail.

Two WCSO controlled organizations with two Not For Profit Groups very involved in both.

Alaqua and Laurie Hood are very involved in animal issues and allegedly cherry pick animals for their place. Only what I've heard. They do good work.

Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) and Julie Hurst (seen in the photo in news article) is also a private group that help children. They do good work too.

Maybe the (the 2 not 4 profits), should run these programs?

Thoughts?

Bob Wells - you'll cite some attempt at conspiracy, so don't bother.

Misty - you'll defend sheriff Mike and accuse me of attacking him, but after others start to see my point, you too will ask some good questions.

I had my gypsy neighbors crystal ball for a few minutes and used it...we'll see.

I'm not questioning the officers at WCSO that fight for children every day.

Misty beat me to the post and didn't accuse me of attack.

Crystal Ball wrong ...

This is about children not politics. Had DCF removed Baby Remi when they first started the investigation chances are HIGH that baby would still be alive today. DCF felt they could not get Supervisor approval and the result was Baby Remi was continually abused and subsequently died at the hands of his abuser(s). Yes, it's my opinion there should have been another arrest in that case to include the child's mother.

With the Sheriff managing DCF it gives DCF and the WCSO the power to remove children before they are killed!

This is about children not politics. Had DCF removed Baby Remi when they first started the investigation chances are HIGH that baby would still be alive today. DCF felt they could not get Supervisor approval and the result was Baby Remi was continually abused and subsequently died at the hands of his abuser(s). Yes, it's my opinion there should have been another arrest in that case to include the child's mother.

With the Sheriff managing DCF it gives DCF and the WCSO the power to remove children before they are killed!

Aweful heavy concern for the life of a baby from one who supports abortion.

John G, I pretty much ignore you. When you post something I feel is something I need to concern myself with I will participate. No more than has been posted here not enough to get my interest. I will say this, the State since Governor Scott has been in office has attempted to move things that were primarily state functions to local government, drivers licenses is one that comes to mind, so this could be an opportunity as long as the local taxpayer is not picking up the cost.

How was the DCFS investigation"botched"?

Aweful heavy concern for the life of a baby from one who supports abortion.

Uncalled for. WWJD?

Aweful heavy concern for the life of a baby from one who supports abortion.

Stupid just took on a whole new meaning!! You have absolutely NO IDEA what I do or don't support because I've never ever brought up or talked about my views on abortion. You must have me confused with someone else!! Regardless of what my views are (which are none of your business) this isn't about a freaking abortion and you need to stop with your mongrel attempts to bait me into having stupid a$$ conversations with you. I'm not interested!

How was the DCFS investigation"botched"?

There had been a rash of incidents where Baby Remi had been injured but was not removed from the home.

Stupid just took on a whole new meaning!! You have absolutely NO IDEA what I do or don't support because I've never ever brought up or talked about my views on abortion. You must have me confused with someone else!! Regardless of what my views are (which are none of your business) this isn't about a freaking abortion and you need to stop with your mongrel attempts to bait me into having stupid a$$ conversations with you. I'm not interested!

You are correct. I mistakenly thought it was you in another thread.
My apologies.

There had been a rash of incidents where Baby Remi had been injured but was not removed from the home.

OK was not aware of that. Thanks for the info. I tend to agree with your assessment then.

OK was not aware of that. Thanks for the info. I tend to agree with your assessment then.

The story is still on the WCSO page John G. Go read the entire thread. Some of the folks posting are in fact Harold C. Bielec Jr (the guy arrested) kin and others are the mothers kin. The mother was not arrested in connection to Baby Remi's death but she has been arrested for being a PYROMANIAC and is currently in jail awaiting trial.

I should have noted that the mother has 3 or 4 other (I forget without going back to look) children who are also NOT in her care.

John G, I pretty much ignore you. When you post something I feel is something I need to concern myself with I will participate. No more than has been posted here not enough to get my interest. I will say this, the State since Governor Scott has been in office has attempted to move things that were primarily state functions to local government, drivers licenses is one that comes to mind, so this could be an opportunity as long as the local taxpayer is not picking up the cost.

Glad to hear I've got your attention to the point you ignore me.

Don't ignore this...you may have a point about the consolidation from State to County activities, ie. D.L.'s, but I'm not so sure that's a good idea round these here parts.

Giving more money to a County that is and has been quick to loose it ($$$) with little or no Accountability ...

I know WCSO is not the same as Walton County, on the books, but the sheriff sure likes to keep the details of HIS budget close to his chest...have you ever seen it, in detail?

John G...don't derail this thread with your overrated concerns about the Sheriff. This is about the children in this County who need to be protected not the SO's budget. Please. Bash him somewhere else. I'll catch ya there.

Just some highlights of comments the kin of the mother and father wrote on Baby Remi's death...

"Shaken, swelling on his brain, 4 broke ribs and a fractured collar bone (previous injury). That's just what was released at sacred heart"

"He had a broken bone that had already been healing"

"Mom is in jail for 2nd degree arson with a $75,000 bond"

"dcf was involved. They didn't think the father was a threat and told the mother the father had legal rights etc."

" www.firerescue1.com/Arson-Investigation/articles/2143436-Former-Fla-firefighter-suspected-in-arson-string/ "

"Also, DCF/CPS had received reports regarding the baby prior to his death and did an initial "investigation" (1 visit) and then closed the case."

"15 injuries from blunt force trauma. Ya, I guess I don't know."

"Did DCF actually do there job? In this case? Absolutely NOT!! Why because Remington is dead!! DCF received at least two calls placed within 24 hours one month prior to his death."

