Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Chad Poppell today issued the following statement on Governor Ron DeSantis’ Bolder, Brighter, Better Future budget recommendations for FY 2020-21.
“Governor DeSantis’ budget recommendations prove his unwavering commitment to Florida’s children and his bold, transformative vision for the future of our state. The department is grateful for his leadership and the First Lady’s ongoing support as we transform from a crisis response organization to one that is fundamentally focused on prevention,” said DCF Secretary Chad Poppell. “In partnership with Florida’s child welfare stakeholders, DCF will implement a strong system of accountability and optimal funding for all of our community-based care lead agencies, ultimately achieving the department’s goal of reducing the number of families in crisis by 20 percent by Summer 2021.”
The Governor’s Bolder, Brighter, Better Future budget includes recommended funding for:
- $9 million to expand the Community Action Teams for individuals ages 11-21 with mental health and/or substance abuse diagnoses.
- $4 million to expand Telehealth behavioral health services to children in K-12 public schools.
- $20 million to support post-adoption services for children adopted from foster care.
- $11.7 million to enhance accountability in the child welfare system through a quality assurance program.
To visit the Bolder, Brighter, Better Future Budget website, click HERE.
To watch the press conference on the Governor’s budget priorities, click HERE.
