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CHS Locations

Emerald Coast

Proudly serving:

Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Okaloosa, Walton, Washington

Greater Emerald Coast Events

From family‑friendly gatherings to community trainings and advocacy events, CHS is bringing people together across the Greater Emerald Coast to uplift children and strengthen families. Explore upcoming happenings in your area and join us in building a safer, brighter future for every child.

Services Offered in Greater Emerald Coast

Adoption

CHS helps children who can’t safely return home find permanent families. We work closely with child welfare and partner agencies to make sure placements are stable and supportive.

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Who Qualifies:

  • Children in foster care ready for adoption.
  • Families approved and ready to adopt.

Purpose:

  • Make sure every child has a safe, permanent home.
  • Support families and coordinate with partners throughout the adoption process.

Community Partnership Schools in Emerald Coast

Community Partnership Schools bring together schools, families, and community partners to provide coordinated support that helps students thrive. CHS is a partner within 37 Community Partnership Schools statewide, including Parker Elementary and Rutherford Middle and High in Panama City.

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Purpose:

  • Strengthen connections between schools, families, and community services.
  • Help students stay engaged and supported in their education.

Local Schools

  • Parker Elementary
  • Rutherford Middle and High

Counseling

CHS Counseling provides professional mental health support for children, teens, adults, and families facing emotional, behavioral, or life challenges. Licensed counselors work with clients in flexible settings to address concerns and strengthen coping strategies.

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Who Qualifies:

  • Children, teens, adults, and families experiencing mental health or life challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, family conflict, grief, or behavioral concerns.
  • Services are available through in-person, school-based, or telehealth appointments, depending on location and program availability.

Purpose:

  • Provide therapeutic support to address mental health and family challenges.
  • Strengthen coping skills, family relationships, and emotional well-being.
  • Connect clients with additional resources when needed, including telepsychiatry for medication management and crisis response services where available.

Early Steps

Early Steps is Florida’s early intervention program for infants and toddlers with developmental needs or delays. It connects young children and their families with supports that promote learning, movement, communication, and social‑emotional development.

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Locations Available:

Who Qualifies:

  • Children birth to age 3 with developmental concerns or diagnosed delays.
  • Referrals can come from pediatric providers, hospitals, community partners, or families themselves.

Purpose:

  • Identify developmental needs early and connect families with targeted resources.
  • Support children’s growth and family confidence through coordinated services and coaching.

Healthy Families

Healthy Families is a voluntary, home‑based family support and coaching program that helps expectant parents and families of newborns build strong, nurturing foundations during the early childhood years. It’s part of the statewide Healthy Families Florida network and designed to promote positive parent‑child relationships and healthy development.

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Who Qualifies:

  • Families with a prenatal referral or a newborn less than about three months old.
  • Families referred by partner agencies who would benefit from in‑home support and connection with community resources.

Purpose:

  • Provide supportive home visiting to strengthen parenting skills and engagement.
  • Connect families to community services and help them set and achieve family goals.
  • Support child development and help create safe, stable home environments.

Post Adoption Support

Post-Adoption Support Services provide ongoing guidance, counseling, and resources to families after adoption. Services are designed to help families navigate challenges and support healthy family relationships over time.

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Locations Available:

Who Qualifies:

  • Services are available to families with adopted children through age 18.

Purpose:

  • Support families in addressing trauma-related needs and strengthening family connections.
  • Provide counseling, including virtual counseling options, and connect families with community resources.
  • Offer regular check-ins and long-term support to promote stable, successful adoptions.

Make a difference along the Emerald Coast

Connect with us!

Leah Harrison

Executive Director

Natalie Magaw

Managing Director of Area Development

Adam Morris

Senior Development

Chuntell Patterson

Community Engagement

Contact Form

Simple Contact Form

Local Community Advisory Board

Liz Branch

Chair

  • COO AccountingFly

Eric Billot

Vice Chair

  • Vice President & Branch Manager United Community Bank

Sara Patterson

Advocacy Chair

  • Real Estate Advisor Christie’s International Real Estate Emerald Coast

Brittany Golden

Donor Relations Chair

  • Medical Sales Area Manager Castle Biosciences

Jessica Standley

Special Events Chair

  • Founder The Collab Co.

Adrienne Seaborn

Publicity Chair

  • Chief Communications Officer The Collab Co.
  • Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Caitie Cerise

  • Library Director Walton County Public Library System

Emily Madden

  • Community Advocate

Callie Cox

  • Director of Advancement & Donor Relations Seaside School Foundation

Joanna Copenhaver

  • Founder & Owner Florida Connect Academy

Victoria Klauder

  • Owner Haus of Hair

Kristen Sandoe

  • Community Advocate