ChildNet is Broward's Community Based Care lead agency selected by the State to manage the local system of services and supports for Broward's abused, abandoned and neglected children and their caregivers. Since the transition to Community Based Care began in Broward in April 2003, ChildNet and its network of local providers and partners have significantly improved the quality of care for Broward's most vulnerable children and their caregivers.
1999 - Florida Statute 409.167 mandates that Florida embark on a sweeping effort to transfer child welfare services from the Department of Children & Families to local communities and community based agencies.
2000 - The Broward Child Welfare Initiative (BCWI), an advocacy group comprised of local citizens, business leaders and social service experts, was formed. With funding from the United Way, a business plan was developed based on community input.
July 2001 - The Department of Children & Families released an Invitation to Negotiate. In a competitive and public process, Community Based Solutions, now called ChildNet, was chosen as Broward's lead agency for Community Based Care, responsible for the administration and management of foster care and related services.
July 2002 - ChildNet begins to prepare for the transition to Community Based Care, with start-up funds supplied by the Department of Children & Families and the Children's Services Council.
April 2003 - ChildNet officially began transitioning services from the Department of Children & Families. This included assuming responsibility for intake and placement services, foster home management and child welfare case management.
July 2003 - ChildNet entered into a three year services contract with the Department of Children & Families to assume responsibility for the administration and management of the balance of child welfare services. ChildNet subsequently entered into contracts with 27 community agencies to provide intervention, prevention, shelter and group care, assessment and case management services.
August 2003 - ChildNet began transitioning cases and staff from the Department of Children & Families. This transition was completed in four phases beginning with the North Service Center and continuing with the transition of an additional 25% of the Broward County cases each in November, February and April 2004.
April 2004 - Broward County's transition to Community Based Care is completed with the transfer of the remaining cases from the Department of Children & Families to ChildNet. ChildNet is now fully responsible for the administration and maintenance of the child protection system in Broward County.
October 2012 - ChildNet is selected to become the Community Based Care lead agency in Palm Beach County.