WINTER HAVEN, Fla., – A Volusia County woman accused of trying to kill her disabled great-granddaughter before attempting to take her own life has put a long-standing crisis into sharp focus – Florida families caring for medically fragile children say the system is failing them.
In December, Volusia County deputies said Deborah Collier, who had custody of the 13-year-old girl, told investigators she could not care for the child and feared placing her in an assisted living facility. Court records show Collier is scheduled to go on trial in June.
News 6 spoke with Collier’s attorney, who said family members were looking into help and care for the teen, but struggling to find something they can afford or that was adequate for someone that needs 24-hour care…