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Prevention and Permanency Plan for July 2010 – June 2015Circuit: 04, Counties: Clay, Duval, NassauDate Due and Report Period:X 29 July 2011Circuit Planning Team Convener:Name: Jacquelyn GreenTitle: Circuit 4 Community Relations ConsultantAddress: 5920 Arlington Expressway Jacksonville, Florida 32231Telephone: (904) 723-2195Fax: (904) 723-5389Email: jacquelyn green@dcf.state.fl.usPerson Completing the Monitoring Report:Name: Jacquelyn GreenTitle: Community Relations ConsultantContact Information:Telephone: (904) 723-2195Email: Jacquelyn green@dcf.state.fl.usAnnual Report – Year 1
I. Prevention of Child Abuse, Abandonment and NeglectObjectivesObjective 1.1Objective 1.2Objective 1.3By June 2015, identified Circuit 4 grassroots champions and community organizations will have been engaged in NeighborhoodCenter development and expansion.By June 2015, Circuit 4 will have incorporated the five protective factors in the enhancement and expansion of NeighborhoodCenter primary prevention efforts.By June 2015, Circuit 4 will have expanded the use of educational systems, businesses and other community resources to supportNeighborhood Center initiatives for sustainability.Action Steps – Circuit Prevention PlanLead - Responsible forImplementationBegin Date-End Date/Measures/Benchmarks1.1.1 - Identify potential Neighborhood Center sitesand partnerships that meet the unique needs of DuvalCounty, i.e. libraries.1.1.2 - Identify potential Neighborhood Center sitesthat meet the unique needs of Clay County.1.1.3 - Identify potential Neighborhood Center sitesthat meet the unique needs of Nassau County.Family Support Services, DCF7/2010 – 7/2011 - Evaluate neighborhood incidents of abuse orneglect, poverty level and lack of available resources by zip code.Kids First of Florida7/2010 – ongoing - Evaluate neighborhood incidents of abuse orneglect, poverty level and lack of available resources by zip code.7/2011 – ongoing - Evaluate neighborhood incidents of abuse orneglect, poverty level and lack of available resources by zip code.1.2.1 - Cultivate existing partnerships with providersaddressing Concrete Support for Parents - DuvalCommunity Center Director,Family Support Services, DCF1.2.1 - Address Societal Connections for parentsthrough intergenerational (seasoned/experiencedparent with younger parent) contacts and activitiessuch as sharing recipes during food distribution,parent support groups; and contact with Centervolunteers during activities. - Duval1.2.1 - Partner with early learning experts to createchildren’s programming to address Nurturing andAttachment to help children develop socially andemotionally. - DuvalCommunity Center Director,Family Support Services,Family Support Services, DCFFamily Support Services, DCF7/2010 – ongoing - Gap analysis to identify sources for jobreferrals/leads, on-site food pantry/food distribution, clothingclosets, computer training, certificates for free health screeningsreadily available for families.7/2010 – ongoing - Number and quality of Center activitiespromoting positive connections (including number of family funday events, community outreach events, etc.); connections withoutside faith-based programs7/2010 – ongoing – Playground for children and a seniorcomponent scheduled for development on the campus of EdwardWaters College. Mayor’s initiative. Measures of effectiveness ofprograms.
