The Department of Children and Families (DCF) in Florida has reported significant achievements throughout 2024 under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis. Secretary Shevaun Harris acknowledged their contributions to enhancing the lives of children and families across the state.
“2024 was another monumental year for our Department and the families we serve. The Department prioritized key initiatives that delivered vital services which helped individuals and families foster resiliency and achieve economic self-sufficiency,” said Secretary Harris. “The Department is thankful for the Governor and First Lady’s leadership, and we look forward to carrying their vision into the new year to keep the individuals and families of Florida thriving.”
Hope Florida, an initiative led by First Lady DeSantis, expanded its reach in 2024, serving over 30,000 Floridians through a network of more than 5,600 partners. The program aims to help residents overcome barriers on their path to self-sufficiency by providing access to employment opportunities and vocational training.
Activate Hope, launched in response to hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, supported over 57,000 individuals with essential supplies while assisting more than 33,000 people with referrals for overcoming hurricane-related challenges.
In child welfare efforts, fewer children entered foster care compared to previous years—a decrease attributed to focused prevention strategies. The Permanency Initiative streamlined adoption processes leading to nearly a 10% increase in adoptions during FY 2023-24.
The Continue the Mission initiative employed over 300 veterans as child protective investigators by December 2024. Additionally, Family Navigation served high-risk families ensuring stability with a success rate of keeping intact family units at nearly 90%.
Efforts were also made toward cultivating holistic care with programs like H.E.A.R.T., which educated youth on healthy relationships; Father First campaigns enhanced father involvement; Adult Protective Services maintained safety post-investigation; while homelessness decreased significantly statewide due to partnerships facilitated by increased funding.
Behavioral health resources were strengthened through Mobile Response Teams aiding crisis diversion; CORE Network expanded substance use disorder support across counties; Community Action Treatment teams prevented juvenile justice involvement among children served.
Florida's assertive community treatment approaches resulted in low readmission rates for mental health facilities compared nationally—demonstrating effective service delivery aimed at reducing higher-level care needs.