Family Partnerships of Central Florida - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

Family Partnerships of Central Florida is a community-based care lead agency dedicated to safeguarding children, empowering families, and transforming lives across Brevard, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties in Florida. Operating under a contract with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), the organization is crucial to managing a comprehensive child welfare system that prioritizes family, leverages strengths, and is community-driven. Its core mission is rooted in the belief that all children deserve to grow up in safe, healthy, and nurturing environments. The organization plays a vital role in the child welfare industry, driving initiatives in child abuse prevention, foster care, adoption, and independent living services to ensure child safety and permanency.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

Family Partnerships of Central Florida is driven by several main objectives:

Child Safety: Ensuring the immediate and long-term safety and well-being of children.

Permanency: Achieving stable and permanent living arrangements for children within a timeframe that respects their developmental needs, ideally within 12 months.

Customized Services: Delivering tailored services through a comprehensive network of community-based providers to meet the unique needs of each family.

Resource Management: Efficiently and effectively managing financial and human resources to achieve optimal outcomes for children and families.

Data-Driven Approach: Collecting and utilizing data for accurate forecasting of service needs and costs to achieve desired outcomes.

Trauma-Informed Community: Transforming the local system of care into a trauma-informed community of practice.

Public Engagement: Increasing public involvement through various media platforms.

Specialization Areas

The organization's key areas of expertise include:

Child Abuse Prevention: Implementing proactive strategies and programs to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Foster Care Services: Providing and managing foster care placements for children who cannot safely remain in their homes.

Adoption Services: Facilitating permanency for children through adoption.

Independent Living Services: Supporting young adults transitioning out of foster care to achieve self-sufficiency.

Community-Based Care Model: Operating as a lead agency under the community-based care model, which decentralizes child welfare services to increase local ownership and leverage community resources.

Trauma-Informed Care: Integrating trauma-informed approaches across all services and community practices.

Target Markets

Family Partnerships of Central Florida primarily serves the following market segments:

Children and Families at Risk: Families in Brevard, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties who are involved with or at risk of involvement with the child welfare system.

Foster Parents: Individuals and families interested in providing foster care for children in need within the service area.

Adoptive Families: Individuals and families seeking to adopt children needing permanent homes.

Youth in Independent Living Programs: Young adults transitioning out of foster care.

2. Financial Overview

Funding History

Family Partnerships of Central Florida operates through funding from a diverse array of federal, state, and local sources. These funds are managed flexibly at the local level to meet the specific needs of families. As a community-based care lead agency, the organization holds a contract with the Florida Department of Children and Families.

The Family Partnerships Foundation was established in 2021 as a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity. This foundation actively supports the organization's mission by generating opportunities and leveraging financial resources, expertise, and community support. The foundation's primary focus areas include prevention, in-care support, and independent living initiatives. Contributions to the foundation support critical needs such as daycare, cribs, rent assistance, car seats, and summer camps for at-risk youth, with every dollar invested in prevention estimated to save nine dollars in foster care funding.

The overall state appropriation for lead agencies like Family Partnerships of Central Florida increased to almost $1.4 billion in Fiscal Year 2024-2025.

3. Product Pipeline

Key Products/Services

1. Child Abuse Prevention and Diversion (C.A.R.E.S. Model)

Product Name and Description: Coordination, Advocacy, Resources, Education and Support (C.A.R.E.S.) is a front-end prevention and diversion model for at-risk children. It aims to reduce the likelihood of children entering the child welfare system by providing early intervention and support services.

Development Stage: Established and expanded across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties. It has been credentialed as an evidence-based practice.

Target Market/Condition: At-risk children and families who may be on the verge of entering the formal child welfare system.

Key Features and Benefits: Safely maintains children in their homes, increases early intervention efforts, leads to fewer removals, and strengthens families.

2. Foster Care Services

Product Name and Description: Provision and management of safe and nurturing foster homes for children who are unable to remain with their biological families.

Development Stage: Ongoing and continuous service delivery.

Target Market/Condition: Children removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment, and families interested in becoming foster parents.

Expected Timeline: Aims for permanency within 12 months for children in foster care.

Key Features and Benefits: Ensures child safety, provides temporary stable environments, works towards reunification or alternative permanency, and offers support to foster families.

3. Adoption Services

Product Name and Description: Facilitating the legal and permanent placement of children with adoptive families when reunification with birth parents is not possible.

Development Stage: Ongoing and continuous service delivery.

Target Market/Condition: Children in foster care needing a permanent family, and individuals/couples seeking to adopt.

Key Features and Benefits: Provides children with "forever families," offers stability and a sense of belonging, and completes the permanency goal for many children in the system.

4. Independent Living Services

Product Name and Description: Programs designed to support young adults transitioning out of the foster care system, equipping them with the skills and resources needed for self-sufficiency.

