Law lets foster children ease into adulthood with a safety net
By John Romano, Tampa Times Columnist Published June 29, 2013 She was just a tiny thing when her mother walked out the door. Soon
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.
By John Romano, Tampa Times Columnist Published June 29, 2013 She was just a tiny thing when her mother walked out the door. Soon
by Gurjot Kaur Florida and Washington state, while on opposite ends of the continental United States, unite on one point— they are among the
By Howard Talenfeld June 5, 2013 It can be so easy to overlook Florida’s medically fragile foster children. They don’t have much of a voice.
Posted: May 13, 2013 – 4:06pm | Updated: May 14, 2013 – 4:05am David Wilkins says system changes are establishing a ‘bill of rights’ for children. How
Anubis Day and more than 200 other Florida children are at the heart of a bitter fight over the state’s practice of putting frail children
Posted: 05/10/2013 By: Meghan McRoberts College freshman, Francis Jeune, just wrapped up his finals as he pursues his dream to be a nurse. He credits
Senator Nancy Detert testified today before the US Congress, Subcommittee on Human Resources of the Committee on Ways and Means about the new law in
BY MARGIE MENZEL THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA TALLAHASSEE — The Florida House passed a bill Wednesday giving young adults in state custody the option of
JAY CONNER/STAFF Danielle McMahan, former foster care kid, has a photo of herself and Gov. Rick Scott in her living room. By Keith Morelli | Tribune
By SASCHA CORDNER Listen 4:37 Listen to the story! A bill extending the age for those aging out of Florida’s foster care system is now heading
by Bobeth Yates SARASOTA – A bill that would allow Florida youngsters to remain in foster care until age 21 has cleared the state legislature. Wednesday,
For Sen. Nancy Detert and the backers of a bill extending foster care from age 18 to 21, Wednesday’s House session was a nail biter. Named
By Jeremy Wallace, Herald-Tribune / Wednesday, May 1, 2013 TALLAHASSEE Turning 18 was hardly a celebration for Robert Stalker. Having spent 10 years bouncing among foster homes
Posted: Apr 29, 2013 5:35 PM EDTUpdated: Apr 29, 2013 6:21 PM EDT By Clifton French FORT MYERS -Right now, children in foster care are kicked out
The state foster care system is about to loosen up a little on kids who want to live more normal lives, but may soon also
FYS Events & Meeting Chair
(Palm Beach)
Hello, My name is Alexia Nechayev. I am 25 years old and I am an alumna of Florida International University where I received my B.A. in Psychology. My future career goal is to be a Lawyer. I was in care for about one year from age 17 to 18. Prior to entering care, I only knew about the negative stigma regarding foster care and while in care that narrative was unfortunately my experience.
In school I felt like I was on display because my status in care was broadcast to other students and in my placement behavior was leveraged for “privileges” that should be a natural right of all children. Because I did not know my rights I did not know that what I was experiencing was wrong. Today this is exactly why I advocate, because I don’t want this to be the same for other youth who are experiencing foster care.
This is my second year on the FYS Statewide Board and I’m happy to be the Events and Meetings Chair this year because my main goal through advocacy is to reach as many people as possible. My favorite thing as a board member is to see how comfortable members become while working together. The community needs to know that youth in foster care are real people, going through some of the hardest moments of their life and youth need to know that their voice is powerful. I believe that we have to speak up and bring these issues to people’s attention so that they do not forget us. Advocacy, education and consistency is the only way.