The first investigation was in September 2013. Their children werent in school, and the case was closed 10 days later.
The Alemans next run-in came in January 2015. Investigators again noted the children werent enrolled in school. But again, the case was dropped because the children didnt appear to be abused or neglected, records show.
In May 2015, investigators met with the family in its Martin County home after reports that Aleman, 39, was never home and when he was, he was drunk. The children were left alone, neighbors told investigators, and one child was seen outside with a machete.
But the children were free of marks and bruises, according to a DCF report, so the case was closed.
Investigators made their last visit to the Alemans three-bedroom Loxahatchee home in November, when Tayla was 9 months old.
The children had speech and developmental delays, and investigators noted they were dirty. They suggested a follow-up visit.
Five days after Tayla died, state officials were back. Reports detail the appalling conditions in which the family of 12 and their two dogs were living.
