2023-09-21T10:44:10-04:00 2022-12-31 SULLIVAN & FENGLER 3031 NE 22ND ST FORT LAUDERDALE FL 33305 990 2022-01-01 522372998 FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST INC FLOR 9547960860 1401 UNIVERSITY DRIVE 408 CORAL SPRINGS FL 330718920 GERALD REISS TREASURER 9547960860 2023-09-18 true GERALD REISS XXX-XX-XXXX false MAUREEN S FENGLER P01270054 9545612826 2023-09-21 X 2022 2023-04-26 12:10:37Z HOWARD TALENFELD 10360 WEST STATE ROAD 84 DAVIE FL 33324 1180246 false X FLORIDASCHILDRENFIRST.ORG X 2002 FL FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST, INC. (THE "ORGANIZATION" "FCF") IS A NON-PROFIT CORPORATION ESTABLISHED TO REPRESENT AND PROTECT THE LEGAL RIGHTS OF FLORIDA'S ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN, ESPECIALLY THOSE IN FOSTER CARE. THE CORPORATION BEGAN OPERATIONS IN 2002. FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST, INC.'S PRIMARY SUPPORT COMES FROM GRANTS, FUNDRAISING, AND CONTRIBUTIONS. ORGANIZATION'S 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. 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. WE ARE CHANGE-AGENTS. WE ARE FLORIDA'S CHILD-CARING SYSTEMS' WATCHDOGS. WE FILL A CRITICAL NEEDS GAP IN T 18 18 6 400 0 1297222 1166730 0 15848 13516 0 1313070 1180246 0 0 536086 467204 0 73309 470444 685721 1006530 1152925 306540 27321 724610 683335 31480 54867 693130 628468 X FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST, INC. (THE "ORGANIZATION" "FCF") IS A NON-PROFIT CORPORATION ESTABLISHED TO REPRESENT AND PROTECT THE LEGAL RIGHTS OF FLORIDA'S ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN, ESPECIALLY THOSE IN FOSTER CARE. THE CORPORATION BEGAN OPERATIONS IN 2002. FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST, INC.'S PRIMARY SUPPORT COMES FROM GRANTS, FUNDRAISING, AND CONTRIBUTIONS. ORGANIZATION'S 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. 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. WE ARE CHANGE-AGENTS. WE ARE FLORIDA'S CHILD-CARING SYSTEMS' WATCHDOGS. WE FILL A CRITICAL NEEDS GAP IN T false false 671749 IMPROVING GENERAL CHILD WELFARE FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST 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. RECENTLY WE WORKED ON 33 RULES AND 2 OPERATING PROCEDURES. DCF ADOPTED MANY OF OUR SUGGESTIONS AS IT FINALIZED ITS RULES FOR: FAMILY FIRST IMPLEMENTATION, COMPREHENSIVE PLACEMENT ASSESSMENTS, SIBLING PLACEMENT & SEPARATION AND MASTER TRUST POLICY. THESE RULES WILL AFFECT THE GENERAL CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM. FCF IMPROVING 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 A PROBLEM CONCERNING CHILDREN, IN ORDER TO MOBILIZE THEIR HELP AND SUPPORT IN MAKING IMPROVEMENTS. OVER THE YEARS WE HAVE PROVIDED MORE THAN 80,700 HOURS OF FREE TRAINING TO KEEP INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS INFORMED ON ISSUES, RULE CHANGES AND NEW BEST PRACTICES THAT IMPACT VULNERABLE YOUTH. 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 3 DOZEN PUBLICATIONS ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC. 