7/2010 – ongoing - Gap analysis to identify sources for jobreferrals/leads, on-site food pantry/food distribution, clothingclosets, computer training, certificates for free health screeningsreadily available for families.7/2010 – ongoing - Counseling sessions provided, support groupscreated or sustained.1.2.2 - Cultivate existing partnerships with providersaddressing Concrete Support for Parents - ClayKids First of Florida, ClayBehavioral Health Center Inc.1.2.2 - Include Licensed Clinical Social Worker inservice-provider rotation to address parental resilienceissues. Clay1.2.2 - Partner with early learning experts to createchildren’s programming to address Nurturing andAttachment to help children develop socially andemotionally. ClayKids First of Florida, ClayBehavioral Health Center Inc.Kids First of Florida, ClayBehavioral Health Center Inc.7/2010 – ongoing - Number and quality of Center activitiespromoting positive connections (including number of family funday events, community outreach events, etc.); connections withoutside faith-based programs1.3.1 - Partner with community-specific educationalsystems to obtain mentors; provide technicalassistance for programming; conduct research; createinternships; establish practicum sites for familycentered curricula. DuvalFamily Support Services, DCF7/2010 – ongoing - Number of worksite opportunities created, jobreadiness skills obtained, jobs attained1.3.3 - Partner with community-specific educationalsystems to obtain mentors; provide technicalassistance for programming; conduct research; createinternships; establish practicum sites for familycentered curricula. NassauFamily Support Services, DCF7/2010 – ongoing - Number of worksite opportunities created, jobreadiness skills obtained, jobs attainedNarrative – Actions steps were completed before or by the established end date for measures and benchmarks throughout this first year ofimplementing the 5 Year Plan for Prevention and Permanency 2010-2015. The objectives are those which are aiding in the providing betteroutcomes for our children, their families and our communities. In Duval County, emphasis was placed on piloting and monitoring projects incommunities where high poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, violent crime and teen pregnancy are prevalent. Residents of Health Zone 1 (theUrban Core) and bordering communities were targeted with prevention programs, both in the neighborhoods and in schools. The NeighborhoodCenters in the Circuit are thriving and focused on addressing the five protective factors in service provision. In Duval County at the Schell SweetCommunity Resource Center on the campus of Edward Waters College, continues to offer "One-Stop" approach to providing services to thecommunity. During 2010, the partnership between Family Support Services, our lead community based care agency, and Edward Waters Collegecontinues to be a value to the New Town Community and the larger service area of the Schell Sweet Center. Offering services centered around theneeds of the community, FSS and 29 additional service providers support pre-natal and birthing projects, Ged-Prep/GED, Strengthening Ties andEmpowering Parents (STEPS) Prevention, WorkSource, ACCESS, Senior Wellness Program, Mental Health Counseling and several other family
help agencies. While providing the necessary help to the community, the primary goals of 2010/2011 were to achieve a higherlevel of communication and support of the service provider network and to enhance service delivery.This approach accurately documented the effectiveness of the Schell Sweet Center while also assisting with identifying the needs of the Servicesbeing offered in the Center. Cassat House is a one-stop, supportive meeting place for community services providers and families in need.Along with the Family Preservation case management services, FSS Family Preservation facilitates Circle of Parents Support Groups. In 2010,there were 32 participants overall and to date for 2011, there have been a total of 24 participants. Cassat House serves as an ACCESS site wherelocal families have the ability to apply and follow up on their needed benefits. ACCESS served 1,572 clients overall in 2010 and 990 clientsthrough June 2011.Cassat educates families on community services; coordinates family services with other nonprofits; completes referrals for families in need;provides computer access for families to apply for Medicaid and food stamps; and holds weekly meetings with various local advocacy agencies.Hence, Cassat House continues to be an extension to the community through partnership with the following agencies:Neighbor to Families coordinates foster parent housing for siblings; Child Guidance Center facilitates Family Preservation Team and FamilyServices Planning Team meetings; Gateway Community Services facilitates a Women’s Support Groups; dANIEL facilitates court orderedvisitations; Children’s Home Society facilitates Active Parenting of Teens and Asset Building in Children meetings.CBC hired a nurse to work with families, including the Five Protective Factors. CBC subcontractors have received Trauma Informed Caretrainings the use of the Transitional Trauma Therapist (TTT) at removals. Parenting Workgroup formed as an offshoot of multi-series article byFlorida Times Union (City of Hope) for sharing Resource Identification systems among agencies. The group