Children's Home Society of Florida

Note: The organization did not respond to this question.

Note: The organization did not respond to this question.

CHS cultivates the organizational capabilities and innovations necessary for us to end the need for foster care as we know it. Our model focuses on three key areas: (a) Executing our Mission, (b) Shaping our Future and (c) Living our Values. For people in specific team leadership roles, we have a fourth key area, called Leading Our Teams, in which there are four parts: (a) Develop and Execute Operations, (b) Coach and Develop Others, (c) Manage and Improve Performance, and (d) Build the Team. In addition to the more than 100 courses on leadership topics in our web-based learning management system, we have a leadership development program, called Leadership INSIGHTS, which equips our team leaders with the knowledge, skills and tools they need to develop a broader understanding of leadership and gain a more integrated view of our CHS business strategy.

CHS actively engages in community outreach, education and engagement to spread the word and advance our mission. In addition to traditional and social media outreach, we educate through community and group presentations, mobilize volunteers to support children and families in a variety of ways – from hands-on support to resource kits, administrative support and campus support – mobilize advocates to advance public policy initiatives through legislative outreach, delegation meetings and interpersonal meetings with elected officials, and equip and empower board members, volunteers and advocates to advance our mission and bring others into our efforts as well.

When the pandemic thrust communities into uncertainty, CHS immediately stepped up not only to continue serving current clients but also to meet the needs of thousands more. Practically overnight, CHS transitioned nearly all services to be delivered virtually, from home visits to parenting education to counseling, keeping safety top of mind. However, not all services can be performed virtually, and CHS ensured that all programs remained operational. Our Child Protection Teams continued to see children who had been victimized by abuse or neglect – using all COVID-19 safety protocols – and our residential centers remained fully staffed, committed to serving all youth calling a CHS residential center “home.” Additionally, our dependency case managers continued to do in-person visits to children and families that may have been at a higher risk, always keeping health and safety in mind. Our Community Partnership Schools also embraced the challenge, organizing food distribution events to children who had previously relied on school for their meals would continue to have access to nutritious meals. We also canvassed the neighborhoods of those we serve to help ensure families knew of resources available to them, from discounted internet services to utility support, food and mental health services. Moreover, in response to the growing mental health concerns brought about – or heightened – by the stress of the pandemic, CHS launched the state’s only Family Support Warm Line, available to anyone in Florida – completely free and confidential. With just a call or a text, individuals are connected to a trauma-informed counselor who can provide immediate therapy as well as connections to other CHS services or local resources to support families and individuals in need.