11-year-old found caring for six siblings in poor conditions in Riviera Beach

RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — An 11-year-old child was found taking care of six younger siblings — including a 1-year-old — in a home described by police as a fire and health hazard.

The Riviera Beach Police Department (RBPD) said this discovery led to the arrest of 32-year-old Nolio St. Fort and 33-year-old Ashley Wallace on eight counts of child neglect.

According to a probable cause affidavit, officers responded to the residence at 3039 Avenue J on July 2 after a Department of Children and Families (DCF) investigator raised concerns about the welfare of eight children — from a baby just 10 months old to an 11-year-old child. At the home, police found seven children in various states of distress: some were nonverbal, several wore only shirts or diapers, and two reportedly had diagnosed mental health conditions. The youngest was reportedly with their father at the time of the incident…

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