Question 1

What is the difference between a DCF and FACCCA license?

Accepted Answer

An agency licensed under the Department of Children and Families operates under Florida Statute 409.175 while FACCCA agencies operate under Florida Statute 409.176. FACCCA standards of care are substantially similar to DCF's standards of care, but allow for more freedom in areas related to religion and faith.

Question 2

Does FACCCA or any member agencies receive government funding?

Accepted Answer

No, FACCCA agencies revieve no federal, state, or local government funding or grants. FACCCA agencies do not receive "3rd party" funding that can be traced back to federal, state, or local governemnt funding. FACCCA agencies are not a burden to tax-payer dollars!

Question 3

Do parents lose their rights as parents?

Accepted Answer

No. All placements into FACCCA agencies are 100% voluntary. Parents give permission to the agency to care for their child by a placement contract. There is no court involvement or termination of parental rights.

Question 4

How many agencies are a part of FACCCA?

Accepted Answer

Currently we have 22 member agencies ranging from Pensacola to Jacksonville, throught Central Florida, and down to Miami.

Question 5

How many other states in the US have a "FACCCA" statute?

Accepted Answer

None. Florida is the only state to have a legislative protection for Christian child caring and child placing agencies.

Question 6

When was FACCCA founded?

Accepted Answer

FACCCA was founded in 1982, 14 years before DCF was formed. The statute that FACCCA operates under was passed into law in 1984.

Question 7

Does FACCCA have and publish its own standard of care?

Accepted Answer

Yes. FACCCA creates its own standards of care for child placing and child caring agencies. These are published and agencies are held accountable to follow the standards.

Question 8

Can children in the DCF system be placed into a FACCCA facility?

Accepted Answer

Children within the DCF system must be placed in a DCF licensed facility. This is due to Florida Administrative Code that guides the Department. As far as FACCCA is concerned, we would welcome children from within the DCF system.

Question 9

Does FACCCA inspect its facilities?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All facilities are inspected prior to becoming a member. Facilities are then inspected throughout the year to ensure each agency is strictly adhering to FACCCA standards. These inspections include announced and unannounced inspections.

Question 10

How much money does FACCCA save the state of Florida each year?

Accepted Answer

It is estimated that FACCCA saves the state of Florida about 22 million dollars a year by caring for children in the private sector without tax-payer funding.

Question 11

If I know of children or families in need, how can they be placed into a FACCCA agency?

Accepted Answer

The best way is to contact the FACCCA member directly. A current list of agencies is on our website and you can filter by age and type of need: https://www.faccca.com/help (https://www.faccca.com/help)

Additionally, you can contact the FACCCA office by phone (850-542-1776) or by email (office@faccca.com).

Question 12

What is the process to open an agency under FACCCA?

Accepted Answer

An agency interested in registering under FACCCA will first complete an interview via video call or in-person. This helps to assess if the agency meets the initial criteria. After the initial interview, the agency will receive an application packet. Once FACCCA receives the application, we will provide the agency with a list of initial document requests and then an inspection packet to prepare for inspection. The process usually takes about 2 months to complete.

Question 13

Do workers in a FACCCA agency meet background requirements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All child care workers meet or exceed the standards and background check requirements that DCF has for their workers. In fact, DCF issues each facility its own OCA and runs our background screenings for us.

Question 14

Do children placed in a FACCCA agency "age out"?

Accepted Answer

No. A child's 18th birthday does not change their ability to stay in a FACCCA agency and receive the help they were receiving prior to their 18th birthday.

Question 15

What is the relationship like between DCF and FACCCA?

Accepted Answer

FACCCA works in cooperation with DCF and has a great relationship. DCF has issued memorandum of agreements to all regions on how to handle interactions with a FACCCA agency. We are proud to work along side DCF in serving our communities.

Question 16

Do agencies in FACCCA charge families for services?

Accepted Answer

Some FACCCA agencies charge for their services and some do not. Fees for services vary by agency.

Question 17

Does FACCCA handle abuse, neglect, or abandonment allegations?

Accepted Answer

No. All allegations of abuse, neglect, or abandonment are turned over to DCF and law enforcement agencies for investigation.

Question 18

If I have more questions, how do I contact FACCCA?

Accepted Answer

You can call our office at 850-542-1776 or you can email us at office@faccca.com