Pinellas agency pours $128 million into child services

The Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County now directs more than $128 million annually toward children's services, a figure that has grown since the agency was founded in 1946. The organization currently serves more than 83,000 children and families across the county.

County officials marked the 80th anniversary of the agency's creation on Friday, Oct. 23, with a sold-out luncheon. Approximately 600 community leaders, elected officials, and supporters attended the KidsFirst Awards Luncheon.

The agency’s origins trace back to 1944, when juvenile court Judge Lincoln Bogue proposed better options for vulnerable children. Attorney Leonard Cooperman drafted the legislation that established the independent agency. Florida voters ratified the measure on Nov. 5, 1946, creating what the board identifies as the nation's first independent special taxing district dedicated to children's welfare.

Initially, the board funded three organizations serving about 1,500 children. Today, property tax revenue supports services ranging from early childhood development to family stability. A governing board determines how these public resources are distributed among competing needs.

Interim CEO Karen Boggess stated in a prepared statement that the 1946 decision continues to shape the community. She noted that investing in children's futures benefits everyone.

The luncheon honored Keli Mondello, co-founder and board chair of LiFT, with the Dillinger-McCabe Leadership Award. Mondello has worked for more than three decades to advocate for early literacy and students with different learning needs. She said it is the community's responsibility to be a voice for children who do not choose their circumstances.

The award commemorates former state attorney Bernie McCabe and former public defender Bob Dillinger, both of whom served two decades on the board. Kay Dillinger noted that her late husband reviewed the nominations shortly before his death and was impressed by Mondello's work.

The board also posthumously honored former state Sen. Jack Latvala, whose legislative work helped secure board representation for legal professionals. His son, Pinellas County Commissioner Chris Latvala, accepted the award on his behalf.