Posts by Kim
Celebrating Foster Family Appreciation Week: Introducing the Padilla Family
The Padillas are among our foster families for teens, and they continuously go the extra mile. Lisa Padilla goes above and beyond for children placed in their home by helping them get the services they need, showing them skills that will benefit them in the Independent Living Program, and loving them individually just as they…
Read MoreFoster Family Appreciation Week: Meet The Elsberry Family
The second week of February is celebrated as Foster Family Appreciation Week in Florida. This week we want to introduce you to some of our fantastic foster families. One of our Kids First caseworkers describes the Elsberry Family this way: This is by far one of the best foster families I’ve worked with during…
Read MoreFacts About Foster Children & Parenting
What Is Foster Care? Foster care is designed to be a temporary way to care for children who must leave their parental home due to neglect or abuse. The ultimate goal is to reunite children with their parents if possible, or place them into permanent adoptive homes. According to Children’s Defense, there are about 424,000…
Read MoreMake Elf on the Shelf Work for You: 8 Ideas for a Stress-Free December
Elf on the Shelf can be a divisive concept. Some parents have embraced this cheeky, imaginative toy, and enjoy finding new, inventive scenarios for their kids to discover each December morning. Others find it an unnecessary stressor, adding extra work to the already busy holiday season. Parents can spend ages online looking for cheap ideas…
Read MoreWhen your child asks about their birth family
Most adopted children are curious about their birth family. Your child’s birth family is a major part of his or her adoption story, and it is important to talk with your child about them openly, honestly, and positively. Talking about your child’s birth family can be a sensitive subject for everyone involved. Every adoptee’s story is…
Read MoreTips for Creating A Blended Family
Developing a happy home life for families isn’t always easy, but blending two different families has its own particular challenges. Blending a family can take a while, but it is important to find a groove that is comfortable for everyone. While every family has its own dynamic, some universal tips can help blended families become…
Read MoreFoster Care Mom Recalls The First Time She Got “The Call”
The licensing process was completed. Nursery decorated in a non-gender-specific jungle theme, ready to welcome a child into my home. The closet full of diapers, clothes, toys, books, and stuffed animals… I think I am ready, is what I told myself. May 15: The Call Comes In I decided to attend an extended family outing…
Read MoreLooking Out For Your Child’s Mental Health
As a parent, you do your best to take care of your child. You make sure your child’s physical needs are met – nutritious food, a safe home, a proper education. But meeting your child’s mental, and emotional needs may not be as obvious. Good mental health helps children to think clearly, develop socially, and…
Read More20 Fun Summer Activity Ideas for Kids
Summer days stretch out before you, waiting to be filled with memory-making activities and games. But some days creative play ideas can be hard to come by. If you are drawing a blank when trying to come up with ideas, here are 20 easy-to-implement activities sure to make your summer day a fun one! Make…
Read MoreApril is Child Abuse Prevention Month
During the month of April, Kids First of Florida joins with child advocates around the US to bring awareness to the problem of child abuse and neglect. We know that childhood trauma can cause lifelong physical and mental health problems. Together, we can help prevent child abuse and neglect. Recently, the Board of Commissioners…
Read More