Tallahassee

In 1996, the State of Florida privatized child welfare services in an attempt to improve the historical failures that plagued Florida’s child protection systems and contributed to injuries to children who came into the custody of the state. Regardless of party affiliation, governors, department secretaries, legislators, and leaders across Florida government agree that children are our future.

Justice for Kids attorney Howard Talenfeld, as Board President of Florida’s Children First, has been deeply involved in the passage of critical legislation designed to apply lessons learned from the most tragic failures involving children. In this effort, Justice for Kids attorneys have contributed to Florida’s interagency education bill, the Children’s Cabinet, the Human Trafficking statute, and legislation seeking attorneys for dependent children.

Recently, following the death of two-year-old Jordan Belliveau, the Florida Legislature amended the privatization statute and passed the DCF Accountability Act, which increased system oversight and strengthened the Department of Children and Families’ authority to sanction failing agencies.