What is Florida Youth SHINE?
Florida Youth SHINE (Striving High for INdependence and Empowerment) is a youth run, peer driven organization working hard to change the culture of Florida's child welfare system. FYS is proudly supported by Florida’s Children First (FCF). FCF is a non-profit child advocacy organization dedicated to fighting for the rights of Florida’s at-risk children.
Membership is open to 13-26 year olds across the state.
Florida Youth SHINE (FYS) is made up of the best youth advocates, who identify the challenges and successes and educate the public to create a better child welfare system in the state.
Florida Youth SHINE is a peer network of advocates speaking amplifying their voices for all the youth, teens, and young adults whose lives are touched by Florida’s child welfare system. Through legislative advocacy; ongoing dialogues with the Department of Children and Families, Community Based Care providers, and local agencies serving youth in care; and educating the public on the needs of children growing up in care; Florida Youth SHINE is a powerful voice for the thousands of children touched by our system of care.
We believe all women can embrace who they are,
can define their future, and can change the world.
Our Mission
Our mission as advocates for the youth in Florida is to Empower, Improve, Educate, and Support the growth of tomorrow’s leaders through the combined knowledge and experience of today’s youth and supporters.
Our Goal
Our goal is to share our stories and experiences in order to improve the system of care for our brothers and sisters currently in care and for those who have yet to enter care