Fabiola Santiago: Criminal probe of DCF is in order after new revelations (Editorial)
Given the agency’s track record, the obstructionist behavior of the Florida Department of Children & Families is outrageous. Faced with the undeniable results of a
Given the agency’s track record, the obstructionist behavior of the Florida Department of Children & Families is outrageous. Faced with the undeniable results of a
Codi Crowley, a 17-year-old in foster care, may soon be able to drive herself to high school medical courses at Traviss Career Center in Lakeland.
In the wake of one of the deadliest eras in the history of Florida child welfare, administrators pledged to be more open, even suggesting the
In the time it takes you to pour your morning coffee, another child will be brutalized by abuse or neglect. Most likely, from the hands
The last thing Florida’s troubled Department of Children and Families needed was its third change in leadership in less than a year. That said, Gov.
For many years, while my parents were drinking and using and dealing drugs, I was all my three siblings had. Due to overuse of methamphetamines,
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) on May 1, 2014 took action to better protect children in the foster care system from credit reporting problems
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION Every child deserves to grow, learn, and dream in a supportive and loving environment.
Observers and child advocates Tuesday were pleased with Department of Children & Families Commissioner Olga Roche’s resignation but only see it as a single chess
Nearly 10 months after the last confirmed secretary of Florida’s troubled child welfare agency resigned amid a spate of controversial child deaths, Gov. Rick Scott’s
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.