WELCOME TO
KIDS FIRST OF FLORIDA
Kids First of Florida (KFF) is the community-based care agency providing child welfare and foster care services to the residents of Clay County.
Kids First of Florida is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. In 2008, after redistricting by the Department of Children and Families, KFF’s target area was narrowed to focus only on the residents of Clay County, and the Board of the agency chose the new name to reflect our commitment to putting kids first.
Kids First of Florida works with families whose children are either at risk of abuse or neglect or who have already been victims of abuse or neglect.
KFF is responsible for finding and funding placements for every child in foster care, including specialized therapeutic treatment programs.
May is National Foster Care Month
There are over 423,000 children and youth in foster care across the country, and many have been facing increased isolation over the past year.
It is more critical than ever for communities to work together in identifying the right mix of supports to establish meaningful connections for children and youth in care.
This year, National Foster Care Month focuses on how to strengthen these connections and the role of family and youth engagement at every stage. We should ensure all families and youth have meaningful involvement in court hearings and case planning and make it possible for youth to stay connected to their parents and extended support systems while in foster care. When it isn’t possible to meet in person, virtual engagement tools can be critical to preserving meaningful connections and engaging youth. Authentically engaging youth and families can lead to increased family stabilization and expedite reunification and permanency.
Take some time this month to consider how all of us working to support youth can help them find their voice, develop leadership skills, improve their self-esteem, and shift foster care to a system that truly supports families.
Learn more about Foster Care Services at Kids First of Florida.
During Foster Care Awareness Month, we’re bringing families in our community together to help us raise awareness for foster care all month with the 1K For 1Kid campaign.
Kids First of Florida does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.
A Coronavirus Update From Our CEO
Kids First of Florida (KFF) depends on our dedicated team members to keep our agency operating and to ensure the continued delivery of essential services, especially during these challenging times. Our top priorities are the health and well-being of our staff, our partners and of the families we serve. We are monitoring the evolving situation in our community and are doing all we can to minimize risk. Many of our team are working remotely, working staggered schedules and using telecommunication to stay in touch with the individuals and families that we serve. It is not business as usual and while we apologize for any inconvenience it may cause, we are acting in the best interest of overall safety.
Any employee, partner or client testing positive for the COVID-19 virus is advised to follow CDC and DOH guidelines to receive appropriate care. As is our policy, upon notification of a positive test result for an employee, we initiate contact tracing to identify and notify all individuals who may have had contact with an infected individual. Upon notification, the exposed individuals are advised to seek testing and further guidance from their healthcare professional. Workspaces are cleaned and sanitized before other employees can return to work. The cleaning of facilities may require the temporary closure of the office until it has been thoroughly disinfected.
All KFF staff are provided with PPE’s, including masks, gloves and hand sanitizer and are encouraged to follow established social distancing guidelines when in contact with other persons.
Masks are required for entrance into the KFF offices and other risk mitigation strategies may also be used, including the use of temperature testing, protective barriers, and audio video equipment to conduct communications. These new policies are necessary to protect our staff, clients and visitors to our agency. Specific instructions are posted and KFF reserves the right to modify instructions as needed.
Modifications have also been made to visits and services conducted in homes and other community locations. Again, these changes have been made to minimize risk and to increase safety.
If we are out of the office our phone lines are transferred to our answering service and messages are relayed regularly. If you need assistance or have general questions, our phone line is available 24/7 at 904.278.5644. If you are a current client of KFF and have questions, you should contact your assigned staff member or call the main number to leave a message.
We know these are challenging times and we recognize the fear and uncertainty that many of us are feeling. We encourage you to reach out for help as needed. We will continue to adapt to the changing circumstances and to build a healthier community, one family at a time.
Thank you,
Irene Toto, CEO
Our Mission
To ensure the safety of children through a holistic approach designed to support the health and well-being of families in order to build a healthier community one family at a time.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you are entitled to interpreter services at no cost to you. Services may be accessed through Florida Relay by dialing 7-1-1. If any accommodation is required, please contact us at 904.278.5644.
Community Alerts
Our Programs
Kids First of Florida is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.
Kids First of Florida works with families whose children are either at risk of abuse of neglect or who have already been victims of abuse or neglect.
Prevent Abuse
Kids First of Florida works with families whose children are either at risk of abuse of neglect or who have already been victims of abuse or neglect. KFF is responsible for finding and funding placements for every child in foster care, including specialized therapeutic treatment programs.
WHAT'S HAPPENING?
NEWS AND UPDATES
Remote Learning or Returning to the Classroom? – How to Prepare Your Child
Starting back to school in the middle of a pandemic can create anxiety and fear for parents and ...
You’re Talking to Your Parents About COVID-19. But Are They Listening?
We can all agree that navigating the COVID-19 landscape can be frustrating and scary. Everyone is worried about family members, especially if they are older.
How You Can Support Foster Parents
Not everyone can become a foster parent, but everyone can do things to help support the families in our community that are fostering children.
