Those recommendations will be presented this month, and leaders hope to present a draft bill on the Children’s Cabinet to the state legislature in coming weeks. The advocates and leaders are currently researching best practices in other states and discussing details, including the make-up of the Cabinet and its responsibilities.

“We need to bring more efficiency to the system,” said Ted Granger, president of United Way of Florida. A Children’s Cabinet will “develop a cohesive vision and plan that ensures a long-term commitment to children.”

The Children’s Summit was sponsored by Rep. J.C. Planas, R-Dade County, Rep. Loranne Ausley, D-Leon County, Senator Nan Rich, D-Broward, and Senator Durell Peaden, R-Escambia. In addition to the Eckerd Family Foundation, other sponsors included Children's Services Council of Florida, Inc., Healthy Families Florida, Nova Southeastern University, Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida, and The Children’s Trust. The Summit arose during an IdeaRaiser convened during 2006 Children’s Week in Tallahassee. The IdeaRaiser was one of several held by Rep. Marco Rubio, R-Dade, speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.

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