"She (referring to the Aunt of Remi) is defending someone that she KNOWS was/is an inadequate parent. The oldest child she gave away. Chevelle was "taken" from her, as in Family law removed her primary custody rights and gave that entitlement to the father... after the father and his family fought to keep that little girl safe. Unlike what Brittney's family has done for any of the three children... condoning her actions, covering for her, and pointing fingers anywhere else but at Brittney who was abusing her children before they even made it into this world."

www.nwfdailynews.com/news/20160622/autopsy-report-infant-who-died-in-fathers-custody-suffered-15-fractures

"There were NO bruises on his body visible to the human eye when medical attention was sought December 13th. Past bruising YES!! To the side of his lil face. Was it abuse? I don't know! Did he have busted blood vessels in his eyes? Yes!! Was it caused by abuse? I dunno!"

Remi's death wasn't the first in Walton County in the last couple of years, he was the 3rd!

www.nwfdailynews.com/article/20151028/NEWS/151029165

Castillo’s 6-month-old son died from blunt force trauma to the back of the head. He also had a trespass warning issued against him and wasn't even supposed to be on the property...damage to property/criminal mischief. I don't know that DCF was called in that case but chances are had the mother not allowed him in the apt. that baby would also still be alive.

www.nwfdailynews.com/article/20150721/news/150729916

Howell had numerous complaints filed with DCFS and the children were not removed from her home. Sentenced to 12 years.

Will the local State Employees loose their jobs?

How will the budget work?

According to the WCSO...

"It would be a budgeted item through the Florida Legislature passed from their budget to ours. For all the current Child Protection Investigators (will not be sworn officers) we will take them in and meet and exceed all requirements adopting new methodology, which is the cutting edge best practices for Child Protective Services. There will also be annual peer reviews. Many times, when the Sheriff's Office encounters endangered children because of drug use, domestic violence, economic issues... we often find ourselves walking out of the door as Child Protection Investigators are walking in. We hope that by being under one roof that we can provide more flexible, comprehensive responses including providing services to the entire family... not just the children. - Corey Dobridnia, WCSO PIO."

According to the WCSO...

"It would be a budgeted item through the Florida Legislature passed from their budget to ours. For all the current Child Protection Investigators (will not be sworn officers) we will take them in and meet and exceed all requirements adopting new methodology, which is the cutting edge best practices for Child Protective Services. There will also be annual peer reviews. Many times, when the Sheriff's Office encounters endangered children because of drug use, domestic violence, economic issues... we often find ourselves walking out of the door as Child Protection Investigators are walking in. We hope that by being under one roof that we can provide more flexible, comprehensive responses including providing services to the entire family... not just the children. - Corey Dobridnia, WCSO PIO."

My hope is that once it is passed off to the locals that the State doesn't cut it slowly out of the budget to where the locals start picking up the tab. Was and am still concerned about that with regards to the drivers license and even the concealed carry permits.we have certainly seen that with the schools where the State reduces the amount they return to schools and increase the amount the locals are required to pay.

My hope is that once it is passed off to the locals that the State doesn't cut it slowly out of the budget to where the locals start picking up the tab. Was and am still concerned about that with regards to the drivers license and even the concealed carry permits.we have certainly seen that with the schools where the State reduces the amount they return to schools and increase the amount the locals are required to pay.

I understand.

I guess we have to ask ourselves...how much is a childs life worth? In the long run it seems to me that working with families as well as keeping them together in a safe, healthy environment is much cheaper then removing a child or incarcerating a parent for life when life goes south.

From WZEP

“It’s expensive, it’s difficult, it’s a political nightmare. But, It is the right thing to do.”

Walton County Sheriff’s Office is excited to announce a future partnership with the Department of Child and Families (DCF) to enhance services for the families of Walton County.

During the next 12 months WCSO will be undergoing a transition in conjunction with DCF to assume the responsibilities of child protective services in our county. This is a positive step for many reasons to include better coordination during child abuse investigations, additional resources and training opportunities, and a coordinated effort to provide those services all under one roof. DCF Child Protective Investigators are completely dedicated to the protection of our most vulnerable children and do a tremendous job. By becoming one in the same house, our coordinated efforts will become that much more effective.

When abuse reports are received by the Florida Abuse Hotline in Tallahassee they are routed to the appropriate county jurisdiction. In Walton County, Child Protective Investigators (CPI) make initial contact with family and child, review the facts and circumstances, assess whether the allegations are valid or not, and determine what intervention or assistance may be needed.

Currently, the Department of Children and Families employs seven Child Protection Investigators in Walton County. However, with a large increase in population expected in Walton County over the next five years this transition will allow for WCSO to add additional CPI’s, which should help to ease the current caseload.

WCSO will also be able to provide remote “bases” for CPI’s that will help cut down on travel time. This will make the diligent efforts of investigators easier by seeing victims in a timelier manner. More time spent with families will allow more time to create safety plans with appropriate safety service providers that could ultimately keep our children in Walton County safely in their homes.

“CPI’s will continue to be responsible for investigating cases involving child abuse, child neglect, and child abandonment,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “Although CPI’s will be supervised by law enforcement officers, they will continue to respond to all child protective investigations countywide.”

In anticipation of Legislative approval, Walton County Sheriff’s Office will be the first agency in Northwest Florida (8th in the state of Florida) to undergo this transition under Florida Statute. We will have Regional and local CPI representation at the DeFuniak Springs Children’s Advocacy Center at 2pm on Monday, July 18th. Media is welcomed to attend.

To report child abuse or neglect, call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96 ABUSE (962-2873).