Season 4 of the Institute's Child Welfare podcast features Dr. Elizabeth Wynter as our guest host. Dr. Wynter is the Executive Director for the Selfless Love Foundation, a non-profit organization that powers One Voice IMPAACT, Florida's Youth Voice Movement.

Youth transitioning out of the foster care system need the same support and resources that all young people need, but face a much steeper climb on their journey to adulthood. This season's episodes explore Florida's array of services specifically designed for youth and young adults that have experienced foster care. Go beyond surviving day to day through the services and supports outlined in our six episodes as the foundation for success. Be sure to share this season transition-age foster youth!

Transition Age Youth Get Plugged into Resources

If you are a young person with lived foster care experience on the journey to becoming a self-sufficient adult, get the low down on why Life Skills Reimagined is the most innovative curriculum and should be available to all transition-age foster youth. In this episode of Getting Plugged In, hear what Kaitlynn Hanson, a member of Camelot’s Tampa Bay Youth Empowerment Board, and Stephanie Savely, Founder of LYFT Learning, have to say about this easily accessible and very engaging online platform.

S4E1 - Love Life Skills

Psst…if you haven’t already heard, young people can cash in on the Division X Chafee federal funds. These funds were made available to states to help with the pandemic relief efforts. Hear from John Watson, Youth Council Specialist with OVI, and Brandie McCabe, Director of Youth Initiatives with Selfless Love Foundation, on the educational incentive money and additional financial assistance available to eligible former foster youth.

S4E2 - Need Money?

You gotta’ know about the resources available through Florida’s independent living programs before you turn 18. Listen to this episode of the Get Plugged In series to learn about Extended Foster Care (EFC) and Postsecondary Education Services and Support (PESS). Get the scoop on how remaining in foster care after 18 and taking advantage of PESS can assist young adults in reaching their transition goals, preparing for self-sufficiency.  Hear from Demarco Mott, Chair of the Citrus FCN Youth Advocacy Council, and Keri Flynn, Embrace Families’ Director of Youth Services.

S4E3 - Aging In To Stay Plugged In

That’s right! Young people with lived foster care experience may be eligible to have their postsecondary education tuition covered. Listen to this episode of the Get Plugged In to learn how to access this incredible benefit available to former foster youth. Get the facts from Dina Santos, a member of Passport to Leadership Youth Advisory Board and sophomore at Florida State College at Jacksonville, and Lisa Jackson, Senior Program Director of Academic Support & Engagement at Florida State University.

S4E4 - Tuition Waiver to 28!

All young people with lived foster care experience and child welfare professionals listen up! This episode of the Getting Plugged In series is one you don’t want to miss. Get tips on getting food assistance through ACCESS Florida from Rayla James, President of the Brevard Youth Leadership Council, and Patti Grogan, Director of Policy and Programs with the Office of Economic Self-Sufficiency.

S4E5 - Need Food?

Listen to this episode of the Get Plugged In series to gain wisdom and insight on accessing healthcare services so that former foster youth are better equipped to maintain their physical and emotional well-being. Diamond Whitley, OVI’s Youth Engagement Specialist, and Jenn Edgson, Healthcare Consultant with Community Based Care Integrated Health, share some tips.

https://ficw.fsu.edu/

S4E6 - Stay Healthy & Wise

A Podcast by the Florida Institute for Child Welfare at Florida State University