RETHINKING NON-PROFIT STORYTELLING: EMPOWERING VOICES
Nonprofit storytelling has the power to transform the lives of those served…
News & Events
We believe that all children have the right to food, clothing, housing, education, medical care, property and personal privacy.
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Florida’s laws, policies and practices respect, prioritize and protect children and youth impacted by the child welfare, juvenile justice, and disability systems.
2026 Broward Advocates for Children Awards
Please join us as we recognize Broward’s outstanding advocates for children.
Florida’s Children First Honors Advocates and Former Foster Youth at Annual Awards
Florida’s Children First has been the voice of at-risk children and youth in the state. The event recognized remarkable child advocates….
Supported Decision Making for Child Welfare Involved Youth – Recorded 9.30.24
Many young people struggle with decision-making as they become adults. Youth in the child welfare system often lack the natural support of family and friends to help them navigate adulthood. They are further disadvantaged if they lived in placements that did not…
Child Welfare 2024 Legislative Update – Recorded 5.23.24
Florida’s 2024 Legislative Session resulted in the passage of bills that will have a significant impact on Florida’s child welfare system. A handful of other bills also affect children…
Supported Decision Making for Child Welfare Involved Youth – A New Tool for Regis Little Staffings & Beyond
Many young people struggle with decision-making as they become adults. Youth in the child welfare system often lack the natural support…
Florida Youth SHINE on NPR’s “The Capital Report”
Recently, FCF’s Executive Director, Geori Seldine & our 2023 Tampa Outstanding Youth Advocate, Aheim King were interviewed on NPR’s “The Capital Report.” The interview showcases
Florida’s Children Come First: Gov. DeSantis Signs Bill to Support Foster Youths Transition to Adulthood
A new Florida law will provide youth in Florida’s foster care system with more support as they become adults. This legislation makes an existing Independent Living support called Aftercare Services available to a population…
Gov. DeSantis Signs Bill to Close Support Gap for Foster Youth in Transition to Adulthood
A new Florida law will provide youth in Florida’s foster care system with more support as they become adults. This legislation makes an existing Independent Living support called Aftercare Services available to a population of youth who were placed with relatives, non-relatives, or adopted as a teen. Previously, they were not able to access…
New report sheds light on designated funds not going to Florida foster kids
A new report shows that Florida’s children in foster care may not be getting the money they deserve.
The report is from the Children’s Advocacy Institute at the University of San Diego School of Law.
Foster children in the state’s custody…
Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Historic Legislation Expanding Aftercare Services for Young Adults Transitioning from Foster Care
Governor Ron DeSantis signed a ground-breaking legislative piece today presented by Senator Ileana García, chair of the Children and Families Committee, and Representative Tramont. The bill, known as SB 564 (2024), aims to significantly…
Use the Law to Support Sibling Relationships – Help Reduce Institutional Trauma – Recorded 4.10.24
Adoption attorney Maria Bates, members of Florida Youth SHINE, and an adoptive mom will explore the importance of maintaining connections to birth family for youth adopted from state care. The session will prepare participants to facilitate…
Tuition Exemption: Know Your Rights
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
ATTORNEYS FOR CHILDREN – OH MY! Florida Law, Data & View from the Bench – Recorded 11.1.23
Which children are supposed to get attorneys? Why – and what are they supposed to do? Since 2014, Florida law (§39.01305) has required the court…
Feds: Florida’s poor oversight of psychotropic meds put foster kids at risk
A study by the Department of Health & Human Services reveals lax controls and missing records for children prescribed powerful medications within Florida’s child welfare
