TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — The Florida Department of Children and Families’ electronic system used for placing foster children across state lines is being used as the model in a national pilot project.

Florida has used the system since 2008. Officials say it significantly decreases the amount of time it takes to place a Florida foster child into a home with relatives or adoptive parents in another state. Florida processes approximately 3,000 requests for children to move in and out of state each year.