News Summary
The Leon County Children’s Services Council has benefitted over 126,000 families since its establishment, with over $22 million invested. A recent report outlines its program effectiveness and plans for future funding amid community challenges. Call for improvements and addressing rising property tax concerns feature prominently, as the council seeks additional funds to continue supporting families in need.
Leon County, Florida – The Leon County Children’s Services Council (CSC) has impacted over 126,000 families since its inception in 2021, with an investment of more than $22 million funded by taxpayers. The council released its first impact report on September 18, which outlines its financial allocations and the effectiveness of its programs aimed at supporting families in need.
The report emphasizes the importance of making consistent and substantial investments to achieve long-term benefits for the community. Executive Director Cecka Rose Green pointed out that while significant funding is essential, such investments are vital for fostering improvement over time. The CSC is committed to focusing on effective areas for family support, particularly in the two most impoverished regions of the county, identified by the 32303 and 32304 area codes.
To track the progress of service provision, the CSC has monitored various initiatives over a four-year span, involving activities like camps, afterschool services, and the establishment of Family Resource Centers. Notably, the first Family Resource Center was launched in Cross Creek in August 2024, followed by another in Fort Braden in April 2025. This expansion is part of an ongoing effort to connect families with necessary resources and services.
Amid the council’s achievements, there have been calls for rectifying existing issues. CSC Treasurer Paul Mitchell acknowledged the need for quicker improvements while recognizing that the organization is still learning to navigate the complexities of community service. The CSC is governed by a 10-member council, with half of the members appointed by the governor, which adds a layer of oversight and accountability.
Despite the positive developments, the CSC has encountered criticism from opponents who are wary of rising property taxes. The council is looking forward to receiving an additional $9 million in funding for the upcoming year, though officials caution that this amount will still fall short of meeting all of Leon County’s children’s needs. In light of this, the council is proposing a tax increase of $60 for properties valued at $200,000 in its 2025-26 budget, which aims to support summer programs, youth internships, and perinatal programs. This proposal will face its final approval during a public hearing scheduled for September 25.
A needs assessment conducted in 2022 identified critical areas for focus which include enhancing success in education and life, promoting healthy children, and stabilizing communities and families. To effectively evaluate its impact, the council has monitored 12 indicators. While the report shows numerous improvements in various sectors, substantial challenges remain in areas like kindergarten readiness, juvenile crime prevention, and addressing food insecurity.
Additionally, Superintendent Rocky Hanna has raised concerns regarding the funding of numerous programs, advocating instead for robust long-term investments in fewer initiatives to maximize impact. To bolster existing resources, a $2.1 million funding request for afterschool programs was approved by the CSC, aimed at addressing budget shortfalls in Leon County Schools due to halted federal funding.
Executive Director Green acknowledged that while some investments may not yield immediate results, they are crucial for setting children on the right developmental trajectory. The CSC’s Perinatal Navigator Program has received a significant investment of $2.8 million to ensure the preparedness of children for kindergarten, which is part of the council’s broader strategy to mitigate future challenges.
Furthermore, the report notes a decline in community issues such as suicide rates, domestic violence incidents, self-harm, and low birth weight babies, attributed to the effectiveness of the CSC’s programs. Currently, about 80% of the council’s budget is allocated directly to programmatic needs, ensuring that funds are channeled into impactful initiatives.
The comprehensive report detailing the CSC’s findings and impact can be accessed online at www.cscleon.org, providing transparency and accountability for taxpayers and stakeholders in the Leon County community.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: Leon County CSC Shares First Impact Report
- Wikipedia: Leon County, Florida
- FLGov: Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Three Children’s Services Council
- Google Search: Leon County Children’s Services Council
- Tallahassee Reports: Leon Schools Gets $2.1M from CSC Amid Crisis
- Google Scholar: Leon County Children’s Services
- WTXL: CSC Leon Approves $2.1M Emergency Funding Request
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Children’s Services in Florida
- WTXL: CSC Leon Approves $2.5M Investment Towards Youth Development Programs
- Google News: Leon County CSC Funding
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
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