WFSU Features Five-Part Series on Independent Living

In a five-part series, titled "Ready for Independence at 18?" reporter Margie Menzel takes a look at the state's foster care system, and how it assists foster youth in making the transition into adulthood. The series indicates that the record is dismal, but Florida is learning how -- from young people who've been in foster care and suffered the consequences. Listen to the story.

 

Mayors' Action Challenge for Children and Families Unveiled at Congress of Cities

Twenty-six prominent mayors have launched an initiative to promote city leadership and action on behalf of young people and their families. The Mayors' Action Challenge for Children and Families calls on mayors from across the nation to set at least one bold, measurable, locally defined goal in key areas to ensure that every child has: opportunities to learn and grow; a safe neighborhood to call home; a healthy lifestyle and environment; and a financially fit family in which to thrive. The challenge was unveiled Nov. 15 during the NLC's Congress of Cities in Orlando. Visit www.mayorsforkids.org to learn more. Check to find out which mayors in Florida have already signed on.

 

Governor Recognizes National Adoption Month

Gov. Charlie Crist issued a proclamation last week recognizing November as National Adoption Month and congratulating families around Florida who have opened their hearts to children in need. November 15, 2008, was National Adoption Day. "This month is a celebration for all adoptive families, whether they have adopted six children or are adopting their first," said Department of Children and Families Secretary George Sheldon. "While last year we had a record number of adoptions, there are still many children who need loving and permanent homes. I encourage everyone this November, and every month of the year, to explore adoption."

 

State officials announced a record number of adoptions for the 2007-08 year - 3,674 adoptions were finalized, up from 3,079 the previous year. Since Gov. Crist launched his "Explore Adoption" campaign in May 2008, the state's adoption hotline, 1-800-96-ADOPT, has received a record number of calls. The new website for "Explore Adoption", www.adoptflorida.org, feautures real Floridia family stories, the road map to the adoption process, a detailed listing of the benefits to adoption, all campaign materials and much more.

 

Florida Receives $1.5 Million for Youth Suicide Prevention and Early Intervention Programs

The Statewide Office of Suicide Prevention and the Florida Office of Drug Control announced that Florida has been awarded $1.5 million from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to support youth suicide prevention and early intervention programs. Eighteen states were awarded through the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act, which provides authorization and funding for grants combating youth suicide. The Florida A.S.A.P. (Adolescent Suicide Awareness and Prevention) Project is a three-year project that will enhance the state's capacity to reduce the rate of suicide in young people between the ages of 10 and 24. The A.S.A.P. project will target Duval County, a large area with a youth suicide rate higher than the national average. Read the press release or visit the web site at www.HelpPromoteHope.com.

 

Congratulations to Kathy Basile, Executive Director of the CSC of St. Lucie County, for her recent recognition by the Florida Coalition for Children, which honored her with its prestigious "Lifetime Achievement Award." The award recognizes Kathy's 25-year career, which has made a profound difference in the lives of so many of Florida's children and their families. Kathy began her career teaching elementary school in the St. Lucie County School District. She also spent two years as an assistant principal. Later, seeing the need for quality pre-school, she directed a childcare center for 15 years. In her present post at the CSC of St. Lucie County, programs have expanded from 24 in 1998 (11,276 children served) to 59 (26,512) in 2008. Kathy continues to provide strong leadership in her community and on the state level as a member of the Board of Directors of the Florida Children's Services Council. Thank you and congratulations, Kathy!

 

Diana Ragbeer Recognized as Employee of the Year

Florida CSC is pleased to announce that Diana Ragbeer was recently selected as The Children's Trust 2009 Employee of the Year. The award is a high profile honor in the Miami-Dade County community. Everyone who has worked with Diana knows how well-deserved this honor is.  Her tireless service, her commitment and her many accomplishments on the state level benefit children and families all over Florida, not just in her home county. As if her usual incredible pace wasn't enough, this year Diana made an invaluable contribution in the passage of The Children's Trust reauthorization. Diana organized the get-out-the-vote/grassroots initiative in only six weeks. The result -- passage by an unprecedented 86% margin. Congratulations to Diana on her award!