Ref Documents for Youth

Mission and Vision of Florida Youth Shine

History

Letters

• Dear Governor Crist
• Dear Governor, Thanks
• Dear Secretary Sheldon

2008 Officers & Members

Post PR Foster Youth Day

Fostering Success Report

Hearing Your Voice, A Guide to Your Dependency Case

(video)
FYS in Tallahassee

Florida Youth SHINE   youthshine@floridaschildrenfirst.org
By Tammy Workman and Mike Dunlavy

   In 2005, Florida’s Children First founded Florida Youth SHINE to ensure that the voices of youth are heard in public policy debates to improve child protection and foster care services. FCF organizes and serves as adult support for the young people. It lends its network of contacts and experts to train, educate and collaborate with the Youth. 

   Florida Youth SHINE (FYS) is a statewide youth driven organization that empowers current and former foster youth to become self-advocates .Local chapters are being formed, with Miami and Northeast Florida in the lead. This structure allows local Youth SHINE boards to elect state representatives and do advocacy in their home communities. Problems and proposed solutions with a system wide impact are reported back to the statewide board where these issues are prioritized. FYS is able to survey child welfare conditions statewide due to its members who are geographically spread throughout the state. 

   FYS has been instrumental in training and making presentations to attorneys, Judges, caseworkers and other advocates about the need for youth to be heard in their court cases and wherever decisions are made about their futures. The Youth have been working with the Supreme Court ’s Families and Children in the Courts Steering Committee, the ABA Bar-Youth Empowerment Project and the Department of Children and Families on these efforts.     

Description: 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.

Title: Transition: A Guide for Foster Youth with Disabilities Transitioning to Adulthood

Description: This publication, co-authored with the Advocacy Center for Persons With Disabilities, 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.