Fla. Stat. 409.147
Florida Children’s Initiatives


(1)

LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT.The Legislature finds that:
There are neighborhoods in this state where the infrastructure and opportunities that middle-class communities take for granted are nonexistent or so marginal that they are ineffective.
In many instances, children living in these neighborhoods are not read to by an adult on a regular basis and attend a prekindergarten education program at a much lower rate than children in other communities. These children experience below-average performance on standardized tests and graduate from high school in fewer numbers. Most of these children are eligible for the free or reduced-price school lunch program.
Children in these neighborhoods often suffer from high rates of asthma, a higher risk of lead poisoning, higher rates of childhood obesity, inadequate health care, and they are routinely exposed to violence and crime.
In spite of these obstacles, these neighborhoods are many times home to strong individuals and institutions that are committed to making a difference in the lives of children and their families.
It is therefore the intent of the Legislature to assist disadvantaged areas within the state in creating a community-based service network that develops, coordinates, and provides quality education, accessible health care, youth development programs, opportunities for employment, and safe and affordable housing for children and families living within its boundaries.

(a)

The Legislature finds that:There are neighborhoods in this state where the infrastructure and opportunities that middle-class communities take for granted are nonexistent or so marginal that they are ineffective.In many instances, children living in these neighborhoods are not read to by an adult on a regular basis and attend a prekindergarten education program at a much lower rate than children in other communities. These children experience below-average performance on standardized tests and graduate from high school in fewer numbers. Most of these children are eligible for the free or reduced-price school lunch program.Children in these neighborhoods often suffer from high rates of asthma, a higher risk of lead poisoning, higher rates of childhood obesity, inadequate health care, and they are routinely exposed to violence and crime.In spite of these obstacles, these neighborhoods are many times home to strong individuals and institutions that are committed to making a difference in the lives of children and their families.
1. There are neighborhoods in this state where the infrastructure and opportunities that middle-class communities take for granted are nonexistent or so marginal that they are ineffective.
2. In many instances, children living in these neighborhoods are not read to by an adult on a regular basis and attend a prekindergarten education program at a much lower rate than children in other communities. These children experience below-average performance on standardized tests and graduate from high school in fewer numbers. Most of these children are eligible for the free or reduced-price school lunch program.
3. Children in these neighborhoods often suffer from high rates of asthma, a higher risk of lead poisoning, higher rates of childhood obesity, inadequate health care, and they are routinely exposed to violence and crime.
4. In spite of these obstacles, these neighborhoods are many times home to strong individuals and institutions that are committed to making a difference in the lives of children and their families.

(b)

It is therefore the intent of the Legislature to assist disadvantaged areas within the state in creating a community-based service network that develops, coordinates, and provides quality education, accessible health care, youth development programs, opportunities for employment, and safe and affordable housing for children and families living within its boundaries.

(2)

POLICY AND PURPOSE.It is the policy of this state to provide the necessary means to assist local communities, the children and families who live in those communities, and the private sector in creating a sound educational, social, and economic environment. To achieve this objective, the state intends to provide investments sufficient to encourage community partners to commit financial and other resources to severely disadvantaged areas. The purpose of this section is to establish a process that clearly identifies the severely disadvantaged areas and provides guidance for developing a new social service paradigm that systematically coordinates programs that address the critical needs of children and their families and for directing efforts to rebuild the basic infrastructure of the community. The Legislature, therefore, declares the creation of Florida Children’s Initiatives, through the collaborative efforts of government and the private sector, to be a public purpose.

(3)

DEFINITIONS.As used in this section, the term:“Governing body” means the commission or other legislative body charged with governing a county or municipality.“Ounce” means the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida, Inc.“Planning team” means a Florida Children’s Initiative planning team established under this section.“Resident” means a person who lives in or operates a small community-based business or organization within the boundaries of a Florida Children’s Initiative.

(a)

“Governing body” means the commission or other legislative body charged with governing a county or municipality.

(b)

“Ounce” means the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida, Inc.

(c)

“Planning team” means a Florida Children’s Initiative planning team established under this section.

(d)

“Resident” means a person who lives in or operates a small community-based business or organization within the boundaries of a Florida Children’s Initiative.

