Florida’s Children First Honors Advocates and Former Foster Youth at Annual Awards
Florida’s Children First has been the voice of at-risk children and youth in the state. The event recognized remarkable child advocates….
Florida’s Children First has been the voice of at-risk children and youth in the state. The event recognized remarkable child advocates….
Florida’s 2024 Legislative Session resulted in the passage of bills that will have a significant impact on Florida’s child welfare system. A handful of other bills also affect children…
Florida’s 2024 Legislative Session resulted in the passage of bills that will have a significant impact on Florida’s child welfare system. A handful of other bills also affect children…
Recently, FCF’s Executive Director, Geori Seldine & our 2023 Tampa Outstanding Youth Advocate, Aheim King were interviewed on NPR’s “The Capital Report.” The interview showcases
A new Florida law will provide youth in Florida’s foster care system with more support as they become adults. This legislation makes an existing Independent Living support called Aftercare Services available to a population…
A new Florida law will provide youth in Florida’s foster care system with more support as they become adults. This legislation makes an existing Independent Living support called Aftercare Services available to a population of youth who were placed with relatives, non-relatives, or adopted as a teen. Previously, they were not able to access…
A new report shows that Florida’s children in foster care may not be getting the money they deserve.
The report is from the Children’s Advocacy Institute at the University of San Diego School of Law.
Foster children in the state’s custody…
Governor Ron DeSantis signed a ground-breaking legislative piece today presented by Senator Ileana García, chair of the Children and Families Committee, and Representative Tramont. The bill, known as SB 564 (2024), aims to significantly…
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…
In March, 2016, the Board of the Governors of the Florida State University System realized the need to revise its Regulation that limited the use
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.