What Happened at Circles of Care in Melbourne, Florida?
Circles of Care in Melbourne, Florida is a behavioral health care facility that offers a range of services to individuals struggling with mental health issues, drug and alcohol addiction, and more.
The nonprofit has facilities located throughout Brevard County that offer hospital, residential, outpatient, and in-home services. Circles of Care Florida claims to provide the "highest quality behavioral care services in the Brevard community."
However, multiple patients have claimed to have been physically and sexually abused by former staff members and other patients. Two sexual assaults occurred within weeks of each other, and both resulted in arrests or criminal charges.
If you or a loved one experienced abuse at Circles of Care, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the facility and pursue compensation. Get a free case review now to learn more.
Circles of Care Employee Charged with Sexual Abuse of Teen
In May 2025, former Circles of Care employee Foster Godbold III was charged with 5 felony counts of sexual battery and 5 felony counts of lewd behavior. The charges involve a patient who was around 13 years old at the time of the alleged abuse between 2016 and 2018.
The patient alleged that Godbold:
- Started grooming him when he was first admitted to the facility
- Entered his room and performed sexual acts on him while exposing his genitals
- Sometimes assaulted him several times a day
Godbold worked as a mental health technician at Circle of Care Florida on E. Sheridan Road and later as a traveling nurse. He was arrested in Idaho, and police are investigating whether there are other victims across the country.
"Based upon the circumstances, we believe it may be possible there could be other victims at the Circles of Care or locally or anywhere Mr. Godbold may have worked."
– Sgt. Benjamin Slover, Melbourne Police Department
Circles of Care Patient Accused of Raping Disabled Woman
In April 2025, a Circles of Care staff member reportedly found Bladimir Mendez, a male patient, naked in the bed of a patient with severe developmental disabilities. Her diaper had been removed.
The patient of Circles of Care Harbor Pines told the police that Mendez had undressed her and penetrated her. She cried while speaking with the police and asked whether she was in trouble, according to reports.
The woman has the mental capacity of a young child and did not have the ability to consent. Ultimately, Mendez was arrested and charged with sexual battery.
"My disabled daughter, who has the IQ of a child, was raped by another patient…. [A]fter the rape exam at Holmes Regional, they sent her back there!"
– Mother of Circles of Care Sexual Assault Survivor
Sexual Assaults Were '100% Preventable,' Employee Says
Over 100 current and former Circles of Care staff and patients have since come forward, exposing safety failures and even cover-ups related to patient harm at the company's facilities, according to a news outlet.
One employee stated that none of the sexual assaults would have happened if Sheridan East, a closed unit for vulnerable patients, had been open. She claimed that the unit had been closed for 2 years, even though renovations were completed over a year ago.
"Every one of the recent arrests — the victims would not have been on the same unit if Sheridan East were open. Every one of them would have been on the closed unit and safe….This is 100% preventable."
– Circles of Care Employee
Staff maintain that Sheridan East remains closed due to understaffing and a goal of stretching resources despite known safety risks.
When repeated harm occurs at facilities meant to provide care for our most vulnerable citizens, it signals broader systemic failures that demand accountability. Institutions that fail in their duty to protect those in their care can be held financially responsible.
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Who Can File a Circles of Care Lawsuit for Assault?
Current and former patients who were sexually abused by a Circles of Care staff member or another patient may be able to file a lawsuit against the health care provider.
Family members may also be able to file a Circles of Care lawsuit for assault if their loved one is unable to do so themselves.
Many states have extended the deadlines for sexual abuse lawsuits, recognizing that it can take survivors time to come forward. In Florida, for instance, the state has removed the statute of limitations for certain childhood sexual abuse claims, giving survivors a path to justice even if the abuse occurred decades ago.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to see if you may be able to file a Circles of Care sexual abuse lawsuit. It costs nothing to speak with us.
How to File a Circles of Care Lawsuit
At Sokolove Law, we understand how traumatic a sexual assault can be, especially when it's tied to an institution that you trusted to provide care. That’s why we handle all the legal work, so you can focus on your health and working toward healing.
Our Circles of Care lawsuit lawyers can help:
You deserve to have your story heard. Let us stand up and fight for you. Our team is here to listen, support you, and guide you through every step of the legal process.
Get Help Holding Circles of Care Accountable
When abuse happens at facilities meant to provide care, families deserve answers and accountability. If you or someone you love was assaulted at a Circles of Care facility, you may be able to file a claim for compensation.
At Sokolove Law, our sexual abuse lawyers are committed to helping survivors seek the justice and compensation they deserve.
Why work with Sokolove Law?
- Decades of experience standing up to powerful institutions and holding them accountable
- More than $10.2 Billion total secured for victims of injustice nationwide
- No upfront costs or hourly fees — you pay nothing unless we recover money for you
- A compassionate and supportive team that truly cares and listens without judgment
We're ready to listen to your story and fight for you. Our team can review your case, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options.
Call (800) 995-1212 now or get a free case review to take the first step toward justice, compensation, and a brighter future.
Circles of Care Assault FAQs
What happened at the Circle of Care in Melbourne, Florida?
Circles of Care, a behavioral health facility in Melbourne, Florida has been at the center of several cases involving allegations of abuse and violence. Reports include claims of sexual abuse by a staff member and patient-on-patient assault involving a disabled woman.
These incidents have raised concerns about safety, supervision, and oversight at the facility, leading to arrests and increased scrutiny from law enforcement.
If you or a loved one was sexually abused at a Circles of Care facility, you may have legal options. Contact Sokolove Law for a free case review.
Can I sue Circles of Care for sexual abuse?
Yes. If you were sexually assaulted while receiving treatment at Circles of Care, you may be able to take legal action against the facility.
Mental health facilities have a duty to provide a safe environment for patients. If a facility fails to properly supervise staff or residents, ignores warning signs, or allows abuse or violence to occur, survivors may be able to file a sexual abuse lawsuit for compensation. Call (800) 995-1212 to see if we can help you seek justice.
Who can be held responsible for abuse at a treatment facility?
Responsibility may extend beyond the individual who committed the harm. In some cases, the facility itself, their operators, or management may be held liable if they failed to properly screen employees, supervise patients, maintain safety protocols, or respond to reports of abuse.
How long do I have to sue Circles of Care for sexual abuse?
In Florida, the deadline to file a sexual abuse lawsuit depends on the survivor’s age at the time of the abuse. For survivors who were children, Florida law generally allows lawsuits to be filed at any time, while adults typically have 4 years to take legal action.
Because timelines can vary based on the circumstances of the case, it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
