Floridas Children First Inc

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.