Mandatory supporter hand holding

Become a Mandatory Supporter

By

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

Many professionals are familiar with mandatory reporting requirements, which involve contacting the Department of Children and Families (DCF) hotline when there is suspicion of child abuse, abandonment or neglect. This call can lead to an investigation, and in some cases, the removal of a child from their home.

There are circumstances in which this may be the only option, but there is a growing movement which incorporates the concept of “mandatory supporting.” This is a proactive approach anyone can incorporate into daily life. By supporting parents, we can improve overall well-being and reduce adverse childhood experiences.

Florida’s community-based care model shifts the responsibility for children’s safety and well-being away from government agencies and into the hands of community organizations. It is up to all of us to foster an environment where children can thrive, rather than relying on a single entity to fulfill this crucial role. We are uniquely positioned within our circles of influence, and by working together, we can create positive experiences for children and families.

The Impact of Family Separation

Research shows that even brief experiences in foster care can have long-term negative effects. The American Academy of Pediatrics has found that family separation can cause irreparable harm, disrupting brain development and leading to adverse health outcomes. These concerns led to the passage of the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) in 2018, which shifts child welfare funding toward prevention rather than intervention.

Many assume that family separations occur due to severe abuse cases, but most children are removed due to allegations of neglect. According to the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA), 71.4% of children removed in Florida in 2022 were due to neglect, which includes factors such as domestic violence, substance abuse, inadequate supervision and failure to protect.

Unlike physical abuse, these issues are often difficult to verify and can be influenced by subjective judgments. At the same time, there is clear, documented evidence of the trauma caused by forcibly separating children from their parents. This trauma is exacerbated when children are removed during ages birth to 5, which is the most critical stage for bonding and attachment.

Mandatory supporter

The Role of Financial Hardship

Parents struggling to meet basic needs are disproportionately affected by family separation. These parents are not intending to harm their children but may have limited options. For example, a parent in an abusive relationship may not have the financial resources to move to a safer environment. Economic stressors can place additional strain on families, increasing the risk of intervention by the child welfare system.

According to United Way Suncoast’s 2024 ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) report, many families in our community continue to struggle with the high cost of living. To address this issue, the Children’s Board ONEhillsborough team partnered with United Way Suncoast, Junior League of Tampa, Career Source of Tampa Bay and Vistra Communications in November 2023 to host the “From Surviving to Thriving” community workshop.

The workshop aimed to find practical solutions to help working families thrive. A report followed with key recommendations, and a future workshop will allow community leaders to assess progress and plan next steps together.

How You Can Help

You may wonder what can be done to support families facing these challenges in the Tampa Bay region. The good news is that YOU have the power to make a difference in a child’s life.

A study by Kaiser Permanente linked adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to poor health and social outcomes in adulthood. However, we can counteract these effects by fostering positive childhood experiences. Supporting parents is key to prevent childhood trauma and reduce the incidence of child abuse.

We all have unique circles of influence—neighbors, coworkers, classmates and fellow community members. These relationships provide opportunities to build trust and offer support. In our fast-paced lives, it is easy to overlook the struggles of those around us. By slowing down and being present, we can create a culture of care and support.

Ways to Become a Mandatory Supporter

  • Be present and listen without judgment. Take the time to truly connect with those around you. Let parents know you are a safe, supportive space where they can share their struggles. Trust, empathy and compassion require no special training – just a willingness to care.
  • Offer a helping hand. If possible, provide assistance, whether it is an hour of respite for an overwhelmed parent or help with basic needs. Let parents know they are not alone.
  • Help connect families to resources. Many parents are unaware of the support available to them. The Tampa Bay area offers a variety of resources, some of which are listed below.
  • Practice self-care. Supporting others is difficult if you are emotionally or physically depleted. Prioritize your own well-being so you can better assist those in need.

Imagine a Stronger Community

Picture a community where parents feel safe seeking help, where families receive support before crisis intervention is necessary, and where every parent knows they have a network to rely on. How much safer and happier would children feel if their parents had the resources and support they need?

Let us commit to being Mandatory Supporters — parents helping parents through their most challenging moments. By embracing this mindset, we can build a community where children grow up in safe, stable and loving homes.

The Children’s Board of Hillsborough County funds more than 100 programs designed to help children lead healthy, safe and productive lives. You can access a copy of the 2025 Family Guide (in English and Spanish) at www.childrensboard.org.

Other community resources include:

Tewabech Genet Stewart

Tewabech Genet Stewart was the Guest Editor of Tampa Bay Parenting's April 2025 issue. She is the Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County overseeing the ONEhillsborough initiative, which leverages the Social Determinants of Health to address systemic challenges impacting underserved communities.

 

 

 

READ MORE: 

*Presented by the Children's Board of Hillsborough County | Originally published in the April 2025 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine | iStock-1436319269 & iStock-966783104