For over 120 years, we’ve evolved to meet the changing needs of Florida’s children and families. What began with a focus on foster care and adoption has grown into a bold, statewide movement to address root causes and expand opportunity.

Today, we’re leading through our groundbreaking Community Impact Model — a cradle-to-career approach that aligns resources and expands access to opportunity across entire communities. By working alongside communities to understand local needs, we implement what works and share best practices across regions.

Nearly 75% of children enter foster care due to neglect, often stemming from addressable challenges like poverty, addiction, and housing instability. When we reach families before these challenges turn into crises, more families remain safe, strong, and together.

Our roots date back to 1902, when Reverend DW Comstock rallied Jacksonville community leaders to care for nearly 400 children arriving on the last Orphan Trains from New York. On November 17, 1902, he opened the doors to Children’s Home Society of Florida to provide a “family” for children who had nowhere else to go.

Since then, we’ve grown from two team members to more than 1,000, expanding from one location in Northeast Florida to serving communities across the state. Today, we reach 80,000+ children and family members each year.

Want a different look at what we do? Download our CHS Coloring Book — a creative way to learn about our work while managing stress!