Local child welfare agencies are grappling with uncertainty after Embrace Families, the lead child welfare agency in Central Florida, decided not to renew its contract with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) due to financial constraints.
The decision by Embrace Families to sever ties with the Florida DCF has sent shockwaves through the foster care community in Central Florida. As the lead child welfare agency in the region, Embrace Families played a crucial role in supporting, educating, and advocating for foster and adoptive families. The news has left other local child welfare agencies wondering about the future of foster care in the area. This article explores the impact of Embrace Families’ decision and the concerns raised by foster family advocates.
A Passion for Foster Care Advocacy
Jerry Pitzer, a foster parent with nearly 30 years of experience in the Orlando area, is deeply involved in foster care advocacy. As the President of the Orange/Seminole Foster Children’s Association and a partner with the Foster Adoptive Caregiver Team, Pitzer has dedicated his life to supporting foster and adoptive families. He and his wife have adopted 10 of their foster children over the years. When Pitzer learned about Embrace Families’ decision, he felt personally affected by the news.
The Best of the Best
Pitzer praises Embrace Families as the best child welfare agency he has encountered during his time as a foster parent. He attributes this to the agency’s genuine care for the work they do. Pitzer expresses concern that the transition to a new lead child welfare agency may not provide the same level of support and advocacy that Embrace Families did. He fears that the new agency may prioritize financial considerations over the well-being of foster families.
Lack of Support from DCF
Pitzer echoes the sentiments of Embrace Families, claiming that the Florida DCF did not provide adequate support to the agency. He believes that DCF’s failure to offer proper management oversight and assistance contributed to Embrace Families’ decision to end their contract. Pitzer hopes that the transition to a new lead agency will be smooth for the sake of the Central Florida community.
DCF Responds to Embrace Families’ Decision
Spectrum News reached out to the Florida DCF for comment on Embrace Families’ decision. In their response, the DCF acknowledges Embrace Families’ choice and expresses concerns about the agency’s financial and operational performance. The DCF cites issues such as placing children in unlicensed settings and mismanagement of financial resources. The department states that little progress has been made in resolving these issues, and they appreciate Embrace Families stepping aside to allow a more capable organization to take over.
Conclusion:
The decision by Embrace Families to end its contract with the Florida DCF has left the foster care community in Central Florida uncertain about the future. Foster family advocates, like Jerry Pitzer, express their concern about the loss of a dedicated and caring agency. The transition to a new lead child welfare agency raises questions about the level of support and advocacy that foster families will receive moving forward. As the community navigates this transition, stakeholders are hopeful that a new agency will step in and provide the level of service that the children in Central Florida deserve.
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