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: "KEEPING SIBLINGS TOGETHER & PROMOTING RELATIONSHIPS WHEN APART. WE HAVE WORKED FOR YEARS TO PROMOTE SIBLING RELATIONSHIPS IN STATUTE AND PRACTICE. IN 2021 OUR ADVOCACY WAS EVIDENT IN SENATE BILL 80 WHICH CREATES THE RIGHTS FOR CHILDREN TO STAY IN TOUCH WITH SIBLINGS, BE NOTIFIED OF THEIR LOCATIONS, AND SETS PARAMETERS AROUND SIBLING PLACEMENT. THIS CONTINUED A PROGRESSION OF STATUTES THAT IMPROVE THE LIKELIHOOD OF SIBLINGS REMAINING TOGETHER AND IMPROVING COMMUNICATION IF THEY ARE SEPARATED. "INVOLVING CHILDREN & THEIR FAMILIES IN IMPORTANT DECISION-MAKING & RESPECTING CHILDREN'S RIGHTS. FCF WAS INTEGRAL TO THE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION THAT REQUIRES THE STATE TO CONTINUALLY LOOK FOR AND INVOLVE FAMILY MEMBERS. IT REQUIRES THE STATE TO INCLUDE CHILDREN AND THOSE THEY CHOSE TO SUPPORT THEM BE INVOLVED IN MAKING CRITICAL DECISIONS ABOUT WHERE THEY WILL LIVE AND GO TO SCHOOL. A LONG-STANDING PROBLEM OF CHILDREN BEING MOVED WITHOUT TIME TO GATHER THEIR BELONGINGS AND SAY GOOD-BYE TO FOLKS WAS ADDRESSED WITH A LAW REQUIRING NOTICE OF PLACEMENT CHANGES AND A THOUGHTFUL TRANSITION PLAN. THE RECENT LEGISLATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS COMBINED WITH SUCCESSFUL PRIOR EFFORTS THAT NOW ALLOW YOUTH TO REMAIN FOSTER CARE TO AGE 21, MAINTAIN EDUCATIONAL STABILITY WHEN MOVED TO A NEW LIVING PLACEMENT, OR RECEIVE FEWER PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS AMONG OTHERS, ALL COLLECTIVELY CONTRIBUTE TO THE BETTERMENT OF YOUTH WHO MUST EXPERIENCE THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM. SOME OF THESE EFFORTS, SUCH AS THE "NORMALCY" BILL THAT NOW ALLOWS YOUTH IN CARE TO PARTICIPATE IN NORMAL ACTIVITIES LIKE BAND PRACTICE, SPORTS OR CLASS TRIPS WITHOUT A COURT ORDER BEING REQUIRED, HAVE SINCE BECOME NATIONAL LEGISLATION. BY FILLING A CRITICAL VOID IN THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM, OUR WORK EACH YEAR BENEFITS CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND THE COMMUNITY IN WAYS THAT ARE SUBSTANTIAL AND LIFE-CHANGING FOR THOUSANDS. OUR EFFORTS BENEFITTED: "THE 30,000 CHILDREN IN THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM EACH YEAR WHO NOW HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE INCLUDED, AND HAVE ALL OF THEIR NEEDS CONSIDERED, IN DECISIONS ABOUT WHERE THEY WILL LIVE AND GO TO SCHOOL. "OVER 60,000 PARENTS AND RELATIVES OF CHILDREN IN OUT OF HOME CARE WHO WILL NOW HAVE A GREATER ROLE IN DECISION-MAKING AND COMMUNICATION WITH CHILDREN 326164 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'S MISSION IS TO EMPOWER, IMPROVE, EDUCATE AND 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. 997913 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 7 0 6 true false false false false false false false false X 18 18 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 1401 UNIVERSITY DRIVE CORAL SPRINGS FL 33071 X ROBIN ROSENBERG DEPUTY DIREC 40.00 X 112745 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 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 JUSTIN GROSZ DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 ALAN S LEVINE 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 JOSHUA RYDELL 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 HOWARD TALENFELD PRESIDENT 4.00 X 0 0 0 112745 1 false false false 28000 1138730 298665 1166730 13516 13516 1180246 13516 467204 354284 54953 57967 251665 251665 19878 3946 14907 1025 4735 4735 35000 35000 20938 17742 1042 2154 20837 18756 1040 1041 24216 21796 1210 1210 3767 3767 5456 4904 276 276 TRAINING AND EDUCATION 223464 223464 PUBLIC AWARENESS/EDUCAT 73391 66356 1166 5869 DUES/FEES/LICENSES 2374 2374 1152925 997913 81703 73309 1015 1015 176725 186290 11500 10000 600 1625 8066 3202 16951 15277 1248 1674 523635 443752 1821 35777 724610 683335 19800 20911 11680 33956 31480 54867 X 515680 458268 177450 170200 693130 628468 724610 683335 27321 -91983 X false true true false X 971850 895526 1401574 1297222 1166730 5732902 971850 895526 1401574 1297222 1166730 5732902 5732902 12917 10715 7697 15848 13516 60693 5793595 0.98950 0.99160 X RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED true true false false false false true 15000 false false 15000 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. 