2025-09-06T10:13:00-04:00 2024-12-31 650002115 SULLIVAN & FENGLER 3031 NE 22ND ST FORT LAUDERDALE FL 33305 990 2024-01-01 522372998 FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST INC FLOR 9547960860 333 CAMINO GARDENS BLVD SUITE 202 BOCA RATON FL 33432 GERALD REISS TREASURER 9547960860 2025-09-04 true false MAUREEN S FENGLER CPA P01270054 9545612826 2025-09-06 X 2024 2025-03-06 01:10:19Z HOWARD TALENFELD 10360 WEST STATE ROAD 84 DAVIE FL 33324 1861264 false X FLORIDASCHILDRENFIRST.ORG X 2002 FL ORGANIZATION MISSION: FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST IS A NON-PROFIT, NONPARTISAN, INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY ORGANIZATION COMMITTED TO PROTECTING AND ADVANCING THE RIGHTS OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH IMPACTED BY THE CHILD WELFARE, JUVENILE JUSTICE, AND DISABILITY SYSTEMS THROUGH SYSTEMIC REFORM, EDUCATION, YOUTH VOICE, AND PROMOTING HIGH-QUALITY LEGAL REPRESENTATION. ORGANIZATION VISION: OUR VISION IS THAT FLORIDA'S LAWS, POLICIES, AND PRACTICES RESPECT, PRIORITIZE, AND PROTECT CHILDREN AND YOUTH IMPACTED BY THE CHILD WELFARE, JUVENILE JUSTICE, AND DISABILITY SYSTEMS. ABOUT US: BY BEING INFORMED BY THE YOUTH WE SERVE AND PROVIDING A PLATFORM FOR THEIR INPUT AND LIFE EXPERIENCES TO BE VALUED, WE HAVE ACHIEVED POSITIVE, LONG- LASTING SYSTEMIC CHANGES IN FLORIDA'S CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM THAT PROTECT AND UPLIFT OUR MOST VULNERABLE CHILDREN. WE ARE CHANGE AGENTS. WE ARE WATCHDOGS. WE FILL A CRITICAL GAP IN THE STATEWIDE CHILD-SERVING SYSTEM BY TIRELESSLY WORKING TO DISMANTLE BARRIERS, RAISE AWARENESS, AND ENSU 24 24 7 400 0 1345022 1822575 0 17664 38689 0 1362686 1861264 0 0 549934 694027 0 91127 611911 721316 1161845 1415343 200841 445921 992563 1379999 140421 92909 852142 1287090 X ORGANIZATION MISSION: FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST IS A NON-PROFIT, NONPARTISAN, INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY ORGANIZATION COMMITTED TO PROTECTING AND ADVANCING THE RIGHTS OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH IMPACTED BY THE CHILD WELFARE, JUVENILE JUSTICE, AND DISABILITY SYSTEMS THROUGH SYSTEMIC REFORM, EDUCATION, YOUTH VOICE, AND PROMOTING HIGH-QUALITY LEGAL REPRESENTATION. ORGANIZATION VISION: OUR VISION IS THAT FLORIDA'S LAWS, POLICIES, AND PRACTICES RESPECT, PRIORITIZE, AND PROTECT CHILDREN AND YOUTH IMPACTED BY THE CHILD WELFARE, JUVENILE JUSTICE, AND DISABILITY SYSTEMS. ABOUT US: BY BEING INFORMED BY THE YOUTH WE SERVE AND PROVIDING A PLATFORM FOR THEIR INPUT AND LIFE EXPERIENCES TO BE VALUED, WE HAVE ACHIEVED POSITIVE, LONG- LASTING SYSTEMIC CHANGES IN FLORIDA'S CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM THAT PROTECT AND UPLIFT OUR MOST VULNERABLE CHILDREN. WE ARE CHANGE AGENTS. WE ARE WATCHDOGS. WE FILL A CRITICAL GAP IN THE STATEWIDE CHILD-SERVING SYSTEM BY TIRELESSLY WORKING TO DISMANTLE BARRIERS, RAISE AWARENESS, AND ENSU false false 732328 IMPROVING GENERAL CHILD WELFARE FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST (FCF) HAS BECOME A NATIONAL GO-TO ORGANIZATION WHEN SEEKING SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS IN CHILD WELFARE. FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST MAKES THE LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF CHILDREN A TOP PRIORITY. FCF WORKS DILIGENTLY TO RECRUIT AND TRAIN LAWYERS ACROSS THE STATE TO PROVIDE FREE LEGAL SERVICES FOR OUR CHILDREN. FCF HAS HELPED TRAIN HUNDREDS OF LAWYERS WHO VOLUNTEER THEIR TIME REPRESENTING INDIVIDUAL CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE. FCF WORKS WITH AGENCIES WHEN THEY WRITE THEIR POLICIES, PROCEDURES, OR RULES. KNOWN FOR OUR EXPERTISE, FLORIDA'S CHILDREN'S FIRST PLAYS AN ACTIVE ROLE IN THIS ARENA. BUILDING ON THE WORK WE HAVE DONE IN THE PAST, THIS YEAR WE