Florida offers a robust network of organizations dedicated to advocating for and supporting children. These entities provide a range of services, from legal assistance and abuse prevention to counseling and educational resources. Below is a curated list of prominent child advocacy resources in the state:
**1. Florida Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers (FNCAC)**
The FNCAC represents all local children’s advocacy centers in Florida, serving approximately 91% of the state’s children and families. Their primary functions include educating and supporting these centers through specialized training and technical assistance. They also maintain a comprehensive directory of local centers, facilitating access to services statewide.
**2. Florida Children First**
As a non-profit, nonpartisan organization, Florida Children First is committed to protecting and advancing the rights of children and youth impacted by the child welfare, juvenile justice, and disability systems. Their efforts focus on systemic reform, education, amplifying youth voices, and promoting high-quality legal representation.
**3. Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida**
Serving children and families in Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Charlotte counties, this center provides abuse determination, therapeutic counseling, parenting education, and prevention programs. Their mission is to offer a coordinated response to child victims of abuse and neglect, aiming to improve the lives of at-risk children through comprehensive services.
**4. Mary Lee’s House**
Located in Tampa, Mary Lee’s House is a community collaboration dedicated to protecting, respecting, and healing children affected by abuse and neglect. They offer various services, including mandatory reporter training, trauma-informed care, and resource closets, all designed to support children and families in need.
**5. Florida Guardian ad Litem Office**
This statewide office represents abused, abandoned, and neglected children in court and the community. Through trained volunteers and staff, they advocate for the best interests of these children, ensuring their voices are heard in legal proceedings and beyond.
**6. Children’s Legal Services (CLS)**
Operated by the Florida Department of Children and Families, CLS advocates for the safety, well-being, and permanency of Florida’s children involved in dependency court proceedings. Their attorneys work diligently to represent the state’s most vulnerable children, striving for outcomes that promote stability and security.
**7. Child Advocacy Center – University of Florida**
Serving child abuse and neglect victims in Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy, Bradford, and Union counties, this center provides a safe environment for children to share their experiences. They offer services such as forensic interviews, medical examinations, and therapeutic interventions, all aimed at helping children feel safe and supported.
**8. Children’s Advocacy Centers – Children’s Home Society of Florida**
These centers offer a safe space for children to discuss their experiences with trained counselors and forensic interviewers. Services include counseling, medical assistance, and crisis intervention for children and families affected by abuse or neglect.
**9. Office of Youth and Family Advocacy (OYFA)**
Established in 2017 by the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, OYFA serves as a direct resource for youth and their families, fostering communication and amplifying their voices within the juvenile justice system. The office aims to ensure that the perspectives of young individuals are considered in policy and program development.
**10. Florida Coalition for Children (FCC)**
The FCC advocates at both the state capitol and community levels for member organizations that provide for Florida’s child and family well-being. Their efforts focus on policy advocacy, public awareness, and support for agencies dedicated to child welfare.
Families going through a Florida divorce with children may also get additional resources through the court system and the children’s school counselor.
These organizations collectively contribute to a comprehensive support system for children across Florida, addressing various aspects of child welfare and advocacy. Whether through direct services, legal representation, or systemic reform efforts, they play pivotal roles in promoting the well-being and rights of the state’s youngest residents.
