What is FCA?

Child Advocacy Blog

Search

Archive for the ‘Foster Care’ Category

Florida Foster Children Must Fight – and Be Protected From – Identity Theft

March 3rd, 2009   No Comments   Foster Care

By Howard Talenfeld

identity theft by d70focus from flickrWhen Todd Davis announces with confidence on national TV how LifeLock will protect subscribers from identity theft, it’s likely he’s not marketing to foster children.

Yet they’re just as vulnerable to identity theft as anyone else. Even more so, by some accounts. As a Florida attorney focused on protecting the rights of the state’s most vulnerable citizens, including those in foster care, I have seen the potential for abuse and identity theft these children face. We need to help them learn how to protect themselves today.

In a recent Newsweek article, “Sabotaged by the System,” writer Jesse Ellison told the story of Tyrome Sams, a 20-year-old former foster child. When he applied for credit cards, Sams was repeatedly refused. He later learned that eight years earlier someone had swiped his identity and accrued hundreds of dollars in utility bills.

“Sams’s case isn’t just an unfortunate fluke,” Ellison wrote in the magazine (https://www.newsweek.com/id/183711). “Identity theft among foster kids is common, and for good reason: they’re easy targets. They move often among various homes and schools, so their personal data pass through dozens of hands.” (more…)

Florida’s Children First Honors Butterworth, Foster Kids & Caregivers

February 23rd, 2009   No Comments   Foster Care, News & Events

Former foster child Mez Pierre addresses attendees at the recent Florida's Children First event.

Former foster child Mez Pierre addresses attendees at the recent Florida's Children First event.

Mez Pierre is a former foster child, a college student and aspiring rap music performer.

Kaydrin Smith is a 8-year-old foster child who spends his day in a wheelchair and surrounded by the love of his foster mother, Georgina Herbert.

The link between these two Florida children — aside from the state’s foster-care system — are the adults who cared for them.

Howard Talenfeld with Kaydrin Smith and foster mother Georgina Herbert.

Howard Talenfeld with Kaydrin Smith and foster mother Georgina Herbert.

Howard Talenfeld and members of S.H.I.N.E. honor Bob Butterworth (center).

Howard Talenfeld and members of Florida Youth S.H.I.N.E. honor Bob Butterworth (center).

One such adult is Robert “Bob” Butterworth.

Florida’s Children First (FCF), the statewide legal advocacy organization focused on protecting the legal rights of at-risk children, especially children in foster care, honored Butterworth and Pierre, and acknowledged Herbert and Smith at the recent Child Advocate Awards and Reception.

FCF’s annual Broward event recognized Butterworth for his work as the former Secretary of Department of Children & Families and Florida Attorney General. He was lauded as “Florida’s Friend of Children” for his decades of public service. These posts in public service also included roles as Broward County Sheriff and a judge.

“Bob’s work has changed the culture of the Florida Department of Children and Families, guiding it to become a more open and transparent agency, inviting all voices to the table,” FCF President Howard Talenfeld told the Sun-Sentinel. “We are privileged to honor his ongoing legacy as a leading child advocate.” (more…)

Abused Florida Foster Children Win Landmark Civil Rights Decision

January 30th, 2009   No Comments   Damage Claims, Foster Care

In a precedent setting decision, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta upheld the right of three Florida foster children to sue for their sexual abuse in foster care.

In H.A.L. v. Foltz,  two adolescent and teenage foster kids known to be sexual predators were left unsupervised with three pre-school-aged foster children in the same home. The youngsters reportedly were repeatedly raped by the older boys. The 11th Circuit Court in Atlanta let stand a civil rights action brought by the younger boys.

“This decision represents a landmark win in the fight to protect foster children from child on child sexual abuse in foster care,” said attorney Howard Talenfeld, Shareholder with Colodny, Fass, Talenfeld, Karlinsky, & Abate PA.

Shortly after the opinion was released, the case, including the state court action for negligence, settled for $2.925 million for the three children.

(more…)

Newer Entries »