Development Stage: Ongoing and continuously evolving to meet the needs of older youth.

Target Market/Condition: Young adults aged typically 18-23 who are aging out of the foster care system.

Key Features and Benefits: Provides vital life skills training, educational support, housing assistance, and career guidance, fostering independence and successful transition to adulthood.

4. Technology & Innovation

Technology Stack

Family Partnerships of Central Florida demonstrates a commitment to purposeful innovation in addressing child welfare challenges.

Proprietary Developments: The organization developed and implemented the Coordination, Advocacy, Resources, Education and Support (C.A.R.E.S.) model. This front-end prevention and diversion model is specifically designed for at-risk children to reduce their likelihood of entering the child welfare system. The C.A.R.E.S. Model has been credentialed as an evidence-based practice.

Scientific Methodologies: A commitment to a system-wide transformation project incorporating Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) since October 2012. This initiative aims to increase community awareness about trauma's impact, mitigate its effects on children and youth, and build resilience and well-being.

Technical Capabilities: The organization utilizes robust data collection and analysis to forecast service needs and costs, ensuring efficient resource management and outcome achievement for children and families.

5. Leadership & Management

Executive Team

Phil Scarpelli, President and CEO

Professional Background: Became President and CEO in May 2024 after joining Brevard Family Partnership (the predecessor organization) in November 2018. He spearheaded the organization's expansion to four counties and rebranding. Possesses 35 years of experience in behavioral healthcare and child welfare, having been involved in Florida's child welfare system since its privatization in the late 1990s. Previously worked with the Department of Children and Families' central region in professional development and talent management.

Notable Achievements: Led the significant expansion and rebranding of the organization in May 2024.

Key Contributions to the Company: Drives strategic direction, oversees overall operations, and fosters partnerships for growth and impact.

LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-partnerships-of-central-florida](https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-partnerships-of-central-florida)

Dr. Valerie Holmes, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Professional Background: Joined Brevard Family Partnership at its inception in 2004. Has 29 years of experience in social services. Holds a doctorate in psychology, a master's in counseling and psychology, and a bachelor's in psychology.

Notable Achievements: Instrumental in designing and refining the system of care at inception, focusing on stakeholder training and engagement. Served as the founding executive director of CARES, the agency's child abuse prevention division, and played a key role in credentialing the C.A.R.E.S. Model as an evidence-based practice.

Key Contributions to the Company: Oversees operational efficiency, program development, and quality assurance.

Stacy Peacock, Chief Administrative Officer

Professional Background: Over 20 years of experience in child welfare, health, and human services in both state and privatized environments. Joined the child welfare lead agency for Central Florida in 2005, previously holding roles as Vice President of Information and Eligibility and Director of Administration.

Key Contributions to the Company: Oversees human resources, information technology, business analytics and automation, business and property management, information and eligibility services, and administrative support.

Recent Leadership Changes

In May 2024, Phil Scarpelli led the organization through a significant expansion of its service area, taking on four counties, and rebranded the entity from Brevard Family Partnership to Family Partnerships of Central Florida. This expansion included taking over foster services from Embrace Families.

6. Talent and Growth Indicators

Hiring Trends and Workforce

Family Partnerships of Central Florida is actively expanding its team, seeking to fill various roles. The organization also offers employment and internship opportunities, emphasizing hands-on experience and preparing participants for future professional success. A key area of recruitment is for foster parents across Brevard, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. The child welfare services industry in Florida has shown consistent employment growth, averaging 2.3% annually from 2020 to 2025, with over 18,029 employees in 2026.

Company Growth Trajectory Indicators

The expansion from serving one county as Brevard Family Partnership to four counties as Family Partnerships of Central Florida in May 2024, including the integration of foster services from Embrace Families, signifies a substantial growth trajectory. The consistent rise in state appropriations for lead agencies also indicates a supportive environment for expansion and increased service delivery.

Employee Sentiment and Culture Insights

Employee sentiment, based on reviews for the predecessor organization, Brevard Family Partnership, indicates an average rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars from 12 reviews. While some employees highlight positive aspects such as achieving personal goals, learning new skills, and flexibility in work arrangements, others point to challenges including heavy workloads, lower pay, and issues with training and upper management. The organization has an approximate 90% staff retention rate, indicating continuity in its workforce.

7. Social Media Presence and Engagement

Digital Footprint

Family Partnerships of Central Florida maintains an active digital presence to engage with the community and disseminate information.

Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/brevardfamilypartnership/posts/](https://www.facebook.com/brevardfamilypartnership/posts/) (Note: The Facebook page is still under its former name "Brevard Family Partnership" but features recent updates about Family Partnerships of Central Florida).

YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/@familypartnershipsofcentral6595/videos](https://www.youtube.com/@familypartnershipsofcentral6595/videos) (Showcases various videos including adoption stories, foster parent information, and podcast episodes).