is exploring a parental awarenesscampaign about Quality Care of children.In Clay County the Green Cove Springs Neighborhood Resource and Referral Center remains a community resource for the rural area. Neighborsare referring neighbors to the center for services and a location to apply for benefits. Partners include: Quigley House Domestic Violence Shelter,Northeast Florida Community Action Agency, WorkSource, ACHA, DCF and faith based groups. The health department provides a dental van toassist with the children’s dental needs. The Clay County Foster Parent Association provides a clothing closet and food distribution. The ClayAction Coalition funded awareness materials for Kids First of Florida’s (KFF) Prevention Campaign promotion. KFF is the lead CommunityBased Care Agency in Clay County. This multi-pronged approach targeting new parents or parents of young children included infant wear,magnets and brochures -“Keeping Baby Safe” that cover shaken baby syndrome, water safety, car safety and safe sleeping. It also provides thecontact information for local organizations to call for assistance. These “prevention” items are being shared with the Child ProtectiveInvestigation office, school social workers (for teen moms), the Orange Park Medical Center, as well as other organizations who work with newparents. KFF staff are members of the Clay Action Coalition and the Mercy Network, whose efforts are focused alcohol and drug awareness andpreventing homelessness.The Nassau County Family Support Services Neighborhood Center has seen tremendous expansion in services since opening. There were 175families (376 children) provided services through Nassau Strengthening Ties and Empowering Parents (STEPS) program. Services are designedto stabilize families with positive skills to prevent abuse before it occurs and incorporates the five protective factors. Co-locating in the FSS
Nassau office has provided value to residents within the rural area and is referred to as the “one stop shop” as the office hosts: Breakfast LearningSeries-Monthly educational series, Daily Transportation through Council on Aging partnership, Daily Individual Substance Abuse Treatment,Weekly Women’s Empowerment meetings, Weekly MAPP training, Weekly Individual therapy for children and adults, Weekly substance abusegroup, Weekly group parenting classes, Weekly individual parent education, Weekly Pre and Post Adoption Counseling, Monthly Foster ParentAssociation meeting, Monthly Relative Caregiver and Medicaid assistance and Ongoing Adoptions Finalization. Breakfast Learning SeriesMonthly educational series and Daily Transportation through Council on Aging partnership.ObjectivesObjective 2.1 By June 2015, Circuit 4 will have built the capacity to offer evidence-based parenting programs across circuit.Objective 2.2 By June 2015, Circuit 4 offer evidence based Substance Abuse Primary Prevention programs across circuit.Action Steps – Circuit Prevention PlanLead - Responsible forBegin Date-End Date/Measures/BenchmarksImplementation2.1 - Establish Parenting Workgroup to includeparents and healthcare providers2.2 - Align Substance Abuse Primary Preventionefforts with state mandatesDCF, Family Support Services,Clay Action CoalitionDCF Office of Substance Abuse &Mental Health2.2. - Coalitions will create community-wide logicmodels; resource assessments; community actionplans and evaluations to help providers withdeliverables.2.2. - In Duval County - Provide Project SUCCESSPrevention Education Series (PES); eight sessionalcohol tobacco and other drug education preventionprogram.DCF Office of Substance Abuse &Mental HealthGateway Community Services7/2010 – 10/2010 - Membership recruited, workgroup established6/2010 – 6/2012 - 12% funds Community Coalitions; 18%environmental strategies; and of the remaining 70% of thedollars; 80% of the programming will be evidence-based.Funding provided to coalitions6/2010 – 6/2011 - Program infrastructure/administration created to support providers’ efforts.6/2010 – 6/2011 - Increase use of evidence-based preventionservices in two Duval Co. Middle Schools.Increase capacity to collect community/school/participant leveldata to measure effectiveness of prevention intervention.Decrease underage drinking by 2% in targeted schools.2.2. - In Nassau County-Sutton Place Behavioral HealthMonthly parent informational/educational opportunities:educational meetings; newsletters; parent child activitiesaddressing attitudes and beliefs about Alcohol; Tobacco and otherDrugs (ATOD)6/2010 – 6/2011 - Post-test surveys show a 10% increase of
Provide Project SUCCESS Prevention EducationSeries (PES); eight session alcohol tobacco and otherdrug education prevention program.2.2 - In Clay CountyASPIRE (Access to Student Assistance Programs InReach of Everyone- Prevention Component – TooGood For DrugsClay Behavioral Health Center;Inc.perception of harm using alcohol and other drugs by studentsparticipating in Project SUCCESS. Results based on Pre-Post testsurvey results conducted annually.P6/2010 – 6/2011 - Pre-Post Test survey results indicatingincreased awareness of negative consequences of underagealcohol use and decrease in favorable parental attitudes towardunderage alcohol use.Narrative: A new Safe Care Unit has been formed incorporating Strengthening Ties and Empowering Parents (STEPS) (currently being evaluatedfor evidence based designation results due in September) and the evidence based Born Learning Model for parents of 0-5 yr.