- Q1: Why is a dedicated funding source critical for children and families in Miami-Dade County?
- Q2: Who benefits?
- Q3: Why does this matter if you don't have children?
- Q4: In what ways does The Children's Trust benefit the community?
- Q5: By what authority does The Children's Trust levy taxes?
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A: The Children's Trust was established (and reauthorized in August 2008) by voter referendum that passed on September 10, 2002, and which through Public Act, Chapter 2000-461 of the laws of Florida, authorized The Children's Trust to levy up to 50 cents per $1,000 of property tax value in Miami-Dade County.
- Q6: What is a millage rate?
- Q7: What does The Children's Trust cost us?
- Q8: Does the money simply go on and on... forever?
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A: On Aug. 26, 2008, Miami-Dade voters decided in overwhelming numbers – 86 percent – to reauthorize The Children’s Trust. Miami voters across our three major ethnic communities voiced their solid support for the role of The Trust; the vote was especially meaningful given the difficult economic times. At the time, the vote authorized The Children's Trust "for perpetuity."
- Q9: Who administers The Children's Trust funds?
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A: The independent 33-member The Children's Trust Board of Directors, representing both the public and private sectors, decides how The Children’s Trust uses its funds. The board is comprised of representatives from children's organizations, as well as from key civic, religious, business, higher education, health, social services, and parent organizations. Representatives of local government, law enforcement and labor, and a youth representative also are included. The board of The Children's Trust has at-large seats to ensure that the board reflects the diversity of our community.
The Children's Trust’s Board makes its decisions in full accordance with Florida “Sunshine Law,” requiring transparency and openness for all meetings of government and quasi-government agencies.
Decisions and recommendations for funding are made in committees (Program Services/Childhood Health, Finance & Operations, Executive and Ad Hoc), then moved to the full board for consideration. The board generally meets the first Monday of each month, in open public forum, to discuss and communicate its decisions.
The Children's Trust, after sustaining several consecutive years of declines to its operating budget (due to decreased tax revenues), will again this year enjoy an increase over last year.
The board remains vigilant in monitoring how many dollars are used for administrative costs. For fiscal year 2021-22, 6.22 percent of the total budget has been assigned to administrative management of The Children’s Trust.
Every January, The Children's Trust releases an annual report which details spending on programs and services, and analyzes the impact on the community (in terms of quantifiable results and outcomes for children and families).
Visit the About Us section of our website for a link to view our annual report.
- Q10: Who else is doing this in Florida?
- Q11: How can I find out more about The Children’s Trust?