Eckerd Connects

The company will shut down its facility in Tampa on June 30.

Family Support Services says staff shortages have posed challenges during the transition, but the agency is optimistic about improving child welfare in the community.

It's the second time in recent months that the state chose an agency from outside the Tampa Bay area to run child welfare in the region.

The move follows the Florida Department of Children and Families’ decision to end its contract with Clearwater non-profit Eckerd Connects.

Family Support Services of North Florida will fully take over on January 1, 2022.

It's still unclear who will replace Eckerd to provide child welfare services in the region and whether that company will offer jobs to affected employees.

Eckerd Connects, a contractor under the Department of Children and Families, is being investigated for housing abused, neglected children in its office spaces where several have been hurt.

The state says Eckerd jeopardized kids' health and safety. The Clearwater nonprofit blames a lack of funding.