2023 Cafe Summary

2021-2023

FCC 2022 Diamond Anniversary Conference

THIRD ANNUAL

Community Café Forum Executive Summary OCTOBER 2023

“Together Towards Tomorrow” FLORIDA COALITION FOR CHILDREN

THIRD ANNUAL COMMUNITY ' CAFE SUMMARY

2023 FCC Conference Community Café Forums Executive Summary INTRODUCTION On July 16-18, 2023, the Florida Coalition for Children (FCC) convened its third annual series of Community Café Forums at its “Together Towards Tomorrow” Conference event. The Cafés engaged over 360 individuals from across the statewide community of practice who actively participated in setting strategic direction for 2023-2024.

The FCC Community Café priorities were established by the FCC members in 2021 and have been carried out over the past three years. The work has advanced significantly with several milestones achieved since inception. For more details and historical background please refer to the 2021 Executive Summary and the 2022 Executive Summary.

Each of the respective Community Cafés was co-facilitated by a team of subject matter experts, and where applicable, alongside and under advisement of individuals with lived expertise. Café forums were centered around each priority using data, research, content, and the experience of those who have been entrenched in the work and possess lived expertise within the system. Each of the groups presented the following questions for dialogue and discussion.

• Where are we as a state regarding the topic of the respective Café?

• What is our collective vision of the future state regarding the topic?

• What strategies, tactics, and innovations do we need to employ over the coming year to realize and achieve our vision?

FORUM SUMMARIES 2023

WRITTEN BY: DR. PATRICIA NELLIUS-GUTHRIE FCC EVP & Chief Innovations Officer

PUBLISHED BY:

In the spirit of inclusion, collaboration, and collective impact, the FCC has adopted the Community Café Forum process to maintain a pulse on the ever-changing landscape of child and family well-being across the state of Florida. This enables the FCC and its partners to annually review strategic priorities and goals, report progress and results, and realign strategic direction to co-create and design a pathway toward the future we collectively envision.

To continue the work accomplished in the Community Café space in 2021 and 2022, the FCC hosted its third annual Community Café forum in July 2023. The forums were facilitated by a team of knowledgeable subject matter experts who are dedicated to the advancement of the work in the respective topic area. The 2023 Cafés were attended by over 360 youth, parents, system professionals, and partners.

Each Café facilitation team reported on the progress toward the 2022 goals and recommendations and focused on the identification of strategies, next steps, measurable results, and additional recommendations moving into the future.

FLORIDA COALITION FOR CHILDREN

The 2023 Cafés included: Equity, Inclusion and Disproportionality (EID) Families First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) Parent (lived expertise) Leadership Workforce Innovation Youth (lived expertise) Leadership

Equity, Inclusion, and Disproportionality (EID). Led by Esther Jacobo, Director, Citrus Family Care Network, Michael Bryant, Former COO, Embrace Families, and Michelle Samuels, Director of Training, Citrus Family Care Network Overview of the Community Café: Since inception in 2021, the EID Café Forums, statewide work and pilot sites have been led by Michael Bryant, Chief Operating Officer-Embrace Families, Esther Jacobo, Director- Citrus Family Care Network and Michelle Samuels, Director of Training-Citrus Family Care Network.

Building upon the foundation established at that time, the EID Café and Committee has made great strides in formulating strategy to educate, inform, and support the advancement of equity, inclusion and disproportionality in Florida’s system of care by analyzing data, assessing root causes, and proposing customizable tools to aide jurisdictions with the identification and reduction of disproportionality within local communities.

The EID Café forum opened with a recap of where we are now as a state and set the stage for participants by discussing, “Why we are addressing equity, inclusion, and disproportionality (EID).”

To help frame the context of why this is an important matter needing to be addressed within the system, facilitators outlined the statewide System of Care goals established by DCF.

THIRD ANNUAL COMMUNITY ' CAFE SUMMARY

Florida Department of Children and Families’ Goals regarding Child Welfare Services: The prevention of separation of children from their families.

The protection of children alleged to be abuse, neglected, or abandoned including provision of emergency and long-term alternate living arrangements.

The reunification of families who have had children placed with relatives, in foster homes, or institutions.

The establishment of permanent living arrangements for children who cannot be reunited with their families or when reunification would not be in the best interest of the child.

The transition to self-sufficiency for older children who continue to be in foster care as adolescents.

The preparation of young adults that exit foster care at age 18 to make the transition to self-sufficiency as adults.

