Forever Family Features Florida Youth SHINE -WFTV9 Orlando
Watch Florida Youth SHINE’s feature on Forever Family WFTV9 Orlando.
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.
Watch Florida Youth SHINE’s feature on Forever Family WFTV9 Orlando.
Florida’s Children First (FCF), Florida’s premiere statewide advocacy organization focused on protecting the rights of children of youth in the foster care system, is proud
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…
Florida’s 2023 Legislative Session resulted in the passage of bills that will have a significant impact on Florida’s child welfare system…
Geori Seldine Your Turn, Tallahassee Democrat Juli 14, 2023 at 5:11 a.m. The Florida Legislature has passed several laws intended to protect and benefit
By SUN SENTINEL EDITORIAL BOARD | Sun Sentinel June 23, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. The Florida Legislature has passed several laws to benefit children in foster
by Troy Myers Tue, June 20th 2023, 11:25 AM EDT WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Senate Bill 272, named the “Nancy C. Detert Champion for
By KYLE JOHNSON | PUBLISHED: June 2, 2023 at 2:20 p.m. | UPDATED: June 2, 2023 at 2:20 p.m. If you’re a kid in foster care, can you
Florida’s Children First and Florida Youth SHINE are growing and we’re looking to add to our team of passionate advocates. We are hiring for the
The relentless advocacy of Florida Youth SHINE (FYS), a statewide advocacy organization run by and for youth who are or were in Florida’s child welfare system, paid
A bill recently passed in the Florida Legislature could help address a key shortfall highlighted in a new national report about foster youth ages 14
SEE VIDEO ORLANDO, Fla. – In the last 2 decades, seven of Florida’s 67 counties have handled their own investigations into child abuse and neglect,
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) is planning to take over child protection investigations from seven sheriffs’ offices around the
International Van Lines CEO Josh Morales adopted the first two foster kids he and his wife hosted. Then he started doing pro bono moves for
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — For years, 8 On Your Side has reported on local foster kids sleeping in offices without a bed to lay their
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.