Capital Soup

Florida News Straight From the Source

You are here: Home / Archives for Florida Department of Children and Families

Florida Department of Children and Families

DCF successfully serves more than a million families through federal disaster food assistance program

Posted on

The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) has administered the federal Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP) in Florida for 45 consecutive days, serving more than a million families and distributing nearly $900 million in DSNAP benefits. As of November 7, DCF processed more than one million DSNAP applications, and DSNAP benefits were issued to 2.7 million individuals. Together with disaster food assistance provided through the regular SNAP program’s replacements and supplements, DCF has provided more than $1.35 billion in benefits that families can use right away. 
“The federal DSNAP operation in Florida has been unprecedented in terms of the geographic scope, number of families served, and amount of benefits provided to help families recover from a devastating storm. This has by far been the largest DSNAP operation in the country. In 45 days, DCF has operated 50 different DSNAP sites for 213 operational days and served more than a million families. While an operation of this size has not been without challenges, we’re grateful that we have had the opportunity to help our neighbors and contribute to Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Irma,” said DCF Secretary Mike Carroll.
Public safety has been DCF’s first priority as we operated assistance sites throughout the state. DCF has partnered with and followed the direction of local law enforcement in every community to ensure the safety of those we are committed to serving. DCF defers to local law enforcement for all determinations related to traffic or public safety issues. DCF has aggressively pursued actions to ensure operations are as expeditious, safe, and efficient as possible. Following the conclusion of the Food for Florida program statewide, DCF will conduct a thorough after action review of all operations.
Important details are included below.

  • On November 8, Secretary Carroll presented to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services regarding DSNAP operations. Full video of the presentation is available here.
  • DCF submitted the first request for disaster food assistance to the federal government on September 13, just three days after Hurricane Irma’s first impact to Florida.
  • DCF sent a letter to the USDA on October 17 to request additional flexibility and resources in administering the federal DSNAP program in Florida.
    • Read the FNS response to DCF here.
  • Read DCF’s letter to the USDA regarding a waiver for the elderly and disabled populations here. This request is still pending.
  • Statewide data on DSNAP by county as of November 7 is available here.
    • Final data on all DSNAP operations will be posted next week.
  • Today is the final day of federal DSNAP operations in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. DSNAP sites opened at the BB&T Center in Sunrise and Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Tuesday, November 7. Preliminary data on operations at both sites is included below.
    • Miami:
      • 22,000 applications were processed on Tuesday
      • 20,800 applications were processed on Wednesday
      • More than 121,000 bottles of water have been distributed
      • On Tuesday, DCF began serving individuals early at 6:15 am, and today at 5:30 am.
      • More than 1,800 DCF and temporary staff are on site processing applications and supporting operations
    • Broward:
      • 17,000 applications were processed on Tuesday
      • 23,000 applications were processed on Wednesday
      • DCF has distributed more than 51,000 bottles of water. The United Way has also distributed more than 32,000 bottles of water.  
      • Today, DCF began serving individuals at 6:30 a.m.
      • More than 1,100 DCF and temporary staff are on site processing applications and supporting operations
  • Following the conclusion of DSNAP operations, any individuals who may be in need of assistance can apply through the regular public assistance program online at http://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/.
  • Assigned 750 staff from headquarters to support processing of applications
  • Initially deployed more than 6,000 staff statewide to assist in operations and administration of this federal program, including nearly 1,500 temporary workers, to Food for Florida sites to process applications
  • Deployed staff from the panhandle to support operations in affected counties
  • Hired traffic control companies to aid with parking and traffic control
  • Special accommodations have been available for the elderly and disabled. Onsite staff are working to monitor the population of those in lines to assist elderly and disabled residents to the front of the line. Those who need these accommodations should find staff to inquire about expedited service.
  • Shuttled staff from remote locations to allow for more onsite parking
  • Every site has distributed bottled water to individuals waiting in line on foot.
  • DCF takes the responsibility to be good stewards of taxpayer money very seriously and investigates all instances of potential fraud. DCF’s Public Benefits Integrity (PBI) program has investigators on-site at each FFF location to review potentially fraudulent applicants and conduct investigations for profiles flagged as fraud-prone. PBI investigators are also monitoring social media sites for fraudulent sales of food assistance. Individuals who are found guilty of submitting false information on their application for D-SNAP benefits are subject to criminal prosecution and will be required to pay the money back. PBI on-site staff reviewed nearly 42,000 D-SNAP applications as of November 8 and have avoided issuing more than $13 million in fraudulent benefits.