According to the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, Every child, youth, and family deserve effective supports and services to meet their unique needs.

Children of color are disproportionately represented in the United States foster care system.

In most states, including Florida, there are higher proportions of African American/Black and American Indian children in foster care than in the general child population.

National Child Welfare Workforce Institute

FLORIDA COALITION FOR CHILDREN

3

THIRD ANNUAL COMMUNITY ' CAFE SUMMARY

To achieve the goals established by DCF, the intent and role of Community Based Care is to realize and translate the goals down to the community level to increase local community ownership of the service delivery design and monitor: Accountability Resource Development System Performance To accomplish sustainable change there needs to be a broad understanding and adoption of common language and definitions. Within the context of this project the collective has agreed upon the following: Racial Equity: Racial identity no longer predicts how someone will fare in the child welfare system related to assessment, service quality, or opportunities.

Disproportionality: The level at which groups of children are present in the child welfare system at higher or lower percentages or rates than in the general child population.

Disparity: The unequal outcomes of one racial or ethnic group as compared to outcomes for another racial/ethnic group.

FACTS: ·More than half (53 percent) of all Black children and their parents will experience a child abuse or neglect investigation before the child turns 18[6]. ·Children of color are represented in foster care at a rate that is two to three times higher than that of White children[7] ·Families of color (Black, Hispanic, Native American/Alaskan Native, and those of more than one race) are disproportionately reported for abuse and neglect and their cases are more likely to be substantiated at investigation than white, non-Hispanic families[8] Spotlight on Striving for Equity in Child Welfare Practice (govdelivery.com)

Data and details surrounding the two pilot model initiatives launched in Orlando and Miami are contained in the PowerPoint presentation found here: EID Café Presentation.

Café Discussion, Recommendations, and Next Steps As the EID committee has advanced from planning to execution phase of this threeyear project, participants were asked to provide suggestions on what to include in a toolkit for different Florida regions to begin or continue to do work on Equity, Inclusion, and Disproportionality (EID). The suggestions are grouped into four main topic areas, which will serve as tabs for the future Toolkit.

4

FLORIDA COALITION FOR CHILDREN

THIRD ANNUAL COMMUNITY ' CAFE SUMMARY

Future Toolkit Considerations

Over the coming months the EID work will shift into a design and implementation phase whereby the Committee and the FCC Learning Community and subject matter experts will utilize the research and recommendations resulting from the pilot sites to design a customizable Toolkit for communities of interest to access to launch local initiatives that will improve outcomes for all children and families.

THERE IS NO POWER FOR CHANGE GREATER THAN A COMMUNITY DISCOVERING WHAT IT CARES ABOUT

FLORIDA COALITION FOR CHILDREN

5

THIRD ANNUAL COMMUNITY ' CAFE SUMMARY

Families First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA). Led by Brena Slater, President and CEO, Safe Children Coalition, Inc. and Irene Rickus, President and CEO, Children’s Home Network

Following the opening presentation, the Café forums were convened and resulted in the following recommendations.

Prevention Shift into primary and secondary interventions that exceed FFPSA requirements.

Overview of the Community Café: The Families First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) is one of the most significant child welfare finance reforms to occur in decades.

Upon the passage of FFPSA over five years ago, the FCC, DCF, and statewide stakeholders began preplanning for the implementation and adoption of FFPSA in the state of Florida and have carried out the work since that time.

Compel the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to allow additional Evidence Based Practice (EBP) interventions to be included as part of the Florida State Prevention Plan to offer a greater array of service options to communities.

Add Kinship Navigation to the Prevention Plan.

During the planning and implementation phase of FFPSA Teri Saunders, former CEO, Heartland for Children, and Schuyler Siefker, Executive Director, Saint Augustine Youth Services, represented the FCC alongside of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) as the co-conveners of the Statewide FFPSA Steering Committee. In this role they worked countless hours with FCC members and staff playing a lead role in the design, planning, and implementation of Florida’s Plan.

Increase the number of staff who are managing Title IV-E claiming to increase processing and maximization of EBPs. Localize plans to meet the needs of each community and leverage local funding.

Begin accepting and supporting inclusion of home-grown programs.

In July 2022 the mantle of FCC FFPSA Seek innovative primary prevention leadership was passed to Irene Rickus, models.

