Nonprofit Embrace Families’ decision to end its contract with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) has left other local child welfare agencies questioning the future of foster care in Central Florida.
After facing financial restraints, Embrace Families, a nonprofit organization, has chosen not to renew its contract with the Florida DCF to manage foster care services in Central Florida. This decision has raised concerns among other local child welfare agencies about the next steps and the impact on the community. The DCF responded by stating that Embrace Families suffered from a “lack of management oversight.” The departure of Embrace Families has left foster family advocates and members of the community worried about the level of care and support that will be provided to foster children moving forward.
A Foster Family Advocate Speaks Out
Jerry Pitzer, a foster parent in the Orlando area for nearly 30 years and President of the Orange/Seminole Foster Children’s Association, has been personally affected by Embrace Families’ decision. Pitzer, who has partnered with local child welfare agencies like Embrace Families to support and advocate for foster and adoptive families, expressed his concerns about the impact on the community. He emphasized the importance of agencies that genuinely care about the work they do and the support they provide to foster parents. Pitzer worries about the potential loss of such a dedicated agency and the impact it may have on the well-being of foster children.
Embrace Families’ Exemplary Care
Pitzer praised Embrace Families as the best child welfare agency he has worked with during his years as a foster parent. He attributed this to the agency’s genuine concern for the well-being of foster children. Pitzer expressed his fear that the transition to a new lead child welfare agency may not provide the same level of care and support. He believes that Embrace Families’ decision to step away from the contract is a result of their inability to afford the necessary level of care. Pitzer hopes for a smooth transition but remains concerned about the lack of support from the DCF.
DCF’s Response and Concerns
In response to Embrace Families’ decision, the DCF stated that they respect the organization’s choice to no longer provide child welfare services in Seminole, Orange, and Osceola counties. The DCF expressed concerns about Embrace Families’ financial and operational performance. These concerns include a pattern of placing children in unlicensed settings, a lack of management oversight and support, and mismanagement of financial resources. The DCF claims that little progress has been made in resolving these issues. They appreciate Embrace Families stepping aside to allow a more capable organization to step in and provide the necessary level of service to the children in these counties.
Conclusion: The departure of Embrace Families from the foster care contract with the Florida DCF has created uncertainty for local child welfare agencies and foster families in Central Florida. Foster family advocate Jerry Pitzer and others in the community are concerned about the potential loss of the exceptional care and support provided by Embrace Families. The DCF’s response highlights their concerns about the agency’s performance. As the transition to a new lead child welfare agency takes place, it is crucial to ensure stability and maintain a high level of care for the children in need. The future of foster care in Central Florida hangs in the balance, and the community hopes for a smooth transition and continued dedication to the well-being of foster children.
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