Escambia Children’s Trust pauses New World Believers contract after DJJ probe and background-screening issues
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Summary
Staff paused payments and temporarily suspended the New World Believers contract after a Department of Juvenile Justice investigation was reported and staff discovered gaps in required background screenings; the board said staff will continue to seek confirmation that children the trust funds are safe before any reinstatement.
Escambia Children’s Trust staff placed a pause on the contract with New World Believers after receiving notice of a change in leadership and learning that the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice was conducting an investigation related to the trust-funded NWB Hoops program.
Miss Cannon told the board that the organization reported a material leadership change and that staff immediately requested documents, including background-screening records and updated governance materials. Miss Cannon said staff consulted legal counsel and “put a pause on their contract for a minute, to find out what's going on.” Legal counsel, Miss Frey, said the notice of a DJJ investigation and subsequent discovery of failures in required background screenings constituted a breach of the contract terms and supported suspension of payments while the inquiry proceeds.
Miss Cannon said the trust is not terminating the contract at this time; staff will pay New World Believers through the date of suspension and will seek additional documentation and clarification before any decision to reinstate funding. Miss Frey explained the board’s agreement and grant language give the trust discretion to suspend payments for breach or noncompliance and to require remediation before reinstatement.
Board members asked for a clear, concise explanation of the suspension rationale; Miss Cannon and Miss Frey consistently cited two immediate concerns: (1) the DJJ investigation and notice of a material change in operational control, and (2) gaps in required background screenings and certain administrative documents. Staff said they will follow up with DJJ to confirm that children in funded programs are safe and will report back to the board. Several members emphasized the trust’s duty to be stewards of public funds and to prioritize child safety in contractual decisions.
The board’s action, as described by staff and counsel, is a suspension pending investigation and documentation, not a termination. Staff said they would cooperate with the organization and DJJ while protecting children served by the program.