Rick Scott Looks to Increase DCF Funding

Gov. Rick Scott announced on Tuesday that his proposed budget would increase funding to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) by almost $31.9 million while another $8 million would go to sheriffs offices that handle child-protection issues.

Today, Im announcing that in my Its Your Money Tax Cut Budget we will propose an historic increase to DCF funding, Scott said on Tuesday. We are committed to increasing funding this year by more than $31 million. This funding will directly support critical services for children by hiring more than 400 new child-protective investigators. We are also investing $8 million to support sheriffs who work in child-protection services. While DCF has made significant changes to protect children, we still have much to do to protect the most vulnerable among us. Even one child's death is a death too many.

Scott is calling for the money to fund more investigators, ensure DCF investigators handle no more than 10 cases each, and create positions to review cases involving the most vulnerable children. The governor is also calling for restoring funding for mental health and substance abuse programs.

Armed with input from national experts and data to back up our proposals, we are prepared to ensure that these funds will be laser focused on protecting children who are most at risk, said Interim DCF Secretary Esther Jacobo. With Governor Scotts steadfast support of DCF initiatives to improve child safety, I am confident that these strategic investments will be made to keep Floridas children safe.