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Senator Detert Testifies in Congress

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 Florida to allow children in foster care to live more normal lives.  Part of her testimony credited Florida Youth SHINE for the wonderful work they did in promoting this legislation.  She said:

 

In Florida, we are fortunate to have a group of older teens and young adults known as Florida

Youth SHINE.  Youth SHINE is a peer driven organization that empowers young advocates

across the state who regularly identify the challenges and help create solutions related to

growing up in the child welfare system. Membership is open to all children and young adults

between 13-24 years of age who were ever involved with Florida’s child welfare system.

 

One of their goals is to share their stories and experiences in order to improve the system of

care for those children currently in care and for those who have yet to enter care. They are

always available to educate key policy makers and organizations throughout Florida on key

issues related to growing up in foster care. During this past legislative session, more than 40

members met with 60 legislators and testified at 14 committee meetings in order to support

legislation that will affect the lives of over 19,000 children and young adults.

 

Read her full testimony here

 

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Alexia Nechayev

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.

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