President and CEO, Children’s Home Network and Brena Slater, President and CEO, Safe Evidenced Based Care Capacity-Building Children Coalition who alongside of DCF leadership and key stakeholders led the 2023 There is a need for single payer (fiscal Community Café. agent) to streamline complex process for providers. Support the mix of state The focus of this year’s Café was on the funds (ME, Medicaid, Title IV-E, etc.). current state of implementation, progress made, reporting the status of projects such Recommend measures to increase as blending and braiding funding, claiming, workforce capacity; more therapists QRTPs, and EBP implementation. Ninety are needed in child welfare and mental members of our statewide community of health services. practice attended the Café to hear the status and contribute to the discussion. Details can Increase the number of Well Supported be found here: 2023 FFPSA Café or Supported EBP’s on State of Florida Presentation.

Prevention Plan. .

6

FLORIDA COALITION FOR CHILDREN

Re-visit/re-evaluate caseload size and FCC 2021 unit rate given the complexity of Leadership funder requirements.

Summit Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTPs) Establish a range for daily rates that considers complexity of youth, risk levels, and individualized care.

and stakeholders to fully implement and reach adherence to practice. The FCC Learning Community continues to support the advancement of implementation by curating and maintaining a library of FFPSA resources and coordinating EBP trainings, technical assistance, and knowledge exchange forums for the community of practice. Visit FFPSA in Florida for more information.

THIRD ANNUAL COMMUNITY ' CAFE SUMMARY

Continue to address IMD barriers.

Define residential providers status as vendors and develop a statewide definition.

Increase capacity for children/youth who have unmet needs.

Increase collaboration, integration, and working partnerships with Law Enforcement agencies, school personnel, DCF Licensing, Lead agencies, and case management agencies.

Increase understanding of challenges and presenting issues of youth eligible for QRTP programs (reduce blame and look to support providers who are caring for complex youth).

Address requirements for out of state background checks.

Soften age restrictions addressing younger children with a demonstrated need for treatment interventions.

Parent Leadership. Led by Jarred Vermillion, Transformation Champion, HEROES and Jennifer Behnam, President, BRITE Consulting Services Overview of the Community Café: The Parent (PAC) Café was led by Jarred Vermillion, Transformation Champion at HEROES and Jennifer Behnam, President at BRITE Consulting Services. Jarred and Jennifer co-lead the Florida Thriving Families Safer Children Parent Advisory Committee Action Team and are part of the Statewide Thriving Families Initiative which is co-convened by a parent with lived expertise, Tiffany Csonka, Parent Knowledge Curator, and Patricia Nellius, EVP, FCC. As a result of observations and recommendations made at the 2022 Youth and Parent Leadership Café, a decision was made to separate the youth and

Increase and fund benefits that nonprofits can offer workforce to attract higher quality staff (educational stipends, training, tuition, loan forgiveness).

The implementation and adoption of FFPSA is gradually progressing with incremental milestones being accomplished while working through some of the complexities associated with change of this magnitude. The state is in the process of gathering and analyzing initial fidelity monitoring and outcome data and is working alongside partners

FLORIDA COALITION FOR CHILDREN

7

THIRD ANNUAL COMMUNITY ' CAFE SUMMARY

parent work so each population could set specific strategy and direction that best represents the developmental phase of the movements. This is the first year the Parent Café was convened exclusively with a focus on parents with lived experience.

There were over 40 individuals present in the Café, with a mix of parent leaders, foster parents, and child welfare staff and administrators. The session opened with an overview of the Thriving Families Safer Children initiative and the specific work of the Parent Advocacy Action (PAC) Team.

The Thriving Families, Safer Children PAC vision was shared, “To bravely and radically honor parents as partners in and with our family serving systems throughout Florida.” The goal of the committee was also shared, “To elevate power, create shared decision making and develop parent leadership throughout our policies, practices, and family serving systems in Florida.”

The presentation style took on the theme of winning a championship and in order to do so you must have the right fundamentals and players to make up the team. Parent voice has been a critical missing element in Florida, as a fundamental practice and key player in supporting children and families. Details on the opening presentation can be found here: Parent Café Presentation.

