CCKids' Early Services Engagement Program Celebrates Successful First Year in St. Lucie County, Launches Year Two

October 3, 2025

Port St. Lucie – Communities Connected for Kids (CCKids) is proud to announce that the Early Services Engagement Program (ESEP) has completed a highly successful first year of operation in St. Lucie County, keeping children safe at home, strengthening families, and saving the state millions of dollars in child welfare costs. The program officially launched its second year on October 1.

ESEP was designed to intervene early with families at risk of entering the child welfare system, providing critical support before a removal becomes necessary. The program has proven to be both life-changing for families and fiscally responsible for the state. Thanks to the sponsorship of Senator Harrell and Representative Trabulsey, and the support of the legislative delegation and Governor DeSantis, the program was funded through a specific legislative appropriation in Fiscal Year 2024–2025 and received a second year of funding to continue operations in Fiscal Year 2025–2026.

In its first nine months (October 2024 – June 2025):

• 147 children served
• 133 children successfully diverted from entering Out-of-Home Care (OOHC) – a 90% success rate
• Annual cost per child: $3,488 in ESEP vs. $26,838 in OOHC
• Total state savings: $1.56 million in avoided OOHC costs (projected for 12 months of operations)
• Return on Investment: 3-to-1 in the first year, with long-term savings projected at 6-to-1 as children remain safely at home,

Since the start of the new fiscal year (July 2025), ESEP has already served 29 additional families and 66 children, keeping 92% of those children safely in their homes. “It’s a huge start for the new year,” said Grace Sayre, Program Director.

“ESEP is proof that prevention works,” Sayre added. “By investing in families before crisis, we’re not only reducing the trauma of family separation but also saving taxpayer dollars. It’s a win for children, families, and our community.”

A Unique, Family-Centered Approach

Something that makes ESEP and our team truly unique is the inclusion of a Peer Support Specialist (PSS)—a role that CCKids COO Cheri Sheffer was adamant about adding. The PSS brings lived experience in the DCF system, allowing them to relate directly to the struggles families face and offer support grounded in real-world experience. For many families, simply hearing “I get it” from someone who has been there makes them feel seen, heard, and understood, which opens the door for deeper engagement and trust.

ESEP works hand-in-hand with DCF Investigations, community providers, and families to address each family’s needs. The team provides practical guidance, advocacy, and encouragement, creating individualized plans that fit the unique circumstances of every family rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.

The team is also trained in Wraparound and Motivational Interviewing, ensuring that services are tailored to each family’s situation. Their philosophy is clear: keep children safe first, and meet families where they are, no matter where that is. By thinking creatively and collaborating closely with families and partners, ESEP helps children stay safely at home while supporting families in meaningful, lasting ways.

“We’re changing the trajectory for children and families—and the returns will continue to grow in the years ahead,” Sayre said.

CCKids thanks state legislators, community advocates, and local leaders for making this prevention-focused investment possible. With continued support, ESEP is positioned to expand its reach and keep even more children safely with their families in the years to come.