TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Gov. Scott has proposed more than $10 million in his budget to hire 130 more child protective investigators and Florida Abuse Hotline counselors at the Department of Children and Families.
Scott unveiled his budget proposal Thursday and he said the positions will focus on keeping vulnerable children safe.
Scott said while he’s been in office, the number of CPIs has increased by nearly 300 and the number of by Florida Abuse Hotline counselors has increased by nearly 50.
9 Investigates has reported on overworked child protective investigators where they’ve admitted to falsifying records to keep up with their demands, as well as the backlog of cases.
“Every child deserves a bright future and we must do everything we can to ensure all children are given the best opportunity to live happy, healthy lives. Florida’s Child Protective Investigators and Florida Abuse Hotline counselors tirelessly work to protect children all across our state, and I am proud to announce this $10 million investment in DCF to help with workload and retention. I look forward to working with the Legislature to support this funding as we continue to work together to keep vulnerable children safe,” Scott said in a news release.
“The Florida Abuse Hotline is the first and most essential step in the process of protecting the vulnerable and additional resources will allow DCF to continue to make thorough and informed assessments to ensure child safety while providing even better customer service. The job of child protective investigators is another critical element in maintaining the safety of Florida’s children and it is never an easy one. Additional investigators will allow DCF to keep caseloads low so that investigators have the time and resources they need to make the best decisions possible in the interest of the children we serve,” DCF secretary Mike Carroll said in a news release.
Cox Media Group