PARTICIPATED IN RULEMAKING FOR THREE FEDERAL RULES THAT WILL IMPACT CHILDREN AND FAMILIES ON THE STATE AND LOCAL LEVELS. THE AREAS INCLUDED: 1. SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT WHICH APPLIES TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: A. WE ADVOCATED FOR EXTENDING THE DISABILITY PROTECTIONS TO PLACEMENTS AND SCHOOLS WHERE FOSTER CHILDREN LIVE AND ATTEND. B. WE ADVOCATED FOR A FINDING THAT A FAILURE TO HAVE AN ADEQUATE PLACEMENT ARRAY IS A 504 VIOLATION. C. WE ADVOCATED FOR RECOGNITION OF THE RIGHTS OF CHILDREN TO HAVE FAMILY INTEGRITY WITH PARENTS. 3. IV-E REIMBURSEMENT FOR LEGAL REPRESENTATION: FCF COMMENTED ON THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULATING FEDERAL FUND REIMBURSEMENT TO ENSURE THAT CHILDREN GET INDEPENDENT LEGAL REPRESENTATION. FCF IMPROVES GENERAL CHILD WELFARE THROUGH TRAINING AND EDUCATING INDIVIDUALS. CHANGING THE SYSTEM OF CARE FOR FLORIDA'S CHILDREN REQUIRES THAT WE EDUCATE A VARIETY OF STAKEHOLDERS. WE MAKE THE GENERAL PUBLIC AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS CONCERNING CHILDREN, IN ORDER TO MOBILIZE THEIR HELP AND SUPPORT IN MAKING IMPROVEMENTS. OVER THE YEARS WE HAVE PROVIDED MORE THAN 102,698 HOURS OF FREE TRAINING TO KEEP INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS INFORMED ON ISSUES, RULE CHANGES AND NEW BEST PRACTICES THAT IMPACT VULNERABLE YOUTH. NEARLY 22,000 HOURS WERE PROVIDED IN JUST THE PAST YEAR. WE ALSO EDUCATE BY WRITING MATERIALS, BROCHURES, AND PAMPHLETS THAT PROVIDE INFORMATION ON VARIOUS TOPICS IN CHILD WELFARE, DELINQUENCY, AND DISABILITIES, WE NOW HAVE MORE THAN 4 DOZEN PUBLICATIONS ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC INCLUDING 12 NEW PUBLICATIONS COMPLETED IN 2023. FCF IMPROVES GENERAL CHILD WELFARE THROUGH LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY. FCF ACHIEVES SUCCESS IN SECURING MAJOR SYSTEMIC CHANGES BY EDUCATING THE STATE LEGISLATURE ON THE CHALLENGES THESE CHILDREN FACE DAILY, HELPING THEM UNDERSTAND THE SYSTEMS OF CARE AND THE DIFFICULTY MANEUVERING THROUGH THOSE SYSTEMS - ESPECIALLY FOR CHILDREN. THESE CHANGES CONTINUE TO HAVE A RIPPLE EFFECT THAT IMPACTS MORE AND MORE YOUTH EACH YEAR AND EDUCATES THOUSANDS OF ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONALS AND COUNTLESS CITIZENS ABOUT ISSUES AND SOLUTIONS FOR CHILDREN IN CARE. THIS YEAR OUR RECENT LEGISLATIVE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: "EXPANDING ACCESS TO THE KEYS TO INDEPENDENCE BILL BENEFITS." 450+ WHO WERE PREVIOUSLY PRECLUDED FROM GETTING A DRIVER'S LICENSE AND INSURANCE ASSISTANCE THROUGH THE STATE'S DRIVING PROGRAM FOR FORMER FOSTER YOUTH WHICH WE ADVOCATED TO ESTABLISH, ARE NOW ELIGIBLE FOR THAT SUPPORT DUE TO THE BILL GLITCH "FIX" WE SUCCESSFULLY OBTAINED THIS YEAR. HUNDREDS MORE WILL NOW BE ELIGIBLE FOR EACH YEAR TO COME. "EDUCATING YOUTH ON THE RIGHTS, BENEFITS, AND PROTECTIONS IN PLACE TO HELP THEM THRIVE." THOUGH FLORIDA HAS MANY GREAT LAWS TO PROTECT AND BENEFIT CHILDREN, IT DOES NOT HELP THEM IF THEY OR THEIR CARE-GIVERS, ARE NOT AWARE OF THEM. FOR AT LEAST 5 YEARS, HUNDREDS OF FLORIDA YOUTH SHINE MEMBERS, MENTORS AND FCF STAFF MEMBERS HAVE TRAVELED TO TALLAHASSEE TO ADVOCATE FOR THIS LEGISLATION. MANY TESTIFIED TO CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS BILL, SHARING. MANY SPOKE OUT EVEN THOUGH THEY COULD NO LONGER BENEFIT FROM THE LEGISLATION, TO ENSURE FUTURE GENERATIONS DO NOT MISS OUT ON OPPORTUNITIES, AS THEY HAD. IN 2023, WE SUCCESSFULLY PASSED THE "EDUCATION OF YOUTH IN FOSTER CARE BILL, ENABLING 28,449 CHILDREN TO BE NOW BE EDUCATED ON THEIR RIGHTS WHILE IN CARE. THIS BILL ALSO CODIFIED THE OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN. OUR RECENT LEGISLATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS COMBINED WITH SUCCESSFUL PRIOR EFFORTS THAT NOW ALLOW YOUTH TO