Florida\u2019s foster care population has been cut nearly in half over the last six years, according to the Department of Children and Families.<\/p>\n
Lead agencies say they are putting greater focus on diversion programs that offer services to struggling families to prevent potential safety issues before they happen. That could mean mental health or substance use treatment, parenting classes, anger management courses or check-ins from case managers.<\/p>\n
Statewide, more than 7,000 children are receiving in-home services from child welfare agencies.<\/p>\n
The Tampa Bay Times is interested in learning more about these initiatives and the experiences of families who interact with them. Reporters Teghan Simonton<\/a> and Lauren Peace<\/a> invite responses as part of ongoing reporting with support from the Center for Health Journalism<\/a> at the University of Southern California\u2019s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.<\/p>\n Local diversion programs include The Children Network of Hillsborough County\u2019s Intensive Family Services Team or the STEPs program run by Family Support Services of Suncoast in Pinellas County. We also welcome stories about other interactions with the child welfare system from parents, foster parents, former foster youth and people who have worked in the system.<\/p>\n