Protesters demand child welfare reform after death of 3-year-old Paisley Brown

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) — People gathered at Bo Diddley Plaza to honor the life of Paisley Brown, the 3-year-old who died in March in a case authorities say involved abuse and neglect.

Paisley’s mother’s boyfriend, Jeroen Jarrel Combs, was indicted last month on charges including first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse and capital sexual battery of a child under 12.

Paisley’s mother, Jennifer Kendrick, also faces two counts of felony child neglect in connection to her daughter’s death.

Protesters say they are speaking out and demanding accountability from the agencies meant to protect children.

“DCF the fact that they’re outsourcing their cases to companies like KCI and other third-party companies there’s miscommunication there’s putting children in danger for neglect for drug abuse for murder and what not so it’s like it’s it’s a big mess,” said Carley Santana, an organizer.

Protest organizers say the case raises concerns about the Florida Department of Children and Families and its contracted case management organizations.

Santana claims gaps in communication between agencies can put children at risk, though those claims have not been confirmed by officials.

Protester Angela Casteel said advocates are proposing policy changes.

“OK, so this is our proposal and research for the Paisley Brown child protection and accountability. Act covers chapter 39 and the gaps that are in chapter 39 that allow for these children to be abused over and over again and the main goal of DCF is reunification the problem with that is if you continuously place them back with abusive parents, you eventually have a horrible outcome, such as Paisley’s,” Casteel said.

Advocates say the tragedy is part of a larger pattern and they are pushing for policy changes so cases like Paisley Brown won’t happen again.

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