Cristian Fernandez's advocates tell judge he's not getting needed trauma treatment

Duval County Juvenile Court Judge David Gooding agreed to order having a forensic psychologist review why Fernandez has received sex-related therapy and not specialized therapy for trauma at a privately managed, state-contracted Central Florida juvenile correctional center.

Gooding also wants the psychologist, who evaluated Fernandez early in his criminal case, to determine whether a psychotherapist treating Fernandez at the Cypress Creek Juvenile Offender Correction Center north of Tampa can help with his trauma treatments.

Gooding agreed to the order after Fernandez’s guardian and attorney ad litems, state and local child welfare workers and his defense team warned that about 14 months have passed without him receiving the proper therapy for myriad trauma, including being sexually abuse as a child.

The advocates told Gooding they were frustrated that officials of Cypress Creek weren’t giving him the needed trauma treatment despite their repeated requests.

“All of us are disappointed the therapy we thought would be primary and a priority has been delayed,” said defense attorney Buddy Shulz.

A spokeswoman for the state Department of Juvenile Justice, which contracts with the private correctional center, said she couldn’t even acknowledge that Fernandez was being held because he is a juvenile. But Heather DiGiacomo said youths get assessed prior to and during placement to ensure that each treatment plan is individualized and updated with services designed to meet their needs.

“The agency has always, and continues to be, committed to working with a youth’s family, legal representation, Guardian ad Litem, and any other representative to accomplish what is in the best interest of the youth,” she said.

Tuesday’s court hearing was held in Fernandez’s dependency case, which began separate from the criminal case after his mother gave up custody of her children. Prosecutors, who were also in the courtroom, did not object to Gooding’s order. Fernandez was not present.