Florida’s Children First Calls for Thoughtful Reform of Florida’s Child Welfare System
March 11, 2011 First, every day, in every part of the state, at-risk children and families are provided high quality, appropriate and timely services by
We believe that all children have the right to food, clothing, housing, education, medical care, property and personal privacy.
Florida’s laws, policies and practices respect, prioritize and protect children and youth impacted by the child welfare, juvenile justice, and disability systems.
March 11, 2011 First, every day, in every part of the state, at-risk children and families are provided high quality, appropriate and timely services by
March 10, 2011 The image of Nubia – golden hair and smile framed by pony tails, sitting up straight and facing the future – is
March 10, 2011 Some legislators are more interested in protecting the private sector than they are in protecting Florida’s children. Identical bills in the House
March 9, 2011 From the moment they were taken away from their biological parents in 2004, Nubia and Victor Barahona were supposed to be shepherded
March 9, 2011 Sen. Ronda Storms told Gov. Rick Scott’s social services secretary Wednesday to “dispense with the niceties” and demanded he provide some answers
March 9, 2011 When Jermaine McNeil was 5, the Department of Children & Families decided it best that he be raised by someone other than
March 8, 2011 Four days after Nubia Barahona’s decomposed body was found in the flatbed of her adoptive father’s pickup truck, state child-welfare authorities completed
March 7, 2011 How dare they? As The Post’s Pat Beall reported Friday, Florida’s privatized child welfare companies want to limit their liability and accountability
March 7, 2011 The private agency responsible for protecting twins who were found along I-95 — one dead and decomposing and the other doused in
March 4, 2011 Outraged critics are calling it the Barahona Relief Act: Twin bills winding through Tallahassee that would cap damages in lawsuits brought against
February 28, 2011 A measure capping legal damages for agencies providing foster care services cleared a House committee on an 11-3 vote Monday, just hours after
FYS Communications & Marketing Chair
(Miami)
Hi everyone!
My name is Mel and I’m 23. In the community support space, I’m known for strong communication, crisis navigation, and the ability to build trust with participants from diverse backgrounds. I consistently hold close partnerships with care coordinators, advocates, and local organizations to provide comprehensive and high-quality support.
I specialize in creating structured tools such as educational guides, clear documentation, and life-skills resources that help youth better understand their needs, boundaries, and options.
Alongside my advocacy work, I have become an accomplished creative whose work spans digital design, visual content development, and storytelling. I design flyers, presentations, and multimedia pieces that bring clarity, culture, and visual impact to youth programming, community initiatives, and local events. My creative eye allows me to transform information into accessible and engaging visuals that resonate authentically with the communities I serve.
I am proud to be a member of the 2025-26 Statewide Board as and lend my skills to Florida Youth SHINE in support of my peers and bringing changed for youth with homeless and foster care experience.