New Community Resource Aims to Keep Children Out of Foster Care System

September 10, 2020

Vero Beach –

As lead agency for child welfare in our community, CCKids is always looking for programs and agencies that will help prevent child abuse and neglect. We are thrilled to welcome Safe Families for Children to the community!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram this month as we introduce you to this amazing new resource that has the power and potential to prevent child abuse.

The program primarily serves Indian River County but hopes to expand and serve the entire Okeechobee and Treasure Coast area, said Jackie Herron-Whitfield, who founded the local chapter in 2019 with her husband, Jim.

At the core of this program is a network of host families that provide short-term respite for children whose families are experiencing crisis such as homelessness, unemployment or substance abuse – things that can result in child abuse. Currently, there are 17 host families in Indian River County, Herron-Whitfield said.

Some residents may remember the Hibiscus Crisis Children's Nursery - a safe place where parents could take their children while managing their crisis. Safe Families is like the nursery, but with a team of host parents instead of a facility.

Learn how you can get involved by visiting Safe Families for Children, and follow us on Facebook or Instagram all month for more information about our newest partner.