In addition to DSNAP, DCF applied for federal food assistance program waivers for those receiving regular SNAP benefits and provided:

  • Early release of food assistance benefits prior to Hurricane Irma making landfall to help families prepare
  • Hot Foods Waiver, and a subsequent extension, to allow families to purchase prepared food with their EBT cards at participating retailers
  • Extended the time frame to report food loss from 10 to 20 days
  • Mass food assistance replacement benefits for September to SNAP recipients in 52 counties effected by Hurricane Irma
  • Extended October SNAP recertification deadlines for three months

More than 1 Billion in Federal Food Disaster Food Assistance Distributed

Posted on

The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) today released updates on the federal Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP) operations in Florida. To date, in response to Hurricane Irma, DCF has distributed more than $1 billion in federal disaster food assistance through DSNAP, supplemental benefits, and replacements for regular SNAP customers. As of October 21, DCF has processed more than 756,272 DSNAP applications that meet the federal requirements. This will help more than 7.5 million Floridians through SNAP and DSNAP as they continue to recover from the impacts of Hurricane Irma. 
Public safety is paramount and is DCF’s first priority as we operate assistance sites throughout the state. DCF will continue to follow the direction of local law enforcement in every community to ensure the safety of those we are committed to serving. DCF defers to local law enforcement for all determinations related to traffic or public safety issues.
DCF has aggressively pursued actions to ensure operations are as expeditious, safe, and efficient as possible. Following the conclusion of the Food for Florida program statewide, DCF will conduct a thorough after action review of all operations. 
Important details are included below.  

  • DCF submitted the first request for disaster food assistance to the federal government on September 13, just three days after Hurricane Irma’s first impact to Florida.
  • DCF sent a letter to the USDA on October 17 to request additional flexibility and resources in administering the federal DSNAP program in Florida.
    • Read the FNS response to DCF here.
  • Operations in several large counties have already concluded and assistance was successfully provided to thousands of residents, including:
  • Hillsborough – 240,401 individuals issued benefits
  • Duval – 290,670 individuals issued benefits
  • Lucie – 142,739 individuals issued benefits
  • Osceola – 137,439 individuals issued benefits
  • Brevard – 127,474 individuals issued benefits
  • Volusia – 120,046 individuals issued benefits
  • Pinellas – 111,996 individuals issued benefits
  • Palm Beach – 190,392 individuals issued benefits
  • Statewide data on DSNAP by county as of October 21 is available here.
  • The Orange County DSNAP site will remain open at Camping World Stadium in Orlando for Orange County residents through Wednesday, October 25.
    • DCF is worked closely with local officials, including the Orange County Sheriff’s Office to ensure the site and surrounding area were prepared for safe and efficient operations to serve Orange County residents.
    • More than 500 DCF are on-site serving residents.
    • Residents are encouraged to carpool or use public transportation to reduce traffic congestion in the area.
    • Media are asked to park in Lot J.
  • The Seminole County DSNAP site will remain open at Orlando Live Events in Casselberry until October 25.
  • The Collier/Lee County DSNAP event will be held at the LCPA Overflow Parking October 26-31.
  • The Lafayette/Suwanee County DSNAP event will be held at the Live Oak Church of God October 27-31.
  • The Pasco County DSNAP event will be held at the Pasco County Fairgrounds November 5-8.
    • DCF is working diligently with Pasco County Fairground officials and local law enforcement to establish a safe and secure site for Pasco families.
    • The gates will not open until 6:30 a.m. on November 5 per local officials and law enforcement will be strictly enforcing no overnight or on the road parking.
  • The additional Miami/Dade and Broward DSNAP event dates and locations will be announced as soon as details are finalized. The department is working closely with law enforcement and local officials to select a site that law enforcement can support and will be acceptable for all parties.
  • Important reminders for Florida families:
    • DSNAP is not for current food assistance customers.
    • Apply online/pre-registration is strongly encouraged prior to visiting a site.
    • Only head of household should come to the site for an interview.
    • Please visit on the days listed here:  http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/access/fff/siteLocations.shtml
    • Please attend on the date we are serving the first initial of your last name.
    • Please bring a valid Florida Driver’s License or Identification Card.
  • Assigned 750 staff at headquarters to support processing of applications
  • Deployed more than 6,000 staff to assist in operations and administration of this federal program, including nearly 1,500 temporary workers, to Food for Florida sites to process applications
  • Deployed staff from the panhandle to support operations in affected counties
  • Extended operating hours at the three Palm Beach County sites to 7:00 p.m. each day
  • The ACCESS Call Center hours have been increased to help serve more people during the day for the duration of the DSNAP program to 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
  • Hired traffic control companies to aid with parking and traffic control
  • Special accommodations are available for the elderly and disabled. Onsite staff are working to monitor the population of those in lines to assist elderly and disabled residents to the front of the line. Those who need these accommodations should find staff to inquire about expedited service.
  • Shuttled staff from remote locations to allow for more onsite parking
  • Additional sites will open in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Marion counties to continue to serve residents in these areas. Details will be announced at www.myflfamilies.com/fff as soon as possible.
  • Every site is distributing bottled water to individuals waiting in line on foot;
  • DCF takes the responsibility to be good stewards of taxpayer money very seriously and investigates all instances of potential fraud. DCF’s Public Benefits Integrity (PBI) program has investigators on-site at each FFF location to review potentially fraudulent applicants and conduct investigations for profiles flagged as fraud-prone. PBI investigators are also monitoring social media sites for fraudulent sales of food assistance. Individuals who are found guilty of submitting false information on their application for D-SNAP benefits are subject to criminal prosecution and will be required to pay the money back. PBI on-site staff reviewed 30,882 D-SNAP applications as of October 22 and have avoided issuing more than $8.74 million in fraudulent benefits.

