NEWS
Childhood Trauma Explained
Childhood trauma occurs when a child experiences an intense event that threatens or causes harm to his or her emotional and physical well-being. Trauma can be the result of a single event, or it can result from exposure to multiple events over time. All children in foster care have been exposed to some form of […]
Florida Senator Keith Perry Receives Award for Juvenile Diversion Program Expunction Bill (SB 274)
In recognition of his vision, leadership and multi-year support for the 2021 Juvenile Diversion Program Expunction bill (SB 274), The Children’s Campaign recently presented a Superhero Protector of Children Award to Florida Senator Keith Perry. The Superhero awards are reserved for people who envision and/or lead transformational change for children. “The common denominator for receiving […]
Rep. Rick Roth Recognized as House Legislator of the Year at 2021 Leadership Summit in Orlando
The Florida Coalition for Children is recognizing Rep. Rick Roth as 2021 House Legislator of the Year. The award was announced during the Coalition’s 2021 Leadership Summit in Orlando. About 200 leaders of Florida’s child welfare system gathered there to discuss crucial issues and develop a next-generation child well-being model. Rep. Roth, who represents House […]
Governor Signs Book Bill Closing Massive Loophole in Sex Offender Law
June 23, 2021 – Governor DeSantis today signed legislation by Senator Lauren Book (D-Plantation) closing a massive loophole in Florida’s sex offender law. Book filed SB 234 in response to an identified oversight in Florida law which has allowed sex offenders to avoid registration by failing to pay fines. “Florida’s children and communities are safer […]
Post Session Recap by the Department of Children and Families
This summary is an overview of legislation passed by the Florida Legislature during the 2021 Regular Session that are of interest to or impact the clients and operations of the Florida Department of Children and Families (Department) Click here to view the full summary report.
Senator Lauren Book Files Licensure Suspension Bill Following Cases of Predatory South Florida Physicians
March 1, 2021 – Following the arrests of two predatory physicians in South Florida – including her own children’s pediatrician – Senator Lauren Book (D-Plantation) has filed a bill to keep Floridians safe pending legal action against these practitioners by suspending licenses after egregious charges have been filed. SB 1934 provides a pathway for the […]
Senator Lauren Book Applauds Court’s Vote To Uphold Termination Of Parental Rights Policy Which She Helped Shape
June 10, 2021 – Yesterday, the 4th District Court of Appeals upheld the constitutionality of a state law relating to the termination of parental rights shaped by Senator Lauren Book before she became a member of the Florida Legislature. The law provides a pathway to terminate the parental rights of those who have committed egregious […]
New Report Recommends States Introduce Laws to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse, Strengthen Child Safety in Schools & Youth Organizations
June 2, 2021 – Prevent Child Abuse America (PCA America) announced today the release of A Call to Action for Policymakers and Advocates: Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Legislation in the States, a new report detailing the need for executive and legislative efforts in all 50 states to prevent child sexual abuse. The 116-page report, authored […]
May is National Foster Care Month
Strengthening families and focusing on their well-being is the key to building strong communities. Whether it’s promoting a collaborative relationship between birth parents and foster caregivers or providing parents with the right combination of supportive services to enable reunification, keeping families together is the primary goal in a successful child welfare system. This May, National […]
In Final Days Of Child Abuse Prevention Month, Senate Sends Child Safety Laws To Governor’s Desk
April 28, 2021 — Two bills by Senator Lauren Book (D-Plantation) which will reform the child welfare system and correct an information gap which leaves youth-serving organizations vulnerable to adults who have sexually abused minors were passed unanimously by the Florida Senate today and will now head to the Governor’s desk for signing into law. […]