Children’s Network of Hillsborough County (CNHC) won the 2024 Moments of Impact Forward Focus Award at the Florida Department of Children and Families’ annual summit.

DCF Secretary Shevaun Harris presented the award to CNHC CEO Terri Balliet at the recent Florida Children and Families Summit held at the JW Marriot Orlando, Grande Lakes. DCF bestowed the award “in appreciation for the use of data to improve program and participant outcomes.”

In particular, DCF praised CNHC’s innovative Intensive Family Service Team (IFST) program, which connects at-risk families with services and support to help keep children out of the formal foster care system. By the end of CNHC’s 2023-2024 fiscal year in June, the program had served more than 3,500 children, reduced the number of children sheltered by 55 percent and helped over 780 youth stay safe at home with their families.

“We are deeply honored to be recognized for our efforts to change lives for good in Hillsborough County,” Terri Balliet said. “Our team and partners are dedicated to nothing less than the complete revitalization of the local child welfare system, and this award is another important milestone on our journey of service for our children and families.”

CNHC is the nonprofit lead agency selected by the state of Florida to administer the child welfare system in Hillsborough County. Since beginning service on July 1, 2022, CNHC has emerged as one of the state’s top lead agencies for adoptions, reducing children in out-of-home care, family reunifications and more.

More information about CNHC is available at ChildrensNetworkHillsborough.org.