WCSO takes over DCFS

[Bob Wells]

According to the WCSO...

"It would be a budgeted item through the Florida Legislature passed from their budget to ours. For all the current Child Protection Investigators (will not be sworn officers) we will take them in and meet and exceed all requirements adopting new methodology, which is the cutting edge best practices for Child Protective Services. There will also be annual peer reviews. Many times, when the Sheriff's Office encounters endangered children because of drug use, domestic violence, economic issues... we often find ourselves walking out of the door as Child Protection Investigators are walking in. We hope that by being under one roof that we can provide more flexible, comprehensive responses including providing services to the entire family... not just the children. - Corey Dobridnia, WCSO PIO."

My hope is that once it is passed off to the locals that the State doesn't cut it slowly out of the budget to where the locals start picking up the tab. Was and am still concerned about that with regards to the drivers license and even the concealed carry permits.we have certainly seen that with the schools where the State reduces the amount they return to schools and increase the amount the locals are required to pay.

 

[Misty]

My hope is that once it is passed off to the locals that the State doesn't cut it slowly out of the budget to where the locals start picking up the tab. Was and am still concerned about that with regards to the drivers license and even the concealed carry permits.we have certainly seen that with the schools where the State reduces the amount they return to schools and increase the amount the locals are required to pay.

I understand.

I guess we have to ask ourselves...how much is a childs life worth? In the long run it seems to me that working with families as well as keeping them together in a safe, healthy environment is much cheaper then removing a child or incarcerating a parent for life when life goes south.

 

[Misty]

From WZEP

“It’s expensive, it’s difficult, it’s a political nightmare. But, It is the right thing to do.”

Walton County Sheriff’s Office is excited to announce a future partnership with the Department of Child and Families (DCF) to enhance services for the families of Walton County.

During the next 12 months WCSO will be undergoing a transition in conjunction with DCF to assume the responsibilities of child protective services in our county. This is a positive step for many reasons to include better coordination during child abuse investigations, additional resources and training opportunities, and a coordinated effort to provide those services all under one roof. DCF Child Protective Investigators are completely dedicated to the protection of our most vulnerable children and do a tremendous job. By becoming one in the same house, our coordinated efforts will become that much more effective.

When abuse reports are received by the Florida Abuse Hotline in Tallahassee they are routed to the appropriate county jurisdiction. In Walton County, Child Protective Investigators (CPI) make initial contact with family and child, review the facts and circumstances, assess whether the allegations are valid or not, and determine what intervention or assistance may be needed.

Currently, the Department of Children and Families employs seven Child Protection Investigators in Walton County. However, with a large increase in population expected in Walton County over the next five years this transition will allow for WCSO to add additional CPI’s, which should help to ease the current caseload.

WCSO will also be able to provide remote “bases” for CPI’s that will help cut down on travel time. This will make the diligent efforts of investigators easier by seeing victims in a timelier manner. More time spent with families will allow more time to create safety plans with appropriate safety service providers that could ultimately keep our children in Walton County safely in their homes.

“CPI’s will continue to be responsible for investigating cases involving child abuse, child neglect, and child abandonment,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “Although CPI’s will be supervised by law enforcement officers, they will continue to respond to all child protective investigations countywide.”

In anticipation of Legislative approval, Walton County Sheriff’s Office will be the first agency in Northwest Florida (8th in the state of Florida) to undergo this transition under Florida Statute. We will have Regional and local CPI representation at the DeFuniak Springs Children’s Advocacy Center at 2pm on Monday, July 18th. Media is welcomed to attend.

To report child abuse or neglect, call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96 ABUSE (962-2873).