Child Welfare Case Manager

Child Welfare Certification Changes In The Works

The 2011 Florida Legislature passed SB 380/HB 279, which amends Florida Statute 402.20. This change eliminates the child welfare certification program previously administered by DCF and authorizes that an independent third-party credentialing entity approved by DCF provide child welfare certification. The new law went into effect on October 1, 2011.

On October 3, 2011, DCF officially recognized the FCB as a Department approved credentialing entity for child welfare personnel. The FCB is actively working with its Child Welfare Credentialing Advisory Board and the Department to develop and implement programs to transition persons who hold a DCF-issued credential to an equivalent FCB-awarded credential at no cost to the employer or the certificate holder. We anticipate this program will be open from November 1, 2011 through October 31, 2012.

Additionally, we are also working to establish credentials for Protective Investigators, Case Managers, Licensing Counselors and their supervisors. These credentials will evaluate competency of employees who are not already certified through the DCF program. We anticipate these programs will be open in January of 2012.

If you hold a DCF-issued certification in good standing, you will be able to apply for the FCB credential in November 2011. If you are not currently DCF certified, please contact the FCB in January 2012 for certification information.

The FCB is currently developing a "one-stop shop" website that will provide detailed information on the transition, answers to frequently asked questions, and all materials/applications necessary to earn FCB awarded child welfare certification. This website will be launched in October 2011.

Thank you for your interest in child welfare certification. We look forward to the opportunity to welcome you to FCB's family of certified professionals.