About Us
Florida Youth SHINE is a youth run, peer driven organization of current and former youth in foster care or who have experienced homelessness, who are driven to empower, inspire, and lead.
We work hard to change the culture of Florida’s child welfare system from the inside out.
Mission & Vision
Our History
In 2002, a bunch of dedicated child advocates noticed something seriously wrong with Florida’s child welfare systems. Kids across the state weren’t getting the fair chance they deserved. They were moved around frequently, often split from their brothers and sisters, and even had to hop from school to school. The worst part? Sometimes, the very system that was supposed to be their safety net let them down. Big time.
That’s when these advocates decided enough was enough. They banded together to start something awesome – Florida’s Children First. Their mission? To shake things up, make big changes, and turn the tide for Florida’s young heroes in care.
The best part? They realized that the real experts, the ones who knew the system inside out, were the young people themselves. For too long, youth stories, dreams, and voices were being left in the dark, not heard or seen. These advocates knew it was long past time to fix the situation. It was time to pass the microphone to the youth.
In 2005, something epic happened. Florida’s Children First launched a youth-led organization called Florida Youth SHINE (FYS). Think of it as a launchpad for youth and young adults to educate, support, and champion each other. Youth voices, stories, and ideas are not just heard; they’re the main event, making waves across Florida and beyond.
Fast forward to now, and Florida Youth SHINE has grown into a powerhouse of change, led by young leaders, making a difference in Florida and all over the nation.
Our Impact
Florida Youth SHINE will soon be celebrating 20 years, and oh boy, what a journey it’s been! In these last two decades, Florida Youth SHINE has become the go-to crew for youth voices in Florida, and yeah, we’re making noise on the national stage too. The FYS family has grown to over 350 strong, spreading our wings to include not just our brothers and sisters in foster care, but also young people experiencing homelessness.
When the bigwigs and experts huddle up to talk about the challenges and game plans for kids in the system, guess who’s right there in the mix now? Yup, Florida Youth SHINE. We’re not just in the room; but leading the conversation, making sure every young voice is heard loud and clear.
Today, Florida Youth SHINE is not just part of the discussion but driving it. Our platform is all about amplifying the voices of our peers in care, making sure they’re not just heard but actually listened to and acted upon. And you know what? It’s working. Our voices are changing lives, bringing more benefits, protections, support, and pathways to success for thousands of young heroes across Florida.
Right from the get-go, Florida Youth SHINE has been all about making things better. We’re talking about real changes that make day-to-day life brighter and the future a whole lot shinier for young folks transitioning to independent living. So, here’s to 20+ years of making a difference, and here’s to many more. We’re just getting started, and with you on board, the sky’s the limit!
Florida Youth SHINE Changes Lives
Florida Youth SHINE has made instrumental changes by advocating for key legislation over the years. Completely youth-led initiatives have changed the lives of our brothers and sisters in foster care for years to come. Here’s a glimpse of what we’ve accomplished since 2005
Normalcy
Florida Youth SHINE spoke up and out, advocating for the right to do typical, everyday activities that their friends enjoy. Known as the “Normalcy” law, youth successfully promoted legislation allowing foster care youth to participate in sports, clubs, sleepovers with friends, and other activities that allow them to lead “normal” childhood lives.
Educating Kids About Their Rights
While Florida passed many great laws to help kids thrive, it doesn’t help us if we are never told about them. Or if we find out after we have aged out of the system and can no longer benefit from these rights. After five years of sharing our stories, we prevailed! Now, the law requires we be informed about our rights in an age-appropriate way- every six months! It also gives us a number we can call if we feel our rights are not being honored.
Extended Foster Care
It’s hard to be on your own at just 18 years old, especially after a tough childhood. It’s even harder to support yourself and pay rent, buy food, pay for transportation, and more. Florida Youth SHINE helped successfully change the laws that now allow youth to stay in foster care until age 21 and receive support to become independent adults. We continue to advocate to reduce and eliminate any barriers that keep youth from qualifying for extended foster care and PESS support that will help youth become more self-sufficient.