(4)

FLORIDA CHILDREN’S INITIATIVE NOMINATING PROCESS.A county or municipality, or a county and one or more municipalities together, may apply to the Ounce to designate an area as a Florida Children’s Initiative after the governing body:Adopts a resolution that:
Finds that an area exists in such county or municipality, or in the county and one or more municipalities, that chronically exhibits extreme and unacceptable levels of poverty, unemployment, physical deterioration, as well as limited access to quality educational, health care, and social services.
Determines that the rehabilitation, conservation, or redevelopment, or a combination thereof, of the area is necessary for improving the health, wellness, education, living conditions, and livelihoods of the children and families who live in the county or municipality.
Determines that the revitalization of the area can occur only if this state and the private sector invest resources to improve infrastructure and the provision of services.
Establishes a planning team as provided in subsection (5).Develops and adopts a strategic community plan as provided in subsection (6).Identifies or creates a not-for-profit corporation as provided in subsection (7).

(a)

Adopts a resolution that:Finds that an area exists in such county or municipality, or in the county and one or more municipalities, that chronically exhibits extreme and unacceptable levels of poverty, unemployment, physical deterioration, as well as limited access to quality educational, health care, and social services.Determines that the rehabilitation, conservation, or redevelopment, or a combination thereof, of the area is necessary for improving the health, wellness, education, living conditions, and livelihoods of the children and families who live in the county or municipality.Determines that the revitalization of the area can occur only if this state and the private sector invest resources to improve infrastructure and the provision of services.
1. Finds that an area exists in such county or municipality, or in the county and one or more municipalities, that chronically exhibits extreme and unacceptable levels of poverty, unemployment, physical deterioration, as well as limited access to quality educational, health care, and social services.
2. Determines that the rehabilitation, conservation, or redevelopment, or a combination thereof, of the area is necessary for improving the health, wellness, education, living conditions, and livelihoods of the children and families who live in the county or municipality.
3. Determines that the revitalization of the area can occur only if this state and the private sector invest resources to improve infrastructure and the provision of services.

(b)

Establishes a planning team as provided in subsection (5).

(c)

Develops and adopts a strategic community plan as provided in subsection (6).

(d)

Identifies or creates a not-for-profit corporation as provided in subsection (7).

(5)

FLORIDA CHILDREN’S INITIATIVE PLANNING TEAM.After the governing body adopts the resolution described in subsection (4), the county or municipality shall establish a Florida Children’s Initiative planning team.The planning team shall include residents and representatives from community-based organizations and other community institutions. At least half of the members of the planning team must be residents.The planning team shall:
Develop a planning process that sets the direction for, builds a commitment to, and develops the capacity to realize the Florida Children’s Initiative concept.
Develop a vision of what the Florida Children’s Initiative will look like when the challenges, problems, and opportunities in the Florida Children’s Initiative are successfully addressed.
Identify important opportunities, strengths, challenges, and problems in the Florida Children’s Initiative.
Develop a strategic community plan consisting of goals, objectives, tasks, the designation of responsible parties, the identification of resources needed, timelines for implementation of the plan, and procedures for monitoring outcomes.
The planning team shall designate working groups to specifically address each of the following focus areas:
Early development and care of children.
Education of children and youth.
Health and wellness.
Youth support.
Parent and guardian support.
Adult education, training, and jobs.
Community safety.
Housing and community development.

(a)

After the governing body adopts the resolution described in subsection (4), the county or municipality shall establish a Florida Children’s Initiative planning team.

(b)

The planning team shall include residents and representatives from community-based organizations and other community institutions. At least half of the members of the planning team must be residents.

(c)

The planning team shall:Develop a planning process that sets the direction for, builds a commitment to, and develops the capacity to realize the Florida Children’s Initiative concept.Develop a vision of what the Florida Children’s Initiative will look like when the challenges, problems, and opportunities in the Florida Children’s Initiative are successfully addressed.Identify important opportunities, strengths, challenges, and problems in the Florida Children’s Initiative.Develop a strategic community plan consisting of goals, objectives, tasks, the designation of responsible parties, the identification of resources needed, timelines for implementation of the plan, and procedures for monitoring outcomes.
1. Develop a planning process that sets the direction for, builds a commitment to, and develops the capacity to realize the Florida Children’s Initiative concept.
2. Develop a vision of what the Florida Children’s Initiative will look like when the challenges, problems, and opportunities in the Florida Children’s Initiative are successfully addressed.
3. Identify important opportunities, strengths, challenges, and problems in the Florida Children’s Initiative.
4. Develop a strategic community plan consisting of goals, objectives, tasks, the designation of responsible parties, the identification of resources needed, timelines for implementation of the plan, and procedures for monitoring outcomes.

