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November 22, 2022
ICYMI: Florida Rejects the CDC’s New Opioid Guidelines
The agency calls them ‘essential’ for pain management and acknowledges only ‘potential’ risks.
Find Out MoreSeptember 13, 2022
First Lady Casey DeSantis Highlights Success of Continue the Mission Initiative to Recruit Veterans to Care for Florida’s Most Vulnerable Children
News article posted September 13, 2022
Find Out MoreAugust 31, 2022
First Lady Casey DeSantis Expands Hope Florida to Support Seniors through ‘A Pathway to Purpose’
First Lady Casey DeSantis announced the expansion of her Hope Florida initiative to the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.
Find Out MoreAugust 4, 2022
In Case You Missed It: Governor Ron DeSantis Announces New Opioid Recovery Program in Florida
Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by Florida health officials to announce the expansion of a new, piloted substance abuse and recovery network to disrupt the opioid epidemic.
Find Out MoreJuly 15, 2022
In Case You Missed It: First Lady Casey DeSantis Makes Major Announcements to Support the Hope Florida – A Pathway to Prosperity Initiative
Hope Florida Expansion and the Creation of the Hope Florida Fund
Find Out MoreJuly 15, 2022
State of Florida Deploys Tools to Address Overdose Crisis
Last week, First Lady Casey DeSantis brought together the Florida Department of Children and Families Secretary Shevaun Harris, State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo and law enforcement to discuss the recent increases in overdoses associated with fentanyl in Gadsden County.
Find Out MoreJuly 15, 2022
Secretary Harris Meets with Foster Families Throughout the State
Roundtable Discussion Highlights DeSantis Administration's Commitment to Ensuring Foster Families Have the Resources They Need
June 10, 2022
More than 30,000 Floridians Assisted through First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Hope Florida – A Pathway to Prosperity
Family-centered initiative reaches new milestone.
Find Out MoreJune 8, 2022
Governor Ron DeSantis Bolsters Child and Family Well-Being in Florida Through Freedom First Budget
~Fatherhood, Adoption, and Foster Parent Subsidy Among 2022-2023 Budget Wins ~
Find Out MoreMay 26, 2022
Governor Ron DeSantis Encourages Floridians to Participate in Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday Ahead of 2022 Hurricane Season
~The 2022 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday will last two weeks, beginning May 28 through June 10 ~
Find Out MoreMay 1, 2024
Florida Department of Children and Families Champions Mental Health Awareness and Access through Innovative Initiatives
The Florida Department of Children and Families hosted a Mental Health Awareness Month roundtable to discuss advancements in the way public, private, community, and faith-based organizations are supporting individuals and families with mental health resiliency and well-being.
Find Out MoreApril 1, 2024
Department of Children and Families and Partners Kick Off Child Abuse Prevention Month
The Department of Children and Families (Department) Secretary Shevaun Harris joined key partners in recognizing April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and together planted pinwheels at the Department’s headquarters. Pinwheels are the national symbol for child abuse prevention and serve as a reminder of the happy and carefree environment desired for every child. Everyone can come together as a community to play a role in supporting families to prevent child abuse and neglect.
Find Out MoreMarch 21, 2024
DCF Launches First-of-its-kind Baker Act Data Dashboard
DCF Launches First-of-its-kind Baker Act Data Dashboard
Find Out MoreFebruary 26, 2024
DCF Announces HEART Initiative for Teen Healthy Relationship Month
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Shevaun Harris announced the HEART Initiative for Teen Healthy Relationship Month.
Find Out MoreJanuary 25, 2024
Hope Navigators Spread Holiday Cheer with Over 1,400 Toys Gifted to Families in Need
The Hope for the Holidays Toy Drive, created by First Lady Casey DeSantis, Hope Florida and the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet, distributed more than 1,400 toys, bringing joy and festive spirit to Florida families in need during the 2023 holiday season.
Find Out MoreJanuary 10, 2024
Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez Highlights Statewide Human Trafficking Resources and Awareness Events During Human Trafficking Prevention Month
Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Shevaun Harris, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities Director Taylor Hatch, and stakeholders recognized January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month, highlighted Florida’s investment and resources for survivors of human trafficking and reiterated the state’s ongoing efforts to end human trafficking.
Find Out MoreDecember 28, 2023
DCF Sees Continued Success Supporting Strong and Resilient Families Through Innovation and Impact
Department of Children and Families (Department) Secretary Shevaun Harris highlighted the Department’s most recent successes, praising Governor and First Lady DeSantis for their innovative approach, strong leadership, and unwavering devotion to Florida’s children and families.
Find Out MoreDecember 13, 2023
More Than 380 Children Adopted since July, following launch of Permanency Pilot in the Tampa Bay Area
Secretary Shevaun Harris highlighted the successes from the Permanency Initiative launched by the Department of Children and Families (Department) in Pasco, Pinellas, and Hillsborough counties. In less than 150 days, 381 children in the Tampa Bay area were adopted, an 85% increase compared to the prior fiscal year.
Find Out MoreDecember 6, 2023
Governor Ron DeSantis Continues to Support Children and Families in the Focus on Florida’s Future Budget
FY2024-2025 Investments Enhance Services and Promotes Resiliency
Find Out MoreNovember 13, 2023
Department of Children and Families Announces Modernized MyACCESS Portal: Same Name, New Portal
Florida Department of Children and Families (Department) Secretary Shevaun Harris announced that the new MyACCESS government assistance portal will launch on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. This transformative upgrade will enhance the user experience when applying for or renewing government programs like food assistance, temporary cash assistance, and Medicaid.
Find Out More30
Jan
FLITE Center's First Annual Human Trafficking Awareness Event
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
In recognition of January's National Human Trafficking Awareness & Prevention Month, FLITE Center encourages you to attend the First Annual Human Trafficking Awareness Event at the FLITE Center, Ft. Lauderdale January 30, 2025.
Learn more30
Jan
Substance Use and Mental Health Advisory Council Meeting
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Substance Use and Mental Health Advisory Council Meeting
Learn more31
Jan
Film screening of "City of Dreams"
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Film screening of "City of Dreams" - City of Dreams follows Jesús, a young farmer in rural Mexico who becomes a victim of Human Trafficking.
Learn more31
Jan
Substance Use and Mental Health Advisory Council Meeting
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Substance Use and Mental Health Advisory Council Meeting
Learn more04
Feb
Tampa Bay Refugee Task Force Meeting
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
The purpose of this meeting is to increase awareness of the refugee populations, share best practices, spot trends in refugee populations, build collaborations between agencies, help create good communication among service providers, get informed about upcoming community events, and discuss refugee program service needs and possible solutions to meeting those needs.
Learn more05
Feb
Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder
Florida Statue 394.9086
07
Feb
Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder
Florida Statue 394.9086
11
Feb
Behavioral Health Interagency Collaboration
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Behavioral Health Interagency Collaboration
Learn more12
Feb
Orlando Area Refugee Task Force Meeting
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
The purpose of this meeting is to increase awareness of the refugee populations, share best practices, spot trends in refugee populations, build collaborations between agencies, help create good communication among service providers, get informed about upcoming community events, and discuss refugee program service needs and possible solutions to meeting those needs.
Learn more13
Feb
Behavioral Health Interagency Collaboration
9:30 am – 11:30 am
Behavioral Health Interagency Collaboration
Learn moreContact Us
Florida's Government-in-the-Sunshine Law sets a high standard of open records and transparency of public information and meetings, and open government is also a core value of the Department of Children and Families and the Office of Communications.