Cafe Dialogue Following the presentation attendees were asked about parent voice and involvement around the state, specifically Parent Advisory Councils (PACs), Parent Support Groups, birth parents on boards of directors and/or birth parents on staff. The following responses were shared: NAMI Parents for Parents State has incorporated birth parents into boards

8

Birth parents on staff and advisory roles and possibly on the advisory board NWF Health, Brevard Family Partnership-PAC Parent Support Group 4 Sisters Solutions-Birth parent staff and parent support group Partnership for Strong Families is developing a PAC Citrus FCN-parent led department, birth parent advisory council and support group Heartland-PAC PATH-Parent Advocates for Transformation and Healing (PATH) Board FEAC-Broward Individuals were then asked to think about the impact if the child welfare system shared power with parents as equal partners. Responses included: Trust Common sense supports Trust in the system Healed families Justice Strong communities rather than a child welfare system Communication and honesty True sense of community System discomfort Outcomes would be a little different as far as our expectations for stability True sense of tribe No more surveillance More stable and collaborative communities that are self-sufficient Reunification All families would have what they need Children would really win Fairness More families willing to help other families as a partnership Better understanding of the heart of biological parents Successful plans Everyone having a place and giving space, offering real help and support Clear vision, sense of direction, autonomy

FLORIDA COALITION FOR CHILDREN

Help heal old wounds because you FCC 2021 can’t give what you don’t have Leadership SummitReturn of the village The discussion then moved to the parents and parent leaders’ perception of why this hasn’t happened in Florida yet. The purpose was to explore fears and values of why minimal movement has been made.

Answers included the following: People don’t want to share power Stigma of the child welfare system Because we have people making decisions based on their own opinion versus the real needs of families The system does what it was designed to do People believe they will lose everything Burn out Because the system is broken, and they speak in problems but don’t want or know how to fix them Fear of change Funding Biases The system is not interested in giving up control. Leaders are only interested in solutions that don’t require them to be impacted.

There is often a fundamental lack of respect and lack of recognition that children’s best interests are complexly entwined with their parents/families.

They believe if “nothing’s broke, don’t fix it” but they don’t see or understand what is truly happening.

The reality is that egregious things happen that need to be addressed, but they really do not need to be addressed with such complexity.

They fear the truth.

Agencies are not working together to provide support.

Lack of support Aren’t ready to change Racism Ignorance Because it takes a lot of room to turn around an ocean liner Lack of willingness

Because we keep trying to fix the current system and ensure that everyone wins rather than build something new that benefits families Clarify how data will affect policy.

THIRD ANNUAL COMMUNITY ' CAFE SUMMARY

Lastly, each table was asked to work together and think about one strategy that would make the most impact. There was a total of eight tables, each with one winning idea.

The eight strategies were then prioritized and rated in the following order to have the greatest impact.

(1) Invest in parent-led communities (concrete supports and resources), listen to the needs, and find community solutions.

(2) Authentically partner with parents and ask the right questions to build right relationships and develop goals as a collective.

(3) Change all funding decisions to be developed by people in community.

(4) Build a new table without institutions first.

(5) Shift culture of how we recruit foster parent partnerships as being champions for the family.

(6) Reciprocity-building partnerships and humanizing people.

(7) Priority from the agency leadership.

(8) Foster Family culture (foster the family).

The PAC Café work is carried on throughout the year at the TFSC PAC Action Team and subcommittee convenings. This is where the team is exploring strategies and solutions to advance and normalize the presence and inclusion of parents with lived experience and working to define and promote the practice of compensating parent leaders for their time and expertise as they partner with system professionals to improve outcomes for children and families.

FLORIDA COALITION FOR CHILDREN

9

THIRD ANNUAL COMMUNITY ' CAFE SUMMARY

Workforce Innovation. Led by Dr. Lisa Magruder and Kristina Finch, Florida Institute for Child Welfare (FICW), and John Cooper, CEO, Kids Central, Inc. Overview of the Community Café On July 18th, the FCC Conference hosted a Community Café session led by Dr. Lisa Magruder and Kristina Finch from the Florida Institute for Child Welfare (FICW), and John Cooper, CEO of Kids Central, Inc. The opening presentation can be found here: Workforce Innovation Café Presentation.

During this session, over 90 participants broke out into five groups to discuss questions posed by the Institute revolving around what traits make exceptional child welfare workers and coworkers and how agencies might improve recruitment and retention efforts. Each breakout group was led by a facilitator who guided discussion around three questions: (1) How would you describe an ideal child welfare worker? (e.g., what characteristics are important for workers to have to do the job well, and what characteristics make a good coworker); 2) How would you describe the state of worker recruitment in child welfare? (e.g., what has the recent applicant pool been like, and what, if any, innovative strategies have your agency implemented to increase or improve the applicant pool, is it working?); and 3) What ideas or suggestions do you have for agencies looking to improve candidate selection in child welfare?

