This annual award recognizes individuals for their outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to the prevention of child abuse and neglect. It is named in honor of Congressman Daniel Webster who, as Florida Speaker of the House in 1998, worked tirelessly to pass the legislation that created Healthy Families Florida, an evidence-based child abuse prevention program.

I am tremendously proud to have been a part of bringing Healthy Families to our state. I am honored to have my name attached to the award given annually to recognize individuals who have demonstrated their ongoing commitment to sustaining, enhancing and growing Healthy Families Florida Congressman Daniel Webster

Congressman Daniel Webster and Healthy Families Florida recently presented the 2022 Daniel Webster Leadership Award to Sen. Doug Broxson (R-Pensacola). The ceremony took place during Healthy Families Florida’s annual Leadership Meeting last month in Kissimmee.

The Webster Award recognizes individuals for their outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to the prevention of child abuse and neglect. It is named in honor of Congressman Daniel Webster who, as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives in 1998, worked tirelessly to pass the legislation that created Healthy Families Florida.

Broxson was a part of leadership as chair of Education Appropriations subcommittee in the Senate and a strong member of the Appropriations Committee, where he worked hard to ensure that Healthy Families Florida received continued support.

"Sen. Broxson has a track record of helping Florida's children grow up in safe, nurturing homes, get quality educations, and become outstanding citizens," Congressman Webster said. "From his time in the Florida House and Senate, Sen. Broxson has been a fierce advocate of children’s programs that support the efforts of the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida and Healthy Families Florida."

"It is always a surprise when an award is given for doing the right thing. When we help children and families, we are doing the right thing," Sen. Broxson said. "I am honored to receive this recognition from Congressman Webster and these outstanding organizations whose mission makes Florida a better place for all of us."

Last year, Healthy Families Florida's 38 community-based projects served 9,444 families and their 17,265 children with state funding and local contributions. Parents and children who participate in the program show positive outcomes in many domains, including family self-sufficiency, health, mental health, and child development.

Healthy Families Florida prevents child abuse and neglect by empowering families to create safe, stable, nurturing homes where their children thrive. Ongoing evaluation of the program shows that:

• 99% of children participating in HFF are free of verified maltreatment during services;
• One year after completing the program 99% of children remain free of verified maltreatment; and
• Three years later, 95% continue to be free of verified maltreatment.
• 91% of children received age-appropriate developmental screening

Pictured: Jennifer Ohlsen, Executive Director of Healthy Families Florida; Senator Doug Broxson; and Doug Sessions, Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida CEO

"Strengthening families is the most important work we can do to ensure the success of future generations in this great state," said President and CEO of the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida Doug Sessions. "Thanks to Sen. Broxson, Congressman Webster, and all the dedicated advocates in Florida, we are already seeing real results. Lives are being changed for the better due to their dedication to children."

"Sen. Broxson's passion for protecting families is inspiring and unwavering," said Healthy Families Florida Executive Director Jennifer Ohlsen. "The evidence-based outcomes from this program are as impressive as they are because of the support we receive from the Florida Legislature, and especially from Sen. Broxson."

About Healthy Families Florida

The Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida administers Healthy Families Florida through service contracts with 35 community-based agencies in 67 counties (45 counties in their entirety and 22 counties in the highest-risk ZIP codes). Healthy Families Florida is a nationally accredited voluntary home visiting program proven to prevent child abuse and neglect by building on family strengths to promote healthy child development and family self-sufficiency. The Healthy Families Florida program has helped thousands of children by empowering parents with education and community support.