Special Programs

Family Builders Program

The Family Builders Program is a voluntary, intensive in-home program funded by the Department of Children and Families. The Program is designed to assist families where the children (aged birth to eighteen) have been identified by the Department of Children and Families as being at imminent risk for being removed due to abuse or neglect. The program is structured to provide families in need with 12-16 weeks of in-home therapeutic mental health intervention and support services. The program uses a team approach that involves a trained Mental Health Professional and a Social Case Manager.

Family Assistance Support Team (FAST)

FAST is a prevention and preservation program for families in communities throughout Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties. The services are offered by Winter Haven Hospital's Behavorial Health Division and is primarily sponsored by the State of Florida, Department of Children and Families.

Family Service Support Process (FSSP)

The Family Service and Support Process is designed to facilitate access to children's mental health, substance abuse and other community based services.

Dependency Court Services

The Behavioral Health Division's Dependency Court Services provides assessment and case management services for families whose children have been placed in "out of home care/shelter status" by the Department of Children and Families and ordered by the Dependency Court judge in Polk County. Dependency Court Services engages families directly after the shelter hearing so that parents may begin working toward reunification with their children as quickly as possible. The services provided are voluntary. Referrals can be made by the Department of Children and Families counselors, a judge, an attorney, or others involved with the family (provided the program criteria is met). This program is funded by the Department of Children and Families. There are no fees for services provided by the Dependency Court Program.