TO: The Honorable Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
Michael C. Zito, Deputy County Administrator
Cynthia Emerson, Community Services Director
FROM: Megan Kendrick Human Services Administrator
DATE: January 13, 2026
SUBJECT: Children Services 2026 Needs Assessment Update
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BACKGROUND
In 2024, the Children’s Services Advisory Committee approved a comprehensive Needs Assessment developed by local subject matter experts serving on the Needs Assessment Committee. The Needs Assessment covers a five-year period and is updated annually to ensure the identified needs remain accurate, relevant, and aligned with community conditions. Each year, the committee reviews updated data, analyzes emerging and existing trends, and evaluates any new areas of concern impacting children and families in Indian River County.
The 2026 update includes refreshed data, updated analysis, and a reaffirmation of the established funding priorities: Health and Well-being, Nurturing Families and Communities, and Success in School and Life. This annual review process ensures continued alignment with county strategic goals and supports data-informed decision making for Children’s Services funding and planning.
ANALYSIS
The 2026 Needs Assessment Update represents a continuation of CSAC’s commitment to identifying and addressing the evolving needs of children and families in Indian River County. This annual update builds on the previously approved five-year Needs Assessment framework and ensures that priorities remain responsive to current data, trends, and community conditions.
This year’s update includes a comprehensive review of updated quantitative and qualitative data, analysis of emerging and ongoing trends, and continued evaluation of services across the county. Key components of the update include refreshed asset mapping to identify existing programs, service gaps, and geographic areas with unmet or under-met needs, as well as an enhanced review of how district-supported programs align with identified focus areas.
Community engagement remained a critical part of this process. Over 400 parent and caregiver feedback surveys were collected, providing a statistically meaningful sample that strengthens the reliability of the findings. The survey results demonstrated a strong desire for continued or expanded programming in youth mental health support, quality early learning, academic tutoring, mentoring for teens, and college and career readiness programs.
Based on the updated data and community input, the Needs Assessment Committee reaffirmed the existing funding priorities of Health and Well-being, Nurturing Families and Communities, and Success in School and Life. This reaffirmation confirms continued alignment with county strategic goals and supports data-informed planning and funding decisions for Children’s Services.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTIONS
The Board Accepted the 2024-2025 Needs Assessment Annual Update
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Quality of Life
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommend the Board accept the Children Services 2026 Needs Assessment Update, as submitted.