BFP reaches milestone - five years protecting children and strengthening families
Brevard Family Partnership has achieved a milestone, marking its fifth anniversary of protecting children and strengthening families. On January 30, 2005, the State of Florida Department of Children and Families initiated its first contract with what was then Community Based Care of Brevard The agency was established in 2003, through a mandate by the Florida legislature to privatize child welfare throughout the state.
Among its many accomplishments during this time, the agency -working with over 70 community partners and service providers- has reduced the number of children in foster or dependency care in the county by almost half, from a high of over 1,500 in 2005 to just over 700 today.
BFP volunteers supporting arrival of Haitian children
Staff and community volunteers with Brevard Family Partnership have been providing support for the children and families arriving at Orlando Sandford International Airport. Several staff members, along with Haitian and Creole speaking residents from Brevard have been on hand to greet children and families, offer translation services and assist with the processing of the newly arrived.
BFP also is making preparations to accommodate Haitian children who have been left homeless and without families following the recent earthquake that leveled the island nation’s capital and outlying areas. The agency is working closely with its partners and providers to assess its capacity in accepting children who have been displaced, due to the disaster. The agency is determining, among other things: current and future availability of space in licensed foster care and group homes; and the capability of its network to provide needed services and assistance.
BFP Receives news coverage of its efforts
On Thursday, January 21, Central Florida News 13 covered this news. CLICK HERE to read the full story.
Catholic Charities Update on Haiti Relief
CLICK HERE for full update.
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February is Black History Month
Brevard Family Partnership acknowledges and celebrates February as Black History Month.
Click on the following link to access historical information and features on this celebration from History.com
Click on the following link to access historical information and features on this celebration from Biography.com
Brevard Family Partnership spins off signature program
Brevard C.A.R.E.S. goes out on its own to better serve the community.jpg){kind=logo}
Brevard Family Partnership’s signature child abuse prevention program, Brevard C.A.R.E.S. (Coordination, Advocacy, Resources, Education and Support) is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of the county’s lead child welfare agency, with a mission to continue to reduce the number of children entering the foster care system through abuse prevention.
Recognized for its innovative approach to abuse prevention, Brevard C.A.R.E.S. has helped to reduce the number of children entering the foster care system by bringing stability to families. Since inception, the program has provided support to over 5,000 children and families in Brevard County.
Will 2010 be the year you choose to become an adoptive parent?
Each year, many children who have been permanently removed from their homes become available for adoption. They are toddlers, young children, sibling groups and teenagers. Each is unique and precious, and each is looking for their 'forever home'..jpg){kind=logo}
While becoming an adoptive parent is no small task, the rewards for opening your heart and home to a child are incredible. You help to shape a child's life, provide them with safety and security, and nuture them to become the best that they can be! Many children who were adopted are now some of our greatest leaders and business people; they are who they are because of the oppoprtunities they had, thanks to their adoptive parents.
So will this be the year you consider adoption?
For more information visit our Heart Gallery at www.heartgallerybrevard.org.