(d)

The planning team shall designate working groups to specifically address each of the following focus areas:Early development and care of children.Education of children and youth.Health and wellness.Youth support.Parent and guardian support.Adult education, training, and jobs.Community safety.Housing and community development.
1. Early development and care of children.
2. Education of children and youth.
3. Health and wellness.
4. Youth support.
5. Parent and guardian support.
6. Adult education, training, and jobs.
7. Community safety.
8. Housing and community development.

(6)

FLORIDA CHILDREN’S INITIATIVE STRATEGIC COMMUNITY PLAN.After the governing body adopts the resolution described in subsection (4), the working groups shall develop objectives and identify strategies for each focus area. The objectives, specified by focus area, for a working group may include, but not be limited to:Early development and care of children.
Providing resources to enable every child to be adequately nurtured during the first 3 years of life.
Ensuring that all schools are ready for children and all children are ready for school by the time they reach kindergarten.
Facilitating enrollment in half-day or full-day prekindergarten for all 3-year-old and 4-year-old children.
Strengthening parent and guardian relationships with care providers.
Providing support and education for families and child care providers.
Education of children and youth.
Increasing the level and degree of knowledge and accountability of persons who are responsible for the development and well-being of all children in each Florida Children’s Initiative.
Transforming the structure and function of schools to increase the quality and amount of time spent on instruction and increase programmatic options and offerings.
Creating a safe and respectful environment for student learning.
Identifying and supporting points of alignment between a Florida Children’s Initiative community plan and the school district’s strategic plan.
Health and wellness.
Facilitating enrollment of all eligible children in the Florida Kidcare program and providing full access to high-quality drug and alcohol treatment services.
Eliminating health disparities between racial and cultural groups, including improving outcomes and increasing interventions.
Providing fresh, good quality, affordable, and nutritious food within a Florida Children’s Initiative.
Providing all children in a Florida Children’s Initiative with access to safe structured and unstructured recreation.
Youth support.
Increasing the high school graduation, postsecondary enrollment, and postsecondary completion rates among neighborhood youth.
Increasing leadership development and employment opportunities for neighborhood youth.
Parent and guardian support.
Increasing parent and adult literacy.
Expanding access for parents to critical resources, such as jobs, transportation, day care, and after-school care.
Improving the effectiveness of the ways in which support systems communicate and collaborate with parents and the ways in which parents communicate and collaborate with support systems.
Making the services of the Healthy Families Florida program available to provide multiyear support to expectant parents and persons caring for infants and toddlers.
Adult education, training, and jobs.
Creating job opportunities for adults that lead to career development.
Establishing a career and technical school, or a satellite of such a school within a Florida Children’s Initiative, which includes a one-stop career center.
Community safety.
Providing a safe environment for all children at home, in school, and in the community.
Eliminating the economic, political, and social forces that lead to a lack of safety within the family, the community, schools, and institutional structures.
Assessing policies and practices, including sentencing, incarceration, detention, and data reporting, to reduce youth incarceration, violence, crime, and recidivism.
Housing and community development.
Strengthening the residential real estate market.
Building on existing efforts to promote socioeconomic diversity when developing a comprehensive land use strategic plan.
Promoting neighborhood beautification strategies.

(a)

Early development and care of children.Providing resources to enable every child to be adequately nurtured during the first 3 years of life.Ensuring that all schools are ready for children and all children are ready for school by the time they reach kindergarten.Facilitating enrollment in half-day or full-day prekindergarten for all 3-year-old and 4-year-old children.Strengthening parent and guardian relationships with care providers.Providing support and education for families and child care providers.
1. Providing resources to enable every child to be adequately nurtured during the first 3 years of life.
2. Ensuring that all schools are ready for children and all children are ready for school by the time they reach kindergarten.
3. Facilitating enrollment in half-day or full-day prekindergarten for all 3-year-old and 4-year-old children.
4. Strengthening parent and guardian relationships with care providers.
5. Providing support and education for families and child care providers.

(b)

Education of children and youth.Increasing the level and degree of knowledge and accountability of persons who are responsible for the development and well-being of all children in each Florida Children’s Initiative.Transforming the structure and function of schools to increase the quality and amount of time spent on instruction and increase programmatic options and offerings.Creating a safe and respectful environment for student learning.Identifying and supporting points of alignment between a Florida Children’s Initiative community plan and the school district’s strategic plan.
1. Increasing the level and degree of knowledge and accountability of persons who are responsible for the development and well-being of all children in each Florida Children’s Initiative.
2. Transforming the structure and function of schools to increase the quality and amount of time spent on instruction and increase programmatic options and offerings.
3. Creating a safe and respectful environment for student learning.
4. Identifying and supporting points of alignment between a Florida Children’s Initiative community plan and the school district’s strategic plan.