-olds.C4 has a SA prevention coalition in all three counties that continue to be funded through DCF. The coalitions continue to work with providers toensure that the SA prevention programs in our circuit are evidence based and targeted according to the needs identified in the community. All thecoalitions are working on capacity building and partnering with other coalitions in the community to optimize resources. The three coalitions havepartnered with the Health Planning Council to create "Northeast Florida Counts" a website that acts as a clearing house for data in NortheastFlorida.C4 is targeting families involved with the FAST program through in-home substance abuse services in an effort to remove barriers for treatment tothis population. After a year of services the data has shown an increase in time in services, and higher completion rates which has led to improvedchild welfare outcomes. These services are also being utilized with foster youth to increase participation in SA treatment and Intervention services.Objective 3.1Objective 3.2Ensure Circuit wide awareness of Pinwheels for Prevention CampaignContinue promoting support of Health Families Florida beginning July 2010Pinwheel Subcommittee of Task Force willimplement Prevention Month Campaign andinclude Clay and Nassau County representation inplanning process and continue process in DuvalIdentify capacity building and fundingopportunities for Healthy Families program in thecommunityShare funding opportunities as they ariseFamily Support Services Prevention Director; LocalPlanning Team; Kids First of Florida and othercommunity stakeholders.100% of the workgroup committee identified; plansdeveloped with responsible parties identifiedHealthy Families Jacksonville; Local PlanningTeam; DCF7/2010- ongoing - Share program leadsLocal Planning Team; DCFPresent Healthy Family Jacksonville to LocalPlanning Team and other stakeholders.Local Planning Team; DCF7/2010 – ongoing - Number of grants available;number of grants obtained7/2010 – ongoing - Number of presentations andtraffic generated.Narrative: A successful Pinwheel for Prevention was held this year raising awareness circuit wide. The Local Planning Team formed aPinwheels for Prevention Campaign which helped plan circuit wide events. The group decided to join Children’s Week Activities and use them asa catalyst leading up to Child Abuse Prevention Month. Local agencies competed for the “best” and “earliest planted” Pinwheel Gardens
throughout the Circuit. The DCF Regional Director, Nancy Dreicer and Circuit 4 Dependency Court Judge, David Gooding were guests on TheMorning Show to promote Circuit wide “Wear Blue Day” and the Pinwheels for Prevention Campaign. Duval County’s Lead Community BasedCare agency CEO, Jim Adams and Edward Waters College President, Nat Glover were guests on the Noon Show to further promote Pinwheels forPrevention and activities planned for the month of April.There were workshops, motorcycle rides, family fun days and other community events held throughout the Circuit. The month culminated with anEaster Egg Hunt at DCF Regional Headquarters for children from Arlington Elementary Childcare on the DCF lawn. The Grand Marshall was St.Johns County Commissioner Ken Bryan. He and Regional Director, Nancy Dreicer joined the children for the Easter Egg Hunt after which thechildren “picked” pinwheels from the DCF Pinwheel Garden to add to their gathered eggs. The CBS/Fox affiliate, Action News covered the eventand a clip is posted on the DCF website. Commissioner Bryan was part of the staff responsible for the Annual Easter Egg Roll at the White Houseduring the Clinton Administration. He brought a commemorative wooden egg from his time there, autographed by President Clinton and the FirstLady. Easter Baskets for each child were donated by Family Support Services through their partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida.The subcommittee began meeting in early June to plan for next year’s campaign. The committee shared feedback from the 2011 Event uponwhich to build. There were no negative comments received. The committee plans to engage local businesses and organizations that use “blue” astheir business color and child-related businesses to participate in 2012. A special event will be held at the city’s newly renovated Friendship Parkto kickoff the month. It is tentatively titled “Party In The Park For Prevention” and will be culminated with the lighted fountain water beingturned from its natural color to blue.II. Promotion of AdoptionObjectives1.1 - 20% of all prospective adoptive parents will have completed the “enhanced” MAPP curriculum by September 2010.2.1 - Use established resources of the Explore Adoption Targeted Recruitment Resource Guide to engage targeted community as a source for adoptive parentsand a greater resource for raising awareness of the need.3.1 - By June 2015, Circuit 4 will have partnered with active community outreach and neighborhood associations to recruit and secure candidates for CommunityAmbassadors for adoptions.4.1 - Use established resources of the Explore Adoption Targeted Recruitment Resource Guide5.1 - Use established recruitment programs to increase the number of African American families interested in adopting children from the childwelfare system.