REMAIN IN FOSTER TO AGE 21, MAINTAIN STABILITY WHEN MOVED TO A NEW LIVING PLACEMENT, RECEIVE FEWER PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS, AND MANY OTHER PAST ISSUES WE'VE EFFECTIVELY ADDRESSED ALL COLLECTIVELY CONTRIBUTE TO THE BETTERMENT OF YOUTH WHO MUST EXPERIENCE THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM. MANY OF OUR EFFORTS, INCLUDING THE LANDMARK "NORMALCY" BILL THAT NOW ALLOWS YOUTH IN CARE TO PARTICIPATE IN "NORMAL" CHILDHOOD ACTIVITIES SUCH AS BAND PRACTICE, SPORTS OR CLASS TRIPS WITHOUT A COURT ORDER REQUIRED, HAVE SINCE BECOME NATIONAL LEGISLATION. BY FILLING A CRITICAL VOID IN THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM, OUR WORK EACH YOUR BENEFITS THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN, FAMILIES, AND THE COMMUNITY IN WAYS THAT ARE SIGNIFICANT AND LIFE-CHANGING, ENABLING THESE YOUTH TO HAVE A STRONGER FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS AS THEY MOVE FORWARD IN LIFE. COLLECTIVELY, OUR BENEFITS HAVE BENEFITED THE 30,000 CHILDREN IN THE STATE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM EACH YEAR WHO NOW HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE INCLUDED, AND HAVE ALL THEIR NEEDS CONSIDERED, WHEN DECISIONS ARE MADE ABOUT WHERE THEY WILL LIVE AND GO TO SCHOOL. OVER 60,000 PARENTS AND RELATIVES OF CHILDREN IN OUT OF HOME CARE NOW HAVE A GREATER ROLE IN DECISION-MAKING AND COMMUNICATION WITH CHILDREN. 479959 FCF IMPROVES OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN THROUGH EDUCATION. FCF ALSO TAKES ON THE EQUALLY IMPORTANT ROLE OF EDUCATING CHILDREN AND YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS ABOUT THEIR RIGHTS, THE PROCESSES THAT THEY ARE FACING, AND THEIR SUPPORT NETWORK. WE WORK HARD TO HELP THEM UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT THEY CAN HAVE OVER THEIR OWN DESTINY WHEN THEY LEARN TO EFFECTIVELY ADVOCATE ON BEHALF OF THEMSELVES. THROUGH CREATING YOUTH FRIENDLY PUBLICATIONS AND TRAININGS WE EQUIP THEM WITH THE KNOWLEDGE TO SELF-ADVOCATE TO IMPROVE THEIR LIVES. TOPICS INCLUDE: LEGISLATIVE SYNOPSIS, COVID TIP SHEETS, ECONOMIC STIMULUS PAYMENTS, INCOME TAX TIPS, REEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE, TUITION EXEMPTION FACT SHEET, AND AN INDEPENDENT LIVING BENEFIT TABLE. FCF IMPROVES OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN BY EMPOWERING YOUTH THROUGH FLORIDA YOUTH SHINE. FLORIDA YOUTH SHINE (FYS), IS A YOUTH RUN, PEER DRIVEN YOUTH ADVOCACY ORGANIZATION WORKING HARD TO CHANGE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM. FYS' MISSION IS TO ADVOCATE BY ELEVATING AND VALUING THE VOICES, EXPERIENCES, AND KNOWLEDGE OF YOUTH WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM. BY BUILDING A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY, EMPOWERING FELLOW YOUTH, DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP SKILLS, AND INSPIRING RESILIENCE, WE SUPPORT THE GROWTH OF TOMORROW'S LEADERS THROUGH THE LIVED-EXPERIENCE OF TODAY'S YOUTH. FYS IS SUPPORTED BY FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST AND HAS 14 CHAPTERS ACROSS THE STATE WITH OVER 350 MEMBERS AGES 13-26. THROUGH FYS, WE PROVIDE INVALUABLE LEADERSHIP AND CAREER SKILLS AND A SUPPORT NETWORK FOR YOUTH TO THRIVE. FYS ALSO PROVIDES A SAFE AND NURTURING SPACE FOR EMOTIONAL HEALING AND UTILIZES A GROUNDBREAKING PEER-TO-PEER MODEL. MEMBERS ARE EDUCATED ABOUT THE SYSTEM AND THEIR RIGHTS, AND TRAINED ON HOW TO AMPLIFY THEIR VOICE TO SELF- ADVOCATE FOR THEMSELVES. THIS INNOVATIVE YOUTH-LED MODEL HAS RESULTED IN IMPROVED OUTCOMES FOR YOUTH AS THEY TRANSITION INTO ADULTHOOD. OUR METHOD FOR ENGAGING YOUTH IN SYSTEMIC CHANGE IS A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED BEST PRACTICE. CASEY FAMILY PROGRAMS DID A NATIONAL STUDY AND SELECTED FLORIDA YOUTH SHINE AS A PREMIER ORGANIZATION TO