(c)

Health and wellness.Facilitating enrollment of all eligible children in the Florida Kidcare program and providing full access to high-quality drug and alcohol treatment services.Eliminating health disparities between racial and cultural groups, including improving outcomes and increasing interventions.Providing fresh, good quality, affordable, and nutritious food within a Florida Children’s Initiative.Providing all children in a Florida Children’s Initiative with access to safe structured and unstructured recreation.
1. Facilitating enrollment of all eligible children in the Florida Kidcare program and providing full access to high-quality drug and alcohol treatment services.
2. Eliminating health disparities between racial and cultural groups, including improving outcomes and increasing interventions.
3. Providing fresh, good quality, affordable, and nutritious food within a Florida Children’s Initiative.
4. Providing all children in a Florida Children’s Initiative with access to safe structured and unstructured recreation.

(d)

Youth support.Increasing the high school graduation, postsecondary enrollment, and postsecondary completion rates among neighborhood youth.Increasing leadership development and employment opportunities for neighborhood youth.
1. Increasing the high school graduation, postsecondary enrollment, and postsecondary completion rates among neighborhood youth.
2. Increasing leadership development and employment opportunities for neighborhood youth.

(e)

Parent and guardian support.Increasing parent and adult literacy.Expanding access for parents to critical resources, such as jobs, transportation, day care, and after-school care.Improving the effectiveness of the ways in which support systems communicate and collaborate with parents and the ways in which parents communicate and collaborate with support systems.Making the services of the Healthy Families Florida program available to provide multiyear support to expectant parents and persons caring for infants and toddlers.
1. Increasing parent and adult literacy.
2. Expanding access for parents to critical resources, such as jobs, transportation, day care, and after-school care.
3. Improving the effectiveness of the ways in which support systems communicate and collaborate with parents and the ways in which parents communicate and collaborate with support systems.
4. Making the services of the Healthy Families Florida program available to provide multiyear support to expectant parents and persons caring for infants and toddlers.

(f)

Adult education, training, and jobs.Creating job opportunities for adults that lead to career development.Establishing a career and technical school, or a satellite of such a school within a Florida Children’s Initiative, which includes a one-stop career center.
1. Creating job opportunities for adults that lead to career development.
2. Establishing a career and technical school, or a satellite of such a school within a Florida Children’s Initiative, which includes a one-stop career center.

(g)

Community safety.Providing a safe environment for all children at home, in school, and in the community.Eliminating the economic, political, and social forces that lead to a lack of safety within the family, the community, schools, and institutional structures.Assessing policies and practices, including sentencing, incarceration, detention, and data reporting, to reduce youth incarceration, violence, crime, and recidivism.
1. Providing a safe environment for all children at home, in school, and in the community.
2. Eliminating the economic, political, and social forces that lead to a lack of safety within the family, the community, schools, and institutional structures.
3. Assessing policies and practices, including sentencing, incarceration, detention, and data reporting, to reduce youth incarceration, violence, crime, and recidivism.

(h)

Housing and community development.Strengthening the residential real estate market.Building on existing efforts to promote socioeconomic diversity when developing a comprehensive land use strategic plan.Promoting neighborhood beautification strategies.
1. Strengthening the residential real estate market.
2. Building on existing efforts to promote socioeconomic diversity when developing a comprehensive land use strategic plan.
3. Promoting neighborhood beautification strategies.

(7)

FLORIDA CHILDREN’S INITIATIVES CORPORATION.The Florida Children’s Initiatives as specified in subsections (9)-(13) are administratively housed within the department. However, these initiatives are not subject to control, supervision, or direction by the department or any other department of this state.After the governing body adopts the resolution described in subsection (4), establishes a planning team as provided in subsection (5), and develops and adopts a strategic community plan as provided in subsection (6), the county or municipality shall either identify an existing, qualified not-for-profit corporation or create a not-for-profit corporation registered, incorporated, organized, and operated in compliance with chapter 617. The purpose of the not-for-profit corporation is to facilitate fundraising, to secure broad community ownership of the initiative, and, if the area selected by the governing body is designated as a Florida Children’s Initiative, to:
Begin to transfer responsibility for planning from the planning team to the corporation.
Begin the implementation and governance of the strategic community plan.
Update the strategic community plan every 5 years to reflect, at a minimum, the current status of the area served by the Florida Children’s Initiative; the goals, objectives, and strategies for each focus area; and the tasks required to implement the strategies for the upcoming year.
The Ounce must provide technical assistance to the corporation to facilitate the achievement of the plans created under subsection (6).

