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Welcome to Florida Child Advocate

February 4th, 2018   No Comments   Abuse, Adoption, Advocacy

(Scroll Beyond This Introduction to Read the Latest Blog Post)

Thousands of foster children, former foster children, developmentally disabled and medically needy children are part of the Florida child care system. If you’re currently or formerly a child in – or an advocate for or parent of a child in the foster care system, Florida Child Advocate is here to help.

Every year, thousands of foster children, medically needy children, or those physically abused, sexually abused, the victims of personal injury,  legal damages, and pain and suffering are left to seek solutions on their own. No child should go through this on his or her own. And for the almost 500 who have died while under state watch, they deserved better.

This site was created by the law firm of Talenfeld Law, which was founded by nationally known Florida child advocate Howard Talenfeld, the preeminent children’s rights attorneys focusing exclusively on protecting the rights of physically and sexually abused children, developmentally disabled children and other at-risk children. Florida Child Advocate is dedicated to protecting children and addressing key issues facing those with foster care, physical abuse, child sexual abuse, social services, dependency, disability or personal injury and damages claims or lawsuits against the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), lead agencies, community based care providers, and other child welfare providers.

We believe that children belong with their own families. However, we also believe that when protective investigations by the Florida DCF and its agencies reveal that children are at high risk of neglect, child sex abuse or physical abuse by their parents, they must be placed with suitable relatives when they are available, and if not, some children must be placed in foster care. Critically, if children are going to be taken into foster care, they should be protected by the Florida Department of Children & Families and their community partners from the risk of physical and sexual abuse and returned home or placed in loving and nurturing adoptive families as quickly as possible. Topics also include the rights of foster Children to be safe from harm in care, their right to medical, psychological care, and disability benefits, their educational rights, and their rights on the road to independence.

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Justice for Kids Partner Stacie J. Schmerling Recognized in Florida Trend’s Women Leaders in Law

December 2nd, 2024   No Comments   News & Events

Justice for Kids®, a division of Kelley Kronenberg, is pleased to announce that Business Unit Leader and Partner Stacie J. Schmerling has been selected to Florida Trend’s Legal Elite NOTABLE – Women Leaders in Law for 2024.

Florida Trend’s editorial review team vetted and selected individual women leaders in law who qualified for inclusion by meeting and exceeding specific methodology and criteria parameters that were put in place for this nomination process. These include making a significant impact in their field, demonstrating leadership in professional organizations and the community, and acting as role models or mentors to others.

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Recognizing Signs of Child Abuse and Neglect: A Legal Perspective

December 2nd, 2024   No Comments   Abuse

By: Julianna Walo, Esquire

As an attorney in Kelley Kronenberg’s Justice for Kids Division, I’ve seen firsthand how critical early recognition of child abuse can be. The statistics are stark and sobering: 

  • 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men were sexually abused before the age of 18 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) 
  • More than 42 million adult survivors of child sexual abuse live in the United States 
  • 73% of child victims do not disclose their abuse for at least a year 
  • 45% remain silent for at least five years, with some never disclosing at all 

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Leading Children’s Rights Attorney Howard Talenfeld Receives AFP Broward Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award

Howard M. Talenfeld, a top children’s rights attorney, was honored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Fort Lauderdale/Broward Chapter as the 2024 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser. Talenfeld is a Business Unit Leader of Justice for Kids, a division of Kelley Kronenberg, and the Founder and Board President of Florida’s Children First.

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Justice for Kids Welcomes Attorney Jacob R. Wander

November 14th, 2024   No Comments   News & Events

Justice for Kids®, a division of Kelley Kronenberg, has added Jacob R. Wander as an attorney in its Fort Lauderdale office. Wander will focus on cases involving Personal Injury/ Civil Rights, Foster Care/Disabled Persons Damages, Children’s Rights, and Sexual Assault.

Wander previously interned in two of Kelley Kronenberg’s administrative divisions. Later, he worked as a legal intern with the Justice for Kids Division, where he participated in multiple jury trials that resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts. It was then that he realized his heart and his future was in protecting children and making a difference as the firm expands nationally.

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Compensation for Child Victims: Illinois Crime Victims Compensation Program

October 29th, 2024   No Comments   Uncategorized

 By: Julianna Walo, Esquire 

As a dedicated attorney at Justice for Kids, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound and lasting impact that violent crimes can have on children within the child welfare system. The trauma endured by these young victims often brings unexpected changes to their lives. While no amount of money can erase this trauma, the Illinois Crime Victims Compensation Program offers a crucial lifeline for healing and recovery. 

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Illinois Expands ‘Family’ Definition in Foster Care: Relative Placements Rise, Support Challenges Emerge

October 27th, 2024   No Comments   Advocacy, Foster Care

 By: Julianna Walo, Esquire 

The number of foster children being placed with relatives in Illinois has been steadily climbing over the last decade. The passage of a new state law is expected to fuel the trend. Under the Fictive Kin Law, passed in 2015, Illinois expanded the definition of family to include individuals unrelated by birth or marriage who have developed close ties to the child or the child’s family. Those individuals include close family friends, godparents, step-relatives, or a relative’s spouse or partner from a civil union. In Illinois, relatives and fictive kin are not required to be licensed — and few of them are. That trend has implications for the amount of financial assistance the families get. 

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ABC News: Foster parents of several Turpin siblings sentenced on child abuse charges

October 21st, 2024   No Comments   Abuse

Foster parents who took in several children after they were rescued from previous abuse were sentenced on child abuse charges on October 18. It’s been an unimaginable, tragic course of events for the Turpin children whose parents severely abused them. The siblings were rescued from their home only to face more trauma.

