Family Care Councils History
In 1993, the Florida Legislature created the FCCs (Section 393.502, Florida Statutes) in each service district of the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services (HRS) to advise the health and human services councils of the department, to develop a plan for the delivery of developmental services family support within the district, and to monitor the implementation and effectiveness of services and support provided under the plan.
In 1996, the Florida Legislature split HRS into two departments, the Department of Children and Families and the Department of Health. Services for individuals with developmental disabilities were assigned to the Department of Children and Families Developmental Disabilities Program Office, which became the APD in 2004. Today, the FCCs continue to serve as advisors to the agency as defined in the Florida Statutes.
For more than 30 years, FCC members have educated individuals with developmental disabilities and their families about services and resources in Florida that may assist them with living meaningful and integrated lives in their community.
Today, there is currently one Statewide FCC and 15 Local FCCs in Florida. Each local council is made up of 10 to 15 members who reflect the geographical areas and the various disabilities, ethnicity, and ages served by the agency. Local council memberships include individuals with developmental disabilities, parents, siblings, grandparents, and legal guardians of people with developmental disabilities who qualify for APD services.
In collaboration with APD, the local FCC partners with other local organizations to provide community forums, events, and conferences to benefit individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.