Orlando, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis spoke at the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Child Protection Summit. This annual summit draws child welfare professionals and related partners from throughout the state to share and exchange best practices while enhancing collaborations across professions.

“As the future leaders of our state and country, our children are our greatest resource, making their safety and well-being paramount,” said Governor DeSantis. “Child welfare professionals work hard to ensure that every child grows up feeling safe, loved and happy. My administration will remain committed to making investments that support our children and strengthen Florida’s families.”

“The impact these child welfare advocates have on some of the most vulnerable citizens in our society cannot be understated nor undervalued,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “It’s an honor and privilege to work with state and community leaders to better serve Florida’s children. Our Child Protective Investigators (CPIs) are on the front lines of this issue, which is why we are launching a large recruiting effort calling on our first responders and veterans to continue their call to serve our state and communities.”

“I’m proud to serve under such a thoughtful, dedicated leader like Governor DeSantis, and I’m grateful that he and the First Lady continue to prioritize the health and well-being of one of Florida’s most precious resources — our children. They clearly embody the strong family values that all of us at DCF work so hard to promote every day,” said DCF Secretary Chad Poppell. “With their support, as well the Legislature’s backing, we’ve been given an unprecedented opportunity to evaluate our past and move forward with purpose. We’re getting out of our comfort zones and creating meaningful change. I’m excited to see all that we accomplish together, including establishing a world-class child welfare system right here in Florida.”

The summit offers an extensive program of current and relevant training topics to further advance the knowledge base of child welfare staff in many critical areas of importance. Those in attendance at the annual summit included attorneys, case managers, child advocates, child protective investigators and supervisors, Child Protection Team staff, child welfare trainers, court staff, DCF staff, relative and non-relative caregivers, foster and adoptive parents, Guardians ad Litem, judges, law enforcement, juvenile justice professionals, educators, service providers and youth.

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