$50,000 Grant Benefits The Florida Center’s Early Childhood Court Program

January 18, 2022 – Sarasota

The Florida Center for Early Childhood received a $50,000 grant from the Bishop-Parker Foundation to benefit its Early Childhood Court Program (ECC) in Manatee County. 

The Florida Center’s ECC program is designed to expedite the process for young children who enter the welfare system, as they are in a critical phase of development and very vulnerable to trauma. Families enrolled in the program receive intensive therapy, guidance, and increased opportunities for visitation, helping the child and family to bond and begin healing. 

Parents and caregivers in the ECC program work with a case manager, infant mental health therapist and family support specialist to achieve self-sufficiency. Funds from the Bishop Parker Foundation will go to purchase a transit van to ensure families can get to required appointments and meetings. A portion of the funding will also provide for additional therapy and counseling.

“The van is critical to the success of the ECC program as many of these families lack reliable transportation for the numerous visitations, medical appointments, therapy sessions, parenting classes and court proceedings they attend,” said Dr. Kristie Skoglund, CEO of The Florida Center. “We are grateful to the Bishop-Parker Foundation for helping us to support these struggling families.” 

The Florida Center manages ECC locally in conjunction with the Safe Child Coalition and the 12th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. Teams operate in Sarasota, Manatee, and Desoto counties. To learn more about the ECC, visit www.thefloridacenter.org/early-childhood-court/