Graduates complete seven weeks of training, take oath at Family Support Services
JACKSONVILLE, FLA. (Aug. 22, 2025) – Family Support Services proudly celebrates the graduation of its newest class of Child Welfare Case Managers. After seven weeks of intensive pre-service training, these eight dedicated new case managers are now prepared to take on one of the most vital roles in our community: protecting children, supporting families, and ensuring safety and well-being across North Florida.
The FSS Training Academy, in partnership with local case management organizations, provides prospective Child Welfare Case Managers with the foundational knowledge, skills and more to effectively care for local children and families, performing their roles with competence and compassion. They are now eligible to take the Florida Certification Board’s Child Welfare Case Manager Certification exam, qualifying them to serve as certified case managers in the state’s child welfare system.
“I’ve always had a passion for helping children and families” and this is the next step in her 20-year child welfare career, says new graduate April Winters, currently a Child Welfare Dependency Case Worker. “[Child welfare workers] … have to be strong, you have to have a thick skin, but it’s really worth it. It’s an honor to know that I even graduated this class and that this is going to be my career.”
After receiving their certificates and swearing the Oath of the Child Welfare Professional, the group shared a sweet breakfast and many hugs, ready to begin their journey to walk alongside children and families during their most difficult times.
Their achievement is a milestone worth celebrating and their service will help build brighter futures for children and families across North Florida.
If you are looking for ways to support North Florida children and families, reach out to Family Support Services at FamilySupport.org or call 904-421-5800. Monthly information sessions are held for those considering adoption from foster care or becoming a foster parent, and career opportunities are posted on their website.
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About Family Support Services (FSS) of Duval and Nassau Counties
Family Support Services is the lead agency for family preservation, foster care, and adoption services in Duval, Nassau, Pasco and Pinellas counties. Through community-based care, FSS provides services and programs to help prevent child abuse and neglect, to promote a healthy family environment and to care for our community’s children in foster care. For more information, go to www.familysupport.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn.
