Area foster child and children’s welfare advocates, lawyers and media personalities were praised at a recent West Palm Beach awards event for Florida’s Children First.
South Florida attorney Todd McPharlin accepted the FCF President’s Award on behalf of his sister, Tracey K. McPharlin, a long-time advocate and partner at the law firm, Colodny Fass Talenfeld Karlinsky & Abate P.A. Ms. McPharlin has been ill and was unable to attend.
“Tracey is an unsung hero who has made a difference in the lives of thousands of foster children,” said Howard Talenfeld, a partner at the firm and founder of Florida’s Children First.
Ms. McPharlin joined the firm in 2000 as an associate specializing in civil rights litigation, class action litigation, appellate proceedings, and many of the foster care cases for which the firm has gained prominence. She was named Partner in 2006.
Scott Hawkins, President Elect of the Florida Bar, presented the Florida Bar Hugh Glickstein Award to Tracey for her work.
Also receiving an award was local West Palm Beach television news anchor Jim Sackett. The NewsChannel 5 anchor received the Florida’s Children First Media Advocacy Award for his reporting and coverage of children’s issues. Sackett has hosted the station’s Thursday’s Child segment for more than 30 years. Read the story here.
Among others who were honored: The Cannon family, who adopted two foster children; D’Arta Franklin, a former foster child who now advocates on behalf of foster children; and Emmanuel “Manny” Oliver, who serves as a voice for those still in foster care.
Florida’s Children First is a statewide advocacy organization that serves the state’s vulnerable children in the foster and child welfare system.
joined Colodny, Fass, Talenfeld, Karlinsky & Abate, P.A. in 2000 as an associate specializing in civil rights litigation, class action litigation, appellate proceedings and many of the foster care cases for which the Firm has gained prominence. She was named partner in 2006.
Scott Hawkins, President Elect of Florida Bar, presented the Florida Bar Hugh Glickstein Award to Tracey.
Also receiving awards were West Palm Beach television news anchor, Jim Sackett, who received the FCF Media Advocacy Award, for his work covering children’s issues.