16951 15277 1674 1674 OPERATING LEASE 22916 FINANCE LEASE 11040 SECURITY DEPOSIT 1821 35777 OPERATING LEASE 22916 FINANCE LEASE 11040 33956 1083528 -91983 -91983 1175511 4735 4735 1180246 1148190 1148190 4735 4735 1152925 X LEGAL SERVICES 6 277030 X PROFESSIONAL 1 21635 false false false FORM 990 - ORGANIZATION'S MISSION FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST, INC. (THE "ORGANIZATION" "FCF") IS A NON-PROFIT CORPORATION ESTABLISHED TO REPRESENT AND PROTECT THE LEGAL RIGHTS OF FLORIDA'S ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN, ESPECIALLY THOSE IN FOSTER CARE. THE CORPORATION BEGAN OPERATIONS IN 2002. FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST, INC.'S PRIMARY SUPPORT COMES FROM GRANTS, FUNDRAISING, AND CONTRIBUTIONS. ORGANIZATION'S 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. 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. WE ARE CHANGE-AGENTS. WE ARE FLORIDA'S CHILD-CARING SYSTEMS' WATCHDOGS. WE FILL A CRITICAL NEEDS GAP IN THE STATEWIDE CHILD SERVING SYSTEM. FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST IS AN ADVOCACY ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO ADVANCING THE RIGHTS AND IMPROVING THE LIVES OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH BY MAKING SYSTEMIC CHANGES THAT POSITIVELY IMPACT CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE, OR WITH DISABILITIES, THOSE WHO ARE HOMELESS, ARE IMMIGRANTS OR HAVE JUVENILE JUSTICE INVOLVEMENT. FCF IMPROVES JUSTICE FOR CHILDREN BY ALIGNING DIRECTLY WITH THOSE MOST AFFECTED BY FLORIDA'S DEPENDENCY COURT SYSTEM, THE CLIENTS (YOUTH) THEMSELVES. USING A RANGE OF BEST PRACTICES AND ADVOCACY STRATEGIES AND INCORPORATING THE YOUTH VOICE AND EXPERTISE INTO THE PROCESS, WE ACHIEVE LONG-TERM SYSTEMIC IMPROVEMENT TO STATE SYSTEMS THAT IMPACT CHILDREN IN THE STATE'S CARE. THROUGH SYSTEM AND PRACTICE CHANGE, OUR WORK IMPROVES CHILD- SERVING SYSTEMS, IMPROVES LIVES, AND HAS A MULTIPLIER EFFECT. WE ARE THE ONLY CHILD WELFARE ADVOCACY ORGANIZATION IN FLORIDA THAT WORKS WITH YOUTH THEMSELVES TO IDENTIFY THE MOST PRESSING PROBLEMS THAT NEED TO BE ADDRESSED AND PROMOTE SOLUTIONS. FCF EMPOWERS INDIVIDUAL CHILDREN AND YOUTH TO LEARN LEADERSHIP, ADVOCACY, AND LIFE SKILLS AND TO BECOME THE VOICE FOR CHILDREN IN CARE THROUGH FLORIDA YOUTH SHINE (FYS), IT'S YOUTH ADVOCACY ORGANIZATION. NOW 14 STATEWIDE CHAPTERS STRONG, FLORIDA YOUTH SHINE IS COMPRISED OF APPROXIMATELY 350 CURRENT AND FORMER YOUTH AGES 13-26 WHO SHARE THEIR LIVED-EXPERIENCES IN CARE AND USE THEIR PLATFORM TO HELP IMPROVE THE CHILD WELFARE FOR HUNDREDS OF YOUTH TODAY, AND THOUSANDS IN THE FUTURE. 