Latest News

April 1, 2024

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.

March 21, 2024

DCF Launches First-of-its-kind Baker Act Data Dashboard

February 26, 2024

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Shevaun Harris announced the HEART Initiative for Teen Healthy Relationship Month.

January 25, 2024

 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.

January 10, 2024

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.

December 28, 2023

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.

December 13, 2023

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.

December 6, 2023

FY2024-2025 Investments Enhance Services and Promotes Resiliency

November 13, 2023

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.

October 31, 2023

Governor Ron DeSantis recognized October as Safe Sleep Month in Florida. The Florida Department of Children and Families (Department), Florida Department of Health, and the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida focus special attention on this issue during October to raise awareness about how to prevent infant sleep-related deaths in our state.