History
In 1998, the Florida legislature mandated that all foster care and related services be privatized, or provided through contract by private, non-profit agencies across the state. This transition was to begin in January, 2000 and be completed over a three-year period. The concept was dubbed Community Based Care (CBC), with the intent of building a stronger, more effective system through a community-driven process that was to be advocacy-based, locally organized and empowered. The initial contract between DCF and PSF was signed on June 29, 2003. Since that time, PSF has been the lead agency for child welfare services in North Central Florida.
The initial contract between the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Partnership for Strong Families (PSF) was signed on June 29, 2003. Since that time, PSF has provided comprehensive child welfare services for judicial circuits 3 and 8, which consist of Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Taylor, Baker, Suwannee and Union Counties.
While PSF is the lead agency for this community, we are by no means the only agency. For example, dependency case management services are provided by subcontracted providers (Devereux, Children's Home Society, Family Preservation Services, Camelot and CDS), and the local system of care depends upon the work of all of the agencies in the community. We utilize a network of 300 service providers, including major mental health, substance abuse and domestic violence agencies.
PSF is licensed by the state of Florida, and is accredited by the Council on Accreditation.