SHOWCASE BEST PRACTICES FOR AUTHENTIC YOUTH ENGAGEMENT. FCF IMPROVES OUTCOMES FOR OLDER YOUTH BY EMPOWERING YOUTH THROUGH LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY. FCF ADVOCATES FOR LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT YOUTH WHO AGE OUT OF CARE SO THEY CAN THRIVE AS ADULTS. BY BEING INFORMED BY THE YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS WE ARE INFORMED ABOUT THE ISSUES AND WHAT STRATEGIES CAN BEST SUPPORT THEM. AS A RESULT OF OUR ADVOCACY THIS YEAR 5000 YOUTH WHO AGED OUT OF STATE CARE IN THE LAST 5 YEARS WILL HAVE MORE ACCESS TO SUPPORT AS YOUNG ADULTS. NOT ONLY DO WE PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OLDER YOUTH BY EQUIPPING THEM WITH PROFESSIONAL AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS TO BE SUCCESSFUL ADULTS, BUT WE EDUCATE AND TRAIN THEM HOW TO SPEAK WITH LEGISLATORS AND GET LAWS CHANGED. THIS AFFECTS THEM DIRECTLY BUT THEN IT AFFECTS ALL THE OTHER OLDER YOUTH IN CARE CURRENTLY AND THE ONES THAT COME AFTER THEM. THIS YEAR'S LEGISLATIVE SUCCESS INCLUDE: OSUPPORT FOR HOMELESS YOUTH: OUR WORK HAS RECENTLY EXPANDED TO INCLUDE MORE SUPPORT FOR HOMELESS YOUTH. RECENT BILLS EXTENDED THE KEYS TO INDEPENDENCE (ASSISTANCE IN OBTAINING DRIVER'S LICENSES AND CAR INSURANCE) TO HOMELESS YOUTH AND EXPANDED COLLEGE CAMPUS SUPPORTS FOR HOMELESS YOUTH. OTUITION AND FEE EXEMPTION: FCF HAS CONTINUOUSLY FOUGHT TO EXPAND LEGISLATION THAT PROVIDES FREE TUITION AND FEES AT IN-STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITY FOR YOUTH WITH CHILD WELFARE INVOLVEMENT. THANKS IN PART TO OUR WORK, FLORIDA HAS THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE TUITION ASSISTANCE IN THE COUNTRY. NOW ALL ELIGIBLE STUDENTS CAN ATTEND UNDERGRADUATE, GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL FREE OF CHARGE UNTIL AGE 28. 1212287 true true false true false false false false false false true false false true true false true false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false true false false false false false false false false true 4 0 7 true false false false false false false false false X 24 24 true false false false false false false true true false false true true true true true true true true false FL X X X LIA PAUL 9547960860 333 CAMINO GARDENS BLVD SUITE 202 BOCA RATON FL 33432 X ROBIN ROSENBERG DEPUTY DIREC 40.00 X 117428 0 0 THEODORE BABBITT DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 DICK BATCHELOR DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 MATTHEW BLAIR DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 LEAH CHEATHAM DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 SOPHIA COFFEY DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 DEBBIE DICKSON DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 JESSE DINER DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 RICHARD FILSON DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 MICHAEL FISHER DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 JUSTIN GROSZ DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 ROBERT KEISER DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 BRUCE MAXWELL DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 TODD MCPHARLIN DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 ALEXIA NECHAYEV DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 JONATHAN PIERRE DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 GEORGINA RODRIGUEZ DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 RICHARD SLAWSON DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 JULIE TALENFELD DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 JENNIFER VOSS DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 NATHAN COOK SECRETARY 1.00 X 0 0 0 LAURA REICH VICE PRESIDE 1.00 X 0 0 0 GERALD REISS TREASURER 1.00 X 0 0 0 JOSHUA RYDELL VICE PRESIDE 1.00 X 0 0 0 