Broward County Children's Council Faces $17 Million Funding Cut in 2027
Voters approved Amendment 3, forcing local leaders to trim services for roughly 200 programs serving at-risk youth.
By Alina Marshall ·
Florida voters approved Amendment 3, a tax measure that will reduce state funding for local children's service agencies.
The Children's Services Council of Broward County, led by President and CEO Cindy Arenberg Seltzer, projects a revenue loss of $15 million to $17 million in 2027.
That cut represents approximately 15% of the council's total revenue. The organization anticipates an even deeper decline in 2028, with estimated losses between $25 million and $30 million. This second-year reduction would equal a 25% drop in income.
Arenberg Seltzer stated that the council’s two primary goals are reducing foster care placements and lowering juvenile arrest rates. She aims to preserve core initiatives like after-school care, but she acknowledged that other programs may face elimination if alternative funding sources are not secured.
Arenberg Seltzer questioned whether the council would cut school nurses, water safety lessons, or safe sleep education. She noted that all these services save lives, making the financial decisions difficult. "Some people will not get the services, but which services I'm not sure yet," she said.
Joy Barrows, a mother in Sunrise, relies on the council's funding for her 9-year-old son, Julian, who has autism. Julian attends an after-school program at Arc Broward, one of about 200 programs funded by the council. Barrows said the program supports his speech, behavior, and social interactions. It also provides swimming lessons.
Barrows explained that without the Arc Broward program, she would struggle to find a facility with the same level of specialized care. She has previously been turned away by other programs for lacking that expertise. "Without Arc Broward, I wouldn't have any facility or anywhere that I trusted," Barrows said. She added that losing the program would prevent her from working.
Arenberg Seltzer said the council plans to maintain after-school care while potentially trimming specific components like field trips or job exploration. She promised to provide the best quality services possible for as long as possible. "These cuts will not happen immediately, and we will do our best to find a way forward," she said. Broward County is currently seeking residents to serve on the governor-appointed council.
