(1)  2005 News

August 2005 - Florida's Children First has been the chief proponent for improving the educational outcomes for children in State custody and works to secure Interagency Agreements to achieve that goal. Florida's Department of Children and Families and Department of Education have now entered into an agreement to implement Florida Statute 39.0016 (2004). The Interagency Agreement also includes the Agency for Workforce Innovation. National experts tell us this is the first such agreement in the country. It provides a mechanism for cooperation and is a good beginning.

July 2005 - FCF, DCF and Holland & Knight, LLP partner to assist recipients of the Road to Independence Funds - After learning of a potential problem affecting young adults aging out of the foster care system, FCF sought adviceni from Holland & Kght, LLP regarding the taxability of RTI funds. After reviewing the memorandum from Holland & Knight, LLP, and consulting their own experts, the Department of Children and Families agreed that the Road to Independence funds should not be taxable and 1099 forms were issued in error. DCF Secretary Lucy Hadi wrote to every program participant, approximately 1,200 youth formerly in foster care, who may have been affected by the error (see Hadi letter)  The letter recommends that these children contact FCF to receive free tax help from volunteer professionals in their communities. If you are a tax professional and would like to assist children in your community or, if you are a Road to Independence participant and may be affected by this error, please contact FCF. Thank you Holland and Knight, LLP for helping the young people in our State.

June 2005 - Gov Bush signs legislation  - In the 2005 session, Senator Nan Rich sponsored SB 1314 and Representative Ellyn Bogdanoff sponsored HB 1319. This legislation, promoted by FCF, would extend jurisdiction of courts over youth aging out of foster care to provide a "safety net" for the youth. FCF also advocated for continued health insurance and youth who want to stay in foster homes. Youth friendly Petition

June 2005 - Ensuring Appropriate and Informed Use of Psychotropic Medications With Children in Department Custody  - Senator Skip Campbell, Representative Tim Ryan and many others ensured passage of groundbreaking Legislation, now signed by Governor Bush, designed to ensure express and informed consent before psychotropic medication can be administered to children in state custody. See SB 1090   Monitoring for effective implementation will be necessary.