HOWARD TALENFELD PRESIDENT 4.00 X 0 0 0 117428 2 false false false 7654 1814921 349843 1822575 31868 31868 6821 6821 6821 6821 1861264 6821 31868 694027 546922 73871 73234 300843 300843 23151 4596 17362 1193 4483 4483 39228 39228 36122 25619 7655 2848 16397 14759 819 819 40023 36025 1999 1999 4356 4356 1778 1598 90 90 13380 12044 668 668 TRAINING AND EDUCATION 163701 163701 PUBLIC AWARENESS/EDUCAT 74049 66952 1177 5920 DUES/FEES/LICENSES 3805 3805 1415343 1212287 111929 91127 1015 291176 565366 2500 49600 36000 15000 3446 17975 12517 10349 2497 2168 521822 648011 134107 81879 992563 1379999 15513 18408 124908 74501 140421 92909 X 474198 535014 377944 752076 852142 1287090 992563 1379999 445921 -10973 X false true true false X 1401574 1297222 1166730 1345022 1822575 7033123 1401574 1297222 1166730 1345022 1822575 7033123 7033123 7697 15848 13516 17664 31868 86593 7119716 0.98780 0.98940 X RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED true true false false false false true 36000 false false 36000 false SCHEDULE C, PART II-B, LINE 1 FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST, INC. (FCF) HIRED A CONSULTANT WHOSE DUTIES INCLUDED, IN PART, CONTACTING INDIVIDUAL LEGISLATORS AND ATTEMPTING TO INFLUENCE LEGISLATION THAT IN FCFS OPINION WOULD IMPROVE CHILD WELFARE SERVICES. FCF STAFF AND FLORIDA YOUTH SHINE MEMBERS SOMETIMES ANSWER QUESTIONS, PROVIDE INFORMATION, TESTIFY AT HEARINGS, AND EDUCATE OTHERS ON THE SUBJECT MATTER OF PENDING LEGISLATION. 12517 10349 2168 2168 OPERATING LEASE 59993 FINANCE LEASE 14508 SECURITY DEPOSIT 7378 81879 OPERATING LEASE 59993 FINANCE LEASE 14508 74501 1845808 -10973 -10973 1856781 4483 4483 1861264 1410860 1410860 4483 4483 1415343 X 2 246233 X 1 103610 false false false FORM 990 - ORGANIZATION'S MISSION ORGANIZATION MISSION: FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST IS A NON-PROFIT, NONPARTISAN, INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY ORGANIZATION COMMITTED TO PROTECTING AND ADVANCING THE RIGHTS OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH IMPACTED BY THE CHILD WELFARE, JUVENILE JUSTICE, AND DISABILITY SYSTEMS THROUGH SYSTEMIC REFORM, EDUCATION, YOUTH VOICE, AND PROMOTING HIGH-QUALITY LEGAL REPRESENTATION. ORGANIZATION VISION: OUR VISION IS THAT FLORIDA'S LAWS, POLICIES, AND PRACTICES RESPECT, PRIORITIZE, AND PROTECT CHILDREN AND YOUTH IMPACTED BY THE CHILD WELFARE, JUVENILE JUSTICE, AND DISABILITY SYSTEMS. ABOUT US: BY BEING INFORMED BY THE YOUTH WE SERVE AND PROVIDING A PLATFORM FOR THEIR INPUT AND LIFE EXPERIENCES TO BE VALUED, WE HAVE ACHIEVED POSITIVE, LONG- LASTING SYSTEMIC CHANGES IN FLORIDA'S CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM THAT PROTECT AND UPLIFT OUR MOST VULNERABLE CHILDREN. WE ARE CHANGE AGENTS. WE ARE WATCHDOGS. WE FILL A CRITICAL GAP IN THE STATEWIDE CHILD-SERVING SYSTEM BY TIRELESSLY WORKING TO DISMANTLE BARRIERS, RAISE AWARENESS, AND ENSURE THAT EVERY CHILD IN THE STATE'S CARE HAS A VOICE IN THE DECISIONS THAT IMPACT THEIR LIVES. WE BELIEVE IT'S TIME TO STOP TREATING CHILDREN AS MERE RECIPIENTS OF CARE AND START EQUIPPING THEM WITH THE TOOLS TO BECOME POWERFUL AGENTS IN THEIR OWN FUTURE. INFORMED BY THE VOICE OF THE YOUTH, OUR ORGANIZATION'S ADVOCACY AND DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES ARE CONTINUALLY GUIDED BY THEIR PERSPECTIVES, ENSURING THAT OUR ACTIONS AND POLICIES ARE TRULY REFLECTIVE OF THEIR NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS. THROUGH FLORIDA YOUTH SHINE (FYS), FCF'S GROUNDBREAKING YOUTH ADVOCACY ORGANIZATION, WE EQUIP CHILDREN AND YOUTH TO LEARN THE LEADERSHIP, ADVOCACY, AND LIFE SKILLS NEEDED TO BECOME STRONG LEADERS, AND A POWERFUL VOICE FOR ALL CHILDREN IN FLORIDA FOSTER CARE. NOW 14 STATEWIDE CHAPTERS STRONG, FLORIDA YOUTH SHINE IS COMPRISED OF APPROXIMATELY 350 CURRENT AND FORMER YOUTH AGES 