(2)  What We Do

All children have the right to food, clothing, housing, education, medical care, property and personal privacy. Most children have parents who take care of their needs and protect their rights. But tens of thousands of children in Florida rely on state agencies to meet some or all of their needs. FCF exists to protect the rights of those children.

FCF works to improve the government systems that exist to serve children. We do this in several ways: 

• Executive Branch Advocacy

• Legal Advocacy

• Legislative Advocacy

• Procedural Rule Advocacy

• Support for Former Foster Youth

• Training and Support of Attorneys

   Our primary work is with children in state custody, either because their parents are accused of having done something wrong [dependency - Chp 39] or because the children are accused of having done something wrong [delinquency - Chp 985]. We also work on issues for children who have disabilities and children who are immigrants.

   We are concerned with systemic issues in the following areas:

• Dept. of Children & Families Management

• Delinquency

• Developmental Disabilities

• Education Advocacy

• Foster Care

• Immigration

• Independent Living

• Mental Health

• Representation of Children

      FCF is part of the Florida system for delivery of legal services to the poor. We are primarily funded by the Florida Bar Foundation and private donations with significant grants from other foundations. We are able to accomplish tremendous results by operating with a small staff, an active board, advisory board, numerous volunteers and financial supporters.

Contact us for more information, or to volunteer or contribute.