Overmedicating Foster Kids: The Cost of Skimping on Care
December 2, 2011 The statistics that came out of this week’s GAO report on psychotropic drug use among American foster children were bone-chilling: In 2008,
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.
December 2, 2011 The statistics that came out of this week’s GAO report on psychotropic drug use among American foster children were bone-chilling: In 2008,
COMMUNITY BASED CARE AGENCIES FACE TOUGH 2012 SESSION By MARGIE MENZEL THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, Nov. 15, 2011…..As the 2012 session
October 24, 2011 – Damien Smith, 18, was in foster care in South Florida for several years. He aged out of foster care this fall
SENATE LOOKING AT DJJ PROBE OF PSYCHOTROPIC MED USE By MARGIE MENZEL THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, Oct. 19, 2011…..The Department of
October 19, 2011 MIAMI (AP) — Federal lawmakers said during a national town hall meeting Wednesday that they are working to help foster children succeed
THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, Oct. 14, 2011……A Senate committee, angered by the juxtaposition of children’s deaths with swelling pay for those overseeing their care, has ordered
Associated Press Oct. 5: Dee Saint Franc, 21, of Providence, R.I., stands for a portrait in front of family photos in her home. Saint Franc
October 1 – Research has shown that Florida’s grand experiment of the ’90s to prosecute younger and younger kids as adults — sparked by
September 15, 2011 – “Upbeat” isn’t usually the word one associates with the Florida Department of Children & Families. Given the state agency’s past, high-profile
September 14, 2011 – South Florida foster care kids struggle in tough job market – Sun Sentinel Tamarra Lestage was 13 when she ran away from
September 15th – A 16-year-old girl running away from an abusive home met a man at a payphone in Detroit who promised her a better
September 2011 by Gabrielle Davis Former foster youth Ashtavia Maddox gave a powerful charge to 45 children’s legal services attorneys gathered September 15-16 in Orlando.
September 1, 2011 Severely impacted by dire economic times, The Florida Bar Foundation is considering seeking loans to be able to provide stable funding to
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.