Florida's Children First Inc: Form 990 2020

(A) Name and title	(B) Average hours per week (list any hours for related organizations below dotted line)	(C) Position (do not check more than one box, unless person is both an officer and a director/trustee)
(1) CHRISTINA SPUDEAS...................................................................... EXECUTIVE DI	40.00 .................		X	117,289
(2) THEODORE BABBITT...................................................................... DIRECTOR	1.00 .................	X		0
(3) DICK BATCHELOR...................................................................... DIRECTOR	1.00 .................	X		0
(4) DEBBIE DICKSON...................................................................... DIRECTOR	1.00 .................	X		0
(5) JESSE DINER...................................................................... DIRECTOR	1.00 .................	X		0
(6) RICHARD FILSON...................................................................... DIRECTOR	1.00 .................	X		0
(7) MICHAEL HIGER...................................................................... DIRECTOR	1.00 .................	X		0
(8) ALAN S LEVINE...................................................................... DIRECTOR	1.00 .................	X		0
(9) BRUCE MAXWELL...................................................................... DIRECTOR	1.00 .................	X		0
(10) TODD MCPHARLIN...................................................................... DIRECTOR	1.00 .................	X		0
(11) EDITH OSMAN...................................................................... DIRECTOR	1.00 .................	X		0
(12) BERNARD PERLMUTTER...................................................................... DIRECTOR	1.00 .................	X		0
(13) JOSHUA RYDELL...................................................................... DIRECTOR	1.00 .................	X		0
(14) RICHARD SLAWSON...................................................................... DIRECTOR	1.00 .................	X		0
(15) JULIE TALENFELD...................................................................... DIRECTOR	1.00 .................	X		0
(16) JENNIFER VOSS...................................................................... DIRECTOR	1.00 .................	X		0
(17) JEFFREY WANK...................................................................... DIRECTOR	1.00 .................	X		0

- TIN:

SCHEDULE A
(Form 990 or 990EZ)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Public Charity Status and Public Support

Complete if the organization is a section 501(c)(3) organization or a section 4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust.
right arrow

Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.
right arrow

Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2020

Open to Public
Inspection

Name of the organization

FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST INC

Employer identification number

52-2372998

Part I

Reason for Public Charity Status (All organizations must complete this part.) See instructions.

The organization is not a private foundation because it is: (For lines 1 through 12, check only one box.)

A church, convention of churches, or association of churches described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(i).

A school described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii). (Attach Schedule E (Form 990 or 990-EZ).)

A hospital or a cooperative hospital service organization described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(iii).

A medical research organization operated in conjunction with a hospital described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(iii). Enter the hospital's name, city, and state:

An organization operated for the benefit of a college or university owned or operated by a governmental unit described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(iv). (Complete Part II.)

A federal, state, or local government or governmental unit described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(v).

An organization that normally receives a substantial part of its support from a governmental unit or from the general public described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi). (Complete Part II.)

A community trust described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi). (Complete Part II.)

An agricultural research organization described in 170(b)(1)(A)(ix) operated in conjunction with a land-grant college or university or a non-land grant college of agriculture. See instructions. Enter the name, city, and state of the college or university:

An organization that normally receives: (1) more than 331/3% of its support from contributions, membership fees, and gross receipts from activities related to its exempt functions—subject to certain exceptions, and (2) no more than 331/3% of its support from gross investment income and unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 tax) from businesses acquired by the organization after June 30, 1975. See section 509(a)(2). (Complete Part III.)

An organization organized and operated exclusively to test for public safety. See section 509(a)(4).

An organization organized and operated exclusively for the benefit of, to perform the functions of, or to carry out the purposes of one or more publicly supported organizations described in section 509(a)(1) or section 509(a)(2). See section 509(a)(3). Check the box in lines 12a through 12d that describes the type of supporting organization and complete lines 12e, 12f, and 12g.

Type I. A supporting organization operated, supervised, or controlled by its supported organization(s), typically by giving the supported organization(s) the power to regularly appoint or elect a majority of the directors or trustees of the supporting organization. You must complete Part IV, Sections A and B.

Type II. A supporting organization supervised or controlled in connection with its supported organization(s), by having control or management of the supporting organization vested in the same persons that control or manage the supported organization(s). You must complete Part IV, Sections A and C.

Type III functionally integrated. A supporting organization operated in connection with, and functionally integrated with, its supported organization(s) (see instructions). You must complete Part IV, Sections A, D, and E.

Type III non-functionally integrated. A supporting organization operated in connection with its supported organization(s) that is not functionally integrated. The organization generally must satisfy a distribution requirement and an attentiveness requirement (see instructions). You must complete Part IV, Sections A and D, and Part V.

Check this box if the organization received a written determination from the IRS that it is a Type I, Type II, Type III functionally integrated, or Type III non-functionally integrated supporting organization.

Enter the number of supported organizations ...............................

Provide the following information about the supported organization(s).