In addition to DSNAP, DCF applied for federal food assistance program waivers and provided:

  • Early release of food assistance benefits prior to Hurricane Irma making landfall to help families prepare
  • Hot Foods Waiver, and a subsequent extension, to allow families to purchase prepared food with their EBT cards at participating retailers
  • Extended the time frame to report food loss from 10 to 20 days
  • Mass food assistance replacement benefits for September to SNAP recipients in 52 counties effected by Hurricane Irma
  • Extended October SNAP recertification deadlines for three months

DCF Issues Updates on Federal Disaster Food Assistance Program

Posted on

The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) today issued updates on the federal Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP) operations in Florida. DCF continues to operate federal DSNAP and since September 27, has served individuals in 34 counties. DCF has processed more than 625,000 DSNAP applications that meet the federal requirements and more than $873 million in federal food assistance has been distributed between DSNAP and SNAP supplements across Florida. This will help more than 6.7 million Floridians through SNAP and DSNAP as they continue to recover from the impacts of Hurricane Irma.
“We are grateful for our local partnerships that have been essential in facilitating successful federal DSNAP operations across the state. Today, as operations continue in Palm Beach and Polk counties, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and the Lakeland Police Department have been exemplary partners in providing a safe and orderly environment for DCF to conduct the federal DSNAP program in their communities. Our law enforcement partners in these communities are working hard alongside us to ensure the citizens of their counties get the help they need,” said DCF Secretary Mike Carroll. “I am also very proud of the thousands of DCF personnel and those we’ve brought on temporarily to assist who are working very long hours to serve their communities and neighbors by administering this much needed federal aid.”
Public safety is paramount and is DCF’s first priority as we operate assistance sites throughout the state. DCF will continue to follow the direction of local law enforcement in every community to ensure the safety of those we are committed to serving. DCF defers to local law enforcement for all determinations related to traffic or public safety issues. 
DCF has aggressively pursued actions to ensure operations are as expeditious, safe, and efficient as possible. Following the conclusion of the Food for Florida program statewide, DCF will conduct a thorough after action review of all operations. 
State actions taken, local information, and important reminders are below.

