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Exams. Pop quizzes. Speaking in front of the class. School can be a pretty stressful experience for students. What comes to mind when you think of the word “stress”? Often, people will think about just the negative aspects of stress. They’ll think about how they personally feel when they are stressed and how it impacts…

If there were photos in the dictionary next to “Foster Parent”, Mary Jo and Don would have earned that spot! Their home has a revolving door with placements over the years,  but they make relationships with each child. To this day, they still stay in contact with earlier children whom they fostered, and have even…

April Williamson fosters two siblings; one is a toddler and the other came into her care as a newborn.  Ms. Williamson always keeps KFF staff up to date on how the children are doing and takes the children to all of their doctor appointments. The toddler is always happy and laughing in her care and both…

Many adoptions that involve families who already have children. This situation brings its own set of adjustments and challenges. Parents need to help children get used to situations involving a new family member. Here are a few tips to help families make the adoption process easier.  Early and frequent communication is key  Be certain to…

The Schilkosfkis have been licensed for about four years and historically provided respite (short term care) for children. Numerous children have been in their home and each were cared for as their own. Just within the last year they made the decision to keep a placement long term. They have gone over and beyond in…

Craig and Tracy Watford are veterans of our foster parents program in Clay County. They are also licensed as medical Foster Parents. Craig and Tracy take each child into their home knowing their complexity and never lose sight of their role. Many doctor appointments, insurance road blocks, sleepless nights, and other challenges accompany each child…

The Dales have had several placements over time, and are known for treating the children like a biological child from day one. The most recent foster child is a girl who suffers with asthma and requires many medical appointments. They are paying out of pocket for daycare for the amount not covered by the voucher. They…

The week of February 11 – 15 is Florida Foster Family Appreciation. At Kids First, we would like to recognize some of our Foster Family Superstars and share their stories with you. April and Jodi Swanson, licensed foster parents since July 2018. Jodi and April are relatively new foster parents, but they readily accepted a premature…

Join us for an event unlike any other on Friday, April 5, at 7 p.m. at the Hilltop Restaurant in Orange Park. Someone will leave with $5,000 from our Reverse Raffle! Tickets are $100 and proceeds benefit local families served by Clay Behavioral Health Center and Kids First of Florida. Tickets include dinner and dance…

There is a good chance that before the clock struck midnight on December 31st you considered a few New Year’s resolutions. But should you talk to your children about their resolutions? The answer is yes. Talking to your child about realistic New Year’s resolutions can help them with setting and achieving goals, which are important milestones…