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. FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4A IMPROVING GENERAL CHILD WELFARE FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST 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. RECENTLY WE WORKED ON 33 RULES AND 2 OPERATING PROCEDURES. DCF ADOPTED MANY OF OUR SUGGESTIONS AS IT FINALIZED ITS RULES FOR: FAMILY FIRST IMPLEMENTATION, COMPREHENSIVE PLACEMENT ASSESSMENTS, SIBLING PLACEMENT & SEPARATION AND MASTER TRUST POLICY. THESE RULES WILL AFFECT THE GENERAL CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM. FCF IMPROVING 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 A PROBLEM CONCERNING CHILDREN, IN ORDER TO MOBILIZE THEIR HELP AND SUPPORT IN MAKING IMPROVEMENTS. OVER THE YEARS WE HAVE PROVIDED MORE THAN 80,700 HOURS OF FREE TRAINING TO KEEP INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS INFORMED ON ISSUES, RULE CHANGES AND NEW BEST PRACTICES THAT IMPACT VULNERABLE YOUTH. 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 3 DOZEN PUBLICATIONS ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC. 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: "KEEPING SIBLINGS TOGETHER & PROMOTING RELATIONSHIPS WHEN APART. WE HAVE WORKED FOR YEARS TO PROMOTE SIBLING RELATIONSHIPS IN STATUTE AND PRACTICE. IN 2021 OUR ADVOCACY WAS EVIDENT IN SENATE BILL 80 WHICH CREATES THE RIGHTS FOR CHILDREN TO STAY IN TOUCH WITH SIBLINGS, BE NOTIFIED OF THEIR LOCATIONS, AND SETS PARAMETERS AROUND SIBLING PLACEMENT. THIS CONTINUED A PROGRESSION OF STATUTES THAT IMPROVE THE LIKELIHOOD OF SIBLINGS REMAINING TOGETHER AND IMPROVING COMMUNICATION IF THEY ARE SEPARATED. "INVOLVING CHILDREN & THEIR FAMILIES IN IMPORTANT DECISION-MAKING & RESPECTING CHILDREN'S RIGHTS. FCF WAS INTEGRAL TO THE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION THAT REQUIRES THE STATE TO CONTINUALLY LOOK FOR AND INVOLVE FAMILY MEMBERS. IT REQUIRES THE STATE TO INCLUDE CHILDREN AND THOSE THEY CHOSE TO SUPPORT THEM BE INVOLVED IN MAKING CRITICAL DECISIONS ABOUT WHERE THEY WILL LIVE AND GO TO SCHOOL. A LONG-STANDING PROBLEM OF CHILDREN BEING MOVED WITHOUT TIME TO GATHER THEIR BELONGINGS AND SAY GOOD-BYE TO FOLKS WAS ADDRESSED WITH A LAW REQUIRING NOTICE OF PLACEMENT CHANGES AND A THOUGHTFUL TRANSITION PLAN. THE RECENT LEGISLATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS COMBINED WITH SUCCESSFUL PRIOR EFFORTS THAT NOW ALLOW YOUTH TO REMAIN FOSTER CARE TO AGE 21, MAINTAIN EDUCATIONAL STABILITY WHEN MOVED TO A NEW LIVING PLACEMENT, OR RECEIVE FEWER PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS AMONG OTHERS, ALL COLLECTIVELY CONTRIBUTE TO THE BETTERMENT OF YOUTH WHO MUST EXPERIENCE THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM. SOME OF THESE EFFORTS, SUCH AS THE "NORMALCY" BILL THAT NOW ALLOWS YOUTH IN CARE TO PARTICIPATE IN NORMAL ACTIVITIES LIKE BAND PRACTICE, SPORTS OR CLASS TRIPS WITHOUT A COURT ORDER BEING REQUIRED, HAVE SINCE BECOME NATIONAL LEGISLATION. BY FILLING A CRITICAL VOID IN THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM, OUR WORK EACH YEAR BENEFITS CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND THE COMMUNITY IN WAYS THAT ARE SUBSTANTIAL AND LIFE-CHANGING FOR THOUSANDS. OUR EFFORTS BENEFITTED: "THE 30,000 CHILDREN IN THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM EACH YEAR WHO NOW HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE INCLUDED, AND HAVE ALL OF THEIR NEEDS CONSIDERED, IN DECISIONS ABOUT WHERE THEY WILL LIVE AND GO TO SCHOOL. "OVER 60,000 PARENTS AND RELATIVES OF CHILDREN IN OUT OF HOME CARE WHO WILL 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'S MISSION IS TO EMPOWER, IMPROVE, EDUCATE AND 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