(a)

The Florida Children’s Initiatives as specified in subsections (9)-(13) are administratively housed within the department. However, these initiatives are not subject to control, supervision, or direction by the department or any other department of this state.

(b)

After the governing body adopts the resolution described in subsection (4), establishes a planning team as provided in subsection (5), and develops and adopts a strategic community plan as provided in subsection (6), the county or municipality shall either identify an existing, qualified not-for-profit corporation or create a not-for-profit corporation registered, incorporated, organized, and operated in compliance with chapter 617. The purpose of the not-for-profit corporation is to facilitate fundraising, to secure broad community ownership of the initiative, and, if the area selected by the governing body is designated as a Florida Children’s Initiative, to:Begin to transfer responsibility for planning from the planning team to the corporation.Begin the implementation and governance of the strategic community plan.Update the strategic community plan every 5 years to reflect, at a minimum, the current status of the area served by the Florida Children’s Initiative; the goals, objectives, and strategies for each focus area; and the tasks required to implement the strategies for the upcoming year.
1. Begin to transfer responsibility for planning from the planning team to the corporation.
2. Begin the implementation and governance of the strategic community plan.
3. Update the strategic community plan every 5 years to reflect, at a minimum, the current status of the area served by the Florida Children’s Initiative; the goals, objectives, and strategies for each focus area; and the tasks required to implement the strategies for the upcoming year.

(c)

The Ounce must provide technical assistance to the corporation to facilitate the achievement of the plans created under subsection (6).

(8)

REQUIREMENTS FOR RECEIVING STATE FUNDING.Unless otherwise specified in the General Appropriations Act:State funding for Florida Children’s Initiatives must be awarded through a performance-based contract that links payments to the achievement of outcomes directly related to the goals, objectives, strategies, and tasks outlined in the strategic community plan.This act is intended to support the development of a network of Florida Children’s Initiatives focus areas in disadvantaged neighborhoods throughout this state. To that end, counties that do not currently have a Florida Children’s Initiative and are trying to establish an initiative have priority for designation by the Ounce.

(a)

State funding for Florida Children’s Initiatives must be awarded through a performance-based contract that links payments to the achievement of outcomes directly related to the goals, objectives, strategies, and tasks outlined in the strategic community plan.

(b)

This act is intended to support the development of a network of Florida Children’s Initiatives focus areas in disadvantaged neighborhoods throughout this state. To that end, counties that do not currently have a Florida Children’s Initiative and are trying to establish an initiative have priority for designation by the Ounce.

(9)

MIAMI CHILDREN’S INITIATIVE.There is created within the Liberty City neighborhood in Miami-Dade County a project called the Miami Children’s Initiative managed by an entity organized as a not-for-profit corporation registered, incorporated, organized, and operated in compliance with chapter 617 and this section. Public policy dictates that the Miami Children’s Initiative operates in the most open and accessible manner consistent with its public purpose. Therefore, the Legislature specifically declares that the Miami Children’s Initiative is subject to chapter 119, relating to public records; chapter 286, relating to public meetings and records; and chapter 287, relating to the procurement of commodities or contractual services.This initiative is designed to encompass an area that is large enough to include all of the necessary components of community life, including, but not limited to, schools, places of worship, recreational facilities, commercial areas, and common space, yet small enough to allow programs and services to reach every willing member of the neighborhood.

(a)

There is created within the Liberty City neighborhood in Miami-Dade County a project called the Miami Children’s Initiative managed by an entity organized as a not-for-profit corporation registered, incorporated, organized, and operated in compliance with chapter 617 and this section. Public policy dictates that the Miami Children’s Initiative operates in the most open and accessible manner consistent with its public purpose. Therefore, the Legislature specifically declares that the Miami Children’s Initiative is subject to chapter 119, relating to public records; chapter 286, relating to public meetings and records; and chapter 287, relating to the procurement of commodities or contractual services.

(b)

This initiative is designed to encompass an area that is large enough to include all of the necessary components of community life, including, but not limited to, schools, places of worship, recreational facilities, commercial areas, and common space, yet small enough to allow programs and services to reach every willing member of the neighborhood.

