Local

Program to help stabilize families expected to lose half its funding

A program that helps keep families together is losing half its funding due to a change in federal law.

The STEPS program connects at-risk families to community resources, and includes help with parenting, budgeting and case management.

One of the main goals of the program is to help stabilize families and keep children out of foster care.

But the CEO of Family Support Services, the local community-based care group under DCF, says STEPS is expected to lose half its funding.

This is because of a change in federal law that will reduce both money and flexibility for how the state allocates funding for preventive programs.

Florida will no longer be able to use a waiver allowing it to help families before children are placed into foster care.

Family Support Services is seeking out more money locally to make up for the loss in funding.