Participants had approximately 30 minutes to discuss with their groups and facilitator.

Each table was equipped with a designated note-taker to document the group’s discussion as well as a recording device to be sure nothing was overlooked in conversation.

10

The Institute has compiled these notes into themed observations that were brought up by each group and warrant further attention. Importantly, the views expressed in this report are those of the Community Café’ attendees and do not necessarily reflect the views of FICW or its employees.

Observations from the Roundtable Discussions: Characteristics of Ideal Child Welfare Workers and Coworkers: Traits In response to the first question of what makes a good child welfare worker and coworker, a majority of groups responded with the trait of being empathetic and compassionate. Each group highlighted empathy as an important factor as the job requires individuals to be understanding and to already have the desire to be there for others. Additionally, a common trait mentioned was being a good communicator as well as a great documenter. Multiple groups noted that the job is very heavily oriented around documentation and being able to articulate your experiences in the field with families, and that your responses in writing are vital for a successful worker. Furthermore, participants remarked that being a great communicator was important not only for working with children and families but also for having a good relationship with coworkers. A factor that might play into this communication piece is that many groups noted great workers are those that possess well-developed emotional intelligence. On top of these commonly listed traits, being excellent at time management as well as diligent about having boundaries with work were suggested as important traits for a good child welfare worker.

FLORIDA COALITION FOR CHILDREN

Educational and Professional Background Interestingly, a majority of the groups noted that those with educational backgrounds in social work were often not their best workers. One group stated that those with social work backgrounds tended not to last as long. Rather, most groups noted that those with educational and/or professional backgrounds outside of child welfare were oftentimes better suited for the job and had more to bring to the table. There was a general consensus that there is no ideal degree for child welfare; it is all dependent upon the person, their heart, personality, and passion.

Additionally, participants indicated feeling that those with backgrounds outside of social work or child welfare had unique skillsets that offered new ideas and methods to the field.

This group noted that recent changes in college education may be to blame as there is not as much of an emphasis on writing and grammar. Beyond lacking grammatical skills, one group noted a particular lack of professionalism in their recent applicant pools. Notably, one participant shared how they feel virtual interviews have impacted the quality of their candidates and often resulted in poorer interviews, noting that they have had very unprofessional experiences of interviewees attending virtual interviews from their beds and in unprofessional clothing.

THIRD ANNUAL COMMUNITY ' CAFE SUMMARY

Current State of Worker Recruitment When prompted to discuss their current candidate selection process and worker recruitment, many in the groups were not optimistic about the current applicant pool. Two groups regarded the current applicant pool as “terrible” and noted that the candidates they are receiving in interviews these days struggle to “string together a sentence.” Another group emphasized this point with participants sharing they felt that applicants’ and new hires’ ability to write and document was severely lacking which has proved to be a major problem since documentation is such a large part of this profession.

Most groups shared that their recent pool has been primarily composed of recent graduates that are fresh out of college and do not have much professional or life experience beyond that. While one group was positive about having such a young pool, stating that they enjoyed having younger applicants as they were still “excited” about the field and not “stuck in their old ways.” Four groups tended to share the opposite opinion. Most participants indicated not being pleased with the young candidates as they felt they lacked real life experience and were not properly prepared to enter the field. Additionally, two groups indicated a discrepancy between the working style and work culture of the young applicants versus current seasoned staff/leadership.

FLORIDA COALITION FOR CHILDREN

11

THIRD ANNUAL COMMUNITY ' CAFE SUMMARY

Furthermore, one individual noted that the young people coming in are “in the honeymoon stage” with the job because all of their current experience “is behind a monitor,” so they are not truly prepared and have unrealistic ideas of what the job will be. This seemed to be a common theme when participants were prompted to discuss the hiring and interviewing process. All of the groups noted the importance of the hiring staff presenting applicants and interviewees with realistic and accurate portrayals of what the job will be, including “the good and the bad.”

Many participants voiced some frustration with human resources (HR) and hiring staff not painting a real picture and thus hiring applicants that did not know what they were getting into and were not fit for the job, resulting in high turnover.

