About

Eckerd Community Alternatives is the lead agency (system manager) for community-based child welfare services in Pinellas and Pasco counties and manages one of Florida’s largest systems of care, serving about 3,100 children and teens each day. Governed by a community-based board, Eckerd has developed a collaborative system of care for the safety, well-being and permanency of vulnerable and at risk children, while strengthening and supporting families. Eckerd Community Alternatives is a program of Eckerd, a national nonprofit organization that has given second chances to more than 100,000 children and families since its founding by Jack and Ruth Eckerd in 1968.

In its role as lead agency, Eckerd provides adoption support; child abuse prevention; child placement; contract and fiscal oversight; foster home management; performance and data management; resource development; and utilization management.