  • DCF submitted the first request for disaster food assistance to the federal government on September 13, just three days after Hurricane Irma’s first impact to Florida.
  • DCF sent a letter to the USDA on October 17 to request additional flexibility and resources in administering the federal DSNAP program in Florida.
  • Operations in several large counties have already concluded and successfully provided assistance to thousands of residents, including:
  • Hillsborough – 207,674 individuals issued benefits
  • Duval – 184,827 individuals issued benefits
  • Lucie – 129,482 individuals issued benefits
  • Osceola – 125,910 individuals issued benefits
  • Brevard – 121,185 individuals issued benefits
  • Volusia – 116,215 individuals issued benefits
  • Pinellas – 108,546 individuals issued benefits
  • Statewide data on DSNAP by county as of October 17 is available here.
  • Deployed 110 DCF staff from Miami to assist with operations at two Palm Beach County sites
  • Assigned 750 staff at headquarters to support processing of applications
  • Deployed more than 6,000 staff to assist in operations and administration of this federal program, including nearly 1,500 temporary workers, to Food for Florida sites to process applications
  • Deployed staff from the panhandle to support operations in affected counties
  • Extended operating hours at the three Palm Beach County sites to 7:00 p.m. each day
  • The ACCESS Call Center hours have been increased to help serve more people during the day for the duration of the DSNAP program to 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
  • Welcomed Pasco County residents for service in Polk County yesterday and today
  • Requested additional days to serve Miami-Dade County past the standard seven-day limit
  • Hired traffic control companies to aid with parking and traffic control
  • Special accommodations are available for the elderly and disabled. Onsite staff are working to monitor the population of those in lines to assist elderly and disabled residents to the front of the line. Those who need these accommodations should find staff to inquire about expedited service.
  • Shuttled staff from remote locations to allow for more onsite parking
  • Additional sites will open in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Marion counties to continue to serve residents in these areas. Details will be announced at www.myflfamilies.com/fff as soon as possible.
  • Every site is distributing bottled water to individuals.
  • DCF takes the responsibility to be good stewards of taxpayer money very seriously and investigates all instances of potential fraud. DCF’s Public Benefits Integrity (PBI) program has investigators on-site at each FFF location to review potentially fraudulent applicants and conduct investigations for profiles flagged as fraud-prone. PBI investigators are also monitoring social media sites for fraudulent sales of food assistance. Individuals who are found guilty of submitting false information on their application for D-SNAP benefits are subject to criminal prosecution and will be required to pay the money back. PBI on-site staff reviewed 21,190 D-SNAP applications as of October 17 and have avoided issuing more than $5.2 million in fraudulent benefits.

In addition to DSNAP, DCF applied for federal food assistance program waivers and provided:

  • Early release of food assistance benefits prior to Hurricane Irma making landfall to help families prepare
  • Hot Foods Waiver, and a subsequent extension, to allow families to purchase prepared food with their EBT cards at participating retailers
  • Extended the time frame to report food loss from 10 to 20 days
  • Mass food assistance replacement benefits for September to SNAP recipients in 52 counties effected by Hurricane Irma
  • Extended October SNAP recertification deadlines for three months

Florida Recognizes October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Posted on

Governor Rick Scott proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Florida. Throughout October, the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) is raising awareness to help recognize and stop domestic violence. This month, DCF also received more than $8 million from the STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program through the U.S. Department of Justice.
“Victims of domestic violence can be your neighbors, friends, and even your family; the mental impact of this trauma can last for generations,” DCF Secretary Mike Carroll said. “DCF will continue to partner with agencies across the state to protect survivors from their abusers and help families rebuild their lives.”
The annual STOP grant will support the implementation of strategies addressing violence against women in Florida. This funding will go toward critical services and programs provided by victim services providers, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and courts through contracts with the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Florida Department of Health.
Florida currently has 42 certified domestic violence centers located throughout the state that provide life-saving emergency shelters, services, and programming to survivors and their children. In 2016, the centers provided 145,327 safety plans and responded to 84,457 hotline calls, with an additional 25,540 Florida Domestic Violence Hotline calls. Domestic violence crimes against spouses and cohabitants are overwhelmingly the most frequently reported relationship between perpetrators and victims.
The Florida Domestic Violence Hotline provides multilingual services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Services include support, advocacy, information and referral services for the survivors of domestic violence, their children, families, and friends residing in Florida’s 67 counties.
If you suspect that someone is involved in domestic violence, call the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-500-1119.
For more information about DCF’s Domestic Violence Program, CLICK HERE.