(10)

THE NEW TOWN SUCCESS ZONE.There is created within the City of Jacksonville Council District 9 in Duval County a project called the New Town Success Zone managed by an entity organized as a not-for-profit corporation registered, incorporated, organized, and operated in compliance with chapter 617 and this section. Public policy dictates that the New Town Success Zone operates in the most open and accessible manner consistent with its public purpose. Therefore, the Legislature declares that the New Town Success Zone is subject to chapter 119, relating to public records; chapter 286, relating to public meetings and records; and chapter 287, relating to the procurement of commodities or contractual services.This initiative is designed to encompass an area that is large enough to include all of the necessary components of community life, including, but not limited to, schools, places of worship, recreational facilities, commercial areas, and common space, yet small enough to allow programs and services to reach every member of the neighborhood who is willing to participate in the project.

(a)

There is created within the City of Jacksonville Council District 9 in Duval County a project called the New Town Success Zone managed by an entity organized as a not-for-profit corporation registered, incorporated, organized, and operated in compliance with chapter 617 and this section. Public policy dictates that the New Town Success Zone operates in the most open and accessible manner consistent with its public purpose. Therefore, the Legislature declares that the New Town Success Zone is subject to chapter 119, relating to public records; chapter 286, relating to public meetings and records; and chapter 287, relating to the procurement of commodities or contractual services.

(b)

This initiative is designed to encompass an area that is large enough to include all of the necessary components of community life, including, but not limited to, schools, places of worship, recreational facilities, commercial areas, and common space, yet small enough to allow programs and services to reach every member of the neighborhood who is willing to participate in the project.

(11)

THE ORLANDO KIDZ ZONES.There is created within the City of Orlando in Orange County a project called the Orlando Kidz Zones managed by an entity organized as a not-for-profit corporation registered, incorporated, organized, and operated in compliance with chapter 617 and this section. Public policy dictates that the Orlando Kidz Zones operates in the most open and accessible manner consistent with its public purpose. Therefore, the Legislature declares that the Orlando Kidz Zones is subject to chapter 119, relating to public records; chapter 286, relating to public meetings and records; and chapter 287, relating to the procurement of commodities or contractual services.This initiative is designed to encompass the Orlando neighborhoods of Parramore, Mercy Drive, and Englewood. All three of these neighborhoods are large enough to include all of the necessary components of community life, including, but not limited to, schools, places of worship, recreational facilities, commercial areas, and common space, yet small enough to allow programs and services to reach every member of the neighborhoods who is willing to participate in the project.

(a)

There is created within the City of Orlando in Orange County a project called the Orlando Kidz Zones managed by an entity organized as a not-for-profit corporation registered, incorporated, organized, and operated in compliance with chapter 617 and this section. Public policy dictates that the Orlando Kidz Zones operates in the most open and accessible manner consistent with its public purpose. Therefore, the Legislature declares that the Orlando Kidz Zones is subject to chapter 119, relating to public records; chapter 286, relating to public meetings and records; and chapter 287, relating to the procurement of commodities or contractual services.

(b)

This initiative is designed to encompass the Orlando neighborhoods of Parramore, Mercy Drive, and Englewood. All three of these neighborhoods are large enough to include all of the necessary components of community life, including, but not limited to, schools, places of worship, recreational facilities, commercial areas, and common space, yet small enough to allow programs and services to reach every member of the neighborhoods who is willing to participate in the project.

(12)

THE TAMPA SULPHUR SPRINGS NEIGHBORHOOD OF PROMISE (SSNOP).There is created within the City of Tampa in Hillsborough County a project called the Tampa Sulphur Springs Neighborhood of Promise (SSNOP) managed by an entity organized as a not-for-profit corporation registered, incorporated, organized, and operated in compliance with chapter 617 and this section. Public policy dictates that the Tampa SSNOP operates in the most open and accessible manner consistent with its public purpose. Therefore, the Legislature declares that the Tampa SSNOP is subject to chapter 119, relating to public records; chapter 286, relating to public meetings and records; and chapter 287, relating to the procurement of commodities or contractual services.This initiative is designed to encompass an area that is large enough to include all of the necessary components of community life, including, but not limited to, schools, places of worship, recreational facilities, commercial areas, and common space, yet small enough to allow programs and services to reach every member of the neighborhood who is willing to participate in the project.

