Family Ministries of Florida provides homes for children from ages 6 through 18 or graduation from high school.

Older Children (12 and over) must realize their need for placement as perceived by their parents or the court. They must be willing to cooperate as a part of our program.

Parents are expected to maintain their involvement with their child through correspondence, phone calls and payment of medical, dental, and counseling expenses. Parents are also expected to cooperate with the Ministries staff in planning for the care of their child. Placement is expected to last at least two years.

The cost of child care is largely underwritten by supporting churches, individuals and organizations. Parents are encouraged to contribute to the daily cost of child care.

Cookson Hills Family Ministries of Florida is licensed by the state of Florida as a "Residential Child Care Facility." Professional Memberships are held with the Florida Association of Child and Family Agencies, Inc. and the Southeastern Child Care Association.

Family Ministries of Florida has a very thorough and careful admissions process. Our desire is to provide the best care possible in order to meet the needs of the child and his/her family. The admission process may take 4-6 weeks. Emergency placements are not accepted.

Application Process

To receive an application, you can call our Intake Coordinator at (813) 681-1942 ext.21.

The following are to be provided before placement:

• Completed admissions application
• Medical and Dental history and Medical exam. (Exam is required to be completed within 60 days of actual placement.)
• School records including grade reports, standardized test results, any other psychological or academic reports contained in the child’s permanent record for the past four years.
• Birth Certificate (must be certified copy with state raised seal)
• Social History (included in the application packet)
• Interstate Compact papers if the child lives outside of Florida
• Court Documents as needed (adoption, divorce papers, legal custody, juvenile probation)
• Psychological test results and diagnosis done in the last two years.
• Telephone interview with an admissions counselor
• Personal admissions interview with parent, child and court worker (when involved)
• Scheduled Admission Date: This date is scheduled after the pre-placement counseling session and final approval for placement is given.