Sister of young victim may go back to father

Young Sarah Bluff, whose mother has been accused of killing Sarah's sister, Rebecca, can be returned to her father's custody if a home study that will take place soon in Canada produces positive results.

Third District Juvenile Judge Robert Yeates decided that the 2-year-old can be returned to her father, Todd Bluff, pending the results of the home study, according to Tracey Dalby, a case worker with the state's Division of Child and Family Services.The decision came during a 25-minute closed-door hearing Wednesday.

Sarah's mother, Ferosa Bluff, and her friends, Andrew and Suzanne Fedorowicz, have each been charged with murder in the death of Sarah's sister, 3-year-old Rebecca Bluff.

Rebecca Bluff died Oct. 21 at Primary Children's Medical Center after allegedly falling down a flight of stairs. An autopsy concluded that Rebecca died from internal injuries that resulted from physical abuse.

Medical examiners found multiple signs of physical and sexual abuse on the girls' body that prosecutors say amounted to "torture."

Sarah Bluff was placed in foster care the day the adults were arrested, which was the day after Rebecca's death.

Dalby, who has been handling Sarah Bluff's case, said that the judge's decision to have the state retain custody of the youngster pending the home study results is required by law and is standard procedure.

Dalby said she expected to leave for Calgary, Canada, where Todd Bluff lives, this weekend. Todd Bluff was in the courtroom Wednesday but left through a back door.

"There have been no allegations of abuse or neglect against him," Dalby said about Bluff. "I've seen him with Sarah - she's very bonded with him."

When Dalby first saw the child the girl was "very traumatized," which is typical for a youngster who has been removed from custody. Recently, she has had daily visits from her father.

"She's been doing better since she saw her father," Dalby said. "She likes spending time with her dad. She likes her dad."

From her observations, Dalby characterized Bluff as "a good father."

David Blum, Todd Bluff's attorney, said his client is "a private individual" who simply wants to get his daughter back.

"He's obviously distracted. One of his children was killed. That's why he wants to protect his other child," Blum said. "He wants to get back to Canada with her and go on with his life."