(a)

There is created within the City of Tampa in Hillsborough County a project called the Tampa Sulphur Springs Neighborhood of Promise (SSNOP) managed by an entity organized as a not-for-profit corporation registered, incorporated, organized, and operated in compliance with chapter 617 and this section. Public policy dictates that the Tampa SSNOP operates in the most open and accessible manner consistent with its public purpose. Therefore, the Legislature declares that the Tampa SSNOP is subject to chapter 119, relating to public records; chapter 286, relating to public meetings and records; and chapter 287, relating to the procurement of commodities or contractual services.

(b)

This initiative is designed to encompass an area that is large enough to include all of the necessary components of community life, including, but not limited to, schools, places of worship, recreational facilities, commercial areas, and common space, yet small enough to allow programs and services to reach every member of the neighborhood who is willing to participate in the project.

(13)

THE OVERTOWN CHILDREN AND YOUTH COALITION.There is created within the City of Miami in Miami-Dade County a project called the Overtown Children and Youth Coalition managed by an entity organized as a not-for-profit corporation registered, incorporated, organized, and operated in compliance with chapter 617 and this section. Public policy dictates that the Overtown Children and Youth Coalition operates in the most open and accessible manner consistent with its public purpose. Therefore, the Legislature declares that the Overtown Children and Youth Coalition is subject to chapter 119, relating to public records; chapter 286, relating to public meetings and records; and chapter 287, relating to the procurement of commodities or contractual services.This initiative is designed to encompass an area that is large enough to include all of the necessary components of community life, including, but not limited to, schools, places of worship, recreational facilities, commercial areas, and common space, yet small enough to allow programs and services to reach every member of the neighborhood who is willing to participate in the project.

(a)

There is created within the City of Miami in Miami-Dade County a project called the Overtown Children and Youth Coalition managed by an entity organized as a not-for-profit corporation registered, incorporated, organized, and operated in compliance with chapter 617 and this section. Public policy dictates that the Overtown Children and Youth Coalition operates in the most open and accessible manner consistent with its public purpose. Therefore, the Legislature declares that the Overtown Children and Youth Coalition is subject to chapter 119, relating to public records; chapter 286, relating to public meetings and records; and chapter 287, relating to the procurement of commodities or contractual services.

(b)

This initiative is designed to encompass an area that is large enough to include all of the necessary components of community life, including, but not limited to, schools, places of worship, recreational facilities, commercial areas, and common space, yet small enough to allow programs and services to reach every member of the neighborhood who is willing to participate in the project.

(14)

IMPLEMENTATION.The Miami Children’s Initiative, Inc., the New Town Success Zone, the Orlando Kidz Zones, the Tampa SSNOP, and the Overtown Children and Youth Coalition have been designated as Florida Children’s Initiatives consistent with the legislative intent and purpose of s. 16, chapter 2009-43, Laws of Florida, and as such shall each assist the disadvantaged areas of this state in creating a community-based service network and programming that develops, coordinates, and provides quality education, accessible health care, youth development programs, opportunities for employment, and safe and affordable housing for children and families living within their boundaries.To implement this section for the Florida Children’s Initiatives listed in this section, the department shall contract with a not-for-profit corporation, to work in collaboration with the governing body to adopt the resolution described in subsection (4), to establish the planning team as provided in subsection (5), and to develop and adopt the strategic community plan as provided in subsection (6). The not-for-profit corporation is also responsible for the development of a strategic business plan and for the evaluation, fiscal management, and oversight of the Florida Children’s Initiatives.

(a)

The Miami Children’s Initiative, Inc., the New Town Success Zone, the Orlando Kidz Zones, the Tampa SSNOP, and the Overtown Children and Youth Coalition have been designated as Florida Children’s Initiatives consistent with the legislative intent and purpose of s. 16, chapter 2009-43, Laws of Florida, and as such shall each assist the disadvantaged areas of this state in creating a community-based service network and programming that develops, coordinates, and provides quality education, accessible health care, youth development programs, opportunities for employment, and safe and affordable housing for children and families living within their boundaries.

(b)

To implement this section for the Florida Children’s Initiatives listed in this section, the department shall contract with a not-for-profit corporation, to work in collaboration with the governing body to adopt the resolution described in subsection (4), to establish the planning team as provided in subsection (5), and to develop and adopt the strategic community plan as provided in subsection (6). The not-for-profit corporation is also responsible for the development of a strategic business plan and for the evaluation, fiscal management, and oversight of the Florida Children’s Initiatives.

Source: Section 409.147 — Florida Children’s Initiatives, https://www.­flsenate.­gov/Laws/Statutes/2024/0409.­147 (accessed Aug. 7, 2025).