Action Steps – Circuit Plan for the Promotionof AdoptionLead - Responsible forImplementationMeasures/Benchmarks1.1 - Form curriculum review teamFamily Support Services,Children’s Home Society-PostAdoption ServicesFamily Support Services,Children’s Home Society-PostAdoption ServicesFamily Support Services,Children’s Home Society-PostAdoption ServicesFamily Support Services,Children’s Home Society-PostAdoption ServicesFamily Support Services6/2010 – 7/2010 - Curriculum developed and approvedFamily Support Services7/2010 – 8/2010 - List of characteristics createdFamily Support Services8/2010 – 9/2010 - List of areas createdFamily Support ServicesFamily Support Services8/2010 – 9/2010 – Reports on child-specific recruitment obtainedfrom each CMO.6/2010 – 7/2010 - List of children createdFamily Support Services7/2010 – 9/2010 - List of ambassadors createdFamily Support Services7/2010 – 9/2010 - Presentations scheduledFamily Support Services6/2010 – ongoing - List of methods compiledFamily Support Services7/2010 – ongoing - List of events scheduled1.1 - Inform curriculum instructors1.1 - Implement new curriculum into existing MAPPclasses1.1 - Contact current adoption-approved families andenroll into revised MAPP classes2.1 - Identify the current population of childrenavailable2.1 - Identify characteristics of families who haveadopted similar children in the past2.1 - Identify areas of town where families withdesired characteristics could be found2.1 – Implement child specific recruitment in identifiedareas.3.1 - Identify the current population of childrenavailable3.1 - Recruit community ambassadors to championadoptions in their neighborhood.3.1 - Present to organizations information regardingthe population of children available for adoption.4.1 - Identify methods proven to work4.1 - Host teen only adoption events7/2010 - Instructors informed and acknowledge ability toimplement change8/2010 – ongoing - Extra day added to training schedule andschedule updated9/2010 – ongoing - Letters sent to all families. Follow up contactto reinforce. Pre and Post training survey results.6/2010 – 7/2010 - List of children created and check for accuracy.
7/2010 – ongoing - List of children who attend events4.1 - Have teens speak at MAPP classes and Adoption101 classesFamily Support Services5.1 - Design event for recruiting African Americanfamilies5.1 - Partner with OCOC for kick-off campaignregarding crisis in foster careFamily Support Services & OneChurch One ChildFamily Support Services & OneChurch One Child5.1 - Schedule meetings with Faith-based andcommunity leaders to discuss strategy and garnersupport.5.1 - Upon approval from key organization leaderspresent goals to congregations and organizationmembership.Family Support Services & OneChurch One Child7/2010 - ongoing - Meeting scheduled and held, feedbackobtained.Family Support Services & OneChurch One Child7/2010 - ongoing - Presentations made, feedback received,assessment of adjustments that may be needed.Feedback from participants6/2010 – ongoing - List of churches, neighborhood associations,grassroots champions7/2010 - Kick off breakfast scheduledNarrative: FSS surpassed their adoption goal of 137 and had 198 adoptions. KFF surpassed their adoption goal of 45 and had55 adoptions. Circuit wide, MAPP classes have been revised to implement new curriculum. Feedback from participants has been positive.Participants report an appreciation for the open dialogue that has resulted. Additional adoption promotion efforts conducted by FSS throughoutthe year include: Heart Gallery (available online, throughout FSS offices, & at the Main Public Library), CBS 47 Interviews (airing on ActionNews Website & TV channel, as well as airport kiosks), Lunch and Learn Recruitment Events, Enhanced MAPP Classes, Employee &Community Trainings & Webinars, DCF Monthly Conference Calls (Adoption Home Finders & Adoption Specialist), Wendy’s Wonderful KidsConference, FSS Brochures, Billboards, Newsletter, & Website and Case Maintenance Organization Websites.KFF hired a Family Finder for recruitment of families for adoption and child specific recruitment. The Family Finder also provides a presentationat MAPP classes of available children for adoption and utilizes the local newspaper for recruitment purposes. A flyer of all children currentlyavailable for adoption was sent to families who had previously adopted children from KFF.
