News and Info for Foster, Adoptive and Relative Caregivers

04/05/2022

Central Florida foster care agency fighting for larger cut of new funding

Embrace says an additional $150 million is expected to be given to lead agencies across the state, tied to legislation that’s headed to the governor’s desk.

03/12/2022

Fort Myers group didn’t bid, but could win Hillsborough foster care contract - The Florida Department of Children and Families is in talks with Children’s Network of Southwest Florida.

The Florida Department of Children and Families is in talks with Children’s Network of Southwest Florida.

03/10/2022

CBC News from Tally
Budget conference: Community-based care change brings resources for underserved communities

A different formula means greater resources for adoptions, foster services and prevention.

03/06/2022

State charges parents of boy locked in a box with 2 felonies | WPEC

The state will move forward with two felony charges against the parents accused of locking their son in a box in their garage, according to new court records. Allegedly locked in a 8 by 8 box built into the garage for as many as 18 hours a day, Tracy and Timothy Ferriter’s 14 year old boy told...

02/28/2022

Federal funds available for those transitioning out of foster care system ~ The Cabinet for Health and Family Services announced on Friday that some federal funds are available to help youths and young adults who are transitioning out of the state’s foster care system.

The money comes from the Federal Supporting Foster Youth and Families Through the Pandemic Act, which provides child welfare agencies with resources to respond to the needs of those who transitioned from foster care at or after their 18th birthday or were adopted at the age of 16 or older. The funds can be used for mortgage or rent payments, utility bills, car loans, groceries and other basic needs.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – The Cabinet for Health and Family Services announced on Friday that some federal funds are available to help youths and young adults who are transitioning out

02/17/2022

House targets fatherhood 'crisis' As the House speaker decries a "fatherhood crisis" in the state, the House on Wednesday passed a wide-ranging measure that seeks to bolster fathers' parenting skills.

https://cw34.com/news/local/house-targets-fatherhood-crisis

02/07/2022

SWFL in desperate need of foster families
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There's a desperate need in our community for more foster parents.

02/05/2022

Thoughts -Florida Bill Aims to Give Children Attorneys

The bill will create a Statewide Office of Child Representation that will provide attorneys to children involved in dependency proceedings.

01/10/2022

Sharing a news source/info.

The Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida, a nonprofit organization identifying, funding and evaluating innovative programs for children and families.

12/11/2021

Fort Walton Beach police fulfill foster kids' wish lists with 'Operation Santa' toy drive

Several officers were dispatched to United Fidelity Bank on Friday to help foster kids in the local community fulfill their Christmas wish lists.

11/25/2021

DCF names new agency to ‘rebuild’ Tampa Bay area’s troubled foster care system

The Florida Department of Children and Families announced Family Support Services of North Florida (FSS) will begin transition activities before the end of this month for Circuit 6, which involves …

11/08/2021

State launches emergency bid to find new foster care agency for Pinellas, Pasco. The Florida Department of Children and Families has just 35 working days to replace Eckerd Connects, which is the focus of a criminal investigation. Pinellas Sheriff Bob Gualtieri announced Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021, that his office launched a criminal investigation into Eckerd Connects Community Alternatives, the agency that runs foster care in Pinellas and Pasco counties. Recent accidents and incidents reported from Eckerd’s offices shown here at 8550 Ulmerton Road in Largo, raised alarms about the level of care and supervision at the makeshift accommodation, the sheriff said. It comes just four days after the Florida Department of Children and Families announced that it will not renew the Clearwater nonprofit's $80 million contract.

By Christopher O'Donnell

The Florida Department of Children and Families has just 35 working days to replace Eckerd Connects, which is the focus of a criminal investigation.