Pictured: Through Sarasota County's new Family Support Team program, specialists from The Florida Center for Early Childhood work closely with children and caregivers to coordinate services, reduce crises and strengthen family relationships. Provided

A Sarasota mother once watched her 9-year-old son cycle through repeated hospitalizations after mental health crises. Each time he came home, the family felt more overwhelmed and at risk of falling apart. Stories like hers are all too common—and they highlight the urgent need for more intensive, family-centered support.Now, thanks to a $500,000 partnership between The Florida Center for Early Childhood, the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), and the Central Florida Behavioral Health Network (CFBHN), families like hers can access the Family Support Team (FST) designed to prevent repeated crises, keep children safe, and the risk of foster care or other out-of-home placements. For more information, visit TheFloridaCenter.org.

Pictured: Through Sarasota County's new Family Support Team program, specialists from The Florida Center for Early Childhood work closely with children and caregivers to coordinate services, reduce crises and strengthen family relationships. Provided