Florida Parents Battle To Reunite With Children After Misdiagnosis

BROWARD COUNTY, FL – Michael and Tasha Patterson have spent nearly three years fighting to bring home their three children after Florida child protective services removed them in 2022 over allegations of abuse. Advocates and medical experts now say the case is a devastating example of medical misdiagnosis and government overreach.
The Patterson twins were born medically fragile and later diagnosed with a genetic connective tissue disorder, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and Metabolic Bone Disease, a condition that makes children susceptible to fractures. Medical records show injuries before birth, during hospitalization, and later while in state care. Despite this, a Child Protection Medical Provider concluded the children had been abused.
That diagnosis has since been challenged. Dr. Eli Newberger, a specialist in child abuse pediatrics, reviewed the case and determined the children were never abused, but merely misdiagnosed. What is even more troubling is that advocates say the physician who made the allegations was not certified in child protection by the State of Florida at the time of her evaluation or during trial testimony.
Despite these findings, the Patterson’s children remain in state custody and could be adopted. “This is a miscarriage of justice,” said Florida Representative and former Dependency Judge Patt Maney.
The case has already sparked legislative reform. Florida Senate Bill 304 and House Bill 511 were introduced to give parents the right to a second medical opinion when accused of abuse. Advocates, including the civil liberties group, You Are the Power, argue these reforms are critical to prevent future cases.
“This family has been declared factually innocent, yet they are still separated from their children,” said Terri Arnold, an advocate with Judicial Watch and You Are the Power. Medically fragile children are being mislabeled as victims, and families are torn apart.
The Florida Department of Health and Department of Children and Families oversee the state’s Child Protection Teams, which critics say hold too much unchecked influence. Supporters continue to call on officials to reunite the Pattersons and reform the system.
“The best interest of these babies is to be with their parents,” Arnold said.
A healthy Bay County requires great community news.
Please support The Bay County Coastal LLC by subscribing today!
Please support The Bay County Coastal LLC by subscribing today!
%> "