First Coast Connect: Signs of abuse 12/04/25

https://news.wjct.org/show/first-coas...

Diana Sullivan was reunited with her three children in May — 19 months after they were taken by the state. Investigators suspected child abuse after Sullivan and her husband brought their infant daughter to the hospital with a swollen leg and X-rays revealed multiple fractures. The family contends her injuries were caused by a metabolic bone disorder. The child abuse pediatrician, or CAP, who made the abuse determination had previously been forced out of similar roles in Wisconsin and Alaska after questions surfaced about her tactics and the reliability of her abuse assessments. The problem of overly zealous CAPs is the subject of a New York Times podcast, which focuses in part on another Florida CAP, who was later named as a defendant in lawsuits filed by 27 Pennsylvania families. We discuss the experience of families affected by wrongful abuse claims and the problems inherent in making child abuse determinations.

Guests:

Diana Sullivan, parent
David Abramowitz, former chief of the state Department of Children and Families, Northeast Florida region
Then, the original star of The Phantom of the Opera. We preview Sarah Brightman’s upcoming holiday performance in Jacksonville and discuss her decade-spanning career, including originating the role of Christine Daaé in the hit musical written by her then-husband, Andrew Lloyd Webber. Brightman performs a range of songs in her touring “Winter Symphony,” backed by an orchestra and choir and accompanied by special guests.

Guest: Sarah Brightman, Grammy-nominated crossover soprano

And, the acclaimed Fletcher High School Band celebrates a winning competitive season and braces for a busy spring, including a performance at the Daytona 500 on Feb. 15. We talk to three seasoned members ahead of an upcoming fundraiser about their musical accomplishments and the need for community support.

Guests:

Samantha Wallis, junior, Fletcher High School Marching Band color guard captain
Liz Vincent, senior, clarinet player in the Fletcher High School Marching Band
Brianna Phillips, senior, Fletcher High School Marching Band lieutenant
Topics and guests subject to change.