Improving Candidate Selection in Child Welfare As previously discussed, all groups emphasized the importance of transparency to applicants when hiring and delivering realistic portrayals of job duties and day-to-day experiences of child welfare workers. Groups suggested that doing this alone would increase the quality of future child welfare workers and reduce the rate of turnover within agencies. One individual shared that agencies could use media to showcase what workers actually do and that this could help manage workers’ expectations of the job, work culture, and challenges. Furthermore, responses seemed to indicate that current child welfare workers or supervisors might be more efficient at picking candidates to interview and hire rather than using HR for the hiring process. These groups indicated that oftentimes HR just tries to get people in the door regardless of how capable and fit they are for the role. Additionally, a benefit noted in having current case managers or supervisors interview candidates was that they would be able to truly give the applicant an accurate painting of the role that HR might not be

12

able to share as they may not have direct experience. Groups suggested that agencies designate a case manager for hiring or choose case managers that have lower caseloads to assist.

In addition, multiple groups emphasized that candidate selection and retention might be improved through improving agency organizational structure and onboarding. Participants highlighted that having built-in mentorship from supervisors or coworkers for new hires would be vital for keeping and improving the quality of work of new hires. Beyond just new hires, one group suggested that all workers be paired with another worker in the agency as a support. Further, groups suggested that both pre-service training and onboarding include more opportunities for candidates to shadow and get more practical, hands-on experience with the supervision of a seasoned worker.

Another common theme discussed among groups was that of not wanting to lose good candidates because they are not suited for the particular position that is currently available. Multiple groups stated that they have had very promising candidates who they would like to hire but are not best suited for the current available role.

FLORIDA COALITION FOR CHILDREN

FCC 2021 As such, these groups suggested having a Leadership way to streamline and direct these candidates to other agencies that are Summit

hiring for a role better fit to their abilities.

One group suggested this could potentially be done in the future through the MyALIGN platform, saying that having a sort of database of prescreened, good quality individuals would be useful for facilitating hiring. In a similar vein, two groups discussed the issue of many agencies not hiring individuals who have had lived experience with the system for one reason or another. These groups suggested that many hold back from hiring these individuals as they worry it will be triggering for them or that they might not be able to handle it, however, respondents pointed out that these individuals often offer the best insight and can make the best workers.

Finally, many groups noted that the applicant pool could be improved through improving the compensation and benefits for child welfare workers. One individual stated that they have seen individuals stop applying once they realized they would be “taking a pay cut” by transferring to this role due to a lack of benefits, including insurance.

Additionally, respondents indicated that improving worker support (e.g., calm rooms in office, mental health days, mentorship) and work-life balance for child welfare workers would encourage more applicants to enter the field as well as increase worker longevity.

Youth Leadership: Led by James Minter, Dina Santos, and Dr. Elizabeth Wynter, Selfless Love Foundation’s One Voice Impact Team

THIRD ANNUAL COMMUNITY ' CAFE SUMMARY

Overview of the Community Café The Youth Leadership Café was convened by the Selfless Love Foundation’s OVI team, James Minter, Dina Santos, and Dr. Elizabeth Wynter. Prior to 2023, the Youth and Parent Leadership work had been integrated and convened in a joint forum.

Following the 2022 Café it was evident that due to the different developmental phases between the youth and parent work it would be best to separate the populations and activities to allow for more individualized agendas and focus on unique priorities, strategies, and tactics.

There were 80 attendees present at the Youth Café. Facilitators opened by sharing highlights from the last year that included the success of Foster Youth Voice Month within Florida and 34 additional states across the US highlighting the importance of youth voice and removing the stigma associated with youth in care. The Department of Children and Families was able to respond to a letter from youth across the state that resulted in the release of an additional Division X payment directly to youth across the state that was otherwise being returned to the federal government. This advocacy was able to provide eligible youth one last vital payment to assist in meeting their individual needs. Youth voice continues to grow and there are now 16 councils supported through the One Voice Impact network of councils throughout Florida where they receive funding support, networking, and virtual/face to face training preparing them to work alongside agency leaders and staff champions advocating for change.

FLORIDA COALITION FOR CHILDREN

13

THIRD ANNUAL COMMUNITY ' CAFE SUMMARY

This year the legislature requested an OPPAGA report on Independent Living Services across the state of Florida. That report had significant findings and is helping to understand opportunities for change and provide recommendations in several areas. Youth want access to the same level of support and services in the PESS program that they have in EFC. Choosing to enter PESS should not result in a loss of support when it is needed.

They would also like to know if they are making progress towards self-sufficiency and have a tool that agencies could implement to better inform them and the agency how they are doing. This tool could also assist agencies in identifying current trends, needs and successes of this population by providing a snapshot of their local system in real time, allowing them the opportunity to be responsive in addressing identified needs and working alongside lived experts to implement solutions.

