A.G. Gancarski
Last year was a very good year for children and families in the Sunshine State, one in which the government “continues to foster breakthrough strategies, strengthen resiliency and recovery resources, and champion innovative initiatives to support strong families across Florida.”
That’s the take of Shevaun Harris, who runs the Department of Children and Families under the Gov. Ron DeSantis administration, implementing policy priorities that have a direct, meaningful impact on the most vulnerable populations in the state.
“2024 was another monumental year for our Department and the families we serve. The Department prioritized key initiatives that delivered vital services which helped individuals and families foster resiliency and achieve economic self-sufficiency” said Secretary Harris. “The Department is thankful for the Governor and First Lady’s leadership, and we look forward to carrying their vision into the new year to keep the individuals and families of Florida thriving.”
Harris spotlights Hope Florida, a key initiative of First Lady Casey DeSantis, as a way to get people off of the dole. The DCF release notes that nearly 30,000 participants “who were on government assistance have reduced or eliminated their reliance on government food or cash assistance resulting in a savings of over $78 million annually.”
Additionally, foster care continues to show encouraging metrics, with the need for it at a “20 year low,” and down roughly a third since Gov. Ron DeSantis took office six years ago. Meanwhile, adoptions are up roughly 10% since FY 2022-3.
In another encouraging sign, Adult Protective Services is stopping domestic abuse from recurring. Its nearly 40,000 investigations into abuse stopped recurrences in 99% of cases.
Meanwhile, community care is reaping benefits for vulnerable and disabled results, allowing 99% to remain at home and outside of institutions to get skilled, specialized care.
DCF also says it’s solving the problems faced by unhoused Floridians.
Though homelessness is up 18% year over year nationally, DCF asserts it is down by 36% in Florida, with a rate 22% below the national average.
12 comments
Earl Pitts "Ron & Casey's Offical "Un-Official" 2028 Campaign Manager" American American
January 4, 2025 at 5:27 pm
Thanks and “Big Props” to Ron & Casey Desantis [The Next Up POTUS & First Lady] after Trump’s term.
Yours Truley,
Earl Pitts “Ron & Casey’s Offical “Un-Official” 2028 Campaign Manager
Jenne
January 4, 2025 at 7:31 pm
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TruthBTold
January 4, 2025 at 6:50 pm
Thank you Governor for taking care of thee most vulnerable.
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January 5, 2025 at 3:20 am
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ScienceBLVR
January 4, 2025 at 9:02 pm
Hmmmm forget to mention the governors refusal to expand Medicaid for those vulnerable children and families? Sorry kids, no summer food programs for you. Casey and Ron say just have hope.. nice. Yes sir, in Free Florida we like to say you gotta breed them, but we don’t care to feed them. Thanks Governor for building a legacy to keep kids poor and hungry .. it will fit right into the Project 2025 playbook once you get to the WH.
MH/Duuuval
January 5, 2025 at 9:00 am
Twice now Dee has turned down an additional $120 for children during the summer from the federal government. Apparently the $5 million state funds required to administer the program is the basis for this short-sighted point of view.
If Dee and the Mrs. are such good stewards, let’s have a look at their spending on food.
ScienceBLVR
January 5, 2025 at 1:31 pm
$120 for children during the summer…
Knowing how hungry some kids are throughout the year with 2 meals provided at school, this fed funding turn down by DeSantis really speaks to his mindset.
$120 per kid, for 3 months = $40 per month, $10 per week, per kid. Hard to fill a belly for $10 a week…
MH/Duuuval
January 5, 2025 at 2:11 pm
Unfortunately, I am reminded of the Rick Scott campaign commercial 6 years ago which showed 2 or 3 young African American girls in what appeared to be outside public housing. Rick emotes — I was here once — but then says nothing else. No promises, no goals, NOTHING.
Cindy
January 4, 2025 at 10:05 pm
30,000 reduced or minimum wage went up.
40,000 abuse cases are considered high in statistics.
Disabled people who get skilled in home care are upper middle class that can afford such care.
As for homeless idk unless you are in a family with children. It is usually against the law for children to live in tents.
MH/Duuuval
January 5, 2025 at 8:56 am
One is entering a totalitarian context when a government agency reports 99% relief from previous problems.
Bob Dole
January 6, 2025 at 5:32 am
God forbid you thank the workers that actually accomplished this. No, instead let’s thank our Governor, who, I suppose, waved his hand and accomplish all of this single-handedly. Also, 99%? That doesn’t even pass the smell test.
MH/Duuuval
January 6, 2025 at 9:28 am
Last time I looked every Florida agency is understaffed — by Dee’s design.