Search

Supported Decision Making for Child Welfare Involved Youth

Recorded on 9.30.24

Co-hosted by Florida’s Children First, FLS Statewide Training Initiative, & Disability Rights Florida

Speakers:

Robin Rosenberg, Deputy Director, Florida’s Children First

C. Christine Smith, Staff Attorney, Florida’s Children First

Caitlyn Clibon,  Director of Community & Healthcare Services, Disability Rights Florida

Many young people struggle with decision-making as they become adults. Youth in the child welfare system often lack the natural support of family and friends to help them navigate adulthood. They are further disadvantaged if they lived in placements that did not provide them with the opportunity to take on responsibilities and make decisions for themselves. When those young people have cognitive impairments, the child welfare system often looks to guardianship or guardian advocacy as a means to protect them in adulthood. The Regis Little Act requires the child welfare system to consider whether older youth with disabilities might need guardianship or guardian advocacy and permits initiation of those proceedings prior to age 18. Many young people, however, who need help with decision-making do not need the loss of rights that come with guardianship or guardian advocacy. In 2024 the Legislature created a new tool that will help adults retain their rights and get help with decision-making. This training will examine the new law on Supported Decision Making and show it can be a useful tool to help young people with child welfare involvement.


WORKSHOP MATERIALS
CLE: #2408028N
CLE CREDITS: 1.5 General credits
CERTIFICATION CREDITS:   1.5 Juvenile law

Share this article:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp

Related Posts

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.

Skip to content