Another highlight is the need for a standardized life skills curriculum and competency training for case management that focuses on engagement and coaching skills, not how to implement statutory requirements. This report demonstrates through data and interviews that a uniform approach to measuring and assessing needs should be a focus on discussion and implementation across CBC’s. The workforce also needs a toolbox of their own to assist in meeting youth where they are developmentally and as individuals, to work alongside youth and prepare them for their journey in care and navigating life in general.

The final highlight is around permanent connections and relational permanency in Florida. No young person should leave the system on their own and like any young person needs the skills to build social capital. Focusing on legal permanence is not sufficient as youth need a diverse network of individuals, community systems and groups of people to assist them in navigating life and finding their

14

place in this world. Families and youth impacted by the child welfare system need to know they belong and have the support to build a network of individuals, family (chosen or biological), and a community to lean on.

Café conversation centered around the youth sharing the importance of being heard and more involved in all aspects of decision making when it comes to their lives. As an example, they discussed how not every youth is able to attend court hearings because their lives are complex and often involve a lot of people they don’t have a deep connection with. Judicial Reviews are often not youth centered and have inconsistent engagement. Youth shared much of what they experience feels more like checking the box rather than ensuring there is a meaningful process.

The group then focused on how to create a more responsive System of Care. The youth shared their perception of how legislation is passed but there is insufficient follow through in the implementation to ensure things are carried out as intended. A common theme throughout the Café centered on decisions being made about the youth without educating or informing them.

The last question posed to the attendees focused on where we go from here and how can the system and those working in it improve experiences for youth in care.

“Don’t talk about it-be about it" captured the essence of youth perspectives.

Youth want system professionals to meet them where they are in their social and emotional development and communicate with kindness and dignity.

FLORIDA COALITION FOR CHILDREN

A lot of discussion focused on the need to

FCC 2021 extend grace to young adults aged 18-19 Leadership while they are navigating this new chapter Summit in their lives. Youth agreed these are some

THIRD ANNUAL COMMUNITY ' CAFE SUMMARY

of the most difficult years for them and they need to be supported as they make mistakes to grow.

Below is an overview of the observations and responses resulting from the Café conversation.

Where are we as a state regarding Youth Voice and Leadership?

In some counties, the magistrate will not continue if the youth is not present, while in other areas of the state youth are not afforded time to speak during court or granted the space to speak for themselves.

In some instances, youth voice is quickly silenced with professionals summarizing the youths' experiences without giving them a chance to speak for themselves. And at times when they are availed an opportunity to speak, they are not provided enough time and their successes aren't always highlighted.

System professionals should ensure that youth have a voice in decisions that impact their lives. This includes attending and having a voice at court hearings, placement staffings, and in permanency and transition planning.

When youth are informed at the lastminute, transportation and missing school to attend court becomes a challenge that was preventable.

Young people involved in the foster care system must be empowered to make decisions, given the dignity of taking risks, have a safe space to grieve losses, and offered opportunities for selfdiscovery and connection.

Some of the youth shared they feel pressured into adoption and referenced that while SB80 has passed, they are still not being engaged to the extent intended in placement staffings, nor are they an active part of the decision-making process.

Not consistent but improving.

Virtual options improve attendance.

Youth/Families aren’t communicated with properly.

Solution: to promote youth advocacy and collaboration.

Flexible schedules to increase participation.

Youth need training on how to “speak up” properly to ensure they are heard.

Those over age 18 are more successful than dependency.

There is not enough follow-up on goals resulting from staffings.

Those in dependency have fewer options.

FLORIDA COALITION FOR CHILDREN

15

THIRD ANNUAL COMMUNITY ' CAFE SUMMARY

Promote ‘normalcy’ as much as possible. We need to be honest and teach youth to talk about feelings in a safe space on their terms.

End night to night placements.

Youth are more involved now than ever, but there is still room for improvement.

Youth in the system, not in Independent Living (IL), need the opportunity to be heard and supported.

What is the collective vision for the future?

More accountability and measurable results.

Case managers making decisions that are in the best interest of the youth, not what they think is in the best interest.

Specialized case management for youth.

An environment more conducive to receive support as youth grieve their losses.

Help obtaining legal documents.

Reduce case management turnover as youth don’t feel comfortable discussing what they want and need when they experience frequent changes in case managers.

