loading…
loading…
loading…
July 1, 2026 | 18
minor children or a pregnant woman, with income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. To extend services to larger numbers of domestic violence victims, the program does not offer cash payments directly to participants; one- time payments not to exceed $1,000 are made directly to a vendor (such as a landlord). Services include those mandated by statute: emergency shelter, 24-hour hotline, information and referral, case management, child assessment, counseling, community education, and professional training. Centers may offer other services on a case-by-case basis. The program also assists participants in applying for other state and/or local benefits and services. 3. Secondary Prevention or Diversion Program to Prevent or Reduce Child Abuse or Neglect (Healthy Families Florida Program) (section 414.158, F.S.): This program provides a community-based, voluntary home visiting program for expectant families and families of the newborns who are U.S. citizens or qualified noncitizens with income at or below 200 percent of the poverty level who are experiencing stressful life situations, including homelessness or the threat of homelessness. The program goal is to stabilize families, prevent child abuse and neglect before it occurs and promote healthy childhood growth and development. TANF funds allowed the program to expand the number of sites and increase the counties receiving services. Major activities include home visits to teach parent- child interaction, child development, discipline practices, problem solving skills, emergency supports, and referral to other community services such as medical care, family planning, mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, childcare, food assistance, and Medicaid programs. 4. Emergency Assistance Program (Homelessness Prevention Grant Program) (section 414.161, F.S.): The goal of the Homelessness Prevention grant program is to help prevent homelessness among families facing eviction or foreclosure for nonpayment of rent or mortgage because of a financial or other crisis. The family may use the grant funds for payment of past due rent, mortgage, and utility payments (for up to four months). Each household assisted by the grant must reside in Florida, have at least one household member who is a U.S. citizen or qualified noncitizen, include a parent or caretaker relative of a minor child under age 18, or under age 19, if attending a secondary school or its equivalent, and have household income less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level. 5. Diversion Services for Families at Risk of Welfare Dependency due to Substance Abuse or Mental Illness (section 414.1585, F.S.): TANF funds may be utilized to provide substance use and mental health services for families at risk of welfare dependency as a result of a behavioral health disorder. The goal is to provide services that allow families to be self-sufficient and care for their children in their own homes or in the homes of relatives. DCF must determine that the family meets the income level (at or below 200 percent of poverty level) and establish that one or more individuals in the family are at risk or are impaired due to substance use or mental illness.
Applicants must be one of the following: a. A parent or relative caretaker with one or more minor children living in the home.