DCF Press Releases

September 19, 2023

Department of Children and Families (Department) Secretary Shevaun Harris announced that the Department will implement the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). D-SNAP provides food assistance for individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Idalia who are not receiving food assistance benefits through the regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

September 3, 2023

DCF Releasing Mass Replacement of Benefits due to Hurricane Idalia

August 29, 2023

DCF Releasing SNAP Early due to Hurricane Idalia

August 4, 2023

Governor DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis celebrate one year of helping Floridians break the cycle of addiction through the Coordinated Opioid Recovery Network (CORE). As the first comprehensive solution to addiction care in the nation, this program disrupts the revolving door of addiction and overdose by providing patients with the tools to choose sustainable recovery.

June 29, 2023

Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Shevaun Harris hosted a roundtable in Tampa regarding the Responsible Fatherhood Initiative as part of Responsible Fatherhood Month. Secretary Harris was joined by Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) Secretary Eric Hall, Director of All Pro Dads Jason Hood, Pastor Lyn Masslieno with Northwest Florida Health Network, Lesley Bateman of Family First, Nikki Daniels from Layla’s House, and Allan Alford with All Pro Dads.

June 20, 2023

TALLAHASSEE, Fla – Today, Department of Children and Families (Department) Secretary Shevaun Harris commended Governor DeSantis’ Framework for Freedom Budget, and the continued dedication and commitment to supporting strong and resilient families in Florida. The Framework for Freedom Budget includes $4.7 billion in funding to the Department as part of the state’s ongoing investment in children and families, along with enhancing prevention services, increasing availability of and access to behavioral health services, and supporting updates to the Department’s systems, thereby ensuring additional program effectiveness and efficiencies.

March 31, 2023

Department of Children and Families Kicks Off Child Abuse Prevention Month

March 20, 2023

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) announced $21 million in available funding for essential programs to enhance mental health crisis services in Florida’s communities and the Recruit and Maintain Behavioral Health Professionals grant program through select managing entities.

April 12, 2022

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by foster families and legislative leaders to sign Senate Bill 7034, furthering Florida’s support for foster families. Among its provisions, Senate Bill 7034 raises monthly payments for relative and nonrelative care givers, increases the monthly subsidy for child care and expands postsecondary education waivers for foster children. Through historic support, since 2019 Florida has added more than 4,000 foster families across the state.

April 11, 2022

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 7065, which includes educational programs, mentorship programs and one-on-one support to encourage responsible and involved fatherhood in Florida. The bill is tied to nearly $70 million in funding to provide a wide spectrum of family and youth support through the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and the Department of Children and Families (DCF).