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Florida’s independent living laws offer terrific benefits for young people. But the laws are complex and basic placement decisions can have enormous consequences. The Independent Living Benefit Chart advises readers about the law and benefits available to young people based on placement type.  It is intended to help young people and the adults who work […]

The U.S. Department of Education today released a new toolkit to inspire and support current and former foster youth pursuing college and career opportunities. The Foster Care Transition Toolkit includes tips and resources intended to help foster youth access and navigate social, emotional, educational and skills barriers as they transition into adulthood. Currently, there are […]

This law (SB 386) drops the automatic expunction age from 24 to 21. It also allows some young adults to seek expunction of their juvenile records prior to age 21 – if they haven’t committed a crime within the last 5 years. Additionally, it removes the 12-month limitation on seeking expunction of juvenile diversion records. […]

In March, 2016, the Board of the Governors of the Florida State University System realized the need to revise its Regulation that limited the use of the tuition exemption to a maximum of 120 credit hours in undergraduate courses – which was not correct according to current law. The revised Regulation will make it clear […]

Stolen Future -The foster care system in the United States serves approximately 700,000 youths. Every year over 26,000 of those children age out of foster care. As those youths transition into adulthood, good credit is essential. If a foster youth’s credit has been damaged by identity theft, then that young person may not be able to get a job, apply for student loans, obtain […]

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Our most recent publication! This booklet covers key issues for youth in out-of-home care: obtaining money, master trust accounts, and special concerns for youth with disabilities.

This handbook helps youth understand what actions can get you in trouble with the law. It identifies the acts for which minors are often charged, illustrates the behavior that can result in arrest, and highlights the consequences of arrest and adjudication. This is a publication of the University of Florida Levin College of Law Center on Children and Families, March 2009, revised September 2010.

This FCF publication answers the most commonly asked questions asked by teens as they figure out their transition to adulthood. It explains the Independent Living services and benefits available to young people in state care and young adults who recently aged out of care.

This publication describes the services and supports that are available to youth with disabilities as they are preparing for adulthood. It is a must-read for anyone working with youth with disabilities who are in state care and provides numerous resources to help them start out on a path to success. Co-authored with Disabilities Rights Florida (formerly the Advocacy Center for Persons With Disabilities).

Inspired by Florida Youth SHINE, the Dept. of Children and Families issued this publication to inform children and youth of their rights while in state care or shelter care.

These materials contain many of the items used to obtain a name change and to update government documents.

This document describes all of the things that may or will happen to youth as a result of being arrested, pleading guilty or no contest to a juvenile or adult charge and going to trial. Prepared by the Law Offices of Miami-Dade Public Defender Bennett H. Brummer. 2008

The booklet defines the terms that are used in the criminal justice system. It explains expunging and sealing records and how to answer questions about your record on school and job applications. It was prepared by the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County. August, 2008

These are materials for use with the Name Change Packet.

This publication is geared toward young adults who recently aged out of state care. It provides information and resources on a variety of topics that will empower youth to become successful adults. Published by the American Bar Association with the assistance of Florida’s Children First.

This document answers some of the questions most commonly asked by former foster youth who are pregnant or parenting. It was prepared by the University of Miami Children and Youth Law Clinic. September, 2008.