Casey DeSantis Promotes Program Recruiting Veterans to Care for Vulnerable Florida Children

TALLAHASSEE (FLV) – Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis reiterated the “incredible opportunity” provided for the state’s veterans to care for Florida’s children by serving as protective investigators, case managers, and mentors.

According to DeSantis’ office, around 250 individuals have applied to work under the First Lady’s Continue the Mission initiative, which launched in June 2022.

“This initiative is an incredible opportunity to introduce our veterans, their spouses and retired law enforcement to the many rewarding career paths that are available to protect and serve Florida’s children,” DeSantis said. “We hope these opportunities provide a continued sense of purpose for those who have already done so much for our great communities, state and nation.”

The Department of Children and Families has hosted several recruiting events and marketed with local partners, a press release said.

“Our hiring fairs have been a successful first step in recruiting veterans, military spouses and former law enforcement officers, and in the coming months we will expand the initiative’s reach,”  Department of Children and Families Secretary Shevaun Harris said. “Working in child welfare is an extremely rewarding career path, and with this expansion, we look forward to having an influx of talented new employees that will bolster our staff as a whole and allow us to better serve Florida’s children and families.”

The “call to action” for veterans, military spouses, and former law enforcement officers is made possible via the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, other state partners, local veterans’ organizations, and community groups.

Read more about the initiative here.