DCF Applies for $6 Million in Additional Federal Funds to Fight Opioid Epidemic

Posted on

Last week, the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) submitted an application to the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for the Prescription Drug and Opioid Addiction grant. This grant is designed to address the opioid crisis by expanding and enhancing access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) services for persons with an opioid use disorder. If awarded, Florida would receive $2 million per year for up to three years.
“We are committed to using every available tool to help those in need as we continue to aggressively fight the national opioid epidemic in Florida,” DCF Secretary Mike Carroll said. “This grant will provide critical funding to obtain additional resources which provide further support to communities in need of vital treatment for individuals and families.”
This grant would supplement the $27 million State Targeted Response Grant received in May to fund opioid prevention, treatment, and recovery support services across the state. Governor Rick Scott signed Executive Order 17-146 on May 3, declaring a statewide Public Health Emergency and directing the immediate draw down of the $27 million in grant funds.
The proposal is aimed to increase the number of individuals receiving MAT, increase the number of individuals receiving integrated care, and increase the number of individuals receiving peer and other recovery support services. These proven methods of treatment will allow thousands of families to receive needed services in their communities. Other goals include decreasing the use of illicit/non-prescribed opioids, increasing the percent of individuals retained in care six months after initiating treatment, and improving social functioning.
Florida is one of the 17 eligible states to apply for the grant. SAMHSA will award grants to up to five states in the fall.

DCF Reminds Families to Stay Safe While Celebrating Independence Day

Posted on


The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) reminds parents and caregivers to take extra precautions to keep their children safe during the busy holiday weekend. Independence Day is an important time to reflect on the nation’s history and celebrate our freedom; but it is also important to take some simple steps to ensure your family’s safety.
Whether　on the playground or at a campground, make sure your family stays safe as you celebrate Independence Day,” DCF Secretary Mike Carroll said. “As Florida’s summer heat draws many of us to water on the weekends and holidays, remember that drowning remains a leading cause of death for children in our communities and can be prevented by adult supervision.”
Here are a few family safety tips to keep in mind:

  • Use good judgment when going boating. Make sure every passenger uses flotation devices and children are always secured by an adult while on a vessel.
  • There should always be an unimpaired adult actively watching children playing around or swimming in pools. When a child falls into a pool or a swimmer begins struggling, every second counts in preventing a drowning.
  • Be sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying and always follow all safety instructions. When lighting fireworks, including sparklers, always have water handy, such as a hose or bucket.
  • Use your grill well away from your home and deck, and out from under branches or overhangs.
  • If you attend a large event, plan ahead by determining a safe place to meet in case your family gets separated.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to follow these simple precautions to have a safe holiday.

DCF Partners with Barry University to Host a Two-Week Life and Job Skills Training for Former Foster Youth

Posted on


The Department of Children and Families’ (DCF) Fostering Success Program, in collaboration with the Barry University School of Social Work in Miami, recently held a commencement ceremony marking the completion of two-week professional life skills and employment readiness program for the young adults participating in the program.
Twelve former foster youth participated in an immersive developmental and professional job skills training opportunity to help better prepare them for the workforce. Participants were housed on campus, paired with a mentor, and participated in training which focused on personal and professional development, public speaking, cultural diversity, and technology in the workplace.
“We are thankful for the partnership with Barry University to provide an additional opportunity for our youth to develop their professional skills,” said DCF Secretary Mike Carroll. “This is the future of Florida’s workforce; it is imperative that we continue to support skills training for young adults in Florida’s child welfare system. We look forward to following their journeys and watching them grow in and outside of the workplace.”
The program operates jointly between DCF, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Youth (ages 18 and up) participating in the program have the opportunity to gain professional work experience in a supportive environment by obtaining employment in a paid entry-level position in a participating state agency.
“We appreciate Representative Albritton and the Florida Legislature for giving us the opportunity to help pilot this program,” said FDACS Director of Administration Joey Hicks. “This program not only provides an environment for growth and learning for the young adults in the program, but it equally benefits our employees who participate as mentors.  With the added support of DCF and FWC, we’re already seeing increased opportunity for these young adults in personal and professional skill development.”
The program’s goal is to help emancipated foster youth develop the habits, attitudes, and skills they need to get and keep a job, become self-sufficient and economically stable, and reach personal success. The program also offers its participants developmental skills training, mentoring services, and any needed additional support, such as transportation, housing, and food assistance.
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to welcome seven bright young people to the FWC from the Fostering Success Program,” said FWC Executive Director Nick Wiley. “This program provides multiple benefits. We’re able to provide participants with high-quality on-the-job training that prepares them for a future career. And it allows us the opportunity to immerse them in our conservation mission. Not only does this support the FWC’s efforts to create the next generation that cares about conservation, it may also lead participants to consider a career path at the FWC.”
The Fostering Success program was established in 2014 to help reduce and prevent the unnecessary struggles experienced when aging out of the foster care system by providing life and job skills education, job placement services, and collaborative efforts to strengthen and expand community partnerships.
“It is such a blessing to our young people emerging out of foster care to have opportunities to build careers in our state agencies, with Barry University equipping them,” said Representative Albritton. “When we started the program, I only dreamed and hoped that this simple idea would yield so much good.  Simply put, I’m deeply blessed to be part of Fostering Success team!  THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT!” 
The Fostering Success Program is currently only operated within the city of Tallahassee and administered by DCF, FDACS, and FWC.

