Hope 4 Kids FAPA

Fernando Gonzalez, President Email: fgonzalez@h4kids.org 305-218-5175 Founded in 2019 Meet in Christ Fellowship Church (via zoom during the pandemic) South Miami Dade County, Second Saturday of the month.

Governor DeSantis, DCF and Child Welfare Advocates Celebrate Florida Foster Family Appreciation Week

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Ron DeSantis has proclaimed this week, February 8-12, 2020, as Florida Foster Family Appreciation Week to acknowledge the thousands of foster parents in the state who provide love, care, and support to foster children every day. “Many people talk of wanting to make the world a better place – these families are doing it,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “The impact that a foster family can make in a child’s life can truly change their entire future. I’m thankful for these families who have selflessly opened their hearts and homes to care for vulnerable children.” “These families make an incredible difference for children across our state and we celebrate their lasting impact on these young lives,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “Florida is blessed to have so many outstanding foster parents who help to nurture them and create stability in their day-to-day lives” “Foster parents aren’t just caregivers, they’re bedtime story readers, lunchbox packers, and family game night referees – they’re truly the ‘love’ in our system, and we’d be lost without them,” said Department of Children and Families Secretary Chad Poppell. “Right now, there are just over 8,000 licensed foster families, including relative and non-relative caregivers, giving their time, energy, homes, and hearts to ensure every child has a safe, happy place to lay their head at night. We are incredibly grateful for them.” Florida has approximately 10,500 children residing with foster families while they await reunification with their biological family or to be adopted. DCF contracts with community-based care agencies throughout the state to conduct training, background screening, and licensing before pairing children with foster families. “Foster families are true champions in communities across Florida, providing safe, stable, supportive homes for abused and neglected children,” said Kurt Kelly, CEO and President of the Florida Coalition for Children. “Our foster families commit each day to the crucial job of teaching children and birth families how to heal, thrive, and create a successful future for themselves.” “Florida’s an amazing place to be a foster parent. We are surrounded by agency, staff, and community that all come together to help foster families. Foster parents are often the backbone of a case, helping children heal, families learn, and, ultimately, helping put family and community back together again. We’re honored that that is recognized regularly in Florida,” said Amanda Cruce, President of the Florida Foster/Adoptive Parent Association. In 2020, the Governor, First Lady, and Secretary Poppell announced new initiatives to support and grow the foster community. The first, MyFloridaMyFamily, is a multi-purpose online portal that allows faith and community organizations to lend help to foster families and biological families facing hardships. The other, Florida’s Foster Information Center (1-83-FOSTERFL), brings together current and former foster parents to man a phone line for prospective foster parents that provides answers, guidance, and support. If you or your organization want to become involved in supporting vulnerable children and families through fostering, service, or donations, please visit MyFloridaMyFamily.com to learn more. Media Contact: HQW.Press.Office@MyFLFamilies.com

Board Member

China Hall (Manatee County), contact China . . .

Cruce recognized as the FCC Volunteer of the Year

FloridaFAPA President Amanda Cruce, has been recognized as the Florida Coalition for Children (FCC) Volunteer of the Year!  For more information view the ceremony. Amanda’s award is at the 40 minute mark!

CANCELLED: 2020 FloridaFAPA Conference

A NOTE FROM OUR PRESIDENT After much discussion and careful consideration we have decided to cancel the 2020 Florida FAPA conference as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses.  We are working on holding a virtual conference around the same time and we will keep you informed of the progress we make. We are sad that we won’t be able to see everyone this June in Orlando but know that we have dates secured for June 11 – 13 2021 and June 10 – 12 2022 at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek will automatically cancel all reservations made under the conference room block and you should receive confirmation from them.  Please remember to cancel any other travel or lodging reservations. As always Florida FAPA will continue to provide support during this difficult time.  Always feel free to reach out to us directly at amanda@floridafapa.org or info@floridafapa.org and we look forward to seeing you at the annual conference next year. Amanda Cruce, LCSWPresident, Florida FAPA

Board Member

Lora Moustopoulos (Tampa), contact Lora . . .