Florida Gov. proposes another boost for child welfare agency

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida Gov. Rick Scott is proposing another boost in the budget of the state’s child welfare agency.

Scott on Tuesday announced that he would ask legislators for a nearly $23 million increase for the Department of Children and Families. The governor wants the extra money to go to community based care agencies so they can hire 272 case managers to reduce caseloads.

The extra money would also be used to provide services to children who are at risk of being removed from their current homes.

Scott over the last two years has pushed to increase spending on child welfare. He will submit this request along with other budget recommendations to the Florida Legislature.

Lawmakers will consider the spending request during their annual session that starts next January.