DCF Recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Posted on

Help to be part of the solution

Governor Rick Scott proclaimed today as Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Florida and Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) recognizes this day as an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults, and to take action to protect seniors by raising awareness about elder abuse. For the last five years, June 15 has been designated as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
“We have a responsibility to help protect vulnerable adults from becoming victims and help embrace community supports that foster self-sufficiency,” said DCF Secretary Mike Carroll. “Elders are the foundation of our families and the backbone of our communities. We all have a responsibility to ensure they are safe and being properly cared for.”
Every year, an estimated five million – or one in ten – older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Experts believe that for every reported case of elder abuse or neglect, as many as 23.5 percent of cases go unreported. As with many abuse cases, victims are reluctant to report abuse because they feel ashamed or embarrassed.
“Our seniors deserve to be treated with dignity and respect,” said Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Jeffrey Bragg. “We all have a role to play in protecting our seniors from elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Learning the signs of abuse, and what steps to take to halt it, will ensure safer communities for our seniors.”  
DCF’s Adult Protective Services program promotes the safety, independence, and quality of life for vulnerable adults who are, or are in danger of, being abused, neglected by self or others, or financially exploited, and who are unable to protect themselves.
Florida’s demographics are shifting, and we will soon have more elderly people in the United States than ever before. Get involved in a local effort to raise awareness about elder abuse and neglect in your community. If you suspect an elder is being abused, neglected, or exploited, immediately call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873) or fill out the report online here.  
For more information about Adult Protect Services, as well as, what you can do to prevent elder abuse, click here.

DCF Celebrates Florida Child Welfare Professionals Recognition Day

Posted on


As Governor Scott proclaimed May 7-13 Public Service Recognition Week, the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) encourages Floridians to reflect on the important role of Florida’s dedicated child welfare professionals who devote their careers to serve and protect vulnerable children and families. From state child protective investigators to local case managers and from state policy makers to local providers of safety services, all those along the system of care work diligently to seek the best interest of the children and families served.
“Every day is a different day in the life of child welfare professionals,” DCF Secretary Mike Carroll said. “They wear many hats and make sacrifices in order to help others. Without the dedication of these individuals across the spectrum of care, Florida’s families and communities may look very different.”
DCF works in partnership with local communities, courts, and tribes to ensure the safety, timely permanency, and well-being of children.  The structure of Florida’s child welfare system allows for community-based care lead agencies to meet the needs of unique communities to the individuals and families it serves on a local level. Florida’s child welfare system encompasses a wide-range of services, including assistance to families working to stay safely together or be reunited, foster care, youth and young adults transitioning from foster care to independence, and adoption.
“The individuals who choose a career in child welfare work in a daunting field with incredible challenges, but they refuse to give up, because they know these children represent the future of Florida,” said Kurt Kelly, CEO, Florida Coalition for Children. “They are the backbone of our system of care and it is critical that we recognize they are the reason we are able to help children and families in our state overcome insurmountable challenges. We are beyond grateful for their service today and every day.”
While we honor this day, we celebrate the amazing child welfare professionals all year long. To answer the call to serve the families in your community, visit http://myflfamilies.com/general-information/employment/cpijobs. To learn more about Florida’s child welfare system, visit http://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/child-welfare.