Is it possible to slow down the rate of vulnerable children entering foster care?
We at FC Outreach believe it is. We have intentionally been working to do so and with a 91% success rate in our first year, the data shows it is working.
FC Outreach, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established by First City Church in 2024, is honored to be the only church in the state of Florida entrusted with a state contract from Northwest Florida Health to serve vulnerable families with compassion, excellence, and the love of Jesus.
After years of supporting foster families through monthly meals, household resources, and judicially approved parenting classes, the Department of Children and Families approached the First City church with an invitation to take an even greater role in meeting this critical need.
Saying yes came naturally to us, as we firmly believe that caring for widows and orphans is a core responsibility of the church.
Bringing together the church’s sense of responsibility with the state’s expertise offered a promising model for success.
Yet, the deeper question remained.
How could the we —or any Christ-centered organization— support biological families at risk of losing their children, before state intervention became necessary?
The answer is a state program called Safety Management Systems (SMS).
This program empowers qualified organizations to partner with families identified as being at risk by providing 16 weeks of focused support to help them create a safe and healthy home environment.
The goal is to reverse the trajectory, allowing cases to be paused and enabling children to remain with their parents.
In July 2024, FC Outreach was awarded this contract and we quickly put its mission into action, serving over 200 families and more than 400 children.
By the end of the contract period, an extraordinary 91% of those families remained together. These are the highest results in the state, both in the number of families served and in the success rate.
To understand the significance of this change, consider that before the SMS program was revamped, DCF reported that in cases where families were investigated and deemed at serious risk, children were removed from their homes approximately 75% of the time.
The reasons behind this high percentage are rooted in the challenges and traumas that families face. When families experience painful trauma, they easily get stuck.
Many want to improve things, they just don’t always know where to turn for help. Add to that, when the state gives them a list of numerous items to accomplish to keep their children, they get overwhelmed, and the trauma makes it almost impossible.
FC Outreach recognized that reaching families early—right at the onset of a crisis—could make all the difference.
By slowing the pace, connecting them with resources, surrounding them with a supportive network, and walking alongside them through each step, the path toward stability became clearer.
These families have shown remarkable courage and resilience; what they needed most was encouragement, guidance, and the chance to succeed.
Ensuring that children can safely remain with their families is always the best possible outcome—not only for the children themselves, but for the strength and stability of our entire community.
Strong, united families nurture healthier neighborhoods, and this transformative work, inspired by faith, also brings significant savings to the state.
The Outcome
The measured ROI for this program already is 12:1. This means that for every dollar the state pays the SMS program, they save the state twelve dollars ($12.00) they would have had to spend by entering those children into the foster care system.
Last year that amounted to $11 million dollars.
If you feel called to join us in this important work, please visit www.Firstcityoutreach.org to learn more. You’re also welcome to reach out to me at rhazelip@firstcitychurch.org or by phone at 850-433-0340 or 404-788-9259.
I look forward to connecting with you.
We covet your prayers for the team, for the families they are reaching, and for all vulnerable children in our communities. With your help, we can make a radical difference!
Rick Hazelip, FC Outreach, Inc, Pastor, Support Coordinator
