Twenty years ago, child advocates from across the state who were individually working on issues affecting Florida’s most vulnerable children came together with the idea that we could collectively make a greater impact. We ran the gamut in perspective — coming from private practice, businesses, law school clinics, and legal... View Article
As reported by WPLG Local 10, “Rashid Bryant was 22 months old when he died in 2020 in Opa-locka. He was in foster care until the Florida Department of Children and Families reunited him with his mother, Jabora Deris, in February. By Nov. 6, Rashid was dead.” Read the entire... View Article
Justice for Kids Partner Stacie Schmerling was recently interviewed by WESH 2 News in Orlando regarding Florida’s Department of Children and Family Services enacting changes, including one major statewide change after Palm Bay’s police chief sounded the alarm on the state’s child welfare system. According to Schmerling, “this systemic crisis... View Article
In February 2022, a married couple in New York City was accused of operating an extensive sex trafficking ring that involved over 6 young women and went on for many years. Most appalling is the fact that two of the sex trafficking victims were placed in the wife’s foster care.... View Article
As reported by the Miami Herald, it was just two days after Alysha Princess Cesaire gave birth to her son when someone at Memorial Regional Hospital called the state’s child abuse hotline to express concerns that her physical disability — which causes her to use a walker and have difficulty... View Article
The Palm Beach County couple was arrested for child abuse by the police after discovery of the abusive, deplorable conditions the boy suffered in. Read more here.
Florida’s Children First (FCF), a statewide advocacy organization focused on protecting the legal rights of at-risk and foster care children, is proud to announce the addition of Justin Grosz to its Board of Directors. “We are privileged to have Justin join the board of FCF and look forward to the... View Article
Kelley Kronenberg, a multi-practice business law firm, and its Justice for Kids Division are pleased to announce Attorney Julianna Walo has been selected for inclusion as a Rising Star in the 2022 issue of Illinois Super Lawyers magazine. Julianna has been included in the publication since 2020. Super Lawyers, part... View Article
The following letter to the editor was authored by Justice for Kids Partner Justin Grosz: Human Trafficking is an incredibly important issue that demands our attention. January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month; and as it comes to a close, we must continue to bring our awareness to this... View Article
As reported by the Miami Herald, Florida shelters that house migrant children on behalf of the federal government say they’re increasingly worried that a feud between Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration and President Joe Biden over his immigration policies will force them to relocate hundreds of children outside the state. Read... View Article