13-26 WHO LEAD AND SUPPORT THEIR PEERS IN CARE, SHARE THEIR LIVED EXPERIENCES, AND USE THEIR PLATFORM TO HELP IMPROVE THE CHILD DEPENDENCY SYSTEM FOR HUNDREDS OF YOUTH TODAY, AND THOUSANDS WHO ENTER CARE IN THE FUTURE. OUR METHOD FOR ENGAGING YOUTH IN SYSTEMIC CHANGE IS NOW A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED BEST PRACTICE. FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4A IMPROVING GENERAL CHILD WELFARE FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST (FCF) HAS BECOME A NATIONAL GO-TO ORGANIZATION WHEN SEEKING SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS IN CHILD WELFARE. FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST MAKES THE LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF CHILDREN A TOP PRIORITY. FCF WORKS DILIGENTLY TO RECRUIT AND TRAIN LAWYERS ACROSS THE STATE TO PROVIDE FREE LEGAL SERVICES FOR OUR CHILDREN. FCF HAS HELPED TRAIN HUNDREDS OF LAWYERS WHO VOLUNTEER THEIR TIME REPRESENTING INDIVIDUAL CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE. FCF WORKS WITH AGENCIES WHEN THEY WRITE THEIR POLICIES, PROCEDURES, OR RULES. KNOWN FOR OUR EXPERTISE, FLORIDA'S CHILDREN'S FIRST PLAYS AN ACTIVE ROLE IN THIS ARENA. BUILDING ON THE WORK WE HAVE DONE IN THE PAST, THIS YEAR WE PARTICIPATED IN RULEMAKING FOR THREE FEDERAL RULES THAT WILL IMPACT CHILDREN AND FAMILIES ON THE STATE AND LOCAL LEVELS. THE AREAS INCLUDED: 1. SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT WHICH APPLIES TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: A. WE ADVOCATED FOR EXTENDING THE DISABILITY PROTECTIONS TO PLACEMENTS AND SCHOOLS WHERE FOSTER CHILDREN LIVE AND ATTEND. B. WE ADVOCATED FOR A FINDING THAT A FAILURE TO HAVE AN ADEQUATE PLACEMENT ARRAY IS A 504 VIOLATION. C. WE ADVOCATED FOR RECOGNITION OF THE RIGHTS OF CHILDREN TO HAVE FAMILY INTEGRITY WITH PARENTS. 3. IV-E REIMBURSEMENT FOR LEGAL REPRESENTATION: FCF COMMENTED ON THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULATING FEDERAL FUND REIMBURSEMENT TO ENSURE THAT CHILDREN GET INDEPENDENT LEGAL REPRESENTATION. FCF IMPROVES GENERAL CHILD WELFARE THROUGH TRAINING AND EDUCATING INDIVIDUALS. CHANGING THE SYSTEM OF CARE FOR FLORIDA'S CHILDREN REQUIRES THAT WE EDUCATE A VARIETY OF STAKEHOLDERS. WE MAKE THE GENERAL PUBLIC AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS CONCERNING CHILDREN, IN ORDER TO MOBILIZE THEIR HELP AND SUPPORT IN MAKING IMPROVEMENTS. OVER THE YEARS WE HAVE PROVIDED MORE THAN 102,698 HOURS OF FREE TRAINING TO KEEP INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS INFORMED ON ISSUES, RULE CHANGES AND NEW BEST PRACTICES THAT IMPACT VULNERABLE YOUTH. NEARLY 22,000 HOURS WERE PROVIDED IN JUST THE PAST YEAR. WE ALSO EDUCATE BY WRITING MATERIALS, BROCHURES, AND PAMPHLETS THAT PROVIDE INFORMATION ON VARIOUS TOPICS IN CHILD WELFARE, DELINQUENCY, AND DISABILITIES, WE NOW HAVE MORE THAN 4 DOZEN PUBLICATIONS ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC INCLUDING 12 NEW PUBLICATIONS COMPLETED IN 2023. FCF IMPROVES GENERAL CHILD WELFARE THROUGH LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY. FCF ACHIEVES SUCCESS IN SECURING MAJOR SYSTEMIC CHANGES BY EDUCATING THE STATE LEGISLATURE ON THE CHALLENGES THESE CHILDREN FACE DAILY, HELPING THEM UNDERSTAND THE SYSTEMS OF CARE AND THE DIFFICULTY MANEUVERING THROUGH THOSE SYSTEMS - ESPECIALLY FOR CHILDREN. THESE CHANGES CONTINUE TO HAVE A RIPPLE EFFECT THAT IMPACTS MORE AND MORE YOUTH EACH YEAR AND EDUCATES THOUSANDS OF ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONALS AND COUNTLESS CITIZENS ABOUT ISSUES AND SOLUTIONS FOR CHILDREN IN CARE. THIS YEAR OUR RECENT LEGISLATIVE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: "EXPANDING ACCESS TO THE KEYS TO INDEPENDENCE BILL BENEFITS." 