The decision by Embrace Families to terminate its contract with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) has left local child welfare agencies questioning the future of foster care in Central Florida.
Embrace Families, the leading nonprofit child welfare agency in Central Florida, recently announced that it will no longer be managing foster care services in the region due to financial constraints. The decision has raised concerns among other local agencies involved in child welfare, who are now left wondering what comes next. The DCF responded to Embrace Families’ decision by citing a “lack of management oversight” as the reason for the agency’s struggles.
A Foster Family Advocate Speaks Out
Jerry Pitzer, a foster parent with nearly 30 years of experience in the Orlando area, is also the President of the Orange/Seminole Foster Children’s Association and a partner with the Foster Adoptive Caregiver Team. Pitzer and his wife have fostered and adopted numerous children throughout the years and have worked closely with local child welfare agencies like Embrace Families. Pitzer expressed his personal disappointment upon learning about Embrace Families’ decision, stating that the agency’s departure would leave a significant void in the support and advocacy provided to foster and adoptive families. He praised Embrace Families for their genuine care and concern for the children they served, expressing concern that the transition to a new agency may not offer the same level of support.
Concerns Over DCF’s Support
Pitzer, along with Embrace Families, believes that the Florida DCF did not provide adequate support to the agency, contributing to their decision to end the contract. Pitzer hopes that the transition to a new lead child welfare agency will be smooth for the sake of the Central Florida community. He emphasized the importance of having a leadership community that genuinely cares about the well-being of foster children and expressed concern that the new agency may prioritize financial considerations over the welfare of the children.
DCF Responds to Embrace Families’ Decision
Spectrum News reached out to the Florida DCF for their perspective on the matter. In their response, the DCF expressed respect for Embrace Families’ decision to step down from providing child welfare services in Seminole, Orange, and Osceola counties. The DCF cited ongoing concerns about Embrace Families’ financial and operational performance, including placing children in unlicensed settings despite interventions and technical assistance from the DCF. The agency also mentioned a lack of management oversight and support from Embrace Families to their contracted case management organizations, as well as mismanagement of financial resources. The DCF stated that they appreciate Embrace Families’ decision to step aside, allowing a more capable organization to step in and provide the level of service that the children in these counties deserve. The DCF assured that they have experience in transitioning community-based care services and are committed to ensuring stability through the transition process.
Conclusion: The decision by Embrace Families to terminate its contract with the Florida DCF has created uncertainty and concern among local child welfare agencies. While foster parent advocate Jerry Pitzer praised Embrace Families for their exceptional care and support, he worries that the new lead agency may prioritize financial considerations over the well-being of foster children. The Florida DCF acknowledged ongoing concerns about Embrace Families’ performance but expressed confidence in their ability to transition to a new agency that can provide a higher level of service. As the transition unfolds, the Central Florida community anxiously awaits the future of foster care in the region and hopes for a smooth and successful transition that prioritizes the well-being of the children involved.
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