II. Support of Adoptive FamiliesObjectivesObjective 1.2.1 By June 2015, Circuit 4 –will have increased the number of adoption competent child welfare workers providing added expertiseto services to support the success and stability of adoptive families.Action Steps – Circuit Plan for the Support ofAdoptive Families PlanLead - Responsible forImplementationMeasures/Benchmarks1.2.1. - Identify adoption competency trained professional inCircuit 4 certified to facilitate course.1.2.1. - Provide Adoption Competency CertificationTraining for mental health professionals, adoption caseworkers, Guardian Ad Litem and other identified adoptionprofessionals in Clay, Duval and Nassau Counties.Certified trainers designated by DCF6/2010 – 7/2010 Number of trained professionals identified andcommitted to provide instruction.7/2010 – ongoing - Number of professionals receiving and completingcertification training. Pre-Post Test. Follow up competency assessments.Certified trainers designated by DCFNarrative: There are currently more than 40 trained professionals in Duval & Nassau Counties and Clay County that are integral parts of the Preand Post adoption process in our circuit. In Clay County a Post Adoption Specialist provides any needed support services to the familiessuch as: facilitating support groups/events, assessing needs, providing services, referring to community services and follow- up. Shecompiled a Medicaid and community resource information booklet that includes post adoption support services. She workscollaboratively with community partners, providers and families, assuring the community is aware of the post adoption servicesoffered by KFF. KFF hosts a monthly adoption support meeting, offering adoptive parents an opportunity to meet and receive trainingabout child/parenting related topics.A comprehensive Post Adoption Services program is available in Duval and Nassau Counties. Families are informed of the availability of servicesonce they express the interest in adopting. Information is again provided at finalization. Current services are as follows:INTAKEFamilies may self refer to the program or if they have worked with a post adoption counselor throught the pre adoption process they wouldremain with the same counselor throughout services.When families seek services, an intake person or the Post Adoption Counselor conducts a brief intake questionaire to determine what service isbeing requested or is needed. Families in crisis are given priority status with contact by the Post Adoption Counselor immediately or within24 hours of the initial call.
CRISIS MANAGEMENTFamilies have access to crisis management services 24 hours, 7 days per week. Families have access to speak with a counselor over thetelephone or in person to assist with crisis intrevention.CHS currently maintains a 24 hours, 7 days per week answering service that pages the counselor after hours if crisis intrevention is needed.CASE MANAGEMENTA comprehensive assessment of the child and family is completed to determine appropriate services.CHS participates, when requested by parents, in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) with parents, child and school personnel to ensure thebest educational placement is arranged and supported.CHS ensures linkage to community resources.COUNSELING SERVICESInitial Interview/Assessment, Signing of Consent/Release of Information forms, Provide handouts/literature: Core Issues Of Adoption, PostAdoption Flyers, Grief and Loss in Adoption and book recommendations. Continue interviews for Assessment, Begin discussion of CoreIssuesEco-Map; Genogram (as indicated), Complete written Assessment (within 30 days of initial session)After an assessment is completed, the Post Adoption Counselor may determine that the family is in need of individual and/or familycounseling due to adoption related issues. The Post Adoption Counselor provides individual counseling and/or family counseling in theadoptions office or in the family home when appropriate.POST ADOPTION GROUPS: ADOPTION 201- Adoption-specific education (group sessions), Core Issues of Adoption, Attachment &Trauma, Adoption Specific Parenting StrategiesADOPTION 202- Same families from each of the "Adoption 201" sessions stay togetherReview of "Adoption 201" topics/issues, Discussion of how the families have used that information to identify and address these issues withintheir own families since the adoption was finalized, Update/information regarding Post Adoption Services and other community resources.PARENT SUPPORT GROUPSAdoption Support Groups are parent-run agency facilitated meetings that allow adoptive parents and children to obtain mutual support fromother families with similar experiences. Families build informal networks and assist one another through mutual support, helpful advice,shared joys and milestones. CHS is available to assist in the start-up of support groups in other counties.Child care is provided during support group meetings.
RESPITE SERVICESRespite services are designed to assist families with temporary out of home care to deescalate crisis, prevent adoption disruption or dissolutionand assist families with support services as needed.The Post Adoption Counselor assists families in identifying extended family support and community support (i.e. clergy, friends, etc.) they canrely on when needed.ADOLESCENT (ECHO) GROUPCurrently, there are approximately 200 children in identified adoptive homes and 80 children who are in non-identified status in Duval andNassau counties. A three-hour class will be offered to these youth to prepare them for the adoption process.The Adolescent (ECHO)Group will focus on the following areas:Preparation for transitioning to an adoptive home, Life Book, Identity Issues, Grief and Loss, Overcoming barriers to accepting adoption.PARENT EDUCATIONParent education classes are offered to assist families with improving parenting skills, as well as training on child development as
that meet the unique needs of Nassau County. Family Support Services, DCF 7/2011 - ongoing - Evaluate neighborhood incidents of abuse or . Children's Home Society facilitates Active Parenting of Teens and Asset Building in Children meetings. . The health department provides a dental van to assist with the children's dental needs. The .