450+ WHO WERE PREVIOUSLY PRECLUDED FROM GETTING A DRIVER'S LICENSE AND INSURANCE ASSISTANCE THROUGH THE STATE'S DRIVING PROGRAM FOR FORMER FOSTER YOUTH WHICH WE ADVOCATED TO ESTABLISH, ARE NOW ELIGIBLE FOR THAT SUPPORT DUE TO THE BILL GLITCH "FIX" WE SUCCESSFULLY OBTAINED THIS YEAR. HUNDREDS MORE WILL NOW BE ELIGIBLE FOR EACH YEAR TO COME. "EDUCATING YOUTH ON THE RIGHTS, BENEFITS, AND PROTECTIONS IN PLACE TO HELP THEM THRIVE." THOUGH FLORIDA HAS MANY GREAT LAWS TO PROTECT AND BENEFIT CHILDREN, IT DOES NOT HELP THEM IF THEY OR THEIR CARE-GIVERS, ARE NOT AWARE OF THEM. FOR AT LEAST 5 YEARS, HUNDREDS OF FLORIDA YOUTH SHINE MEMBERS, MENTORS AND FCF STAFF MEMBERS HAVE TRAVELED TO TALLAHASSEE TO ADVOCATE FOR THIS LEGISLATION. MANY TESTIFIED TO CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS BILL, SHARING. MANY SPOKE OUT EVEN THOUGH THEY COULD NO LONGER BENEFIT FROM THE LEGISLATION, TO ENSURE FUTURE GENERATIONS DO NOT MISS OUT ON OPPORTUNITIES, AS THEY HAD. IN 2023, WE SUCCESSFULLY PASSED THE "EDUCATION OF YOUTH IN FOSTER CARE BILL, ENABLING 28,449 CHILDREN TO BE NOW BE EDUCATED ON THEIR RIGHTS WHILE IN CARE. THIS BILL ALSO CODIFIED THE OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN. OUR RECENT LEGISLATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS COMBINED WITH SUCCESSFUL PRIOR EFFORTS THAT NOW ALLOW YOUTH TO REMAIN IN FOSTER TO AGE 21, MAINTAIN STABILITY WHEN MOVED TO A NEW LIVING PLACEMENT, RECEIVE FEWER PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS, AND MANY OTHER PAST ISSUES WE'VE EFFECTIVELY ADDRESSED ALL COLLECTIVELY CONTRIBUTE TO THE BETTERMENT OF YOUTH WHO MUST EXPERIENCE THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM. MANY OF OUR EFFORTS, INCLUDING THE LANDMARK "NORMALCY" BILL THAT NOW ALLOWS YOUTH IN CARE TO PARTICIPATE IN "NORMAL" CHILDHOOD ACTIVITIES SUCH AS BAND PRACTICE, SPORTS OR CLASS TRIPS WITHOUT A COURT ORDER REQUIRED, HAVE SINCE BECOME NATIONAL LEGISLATION. BY FILLING A CRITICAL VOID IN THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM, OUR WORK EACH YOUR BENEFITS THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN, FAMILIES, AND THE COMMUNITY IN WAYS THAT ARE SIGNIFICANT AND LIFE-CHANGING, ENABLING THESE YOUTH TO HAVE A STRONGER FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS AS THEY MOVE FORWARD IN LIFE. COLLECTIVELY, OUR BENEFITS HAVE BENEFITED THE 30,000 CHILDREN IN THE STATE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM EACH YEAR WHO NOW HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE INCLUDED, AND HAVE ALL THEIR NEEDS CONSIDERED, WHEN DECISIONS ARE MADE ABOUT WHERE THEY WILL LIVE AND GO TO SCHOOL. OVER 60,000 PARENTS AND RELATIVES OF CHILDREN IN OUT OF HOME CARE NOW HAVE A GREATER ROLE IN DECISION-MAKING AND COMMUNICATION WITH CHILDREN. FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4B FCF IMPROVES OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN THROUGH EDUCATION. FCF ALSO TAKES ON THE EQUALLY IMPORTANT ROLE OF EDUCATING CHILDREN AND YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS ABOUT THEIR RIGHTS, THE PROCESSES THAT THEY ARE FACING, AND THEIR SUPPORT NETWORK. WE WORK HARD TO HELP THEM UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT THEY CAN HAVE OVER THEIR OWN DESTINY WHEN THEY LEARN TO EFFECTIVELY ADVOCATE ON BEHALF OF THEMSELVES. THROUGH CREATING YOUTH FRIENDLY PUBLICATIONS AND TRAININGS WE EQUIP THEM WITH THE KNOWLEDGE TO SELF-ADVOCATE TO IMPROVE THEIR LIVES. TOPICS INCLUDE: LEGISLATIVE SYNOPSIS, COVID TIP SHEETS, ECONOMIC STIMULUS PAYMENTS, INCOME TAX TIPS, REEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE, TUITION EXEMPTION FACT SHEET, AND AN INDEPENDENT LIVING BENEFIT TABLE. FCF IMPROVES OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN BY EMPOWERING YOUTH THROUGH FLORIDA YOUTH SHINE. FLORIDA YOUTH SHINE (FYS), IS A YOUTH RUN, PEER DRIVEN YOUTH ADVOCACY ORGANIZATION WORKING HARD TO