The Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the Office of Attorney General have settled pending civil actions involving the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Inc. (FCADV), its officers and directors, and the FCADV foundation for more than $5 million, the state announced Thursday.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – State lawmakers heard from the head of the Florida Department of Children and families Tuesday morning. The agency provided updates on the pandemic, addressing sexual abuse allegations from foster children and the ongoing fight to return millions in taxpayer dollars used for excessive salaries by the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Domestic violence and child abuse calls have nearly returned to normal levels after dropping dramatically at the start of the pandemic. The Secretary heard concerns from lawmakers regarding allegations of sexual abuse by foster parents. Poppell indicated DCF will begin utilizing its critical response team to review cases and establish a special investigations unit to better address alleged sexual abuse by foster care parents.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida’s 42 locally operated domestic violence shelters are concerned about funding after the governor ordered an investigation into the statewide nonprofit that distributes money from the state to the local level. In 2004, lawmakers said funding for local shelters would be distributed by unnamed nonprofit. In 2012, they selected the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence to handle that responsibility. In that role, the organization was the sole conduit of $46 million in state funds circulated to local shelters. “The well-being of survivors of domestic violence depends on there being the strictest integrity at every level,” Baldwin said.