Foster Homes See First Net Increase in Seven Years

July 16, 2025

Port St. Lucie, Fla. – CCKids’ state funding requests have made it through the governor’s veto process, ensuring we can continue providing critical services to children and families in our community.

Among the victories is a second year of funding for our Early Services Engagement Program (ESEP) — an innovative initiative designed to support families before they enter the dependency system. This program is already making a measurable difference, having served more than 50 families in its first year and saving the agency more than $800,000 in placement and system costs.

ESEP offers families the tools and resources they need to stabilize and thrive, helping children stay safely at home and reducing the long-term need for foster care services. It’s a compassionate, cost-effective solution that aligns with our mission to protect children and strengthen families.

We are deeply grateful to our legislative partners and to all who advocate for the well-being of children. Together, we are not just reacting to crisis — we are preventing it.

Stay tuned for more updates on how this continued funding will power even more innovation, outreach and impact in the year ahead.