Searching for foster and adoptive parents to provide care for children with unique medical and developmental challenges
MELBOURNE, Fla. – With the fitting theme of “There’s a Special Need for Your Heart,”Brevard Family Partnership announced its participation in a joint statewide campaign to increase the number of foster and adoptive parents who will care for more than 800 children in Florida with unique medical, behavioral and developmental needs. In partnership with the Florida Department of Children and Families and the Florida Coalition for Children, BFP is encouraging Brevard County residents to consider becoming foster or adoptive parents and welcoming these children into their homes.
Brevard County has 202 children in licensed care, 32 of whom are considered special needs. Of the number of youth in care, 61 are available for adoption, some of whom are included in the special needs census.
“There are children and teens entering the foster care system with medical, physical or emotional challenges,” says BFP’s CEO, Dr. Patricia Nellius. “Traditionally, it has been more difficult to find temporary and/or permanent homes for them, due in part to a lack of specially-trained foster or adoptive parents who can accommodate their unique needs. We want those interested in becoming “therapeutic” foster or adoptive parents and families to know that they are provided with many resources, as well as a great deal of support. This includes specialized training and access to counselors, therapists and case managers, all of whom are committed to providing the best care for these children.”
“Our goal with this campaign is to increase the number of families and individuals who are prepared to welcome children who have been diagnosed with behavioral, emotional and medical needs into their homes,” said Kurt Kelly, CEO and President of the FCC. “Children with special needs need special people in their lives who can care for them and parents and families who have considered foster care or adoption, need to know that we’re with them every step of the way, providing resources and support to help both the family and child grow and thrive.”
For more information about becoming a foster or adoptive parent in Brevard, visit www.brevardfp.org or call (321) 752-4650. Additional information is available at www.myflfamilies.com/specialheart.
About Brevard Family Partnership
Established in 2004 by a Legislative mandate to privatize foster care and related services in Florida (Section 409.1617, Florida Statutes), Brevard Family Partnership is Brevard County’s lead child welfare agency. Working in partnership with over 70 community organizations, its mission is to protect children, strengthen families and change lives through the prevention of child abuse and the operation and management of a comprehensive, integrated, community-based system of care for abused, abandoned and neglected children, and their families.
About The Florida Coalition for Children
The Florida Coalition for Children represents the majority of the agencies in Florida, whether community-based care or individual provider agencies, who make available the services that warrant this ranking. The Coalition, working with the Department of Children and Families, provides their member agencies an opportunity to unite, share best practices, have a louder voice in the political system and help to fulfill the needs of Florida’s abused, abandoned, neglected and at-risk children.
About The State of Florida Department of Children and Families
The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) is a world-class social services system that works hard to protect and provide services to the vulnerable, promote strong and economically self-sufficient families, and advance personal and family recovery and resiliency. For additional information, please visitwww.dcf.state.fl.us.
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