About Us

About Your Jacksonville Children's Commission

The Jacksonville Children's Commission was created in 1994 as an expression of our community's commitment to children and to a vibrant, safe and prosperous future. One of only eight children's services councils in Florida, the Commission is an autonomous entity of the City of Jacksonville.

The Commission's work is based upon a vast body of evidence which shows that investing in the development of children is one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent crime and dependency in adults. Research shows that children who grow up with appropriate guidance and support tend to stay in school, become part of the workforce, contribute to the community and raise successful children of their own. The reverse is also true.

Operating under the philosophy that children are assets in the making, the Children's Commission supports prevention and early intervention programs for at-risk children and provides resources for parents and caregivers. Our goal is to help Jacksonville's families grow great kids into well-educated, independent members of our community, building a better future one child at a time.

The Commission sponsors a continuum of research-based programs to help ensure that children from birth to age 18 have stable, nurturing families; are prepared to enter kindergarten and succeed in school; have support and guidance afterschool and in the summer; and get extra help when they need it.

Children's Commission–supported programs assist with everything from good parenting and nutrition to early learning, high-quality afterschool activities, summer camps and help for children with special needs. Other initiatives include quality improvement work in early learning centers, developmental screening for young children, mentoring, and mental health and case management services for children with behavioral, economic or family barriers to success. In addition, we provide training opportunities for caregivers and those who work with children and youth.