Confidentiality with therapists and those they confide in as youth have difficulty building a trusting therapeutic relationship when treatment providers tell foster parents what they have disclosed.

Address the power dynamic and control adults have over the youth.

Unconditional love.

Acknowledge hardships that come with the job.

Vet the emotional capacity of potential support systems.

16

More educated placements.

Positive connections in the home.

Ensuring the youth can pack and say goodbye and have a debrief process when placements break down.

There are efforts for youth to be more involved, but most youth are not involved. Youth are not always invited to Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings even though they are about the youth.

Youth Transition Meetings can be traumatic with youth reportedly thinking they were going to be homeless and others reporting they didn't know they were about to be adopted.

Being transparent/vulnerable.

Work more effectively with youth who run away to better understand and support them rather than chastise and alienate them.

Encourage decision-making and allow young people the space to make mistakes.

Foster youth are heard and validated.

Listen to the kids and accept their feedback.

More and better training on trauma responsive care and specific training on understanding adolescent development.

Acknowledgment, accountability, willingness to change.

Support and authentic engagement.

Allow teenagers to test their independence and socialize based on the child's maturity level.

Foster parents can provide structure without being militant (structure equals care).

Advocate for funding to be available to youth.

Recognition that age 18-19 is very hard for youth who age out of care.

They often struggle with their identity and making the break from their life in foster care. It is also hard to deal with the stigma and a time in life where the loss of having someone to lean on and support them is accentuated.

FLORIDA COALITION FOR CHILDREN

What can I do to help realize the vision?

FCC 2021 What can my organization do to support Leadership the vision? What can the child welfare system do to support the vision?

Summit “Don’t talk about it-be about it.”

Have councils more engaged with youth in their community.

Hold yearly summer fun event (recruit and engage youth in the county).

Keep sharing our voices.

All agencies should have a full time employee with lived experience, preferably someone in an IL program.

More people listen and value our voices.

Demonstrate normalcy.

Flexible perspective with youth.

Accountability from everyone.

Train on expectations from day one.

Hire based on quality vs. quantity.

Walking in the stakeholder's shoes.

Build more youth councils.

Make it straightforward for them to see their vision.

Be consistent.

Address youth voice in pre-service training so case management and Child Protective Investigators (CPIs) know how to involve youth voice in decisions.

Research other groups, see what works, and return it to the group. Have strong and positive leadership.

Be more hands-on. Listen to the youth. Treat youth like humans. not numbers. Advocate and be a better listener. Focus on communication/ staffing/ check-ins routinely.

Take advantage/get involved.

Follow through.

Align vision/responsibilities.

Good support system.

Better utilize the least restrictive means and resources.

“Nothing about us without us.”

Need a strong and consistent youth navigator.

Help youth identify a dedicated mentor (teacher, coach, counselor, therapist, etc.).

What has worked in other areas? How can we use our voices to bring it to our area?

Be kind.

Continue to educate me.

Share community resources.

Be open-minded.

More collaboration/understanding to help youth reach goals.

Taking oneself out of their comfort zone.

Remove egos before sitting at the table.

Be open to feedback.

FLORIDA COALITION FOR CHILDREN

THIRD ANNUAL COMMUNITY ' CAFE SUMMARY

17

THIRD ANNUAL COMMUNITY ' CAFE SUMMARY

18

The Youth leadership and advocacy work is carried out year-round and supported by the Selfless Love OVI team. There is an expanding number of youth and young adults who are actively engaged and a growing number of Youth Councils. For more information visit: https://selflesslovefoundation.org/ovi/

FLORIDA COALITION FOR CHILDREN

THIRD ANNUAL COMMUNITY ' CAFE SUMMARY

2023 COMMUNITY CAFE CONCLUSION Over 360 FCC members, stakeholders, and individuals with lived experience came together at the 2023 FCC Community Café Forums to review progress towards the goals and priorities established in 2022, and to jointly identify and set strategic direction moving into 2024. The scope of work, time and investment that has occurred over the past three years is a testament to the ability of a group of people who share a common agenda have when they join forces as a community to co-create the path to making a collective impact.

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions or would like to learn more about how to become involved please contact: patricia@flchildren.org.

'

Respectfully submitted, Dr. Patricia Nellius-Guthrie Executive Vice President of Innovation Florida Coalition for Children

Copyright 2023 Florida Coalition for Children. All rights reserved.

FLORIDA COALITION FOR CHILDREN

19

OCTOBER 2023