CHANGE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM. FYS' MISSION IS TO ADVOCATE BY ELEVATING AND VALUING THE VOICES, EXPERIENCES, AND KNOWLEDGE OF YOUTH WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM. BY BUILDING A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY, EMPOWERING FELLOW YOUTH, DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP SKILLS, AND INSPIRING RESILIENCE, WE SUPPORT THE GROWTH OF TOMORROW'S LEADERS THROUGH THE LIVED-EXPERIENCE OF TODAY'S YOUTH. FYS IS SUPPORTED BY FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST AND HAS 14 CHAPTERS ACROSS THE STATE WITH OVER 350 MEMBERS AGES 13-26. THROUGH FYS, WE PROVIDE INVALUABLE LEADERSHIP AND CAREER SKILLS AND A SUPPORT NETWORK FOR YOUTH TO THRIVE. FYS ALSO PROVIDES A SAFE AND NURTURING SPACE FOR EMOTIONAL HEALING AND UTILIZES A GROUNDBREAKING PEER-TO-PEER MODEL. MEMBERS ARE EDUCATED ABOUT THE SYSTEM AND THEIR RIGHTS, AND TRAINED ON HOW TO AMPLIFY THEIR VOICE TO SELF- ADVOCATE FOR THEMSELVES. THIS INNOVATIVE YOUTH-LED MODEL HAS RESULTED IN IMPROVED OUTCOMES FOR YOUTH AS THEY TRANSITION INTO ADULTHOOD. OUR METHOD FOR ENGAGING YOUTH IN SYSTEMIC CHANGE IS A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED BEST PRACTICE. CASEY FAMILY PROGRAMS DID A NATIONAL STUDY AND SELECTED FLORIDA YOUTH SHINE AS A PREMIER ORGANIZATION TO SHOWCASE BEST PRACTICES FOR AUTHENTIC YOUTH ENGAGEMENT. FCF IMPROVES OUTCOMES FOR OLDER YOUTH BY EMPOWERING YOUTH THROUGH LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY. FCF ADVOCATES FOR LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT YOUTH WHO AGE OUT OF CARE SO THEY CAN THRIVE AS ADULTS. BY BEING INFORMED BY THE YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS WE ARE INFORMED ABOUT THE ISSUES AND WHAT STRATEGIES CAN BEST SUPPORT THEM. AS A RESULT OF OUR ADVOCACY THIS YEAR 5000 YOUTH WHO AGED OUT OF STATE CARE IN THE LAST 5 YEARS WILL HAVE MORE ACCESS TO SUPPORT AS YOUNG ADULTS. NOT ONLY DO WE PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OLDER YOUTH BY EQUIPPING THEM WITH PROFESSIONAL AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS TO BE SUCCESSFUL ADULTS, BUT WE EDUCATE AND TRAIN THEM HOW TO SPEAK WITH LEGISLATORS AND GET LAWS CHANGED. THIS AFFECTS THEM DIRECTLY BUT THEN IT AFFECTS ALL THE OTHER OLDER YOUTH IN CARE CURRENTLY AND THE ONES THAT COME AFTER THEM. THIS YEAR'S LEGISLATIVE SUCCESS INCLUDE: OSUPPORT FOR HOMELESS YOUTH: OUR WORK HAS RECENTLY EXPANDED TO INCLUDE MORE SUPPORT FOR HOMELESS YOUTH. RECENT BILLS EXTENDED THE KEYS TO INDEPENDENCE (ASSISTANCE IN OBTAINING DRIVER'S LICENSES AND CAR INSURANCE) TO HOMELESS YOUTH AND EXPANDED COLLEGE CAMPUS SUPPORTS FOR HOMELESS YOUTH. OTUITION AND FEE EXEMPTION: FCF HAS CONTINUOUSLY FOUGHT TO EXPAND LEGISLATION THAT PROVIDES FREE TUITION AND FEES AT IN-STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITY FOR YOUTH WITH CHILD WELFARE INVOLVEMENT. THANKS IN PART TO OUR WORK, FLORIDA HAS THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE TUITION ASSISTANCE IN THE COUNTRY. NOW ALL ELIGIBLE STUDENTS CAN ATTEND UNDERGRADUATE, GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL FREE OF CHARGE UNTIL AGE 28. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 2 HOWARD TALENFELD JULIE TALENFELD PRESIDENT DIRECTOR MARRIED FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 11B THE BOARD IS PROVIDED WITH A COPY OF THE 990 PRIOR TO BEING FILED. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 12C ANNUAL REVIEW OF POLICIES BY OPERATIONS COMMITTEE AND THE FULL BOARD. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15A ANNUAL REVIEW BY THE OPERATIONS COMMITTEE AND THE FULL BOARD. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15B ANNUAL REVIEW BY THE OPERATIONS COMMITTEE AND THE FULL BOARD. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 19 UPON REQUEST AND ON THE WEB SITE