Indian River County's Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 11 unanimously approved a five-year strategic plan for the Children's Services Division covering 20252030, a move county staff said will increase accountability and align funding with measurable outcomes.

County leaders described the plan as a framework to ensure that agency dollars produce measurable returns for children and families. Meghan Kendrick, the county's human services manager, outlined three primary focus areas: community impact, community engagement and fiscal responsibility and governance. "We want to ensure that the programs that we are investing in, have a high return on investment," Kendrick said, noting improvements to outcome measurement and a tiered support program for funded agencies. (Meghan Kendrick, Human Services Manager.)

Kendrick told the board staff has increased transparency by onboarding all new CSAC members, providing Sunshine Law training and posting quarterly reports. She said outreach at community events collected input from residents and that staff has been offering professional development and individualized coaching to funded agencies.

Commissioners praised the new structure and onboarding. At the meeting Commissioner Herriman said he had been involved with CSAC last year and saw a substantial turnaround in transparency and accountability, and he moved approval of the strategic plan; Commissioner Adams seconded the motion. The board approved the plan unanimously.

Staff said they will provide annual reports on plan implementation and measure return on investment for county-funded children's programs. Officials also said staff will continue outreach to refine the plan based on community needs and program performance.