OUR STORY
A New Vision for Hillsborough County Child Welfare
Children’s Network of Hillsborough, LLC (CNHC) was established in 2022 as the lead agency charged with administering the child welfare system in Hillsborough County (Circuit 13). While our organization may be relatively new, our leadership team is rooted in this community, with decades of combined experience in every facet of Florida’s child welfare system. Our approach prioritizes the prevention of abuse and neglect, the pursuit of permanency for every child, and a commitment to excellence and accountability every day.
The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) has partnered with CNHC under the state’s Community-Based Care (CBC) model, entrusting us to lead a compassionate and effective local child welfare system.
Serving as a Lifeline for Children and Families
At CNHC, we recognize that child welfare is a mission that begins with timely, compassionate, and responsive action. Our team members — many of whom serve as first responders in crisis situations — work tirelessly to meet the needs of children and families during their most vulnerable moments. These responders are the foundation of our care system, acting swiftly to protect children, stabilize families, and offer hope when it’s needed most.
We operate in partnership with more than 70 community organizations across the Tampa Bay region. These include mental health professionals, legal advocates, healthcare providers, schools, and business leaders — all committed to strengthening our system of care. Together, we are innovating new pathways toward safety, stability, and success for at-risk children.
Building a Stronger Future — Together
As the lead agency, CNHC is creating a more responsive, coordinated, and prevention-focused child welfare system for Hillsborough County. We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our services, our provider network, and how we are shaping new beginnings for children and families throughout Circuit 13.
Children’s Network of Hillsborough — Supporting First Responders, Partnering with Community, Transforming Lives.
Our Aspirational Goal
Lead the way to a Florida where every child will flourish and positively impact the world.
Mission
Children’s Network of Hillsborough is committed to working with the community to protect children and preserve families.
Vision
To see every child in a safe, loving home with all families having access to resources, community supports and opportunities to thrive.
Values
- Leadership
Children’s Network of Hillsborough embraces leadership guided by informed wisdom and common sense, with compassion.
- Integrity
Children’s Network of Hillsborough operates with integrity, honesty, and transparency.
- Advocacy
Children’s Network of Hillsborough advocates for safety, permanency and well-being of children and their families.
- Stewardship
Children’s Network of Hillsborough is an active steward committed to the efficient and effective use of resources.
- Innovation
Children’s Network of Hillsborough achieves continuous improvement through collaboration, creative techniques, and enhanced technology.
Core Principles:
- Accessible & Individualized — Timely, tailored services that meet each child and family’s unique needs.
- Strengths & Family-Centered — Build on family strengths, involve them fully in planning, and respect their values.
- Culturally Competent & Community-Focused — Honor cultural differences and ensure services meet local community needs.
- Integrated & Efficient — Agencies coordinate seamlessly to achieve measurable results and use resources wisely.
- Normalized & Safe — Care is home-like, least restrictive, with strong safety and crisis plans in place.
- Permanency-Driven — Prioritize safe reunification or establish stable, permanent alternatives.
