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July 9, 2024
Caring for Florida’s Future: The Current State of Foster Care in Florida
Every year, thousands of young people enter the foster care system in search of stability, support, and a sense of belonging. According to the most recent federal data, there are currently more than 400,000 children in foster care in the United States. These children come from diverse backgrounds and face a wide range of circumstances- abuse, neglect, abandonment, etc. Although foster care is designed to be a temporary system, many children will remain in the system for numerous years, often moving between multiple homes and schools. This instability can take a significant toll on the emotional, social, and educational development of a young person. Despite these challenges, there are also stories of resilience, healing and hope- made possible by loving foster parents, legal advocates, social workers, and dedicated non-profit organizations aimed at supporting foster youth.
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​At Kingdom Charitable Trust, we are committed to empowering organizations that provide vital care and support to Florida’s foster youth. One such organization, 4KIDS of Palm Beach, has been a dedicated leader in recruiting and supporting foster families since 2006. Recently, 4KIDS shared a compelling story that beautifully illustrates the many ways a community can come together to make a meaningful difference in the life of a child in foster care.
This heartwarming story of reunification highlights how three families came together to support a baby girl and her birth mother during a difficult time. It began with one couple stepping forward to care for the baby, soon followed by two more families who generously offered their homes, love, and support. Together, they not only provided a nurturing environment for the child but also empowered the birth mother by helping her access essential resources, accompanying her to court hearings, and building a strong network around her to promote success. Their collective dedication gave the judge the confidence to order reunification, and just in time for the holidays, the baby was joyfully reunited with her mother. These families remained actively involved, celebrating important milestones and continuing to provide support, demonstrating the incredible impact of compassion, collaboration, and belief in second chances.
This story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, all someone needs is a little help and a supportive community to get back on their feet. The birth mother’s journey shows that with the right encouragement, access to resources, and people who believe in your potential, real change is possible. Life can be overwhelming, especially when facing it alone, but this example shows how impactful it can be when others step in. It highlights the importance of empathy, understanding, and support in creating stronger families and brighter futures.
While there are many beautiful stories in foster care, including the one shared above, the system itself continues to face significant challenges that impact its ability to consistently serve children and families. One major hurdle is the lack of standardized policies across the nation, leading to disparities in services and outcomes depending on each state’s individual approach. In Florida, for instance, the foster care system operates through a localized, county-by-county model, which allows for more responsive and community-centered support. This structure empowers counties to address their unique needs, resulting in more tailored and effective services. It also encourages stronger collaboration with local organizations and enables quicker adaptations based on current circumstances. While not without its own challenges, Florida’s model reflects an intentional effort to bring care closer to the communities it serves and to meet families where they are.
The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) oversees the foster care system in collaboration with local community-based organizations, working to place children in foster homes while prioritizing family reunification or finding stable, long-term placements. This model of service is described as Community-Based Care, and differs from other states’ Foster Care systems. According to data from the U.S. Children’s Bureau, Administration for Children, Youth and Families, Florida has the second-highest number of children in foster care nationwide, following California- a statistic likely influenced by the large populations in both states. The graph below, provided by FL Health Charts, offers a comparison of statewide foster care data with that of Palm Beach County, highlighting regional trends and differences.
In 2024, the rate per 100,000 of Children in Foster Care (Aged 0-17 Years) in Palm Beach County was 292.2 compared to Florida at 464.9. The line graph shows change over time when there are at least three years of data. Palm Beach County is in the first quartile for this measure. This means that relative to other counties in Florida, there are more Children in Foster Care (Aged 0-17 Years) in about three quarters of the counties.
While the foster care system continues to evolve to better serve children, it’s equally important to acknowledge the meaningful progress being made. In Florida, the number of children entering foster care dropped by 32% from 2023 to 2024- a 20-year low, according to MyFLFamilies. This significant decline is likely the result of increased investment in preventative initiatives, such as the Family Navigation Program. Designed to support high-risk families, this program provides intensive, wraparound services aimed at promoting long-term stability and preventing the need for out-of-home placements. In 2024 alone, nearly 90% of the 3,526 families served through the program were able to remain together. These encouraging results underscore the power of prevention and set the stage for a new vision of foster care that prioritizes family preservation and early intervention.
It’s important to recognize that every child entering the foster care system carries a unique story- often shaped by trauma, loss, and instability. To best meet the diverse needs of these children and their families, foster care licensing includes several levels, each designed to match the specific needs of the child with the skills and capacities of the caregiver. In Florida, for example, there are five distinct types of foster care licenses. These range from standard foster homes, which care for children with typical needs, to specialized or therapeutic homes equipped to support children with more complex behavioral, emotional, or medical challenges. Each level requires tailored training, resources, and support systems to ensure foster parents are prepared to create safe, stable, and nurturing environments where children can begin to heal and thrive.
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​Another valued partner of Kingdom Charitable Trust is Reyna Group Home. Since its founding in 2003, Reyna has been dedicated to serving children with developmental disabilities in Florida’s foster care system. These children often face additional challenges, and Reyna provides the specialized care, structure, and support they need to thrive. With trained staff and a focus on individualized attention, Reyna creates a safe and nurturing environment where every child is given the opportunity to grow and succeed.
Florida’s foster care system is complex and ever-evolving, shaped by both persistent challenges and promising progress. From community-driven models of care to innovative prevention programs, there is a clear effort to create more stable, supportive environments for children and families in need. Yet, at the heart of it all are the children- each with their own story, strength, and potential. Removing the stigma around foster care starts with understanding that these young people are not defined by their circumstances; they are simply kids in need of compassion, consistency, and a chance to thrive. Whether through becoming a foster parent, supporting a local organization, or simply spreading awareness, we all have a role to play in caring for Florida’s future. Together, we can build a foster care system that not only protects children—but empowers them.
Resources:
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To hear more information about Foster Care in Florida, check out Kingdom Charitable Trust’s recent podcast episode with LilCrystal Dernier, Family Visitation Program Supervisor for Children’s Home Society:
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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6uEOVN5zmTpYd3s5wv3z2B...
Apple Podcasts:​​ https://podcasts.apple.com/.../fostering.../id1754987914...
For more information on becoming a foster parent with 4KIDS: https://4kids.us/programs/foster-care/
For more information on Reyna Group Homes: https://www.reynagrouphome.org/support-us