Florida’s Children First is a non-profit, nonpartisan advocacy organization founded in 2002 that works to protect and advance the rights of children and youth affected by Florida’s child welfare, juvenile justice, and disability systems through policy advocacy, legal advocacy and training, public education, and youth-led organizing.
Child welfare system reform, juvenile justice reform, access to quality legal representation for youth, supports for youth transitioning from foster care (education, Medicaid continuity, driver’s licensing), disability supports in child-serving systems, youth voice and participation in policymaking, court and procedural rule changes affecting children.
Primarily funded by foundation grants, corporate and law‑firm sponsorships, individual donations and philanthropic grants; operates with audited financials and public 990 filings as a 501(c)(3).
Florida Youth SHINE (youth-led affiliate), Florida Bar Foundation (FFLA) and other philanthropic sponsors, University of Miami School of Law, Nova Southeastern University, Keiser University, Voices for Children Foundation, Partnership for America’s Children; board leaders such as Howard M. Talenfeld and Nathan Cook.
Non-profit (501(c)(3)) independent child advocacy organization
