A family from Argentina, now residing in Miami, has taken in two young girls, ages five and ten, after their biological mother left them at their home on March 7. The family is now turning to the community for help in funding the therapies and other essential needs of the children.
In a report by journalist Maylin Legañoa for Telemundo 51, Andrea Leoni, who has two children of her own aged six and nine, recounted how the girls were brought to her by their mother, Nixmarie Barbara Melendez Rivera, as noted in court documents. Melendez Rivera claimed she was neither willing nor able to fulfill her role as a mother.
Leoni immediately contacted the Florida Department of Children and Families, which promptly assessed the situation. Within three days, after an intensive five-hour interview, Leoni and her husband were granted temporary custody.
"They came to my house right away to make sure everything was safe and sound for the girls. In just three days, my husband and I were given custody," Leoni shared.
Urgent Needs and Emotional Struggles
The condition of the girls is dire, with the five-year-old diagnosed with autism and never having received any appropriate therapy. Both sisters require urgent emotional and behavioral support.
Regarding the biological parents, Leoni learned that one had passed away, and the other, identified as Jasson López in court papers, reached out to her from prison. "He blessed us for what we did and thanked us, but never contacted us again," Leoni said.
Living with the sisters for nearly two months, Leoni has become acutely aware of the neglect they suffered. "They lack education and a sense of life because they were clearly abandoned and left very vulnerable," she explained.
Fear of Being Abandoned Again
Every day, the fear of abandonment looms large in the lives of the young girls. "They constantly ask if I will leave them too, they're terrified," Leoni revealed.
The family criticizes the child protection system for failing to identify the situation before the mother chose to leave the children. "It's unjust that they experienced all that they did without anyone noticing," Leoni emphasized.
Representatives from the Department of Children and Families and the police visited Leoni's home to file a report for alleged abuse, as Andrea informed Telemundo 51.
Community Support and Campaign for Help
To date, the family has not received any financial assistance from the state and has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to solicit community support.
Leoni encapsulated the biological mother's actions with a poignant reflection: "I don't know if 'abandoned' is the right word. I believe she chose where to leave them."
Community Support for Abandoned Children in Miami
What support is the Miami family seeking for the sisters?
The family is requesting community assistance to fund therapies and essential needs for the two girls, as they have not received state financial aid.
How did the Florida Department of Children and Families respond?
The department promptly assessed the situation and granted temporary custody to Andrea Leoni and her husband after a thorough interview process.
What is known about the biological parents?
One parent has passed away, and the other, Jasson López, is currently incarcerated and has not maintained contact after initially expressing gratitude.