Street view of Circles of Care Children’s Crisis Stabilization Unit in Melbourne, FL. Image source: Google Street View, © Google. Accessed via Google Maps.
Circles of Care, a behavioral health provider in Florida that receives public funds, is facing local scrutiny after two reported sexual assaults from within its walls. One case involves a former staff member accused of abusing a teenage patient; the other involves a patient charged with sexual battery for raping a developmentally disabled woman.
A Mission at Odds with Reality
Circles of Care describes its philosophy through its logo: three circles representing a sound mind, a healthy body, and a loving heart. The heart symbolizes “the caring, understanding and dedication that nurture health and wholeness in human beings of all ages and cultures.” (Circles of Care)
But the alleged sexual abuse cases now linked to the provider stand in sharp contrast to that vision. These victims relied on Circles of Care not only for treatment but also for safety. When individuals in a facility’s care, whether staff or fellow patients, are allowed to perpetrate harm, it betrays the very principles the institution claims to embody.
The Space Coast Rocket frames one of the sexual abuse cases, along with several other recent arrests, as part of a broader pattern of safety failures and institutional neglect. The outlet highlights serious concerns from staff about facility oversight.
“Patient advocates say this appears to be more than a string of bad luck—it’s a systemic failure to protect the most vulnerable, and it’s unfolding within a facility that receives public funds and contracts to provide care.” (The Space Coast Rocket)
A former employee shared unsettling details of his time at Circles of Care with the media outlet, including an incident where an intake employee was “‘left alone with a man who had previously attempted to rape her. Admin did nothing.'” (The Space Coast Rocket)
HR allegedly responded to staff complaints by telling them, “‘You know what you signed up for.'” (The Space Coast Rocket)
Sexual Abuse by Staff and Patient: What We Know
Foster Godbold
Foster Godbold III, a former mental health technician at Circles of Care, was recently arrested and charged with five counts of sexual battery by a custodial authority on a victim aged 12-17 and five counts of lewd and lascivious exhibition, according to a press release from the Melbourne Police Department. The charges stem from a former patient’s allegation that the abuse occurred in his room at a Melbourne facility between 2016 and 2018, while Godbold was employed there.
Godbold was arrested in Idaho after a detective discovered that he had been working as a traveling Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). During a police interview, Godbold admitted to the victim’s allegations. Although he has denied additional incidents, Melbourne police are still investigating.
“‘Because he’s been traveling the country, we don’t know if there are additional victims,’ said Sgt. Ben Slover, spokesperson for the Melbourne Police Department.'” (Florida Today)
Godbold was eventually extradited to Brevard County, Florida.
Bladimir Mendez
In a separate case, Bladimir Mendez, a 30-year-old patient at Circles of Care, was arrested for allegedly raping another patient, a developmentally disabled woman who could not consent. Staff reportedly discovered Mendez undressed in the woman’s bed during a nightly room check. He has been charged with sexual battery on a mentally defective person, which is a first-degree felony. (The Space Coast Rocket)
Legal Options for Survivors
Facilities like Circles of Care may be held civilly liable when their inaction results in harm. Common examples of institutional negligence include:
- Failing to properly supervise staff or patients
- Ignoring red flags or internal complaints
- Inadequate staffing or training
- Lack of proper safety procedures
Survivors harmed in these environments due to negligence may have legal options, even if the abuse happened years ago.
Know Your Rights
Andreozzi + Foote advocates for survivors of institutional sexual abuse across the country. We help clients explore their legal options, hold negligent institutions accountable, and seek meaningful outcomes through the civil justice system.
If you experienced sexual abuse at Circles of Care — whether by a staff member or another patient — you may be entitled to pursue a civil claim.
📧Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation at info@vca.law.
