Jacksonville, FL – Mikaela Green, a 37-year-old caregiver, has been arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse and child neglect with great bodily harm after a special needs girl was brought to Wolfson Children’s Hospital in severe condition earlier this year.
In June 2024, Green arrived at the hospital with a non-verbal girl, under 13 years old, who suffered from cerebral palsy and relied on a feeding tube. Green reported that the child had been vomiting for over a week and was only tolerating one feeding a day. However, after admitting the girl, Green left the hospital and never returned.
Malnutrition and Medical Neglect
A First Coast Child Protective Team medical evaluation revealed the child was severely malnourished, with less than 2% body fat and visible bones. The child had also developed pressure sores and had not been able to use her wheelchair for a year due to it being broken – a fact that was never reported to her medical team.
Doctors found that the child had not seen her neurologist, nutritionist, or pediatrician for over six months, despite being required to visit every three months. Medical records indicated that the child would not have been in such a poor condition if Green had followed through with the necessary medical appointments.
The Arrest and Charges
Green, whose relationship with the child is unclear, is now facing serious criminal charges after the child’s condition was revealed. The girl survived the ordeal, though it is currently unclear who is caring for her now.
Green remains in jail on a $150,000 bond.
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, don’t wait – reach out to local authorities or child protective services. You can make a difference by ensuring children are safe from harm. For more information on how to report suspected abuse or neglect, visit your local child protective services website or call the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD. Your call could help save a child’s life.
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