Keys to Independence
Youth voices helped steer hundreds of young people in the foster care system or experiencing homelessness onto the road to independence and self-sufficiency. Over nearly 20 trips to the capitol, members explained to decision-makers that without a program that helps them learn to drive like their schoolmates do, they struggle to attend school, hold down a job, help with younger siblings, and start their journey of adult life. These youth voices drove change in the system and achieved a groundbreaking program providing driver licenses and support to children in care
Sibling Protections
Florida Youth SHINE has successfully put a spotlight on the many challenges youth in care experience trying to stay connected when they enter care. We have helped usher in changes that help keep siblings together.
Florida Youth SHINE Changes Lives
Florida Youth SHINE has made instrumental changes by advocating for key legislation over the years. Completely youth-led initiatives have changed the lives of our brothers and sisters in foster care for years to come. Here’s a glimpse of what we’ve accomplished since 2005.
Normalcy
.
Educating Kids About Their Rights
.
Extended Foster Care
.
Keys to Independence
.
Sibling Protections
.
How We Make Change
At Florida Youth SHINE, we’re a team of passionate young leaders working hand-in-hand to transform the foster care experience. Using real-life stories and firsthand insights, we advocate for better policies and practices, offer peer connections, genuine mentorship, and spotlight the potential in every young person. Here, every voice matters and every action counts, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow.
Advocacy
Florida Youth SHINE Chapters
Training
Quarterly Statewide Meetings
Peer Connections, Mentorship, & Support
#YouthCanSHINEwith: Campaign
Children’s Week
Join the Movement
Imagine being part of a powerful network that stretches across Florida, where your ideas and experiences spark change! At Florida Youth SHINE, our 15 vibrant chapters are like epicenters of energy and action, waiting for you. Dive in, connect, and stand up for what matters alongside friends who get it. Your voice can make waves. So, what do you say? Ready to SHINE with us?
Who Can Join
What You’ll Do
Joining Florida Youth SHINE means stepping into a community that cares deeply about addressing the unique needs of youth in your local area. Together, you and your fellow members will meet once a month to collaborate, problem-solve, and come up with innovative solutions for real impact.
As a member, you’ll be the powerful voice of youth, advocating for change not just in your community but statewide. Your voice matters, and with Florida Youth SHINE, you have the platform to make it heard.
Why Join?
Florida Youth SHINE isn’t just another group, it’s a family where your experiences transform into action. Here, you’re not just a member, you’re a trailblazer, a voice for the voiceless. Dive into a world where your journey inspires change, where your ideas light up rooms, and where your dreams for a better system turn into reality. You’ll connect with peers who’ve walked in your shoes, collaborate on projects that matter, and grow into a leader who shapes the future. At FYS, we’re more than a team – we’re a force for change, and you’re our missing piece. Come, let’s make history together.
Florida Youth SHINE Chapters
Florida Youth SHINE is organized into 15 chapters spanning the state of Florida. These chapters serve as local hubs and the backbone of FYS. They provide an opportunity for young individuals to actively participate, learn, and advocate for themselves and their peers.
Don’t have a chapter near you? No problem, we offer many opportunities statewide and virtually and welcome all those interested.
Want to start a chapter? We are currently expanding and would love to have a chapter near you. Please email Kaya, our Community Engagement Manager if you are interested in bringing a Florida Youth SHINE Chapter to your county.
Upcoming Trainings, Activities & Events
Dive into a world where your voice echoes in the halls of power, from chatting with the governor to shaping rules with the Department of Children and Families! With Florida Youth SHINE, every event is your stage: local meet-ups, state-wide gatherings, and cool advocacy sessions—all led by awesome youth like you. Check out our calendar and step into the spotlight—it’s your time to SHINE!
Youth Voices Amplified
Dive into the Heart of Advocacy with Us! Join Florida’s Children First and Florida Youth SHINE as we unveil a dynamic storytelling experience like no other! Crafted, edited, and brought to life entirely by our vibrant FYS members, these digital tales are raw, real, and ready to resonate. Let’s amplify our truths together – hit play and step into our world!
If you are interested in using digital stories for a training or meeting, please reach out as we have a comprehensive digital story toolkit available.
Meet Our Statewide Board
FYS is completely youth-led. Chapters elect representatives to lead statewide events, drive decision making and run programs. Meet our amazing FYS Statewide Board.
Resources for Youth in Care
Learn about the many resources created by youth for youth, from tip sheets to handbooks and more. Check out our resources.
