A 9-year-old boy who was almost stabbed to death by his own father is suing the Florida Department of Children and Families for not doing enough to protect him and his brother, who died after the brutal attack, the Miami Herald reports (Editor’s note: readers may encounter paywall).
The February 2012 attack took place at a Deerfield Beach mobile home park after the boys were returned to their parents, even though the boy who is now suing the state agency said he was terrified of being returned to them, the Herald reports. The father also killed a Canadian snowbird, in addition to his autistic son, before killing himself.
The lawsuit says DCF ignored evidence that the boys wouldn’t be safe with their parents, who are accused of molestation and other abuse.
The suit against DCF and four foster care agencies it contracts with was filed Monday in Broward Circuit Court.
The boy, who is not being named, has been removed from his mother’s custody.
DCF would not comment on the lawsuit, the Herald reports.