As published in Sarasota Patch, July 7, 2026:
Professional development and specialized training programs are important in any industry but particularly for case managers in the child welfare realm. Case managers are responsible for improving family outcomes and ensuring child safety while adhering to strict state certification mandates.
Case manager turnover can increase the length of time a child is likely to remain in the state care system. Lack of consistent support can also result in additional trauma for children when new professionals are put on their case.
For many years, child welfare organization Safe Children Coalition (SCC) has distinguished itself among Florida’s Community Based Care (CBC) system, with specialized training to better prepare its case managers for their work while providing additional “in the field” support training. Twice a year, SCC offers Provider Fairs that connect staff members with helpful resources throughout SCC’s three-county service area in Florida’s Circuit 12 (Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties). The most recent Provider Fair was held in mid-May.
SCC’s Learning and Development team is responsible for the coordination of the annual or biannual SCC Conference, which convenes hundreds of child welfare professionals from around the state to hear from topic matter experts as well as to network with peers working in the field. The next SCC Conference will be held in May 2027.
SCC has also recently implemented a new DCF statewide preservice training program – which has been expanded from eight to 12 weeks – called The Florida Academy, which was in development for five years. SCC is one of the first CBCs in the state to implement this training. Additionally, SCC supports new staff after pre-service training to strengthen practice and ensure certification is achieved within the first year – and maintained.
“We are seeing a significant improvement in both the understanding and application of new skills as a result of the revised curriculum and certification process. The more rigorous curriculum, combined with increased field-based, hands-on learning opportunities, has made a noticeable difference in learners’ confidence and preparedness,” said Colleen Buscemi, Quality Assurance & Learning and Professional Development Director for SCC. “We are currently training our second Florida Academy cohort and are encouraged by the results we have seen thus far. Our hope is that better preparing new child welfare professionals for the reality of the work will also lead to improved retention over time.”
For more about Safe Children Coalition, visit sccfl.org.