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Howard Talenfeld profiled in AAJ Trial Magazine

October 4th, 2024   No Comments   Advocacy, News & Events

The American Association for Justice (AAJ) spotlighted Justice for Kids co-leader Howard Talenfeld in the October issue of Trial Magazine. Read the article below to learn why Howard was selected as the recipient of the AAJ’s 2024 Trial Lawyers Care Award.

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Leading Children’s Rights Attorney Howard Talenfeld Rejoins Youth Law Center Board

September 16th, 2024   No Comments   Advocacy, News & Events

The Youth Law Center (YLC), a national child advocacy organization, has invited children’s rights attorney Howard M. Talenfeld to join its Board of Directors. Talenfeld, a Business Unit Leader of the Justice for Kids Division of Kelley Kronenberg, previously served on the YLC Board for five years and has dedicated his career to the advocacy and protection of at-risk youth.

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Mother of Young Boy Suffocated in Bed in 2013 Accused of Murder

September 13th, 2024   No Comments   Abuse

The mother of a 4-year-old boy, Antwan Hope Jr., who was suffocated in his bed in 2013 has been arrested on one count of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated child abuse in her son’s death, Coral Springs Police announced on August 26.

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WUFT: Sex crimes against children on the rise in Florida

September 9th, 2024   No Comments   Sexual Abuse

As reported by WUFT, a recent report from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement shows a disturbing increase in sex crimes against children across the state.

The media outlet shared that “local authorities emphasize the importance of community support, education, and vigilance to protect children, urging parents to be aware of online activity and to maintain open communication.”

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Navigating the Complexities of Child Welfare: A Critical Look at Illinois DCFS

By: Julianna Walo, Esquire

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) faces significant challenges in fulfilling its crucial mission of protecting and caring for the state’s most vulnerable children and preventing cases of child neglect by the department itself. As of July 31, 2024, the agency oversees the care of 19,097 children (about the seating capacity of Madison Square Garden), with 7,767 in foster homes and 10,188 placed with relatives. However, a concerning statistic emerges: As of June 30, 2024, 1,074 children remain in institutional settings, including hospitals, health facilities, and group homes.

 

One particularly troubling issue plaguing the system is the practice known as “beyond medical necessity” (BMN). This term refers to children, often around 12 years old, who are kept in psychiatric hospitals or similar facilities long after their medical needs have been addressed. In 2023, the average stay in such placements reached an alarming 94 days – a 20% increase from the previous year, according to DCFS data.

The Cook County Public Guardian’s Office has taken legal action to address this child neglect crisis. Their lawsuit highlights the staggering financial burden of BMN, costing Illinois taxpayers over $125,000 per month. Between 2015 and 2017 alone, more than 800 foster children experienced unnecessary extended hospital stays.

The human cost of BMN is even more concerning. Children confined to these environments often suffer from depression, anger, and fear. They face limited or no access to proper education, outdoor activities, or visits with friends and family – essential elements for healthy development. Experts agree that BMN placements are detrimental to these children’s physical and emotional well-being.

Adding to the complexity of the situation is Illinois’ struggle with lengthy foster care placements. An Expert Panel, convened as part of a federal lawsuit, found that children in Illinois remain in foster care longer than in any other state in the nation. This prolonged instability further compounds the challenges faced by these vulnerable youth.

The roots of the current crisis can be traced back to policy decisions made under former Governor Bruce Rauner’s administration, which saw the elimination of 500 residential beds for foster children. While current Governor J.B. Pritzker has announced plans for 80 new placements, this falls short of addressing the urgent need. As a result, children across Illinois continue to linger in various medical institutions beyond medical necessity, effectively losing precious moments of their childhood.

This situation demands immediate attention and comprehensive reform. As advocates for children’s rights and well-being, it is crucial that we continue to shine a light on these issues and push for meaningful changes in the Illinois child welfare system.

A Call to Action: Protecting Illinois’ Most Vulnerable Children

The challenges faced by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) are not just statistics – they represent real children whose futures hang in the balance. As members of our community, we have a moral obligation to act. Here’s how you can make a difference:

  1. Report Suspected Abuse or Neglect: If you believe a child is at risk, don’t hesitate to speak up. Contact the Illinois DCFS Child Abuse Hotline at 800-25-ABUSE (800-252-2873) or file a report online at [DCFS reporting website]. In emergencies, always call 911 first.
  2. Advocate for Change: Reach out to your local and state representatives. Express your concerns about the “beyond medical necessity” placements and the shortage of appropriate foster care options. Urge them to prioritize funding and reforms for the child welfare system.
  3. Support Foster Families: Consider becoming a foster parent or supporting those who are. Local foster care organizations often need volunteers, mentors, and donations to provide better services for children in care.
  4. Stay Informed: Follow reputable sources for updates on Illinois DCFS policies and practices. Attend community meetings or join local child welfare advocacy groups to learn more about ongoing issues and solutions.
  5. Seek Legal Guidance: If you’re aware of a specific case where a child’s rights may have been violated, or if you’re interested in learning more about advocating for systemic change, consider reaching out to specialized attorneys who focus on child welfare law.

By taking action, we can work towards a future where every child in Illinois has access to safe, nurturing environments and the support they need to thrive. Remember, the well-being of our community’s children is a responsibility we all share.

For more information on how you can get involved or to discuss specific concerns, please contact our office. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of Illinois’ most vulnerable children.

To learn more about Justice for Kids, visit us at www.JusticeForKids.com.

Julianna B. Walo, Esq.
Attorney, Justice for Kids
Chicago, IL
754-888-KIDS (5437)

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