Council Update: Vast majority of CSC-funded programs high-performing

More than 92 percent of programs funded in the 2024-25 fiscal year by Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County were evaluated as high-performing during the organization’s annual Comprehensive Program Performance Assessment (CPPA), staff told CSC’s board at its February meeting.

Staff assessed programs based on specific targets and measures, with some programs evaluated on direct child/family outcomes and others evaluated on whether they met strategic objectives. 

Of the 32 programs assessed on meeting contracted outcomes, 29 were rated as high-performing and two were rated as moderate-performing. One program’s final outcome was not determined because the program did not adhere to the defined scope of services, and staff had questions about data quality. This program is under an in-depth review to determine next steps.

Of the six programs assessed on whether they met strategic objectives, all were rated as high-performing. Of the 18 other programs with unique supporting roles, such as funding collaboration or match funding, 17 were rated as high-performing and one was rated as low-performing. For that program, staff developed action plans to mitigate further issues. 

As CSC implements a new five-year strategic plan, staff are working to align program outcomes with CSC’s organizational goal of improving the well-being of children served by CSC. 

In other business

Youth Development RFP: Staff informed the Council it will release a Request for Proposals (RFP) in early March to identify providers to implement positive youth development programs for those ages 6 to 18. This initiative, an objective of CSC’s new strategic plan, will focus funding in three areas: educational achievement; youth mental health; and economic stability. The goal is to establish a portfolio of up to six providers, with a total annual budget for programs not to exceed $3 million. By investing in youth programs in these areas, CSC aims to address critical community needs and expand opportunities for youth across Palm Beach County.

Autism & Water Safety Symposium: Staff reported to the Council that CSC hosted the Autism and Water Safety Symposium Jan. 30, 2026 – a first-of-its kind gathering of Palm Beach County autism advocates, educators, service providers, water safety professionals and parents. Representatives from more than 25 organizations across the county listened to speakers working to address water safety in the autism community, including presenters from the Autism Society of America, FAU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, Els for Autism Foundation, Florida International University and Connections Education Center of the Palm Beaches.

Following the presentations, more than 60 attendees broke into six discussion groups led by CSC staff members, giving everyone an opportunity to be heard and share their thoughts. The symposium was the next step in the autism and water safety work that CSC has been doing the last 2 ½ years. CSC began taking a closer look at drownings of children with autism after three Palm Beach County children with autism drowned within a five-month span in late 2022 and early 2023.
Since then, CSC has piloted a “train the trainer” program with the Autism Society of America and Small Fish Big Fish Swim School, piloted a swim program with The Learning Center, a charter school for children with autism, and funded Autism Safety Boxes being distributed by Safe Kids Palm Beach County. CSC also maintains a national database of drownings involving children with autism at Autism and Drowning Data for Florida and U.S. | Children's Services Council.

CSC’s 40th Anniversary Kick-off: At a staff meeting in early February, CSC’s Communications & Partnerships team unveiled the organization’s campaign to recognize 40 years of service. Staff kicked off the event with the See CSC video highlighting those who work every day to ensure Palm Beach County’s children grow up healthy, safe and strong. The internal launch ended with a fun, role playing activity encouraging staff to talk about the value of CSC with their family, friends and neighbors. The campaign officially launches March 26, 2026.

Haitian Pastor Outreach: CSC’s Communications & Partnerships Team, in collaboration with CRL Media, hosted a meeting of the local Haitian Pastors Fellowship Network Feb. 9, 2026, as part of CSC’s Haitian Community Outreach Initiative. An engaged group of 29 pastors learned about CSC’s funded programs and other community resources to share with their congregations and networks.