Lecture Notes: Foster Care System Improvement in Hernando County

Overview

• Presenter: Chandra Broadwater
• Date: June 26, 2007
• Source: The St. Petersburg Times, FL
• Focus: Improvements in the foster care system in Hernando County, Florida

Key Points

Background

• In 2005, Hernando County had the highest rate of child removal into foster care in Florida.
• The National Coalition for Child Protection Reform criticized the high removal rates.

Improvements in 2006

• The number of children removed from homes decreased by one-third.
  • Statistics:
    • 2005: 2,241 children removed
    • 2006: 1,549 children removed
• Reduction indicates a better assessment of child safety needs.

Advocacy Group's Perspective

• The National Coalition for Child Protection Reform emphasized that fewer removals often correlate with better child safety.
• Despite improvements, Florida is still described as having a pervasive "foster care panic."

Response and Reforms

• Richard Wexler, Executive Director of the coalition, praised District 13 for addressing issues candidly.
• Kids Central Inc.:
  • Overseeing agency for District 13's foster care.
  • Implemented a family-centered approach focusing on minimal disruption.
  • Aims to keep children with parents or close relatives whenever possible.

Decision Making in Foster Care

• Tim Bottcher, DCF District 13 spokesman, emphasized thoughtful decision-making:
  • Removal only occurs when there is clear evidence of harm or risk to the child.
  • Ultimate goal: Reunification of children with families once safety is assured.

Conclusion

• Improvements show a shift towards more strategic and careful decision-making in child welfare.
• Continuous efforts are needed to address ongoing challenges in the Florida foster care system.

Contact Information

• For further queries, Chandra Broadwater can be contacted at [email protected] or (352) 848-1432.