Summary of Services
- Intensive, short-term support to strengthen family bonds and prevent court involvement
- Develops care plans and monitors the well-being of children removed from their homes
- Prepares youth aging out of foster care for adulthood through Extended Foster Care (EFC) and Post-Secondary Education Services and Support (PESS)
- Matches children needing permanent homes with approved adoptive families and assists with the adoption process and requirements
- Guides individuals and families through the process of becoming licensed foster parents and ensures children are placed in safe, supportive foster homes
- Offers relatives or approved caregivers the opportunity to become a child’s legal guardian when reunification or adoption is not possible
Strengthening Families and Creating Safe, Nurturing Environments
Operating in close partnership with the Florida Department of Children and Families, the St. Johns County Family Integrity Program protects children from abandonment, neglect, and abuse while strengthening families and creating safe, nurturing environments. The program provides a network of intervention and support services, including case management, family preservation, adoption, independent living programs, foster care licensing, and guardianship assistance.
Family Preservation
The Family Preservation Program offers intensive, short-term services to keep families together and prevent unnecessary court involvement. Depending on each family’s needs, sessions may occur once a week or as often as five times per week. Through a combination of counseling, case management, drug screenings, and financial support, this program helps parents overcome challenges such as substance misuse, financial instability, or relationship stress, while strengthening parent-child bonds and promoting long-term stability.
Dependency Case Management
When a child must be removed from their home to ensure safety, the Dependency Case Management team steps in to coordinate a personalized care plan. Case managers closely monitor each child’s well-being, attend court-mandated hearings, and prepare detailed reports and observations regarding the child’s placement. Their goal is to provide consistent oversight, ensure that children receive appropriate care, and work toward a permanent living arrangement.
Independent Living Services
For youth aging out of the foster care system, the program offers Independent Living services to support a successful transition into adulthood. Eligible young adults can access Extended Foster Care (EFC) and Post-Secondary Education Services and Support (PESS), which guide them in areas such as education, employment, housing, and life skills, helping them achieve independence and self-sufficiency.
Adoption Services and Post-Adoption Support
The Adoption Program connects children in need of permanent, loving homes with families who are ready to provide care and guidance. Families interested in adoption receive assistance navigating the process and meeting state requirements. For more information about becoming an adoptive parent or to learn about current adoption opportunities, contact Aimee Befort at (904) 209-6113 or visit AdoptFlorida.org
The commitment to families does not end with the finalization of an adoption. Post-Adoption Services provide ongoing resources, counseling, and encouragement to assist adoptive families and children in adjusting and thrive together. For more details, contact Claudia Sheremeta at (904) 209-6109.
Foster Home Licensing
The Foster Home Licensing Unit helps caring individuals and families become licensed foster parents in accordance with Florida Statutes. Licensing specialists guide applicants through the process and ensure that children are matched with safe, supportive homes. To learn more about becoming a foster parent, contact Sierra Guy at (904) 209-6124.
Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP)
For children who cannot safely return to their biological families and who may not be adopted, the Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP) provides another path to permanency. GAP offers approved caregivers the opportunity to become the child’s legal guardian while receiving financial assistance and ongoing support.