In the next couple of weeks, a service center that helps people apply for benefits in Jefferson County will close its doors. It’s a cost-saving measure by Florida’s child welfare agency.
In the last year, Florida’s Department of Children and Families has closed a half a dozen county ACCESS service centers across the state—facilities where residents can apply for benefits, including Medicaid and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, program. In total, that’s saved the state about 3.5 million dollars. Agency spokeswoman Jennifer Hartshorne says computer technology is allowing her agency to close the Jefferson County office.
“More than 95-percent off applicants for public benefits apply online now. And, in the case of this Jefferson County service center, we determined we could still serve those clients adequately at the same time we’re going to be able to save $38,000.”
She says that money will be diverted to other areas, such as training child protective investigators. That’s been DCF’s main focus since the recent spate of child deaths.
“In the past two years, we’ve saved more than $4.5 million dollars by closing smaller offices such as this and we’re able to re-invest that money into frontline services that will better help Floridians,” added Hartshorne.
Hartshorne says eight employees work in the soon-to-be-closed facility, and they’ll keep their jobs by staying in touch with the agency by phone. One employee will still be on hand each Monday at the Monticello Public Library for those who need help in person. The facility is expected to close September 27th.
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