The Melendez Family: on the verge of losing their children forever

Florida

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When proactive care turns into accusation…

Alaina and Samuel Melendez took their baby girl to the hospital due to concerns that she was experiencing pain in her leg. The hospital found an infection and septic arthritis, but also found multiple fractures in multiple stages of healing. Even though there was well documented medical concerns since birth, and clear record of appropriate concern and proactive care by the parents, Alaina was accused of abuse, and Samuel of allowing it. DCF stepped in and took custody of both their children, and now Alaina faces criminal charges. 

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Email the Florida DCF and government officials listed below. Clicking or tapping the mail link will provide a pre-formatted and addressed email, simply personalize with your name)

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Dear [Name],

I am writing to respectfully request a full and fair review of the Melendez family case.

The medical evidence clearly reflects a very medically complex baby with vitamin D deficiency, elevated parathyroid hormone levels, and a diagnosis of bone fragility. An independent medical expert and psychologist have both reviewed the hospital records and concluded that the diagnosis of non-accidental trauma was premature and did not take into account the full breadth of her medical issues. This has created a tremendous amount of trauma for the family. A baby’s medical complexity deserves complete and total consideration before any family is separated or criminally charged.

I urge you to expedite this review, as this family has already been apart for way too long. When parents are falsely accused, they lose precious time with their children at no fault of their own. We are asking DCF to step in and do the right thing, and we look forward to your response.

Sincerely

[Your name]

The Melendez Family Story

In July of 2025, Alaina and Samuel Melendez welcomed a beautiful baby girl into their family. Early on in her life, she presented with persistent feeding difficulties and excessive fussiness. Her newborn screening had shown that she was a carrier for galactosemia, raising concerns that she may have some metabolic issues.

In September 2025, Alaina noticed that her daughter was not moving her leg very much. She took her to the hospital, where they found MSSA, a systemic infection, and suspected septic arthritis. Both of these conditions are significant and well known to affect bone health. Imaging during the hospital visit showed multiple fractures in multiple stages of healing. DCF was called in and they began a child abuse investigation.

More testing was conducted, and Melendez’s daughter was found to have vitamin D deficiency, elevated parathyroid hormone, evidence of increased bone turnover and metabolic stress, as well as genetic findings that needed further evaluation. There were also no signs of external trauma, like bruising, intracranial injury, or retinal hemorrhaging.

A CT scan was done, and some of the fractures that had been identified on x-ray were not confirmed on the CT scan. Even with all of the abnormal lab findings, along with the infection and metabolic abnormalities, the parents were accused of child abuse and their daughter and son were taken from their custody. A no contact order was put in place and Alaina is not allowed to have contact with her daughter.

A forensic pediatrician, who is also a child abuse pediatrician, has reviewed the records and confirmed this was not child abuse, but rather that there is clear evidence of metabolic bone disease and a diagnosis of bone fragility.

A biochemical geneticist who also reviewed the records confirmed the concern for bone disease, and ordered a full bone fragility and connective tissue panel.

A psychologist has also performed a psychological evaluation and parenting evaluation on Alaina, and found no signs of abusive patterns or behaviors. The psychological report praised her for parenting capabilities and receptiveness to learning.

Alaina and Samuel are facing termination of parental rights, and Alaina is facing criminal charges. Alaina has very limited visitation with her son, and no contact with her daughter. This family has experienced the worst trauma imaginable. We need your help in getting the criminal charges dropped and helping them get reunified.