Chad Poppell

An audit of firms contracted with the state has found several executives getting excessive amounts of compensation. Most of those violating are contracted with the Florida Department of Children and Families. Among them: Big Bend Community Based Care.

Florida lawmakers are again looking at the Department of Children and Families in the wake of a USA Today investigation that found the agency had a low verification rate for claims of sex abuse by foster parents. The agency's secretary says his recent comments before a Senate panel may have been misinterpreted.

For nearly two decades the Florida Department of Children and Families has been plagued by high-profile failures that resulted in children being severely harmed or killed. It’s also struggled with high employee turnover and ongoing criticism. This year, the results of a USA Today project are prompting new legislation aimed at how the agency deals with foster parents. WFSU recently spoke with DCF Secretary Chad Poppell about how the agency is trying to move forward.

Florida’s Coalition Against Domestic Violence and its former CEO Tiffany Carr are now facing two state lawsuits in addition to investigations from the…