Last week, the Florida Network had the honor of presenting at the 2026 OJDDA Annual Conference alongside probation officers, attorneys, educators, law enforcement officers and other juvenile justice professionals. The conferencefocused on strengthening collaboration and communication strategies to better support youth and families. We’re proud to have represented the Florida Network and contributed to important conversations about the future of juvenile justice. A special thank you to the Oregon Juvenile Department Directors' Association for having us! This presentation is part of our collective efforts to amplify the Florida Network voice and be seen as National Thought Leaders, as challenged by our Board of Directors.

That's a wrap on CINS LEAD 2026! Last week, providers, court representatives, school professionals and DJJ Legal came together to strengthen how we move CINS cases forward—from case staffing and petition decisions to court preparation and follow-up. Through practical discussions and case simulations, participants identified steps to improve consistency statewide and ensure timely support for youth and families. Thank you to our presenters and participants for bringing your experience, insight and commitment to this work!

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 💜 Every family deserves a safe place to turn, and our member organizations provide domestic violence respite placements for youth statewide at no cost to the families. Learn more about respite services at floridanetwork.org. #TheNetworkWorks

Our member organizations are prepared. Our team is engaged. We train year-round to ensure our team is ready to support the youth in our care throughout storm season. To every young person and family served by our network: you are not alone. #TheNetworkWorks

As Hurricane Isaias strengthens, the Florida Network has activated its full hurricane protocol. Daily check-ins are underway with all member organization sites. Every program is completing a pre-storm form through our Florida Network HUB confirming census, emergency supplies and shelter or evacuation plans.

500 youth. One year. One shared commitment. The Florida Network has supported 500 young people on probation, helping them successfully complete a 13-week SNAP® Youth Justice program designed for real growth. This achievement is made possible by our dedicated member organizations and staff, engaged youth, and a strong partnership with the @fladjj. Here’s to the next 500 and to every young person we will help in the future.

On Children's Health Day, we're recognizing our dedicated Florida Network shelter nurses within our member organizations who support the physical, emotional and mental well-being of Florida's at-risk and troubled youth every day. Tag a nurse that is making a difference in your community.

This International Day of Nonviolence, we are reminded that the skills we learn at a young age, can lead to a more peaceful lifetime. Our member organizations teach youth and families the skills to de-escalate conflict before it turns into crisis. Learn how we work to promote peaceful, healthy families at floridanetwork.org. #TheNetworkWorks

“The Florida Network of Youth and Family Services celebrated its 50th anniversary at its annual meeting in Sarasota last week, and it came with a balance sheet: 14,333 youth and families served in 2025, and an estimated $9.19 returned to the state for every $1 it spends on prevention. Members of the Network’s 21 member organizations, elected officials, and stakeholders convened for the two-day celebration, built around the theme “Honoring the Past, Leading the Present, and Shaping the Future.” The program walked attendees through the Network’s history and the people, milestones, and communities behind its work to reach youth and families before they hit a crisis.” Read the full story >>> floridapolitics.com/archives…

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating the Florida Network’s 50th anniversary and five decades of serving Florida’s youth and families. We have tremendous gratitude for where we’ve been and excitement for where we’re going. The first 50 years built the foundation. Now, we’re ready for what comes next. #TheNetworkWorks

During Attendance Awareness Month, the Florida Network recognizes that consistent school attendance can play an important role in helping young people stay connected to their education and their communities. 📚 We also know that barriers outside the classroom can make showing up difficult. That’s why our member organizations work alongside youth and families to address challenges, provide support and help young people stay on a path to success.

We were thrilled and honored to welcome Florida Representative @FionaForFlorida as a guest speaker at this year’s FNYFS Annual Meeting! Thank you, Representative McFarland, for your continued leadership and commitment to Florida’s youth and families. Your insights helped make this year’s meeting a meaningful opportunity to reflect on our progress and look ahead to the work still to come. We’re grateful to have you as a part of this year’s annual meeting!

Thank you to @fladjj Secretary Matt Walsh for joining us as this year’s Annual Meeting & 50th Celebration keynote speaker! Your insights and perspective added an important voice to our conversations about strengthening support for Florida’s youth and families and building a brighter future for the communities we serve. We are grateful for your support and continued partnership.

The Florida Network is incredibly grateful to this week’s event sponsors whose generous support helps bring together the people and organizations who have made our work possible for 50 years. Our 50th Anniversary Celebration is an opportunity to connect, reflect on all we have accomplished together and celebrate the people who have shaped our impact across Florida. Thank you to our generous sponsors for helping us celebrate this incredible milestone and honor the legacy of the Florida Network!

The Florida Network was proud to join fellow leaders, advocates and partners from across the state at the 2026 Florida Children and Families Summit. We’re grateful for the opportunity to connect and celebrate the shared purpose that drives this work forward for Florida’s children, youth and families.

Today, the Florida Network joins communities across the nation in remembering the lives lost on September 11, 2001. We honor the first responders, service members and everyday Americans who demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness, as well as the families whose lives were forever changed. May we continue to carry forward the spirit of service, unity and compassion shown in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

Behind the five decades of lasting impact on Florida’s youth and families, exists incredible support. As we begin our preparations for our 50th anniversary celebration, we would like to give a very special thank you to our Founding Partner Sponsors. Thanks to their dedication, we have been able to serve communities across the state of Florida. Join us as we celebrate both 50 years of impact, and 50 years of commitment!

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, encourage meaningful conversations and remind young people that support is always within reach. 💙 At the Florida Network, our member organizations work every day to provide safe spaces where youth and families can find support during difficult moments. This month and every month, we remain committed to ensuring Florida’s young people know they are never alone. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text 988 to connect with a crisis counselor, or visit >> floridanetwork.org/help

Today is National Grief Awareness Day. Many of the young people in our care experience grief in many forms. While their grief isn’t always visible, it deserves our compassion and support. By creating safe spaces for conversation and connection, we can help youth process difficult emotions and remind them they are not alone.

Incredible leadership by Florida @AGJamesUthmeier! Thank you for fighting for Florida’s most vulnerable, paving the way for these kids to have a brighter future.