Janice Thomas Named DCF Assistant Secretary for Programs

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) announced Tuesday that Janice Thomas would be taking over as assistant secretary for programs, overseeing family safety, child welfare, adult protection, child care, domestic violence and homelessness.

Ms. Thomas has been a valuable member of the DCF team for over threedecades. We are thrilled she has accepted our offer to lead thissignificant division of the department, Interim Secretary Esther Jacobosaid. Her years of knowledge, passion for the mission and hands-onexperience in the field give her a unique perspective to continue thepositive progress to protect Floridas most vulnerable.

Thomas will replaceStephen Pennypacker, who is leaving the department to take the CEO position atPartnership for Strong Families, a community-based care lead agency in North Central Florida.

Thomas has worked for DCF for more than 30 years, when she beganas a social work intern. She currently serves as the northwest region family and community services director. Thomas previously worked asthe circuit administrator forEscambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties and has held positions as achild protective investigator, adult protective investigator andfamily safety program managerfor the district.

I strongly believe in the working relationships between the department andour community partners, Thomas said. I will continue to be a strongadvocate for the children, families and the individuals DCF serves, as wellas the staff in the field who are dedicated to the same mission.