409.016
Definitions
409.017
Revenue Maximization Act
409.031
State agency for administering social service funds
409.145
Care of children
409.146
Children and families client and management information system
409.147
Florida Children’s Initiatives
409.153
Implementation of Healthy Families Florida program
409.165
Alternate care for children
409.166
Children within the child welfare system
409.167
Statewide adoption exchange
409.175
Licensure of family foster homes, residential child-caring agencies, and child-placing agencies
409.176
Registration of residential child-caring agencies and family foster homes
409.179
Family-friendly workplace initiative
409.212
Optional supplementation
409.221
Consumer-directed care program
409.256
Administrative proceeding to establish paternity or paternity and child support
409.257
Service of process
409.259
Filing fees in Title IV-D cases
409.285
Opportunity for hearing and appeal
409.352
Licensing requirements for physicians, osteopathic physicians, and chiropractic physicians employed by the department
409.401
Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children
409.402
Financial responsibility for child
409.403
Definitions
409.404
Agreements between party state officers and agencies
409.405
Court placement of delinquent children
409.406
Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance
409.407
Interstate agreements between the Department of Children and Families and agencies of other states
409.408
Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children
409.409
Effect of existing compact provisions
409.441
Runaway youth programs and centers
409.508
Low-income home energy assistance program
409.509
Definitions
409.1415
Parenting partnerships for children in out-of-home care
409.1451
The Road-to-Independence Program
409.1452
Collaboration with State University System, Florida College System, and Department of Education to assist children and young adults who have been or are in foster care or are experiencing homelessness
409.1454
Motor vehicle insurance and driver licenses for children in care and certified unaccompanied homeless youth
409.1455
Step into Success Workforce Education and Internship Pilot Program for foster youth and former foster youth
409.1464
Responsible Fatherhood Initiative
409.1465
Grants to address the needs of fathers
409.1467
Mentorship for at-risk male students
409.1662
Children within the child welfare system
409.1664
Adoption benefits for qualifying adoptive employees of state agencies, veterans, servicemembers, law enforcement officers, health care practitioners, and tax collector employees
409.1666
Annual adoption achievement awards
409.1676
Comprehensive residential group care services to children who have extraordinary needs
409.1678
Specialized residential options for children who are victims of commercial sexual exploitation
409.1679
Additional requirements
409.1754
Commercial sexual exploitation of children
409.1755
One Church, One Child of Florida Corporation Act
409.1757
Persons not required to be refingerprinted or rescreened
409.2355
Programs for prosecution of males over age 21 who commit certain offenses involving girls under age 16
409.2551
Legislative intent
409.2554
Definitions
409.2557
State agency for administering child support enforcement program
409.2558
Support distribution and disbursement
409.2559
State disbursement unit
409.2561
Support obligations when public assistance is paid
409.2563
Administrative establishment of child support obligations
409.2564
Actions for support
409.2565
Publication of delinquent obligors
409.2567
Services to individuals not otherwise eligible
409.2569
Continuation of support services for recipients of public assistance when benefits are terminated
409.2571
Court and witness fees
409.2572
Cooperation
409.2574
Income deduction enforcement in Title IV-D cases
409.2575
Liens on motor vehicles and vessels
409.2576
State Directory of New Hires
409.2577
Parent locator service
409.2578
Access to employment information
409.2579
Safeguarding Title IV-D case file information
409.2581
Use of clearing accounts and revolving funds
409.2584
Interest on obligations due
409.2594
Record requirements
409.2597
Retention of actions
409.2598
License suspension proceeding to enforce support order
409.2599
Data processing services
409.2673
Shared county and state health care program for low-income persons
409.4101
Rulemaking authority
409.5091
Department responsible for weatherizing agencies
409.5093
Replacement agency
409.14515
Independent living preparation
409.16742
Shared family care residential services program for substance-exposed newborns
409.16791
Ongoing study of commercial sexual exploitation of children
409.25575
Support enforcement
409.25633
Title IV-D Standard Parenting Time Plans
409.25635
Determination and collection of noncovered medical expenses
409.25641
Procedures for processing interstate enforcement requests
409.25656
Garnishment
409.25657
Requirements for financial institutions
409.25658
Use of unclaimed property for past due support
409.25659
Insurance claim data exchange
409.25661
Public records exemption for insurance claim data exchange information
409.25995
State Title IV-D agency
409.25996
Organizations that assist noncustodial parents
409.26731
Certification of local funds as state match for federally funded services

Current through Fall 2025

§ 409.147. Fla. Children’s Initiatives's source at flsenate​.gov