Retaliation and Systemic Failures in Florida’s Child-Welfare System (October 2025)

Contact: SananiNMW@gmail.com

Location: Northwest Florida, Circuit One

Overview

I am a former Florida child-welfare professional who served families for seven years as a certified and state-funded advocate. I am releasing this verified public statement to document ongoing retaliation and systemic failures that have affected my career, my livelihood, and — most importantly — the families and children our system was created to protect. While specific names of minors and confidential case details are withheld to comply with Florida law, all statements below are supported by verifiable documentation already provided to state oversight agencies.

Background and Professional Record

My role as a Parent Support Specialist focused on helping parents meet reunification goals under Florida Statutes §39.6011 and Title IV-E funding standards. I maintained a record of strong performance, collaborative service, and recognition, including the 2019 Child Welfare Excellence Award presented by Secretary Chad Poppell and Governor Ron DeSantis, as well as multiple internal quality-assurance commendations. Protected Disclosures and Retaliation Beginning in August 2024, after raising concerns about improper denials of parent services and lack of communication from contracted agencies, I was gradually excluded from multidisciplinary meetings, denied access to case information, and subjected to baseless scrutiny. These events trace back to my prior employment with FamiliesFirst Network (2018–2021), an agency whose leadership continues to influence decisions within Florida’s child-welfare infrastructure. In June 2025, I filed formal complaints with the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) and the Department of Children and Families Office of Inspector General (OIG) regarding retaliation and obstruction. Within weeks, I was placed on “paid administrative leave,” then reassigned to another county three hours away, despite family-care obligations that management already knew about. When I disclosed these actions as retaliation under Florida’s Whistleblower Act (F.S. §112.3187), my work access was revoked, I was instructed to leave state-issued equipment behind, and I was repeatedly ignored by supervisory staff.

Termination and False Allegations

On October 30 2025, I received a termination letter signed by Heidi P. Kemph, Chief Assistant Regional Counsel, copying Regional Counsel Candice K. Brower and Chief Administrator Karen Hood. The letter cited “work considerations” and the alleged elimination of my position — then went on to include false and defamatory statements, claiming coworkers “feared physical aggression” and accusing me of “hostility” and “unprofessional conduct.” These accusations are untrue and unsupported by any prior documentation or evaluation. At no time was I counseled, disciplined, or given notice of performance concerns. For over a year, the same management team refused to meet or communicate with me regarding my duties, despite my repeated written requests. The abrupt inclusion of damaging language after my protected filings demonstrates a retaliatory motive and an attempt to discredit me publicly.

Evidence and Oversight

All supporting evidence — including the termination correspondence, my formal rebuttal, and documented communications — has been submitted to both FCHR and DCF OIG under active review. Each agency has acknowledged receipt of my complaints and supporting documents. I am continuing to cooperate with investigators and to seek legal representation to ensure accountability for the actions of the Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel (Region One) and its contracted affiliates.

Systemic Implications

This experience is not isolated. It reflects a broader culture in which professionals who report ethical or procedural violations face exclusion, intimidation, or character attacks rather than protection. When retaliation replaces reform, both employees and families suffer. The integrity of Florida’s child-welfare system depends on transparency, lawful oversight, and the courage of workers who refuse to stay silent.

Call for Accountability and Reform

I urge Florida’s legislative and judicial leaders, oversight agencies, and the public to: Strengthen whistleblower protections for state and contract-funded employees; Require independent review of retaliation complaints; Ensure that employees can report misconduct without fear of defamation or job loss; and Reinforce oversight of contracted child-welfare agencies to protect both families and ethical workers.

Statement of Intent

This public disclosure is made in good faith, under the protections afforded by the Florida Whistleblower Act (F.S. §112.3187) and related statutes. It is not intended to defame any individual but to document verifiable events and promote reform. All statements are based on direct experience, official correspondence, and evidence previously provided to the appropriate authorities. For verified inquiries by journalists, policymakers, or advocacy organizations, please contact: SananiNMW@gmail.com