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Improvements in Hernando County Foster Care

Mar 17, 2025

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.