News
Kids Central helps create brighter futures for children and families in Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, and Sumter Counties (Circuit 5) and Central Florida. The agency develops and manages a comprehensive, community-based system-of-care for abused, neglected, and abandoned children and their families. Kids Central is committed to promoting the welfare of expectant mothers, babies, children, families and young adults through prevention services, in-home care, foster care, and adoption. Kids Central is changing the community for the better – one life at a time.
Boot Scootin Boogie 2026
Dust off your boots for an evening of countrified fun benefiting abused and neglected children in our community! Tickets are regularly priced at $75, or do-si-do into savings with two tickets for just $125. • Featuring line-dancing, country music, food, and fellowship • Old West tavern-style card and slot games • A chance to bid …
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CARE Awards Honors Those Who Go Above and Beyond in Child Welfare
Our annual CARE Awards, held on October 10th, was a truly special day of celebration and appreciation. We came together to honor the remarkable employees, dignitaries, and community partners who go above and beyond every day to make a difference in the lives of children and families. This event is all about recognizing the dedicated …
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November 2025 Quarterly Service Awards
KCI Honors Our Team at Quarterly Awards At our recent Quarterly Recognition Awards, we proudly celebrated the dedication and loyalty of Kids Central employees marking 1, 3, 5, 7, 15, and 20 years of service. In addition, leadership recognized Finance Assistant, Shay Jenkins, with a CARE Award for Administrative Team Member of the Year. The …
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Independent Living Back-to-School-Bash Brings Smiles to IL Young Adults
It was a fantastic time celebrating our Independent Living young adults—foster youth who are aging out of, or have already aged out of, care. The event was filled with fun, food, and community connection! Attendees enjoyed a delicious meal, backpack/school supply giveaways, a giant waterslide, yard games, raffle prizes, and great company! Our amazing Independent …
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September 2025 Quarterly Service Awards
Quarterly Recognition Awards Honors KCI Employees At our recent Quarterly Recognition Awards, we proudly honored the dedication and loyalty of Kids Central employees celebrating 1, 3, 5, 7, 15, and 20 years of service. To mark the occasion, we hosted a fun-filled “Pizza Palooza,” where staff enjoyed a delicious assortment of pizzas. We are deeply …
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Kids Central Plants Pinwheels for Child Abuse Prevention Month
In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, Kids Central staff, at both the Wildwood and Ocala offices, came together to plant blue pinwheel gardens. These pinwheels serve as a powerful symbol of our commitment to preventing child abuse and promoting the healthy development of every child. Each year, more than 3 million reports of child …
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