Parent Support Specialist Program

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Parent Support Specialist Program

For the first time in Florida’s history, federal funding has been made available for parent representation through what is known as Title IV-E funding. This came about as a result of the Family First Prevention Services Act passed in 2018 (Read more here). This has allowed RC1 to create the Parent Support Specialist (PSS) program to serve families we represent within the First Region. The PSS program utilizes forensic social workers and other professional support staff to work alongside the attorney assigned to represent the parent, resulting in a high-quality and effective legal representation team. Parents assisted by the PSS program may reduce safety risks to children, achieve permanency sooner, and reduce the time children spend in out-of-home care. The Florida statutes on multidisciplinary legal representation in the dependency system are below.

PSS Program expansion

The PSS program is in the early stages of development and will eventually be available to parents who qualify in all 32 counties of the First Region. Recent federal funding has allowed the program to start its expansion process in June of 2024. The first expansion stage will add 14 counties to its coverage, totaling 20. Please utilize the PSS program map to see the current active counties.

How Does PSS Work?

Shelter Hearing

When DCF removes children, a shelter hearing occurs within 24 hours. At this hearing, the Office of Regional Counsel (ORC) will be appointed to one of the parents. The ORC attorney will advocate for the parent at the hearing. If appropriate, ORC advocates for visitation that resembles family time, preferred placements and desired voluntary services that fit the parent’s needs.

Intake

A parent advocate may complete an intake with the parent, if they meet criteria, within a week of the shelter hearing. The intake will help shape the case’s direction when staffed with the attorney. ORC’s goal is for parents to have individualized services that address their needs and return the child to the home as soon and safely as possible.

Continued Services

The parent advocate and attorney will work with the parent to produce the best outcome for their family. The parent advocate will attend staffings, provide referrals/services, and speak with other social workers. The attorney will represent the parent at hearings and provide legal advice. Both members will address barriers for the parent through their specialized work.

What Services Does the PSS Program Offer?

Services provided to parents are individualized. Below are some services a parent may expect to receive from the PSS program.

Who Qualifies for PSS?

The PSS program can only serve clients appointed to The Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel by a judge. Clients must have indigent status (equal to or below 200 percent of the current federal poverty guidelines) to qualify to be appointed. ORC only represents one of the parents in each case, as each parent must have their own representation due to potential conflicts. This representation model is only available to persons appointed to Regional Counsel attorneys.

Where is the PSS program?

The PSS program is still currently expanding to cover our entire agency’s reach. Currently, the PSS program is in the 2nd, 8th, and 14th Circuit. The following counties have active PSS teams: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, and Wakulla.

Client's Testimonial

I just recently got custody of my daughter back and I do not believe it would have been possible without the support of my Parent Advocates, Paige Nirenberg and Tammy Harris. They were both very instrumental in helping guide me through the court process, as well as informing me of all my rights as a parent. DCF can be very intimidating, and they helped give me hope going through this very stressful process. I currently attend an outpatient program where there are other women who have had their children taken and they do not have a PSS. These women are struggling with their case plans. I believe every parent deserves a PSS so they can navigate this very stressful situation. Parent Support Specialists are very important because everyday parents don’t know how to navigate the legal part of a DCF case.

PSS Brochures

PSS Staff

For all Active Staff, visit RC1's Staff Directory

Parent Support Specialist Program