By Carol Wyatt
First Lady Casey DeSantis recently announced nearly 59,000 Florida families would receive a one-time payment of $450 to help offset the effects of inflation and help prepare children to return back to school.
The checks, disbursed by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), are arriving this week and are supported in part by $35.5 million from the state budget as part of the expansion of Hope Florida – A Pathway to Prosperity program.
Other highlights of the program include expansion to connect foster and adoptive families with dedicated “care navigators” offering support and guidance for immediate and future family needs and launch of the First Lady’s “Hope Florida Fund” that harnesses the charity of the private sector to give funds to deserving local entities;
A portion of the nearly $70 million secured by Governor DeSantis in the Freedom First Budget for fatherhood initiatives will also go toward mentorship opportunities through the Hope Florida program, including foster children.
“We are doubling down on bringing together public and private groups to collaborate and communicate with and on behalf of Floridians,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis.
“We are going beyond government by bringing community partners to the table to meet the needs of foster and adoptive families under the umbrella of my Hope Florida – A Pathway to Prosperity initiative. I am on a mission to make sure that no child in Florida goes without hope, happiness, and a home.”
“That means doing everything we can to support those who have stepped up and welcomed these children into their homes, as well as local partners that are already lending families a helping hand.”
DCF reports those eligible to receive the payment include both relative and non-relative caregivers, foster parents, some families who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and those who fall under the Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP).
To inquire about eligibility, call the DCF Customer Call Center at 850-300-4323.
To receive support from Hope Florida – A Pathway to Prosperity, call the Hope Line at 850-300-HOPE. Additional information can also be found at HopeFlorida.com.
Staff Report 
Jim Saunders