Brand Messaging and Positioning

The organization utilizes its "Media Hub" on its website as a central resource for child welfare narratives and insights, featuring blogs, news, press releases, and a podcast. The "About Family Partnerships Podcast" brings together community leaders, experts, and individuals with lived experiences to discuss fostering, independent living, adoption, and child advocacy, reinforcing their position as a thought leader in the child welfare sector.

8. Recognition and Awards

Industry Recognition

Family Partnerships of Central Florida, through its legacy as Brevard Family Partnership, has received notable recognition for its contributions to child welfare.

CAPTF Award for Group/Field Team Work (2011): Brevard CARES, a division of the organization, was recognized by the Florida Child Abuse Prevention Training Center (CAPTF) for its exemplary efforts in strengthening families and preventing child abuse. This award specifically lauded their dedicated "whatever it takes" approach and effective collaborations with other agencies.

Adoption Finalizations: The organization frequently celebrates successful adoption finalizations, such as a "Day of Forever Families" in November 2025 and 58 children finding permanent homes on National Adoption Day in November 2024. These events highlight their direct impact on the lives of children and families.

Media Coverage: News mentions often feature the organization's impact reports and advocacy efforts for foster families, underscoring its significant role in the community.

9. Competitive Analysis

Major Competitors

Family Partnerships of Central Florida operates as one of 19 Community-Based Care (CBC) lead agencies contracted by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). These agencies manage child welfare programs within specific geographic areas across Florida's 20 Judicial Circuits, creating a competitive yet collaborative landscape. Other significant lead agencies include:

Heartland for Children:

Company Overview: A community-based care lead agency.

Focus Areas: Child welfare services, foster care, adoption, and prevention.

Technological Capabilities: Implements innovative solutions for child welfare.

Notable Achievements: Dedicated to serving Hardee, Highlands, and Polk counties.

Kids Central, Inc.:

Company Overview: A community-based care lead agency.

Focus Areas: Child welfare services, foster care, adoption, and prevention.

Technological Capabilities: Focuses on improving outcomes for children.

Notable Achievements: Serves Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, and Sumter counties.

Partnership for Strong Families:

Company Overview: A community-based care lead agency.

Focus Areas: Child welfare services, foster care, adoption, and prevention.

Notable Achievements: Covers multiple counties in Northeast Florida, including Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Suwanee, Taylor, and Union counties.

Family Support Services of North Florida, Inc.:

Company Overview: A community-based care lead agency.

Focus Areas: Child welfare services, foster care, adoption.

Notable Achievements: Serves Duval and Nassau counties.

ChildNet, Inc.:

Company Overview: A community-based care lead agency.

Focus Areas: Child welfare services, foster care, adoption.

Notable Achievements: Serves Broward and Palm Beach counties.

10. Market Analysis

Market Overview

The Adoption & Child Welfare Services industry in Florida is a substantial market, valued at $2.9 billion in 2026. This sector has experienced consistent growth, with an average annual rate of 4.2% from 2020 to 2025. The number of businesses in this industry has also grown at an average annual rate of 4.0% during the same period, reaching 2,920 businesses in 2026. This robust growth highlights the ongoing demand for child welfare services across the state.

Growth Potential

Florida's unique child welfare model, which extensively outsources services to private, non-profit community-based care lead agencies, fosters local community ownership, partnerships, and resource leveraging. This model presents significant growth potential for agencies like Family Partnerships of Central Florida as they expand their service areas and enhance their program offerings. The state's continued investment in lead agency core services funding further supports this growth.

Key Market Trends

Privatization of Services: Florida's child welfare system is characterized by its high degree of privatization, entrusting lead agencies with significant responsibility for service delivery.

Emphasis on Prevention: Increasing focus on front-end prevention and diversion models, such as the C.A.R.E.S. model, to reduce the number of children entering the formal child welfare system.

Trauma-Informed Care: A growing recognition and integration of trauma-informed care approaches across the continuum of child welfare services.

Need for Foster Homes: A significant and ongoing shortage of licensed foster homes, particularly in high-growth areas, creating a critical need for recruitment and retention efforts. In October 2025, the Brevard, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole regions had 698 children in licensed foster homes but only 441 available homes.

Market Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges:

High Staff Turnover: Persistent high turnover rates among case managers, primarily due to low pay and heavy caseloads, which can negatively impact the length of time children spend in foster care. A 2020 study showed 57% of new case managers leaving within 18 months, increasing to 81% after 3.5 years.

Funding Constraints: While state appropriations have increased, managing diverse funding sources effectively and advocating for sufficient resources remains a continuous challenge.

Recruitment of Foster Parents: The significant gap between the number of children needing foster care and the availability of foster homes presents a major operational challenge.

Opportunities:

System Transformation: Opportunities to lead system-wide transformations, particularly in implementing trauma-informed care and innovative prevention models.