(i) Name of supported organization	(ii) EIN	(iv) Is the organization listed in your governing document?		(v) Amount of monetary support (see instructions)	(vi) Amount of other support (see instructions)
(i) Name of supported organization	(ii) EIN	Yes	No	(v) Amount of monetary support (see instructions)	(vi) Amount of other support (see instructions)


Total

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for
Form 990 or 990-EZ.

Cat. No. 11285F

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2020

Page 2

Part II

Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Sections 170(b)(1)(A)(iv) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi)
(Complete only if you checked the box on line 5, 7, or 8 of Part I or if the organization failed to qualify under Part III. If the organization failed to qualify under the tests listed below, please complete Part III.)

Section A. Public Support

Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)		(a) 2016	(b) 2017	(c) 2018	(d) 2019	(e) 2020	(f) Total
1	Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grant.") ..	1,285,373	1,033,032	971,850	895,526	1,401,574	5,587,355
2	Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf....
3	The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..
4	Total. Add lines 1 through 3	1,285,373	1,033,032	971,850	895,526	1,401,574	5,587,355
5	The portion of total contributions by each person (other than a governmental unit or publicly supported organization) included on line 1 that exceeds 2% of the amount shown on line 11, column (f)..
6	Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4.						5,587,355

Section B. Total Support

Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)		(a) 2016	(b) 2017	(c) 2018	(d) 2019	(e) 2020	(f) Total
7	Amounts from line 4..	1,285,373	1,033,032	971,850	895,526	1,401,574	5,587,355
8	Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources...			12,917	10,715	7,697	31,329
9	Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on..
10	Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.)..
11	Total support. Add lines 7 through 10						5,618,684

Gross receipts from related activities, etc. (see instructions) ..................

16,225

First 5 years. If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a section 501(c)(3) organization, check this box and stop here........................................ right arrow

Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage

Public support percentage for 2020 (line 6, column (f) divided by line 11, column (f)) .........

99.440 %

Public support percentage for 2019 Schedule A, Part II, line 14 ...............

99.540 %

16a

33 1/3% support test—2020. If the organization did not check the box on line 13, and line 14 is 33 1/3% or more, check this box
and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization ....................... right arrow

33 1/3% support test—2019. If the organization did not check a box on line 13 or 16a, and line 15 is 33 1/3% or more, check this
box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization ..................... right arrow

17a

10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2020. If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, or 16b, and line 14
is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test, check this box and stop here. Explain
in Part VI how the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported
organization ..................................................... right arrow

10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2019. If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, or 17a, and line
15 is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test, check this box and stop here.
Explain in Part VI how the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly
supported organization ................................................ right arrow

Private foundation. If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, 17a, or 17b, check this box and see
instructions ..................................................... right arrow

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2020

Page 3

Part III

Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Section 509(a)(2)
(Complete only if you checked the box on line 10 of Part I or if the organization failed to qualify under Part II. If the organization fails to qualify under the tests listed below, please complete Part II.)

Section A. Public Support

Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)		(a) 2016	(b) 2017	(c) 2018	(d) 2019	(e) 2020	(f) Total
1	Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") .
2	Gross receipts from admissions, merchandise sold or services performed, or facilities furnished in any activity that is related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose
3	Gross receipts from activities that are not an unrelated trade or business under section 513 .....
4	Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf...
5	The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge
6	Total. Add lines 1 through 5
7a	Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons
b	Amounts included on lines 2 and 3 received from other than disqualified persons that exceed the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the amount on line 13 for the year.
c	Add lines 7a and 7b..
8	Public support. (Subtract line 7c from line 6.)

Section B. Total Support

Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)		(a) 2016	(b) 2017	(c) 2018	(d) 2019	(e) 2020	(f) Total
9	Amounts from line 6...
10a	Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources..
b	Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1975.
c	Add lines 10a and 10b.
11	Net income from unrelated business activities not included in line 10b, whether or not the business is regularly carried on.
12	Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.) ..
13	Total support. (Add lines 9, 10c, 11, and 12.)..

First 5 years. If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a section 501(c)(3) organization,
check this box and stop here............................................. right arrow

Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage

Public support percentage for 2020 (line 8, column (f) divided by line 13, column (f)) .........

Public support percentage from 2019 Schedule A, Part III, line 15 ...............

Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage

Investment income percentage for 2020 (line 10c, column (f) divided by line 13, column (f)) ......

Investment income percentage from 2019 Schedule A, Part III, line 17 .............

19a

331/3% support tests—2020. If the organization did not check the box on line 14, and line 15 is more than 33 1/3%, and line 17 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization ....... right arrow

33 1/3% support tests—2019. If the organization did not check a box on line 14 or line 19a, and line 16 is more than 33 1/3% and line 18 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization .... right arrow

Private foundation. If the organization did not check a box on line 14, 19a, or 19b, check this box and see instructions .... right arrow

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2020

Page 4

Part IV

Supporting Organizations

(Complete only if you checked a box on line 12 of Part I. If you checked box 12a, of Part I, complete Sections A and B. If you checked box 12b, of Part I, complete Sections A and C. If you checked box 12c, of Part I, complete Sections A, D, and E. If you checked box12d, of Part I, complete Sections A and D, and complete Part V.)

Section A. All Supporting Organizations

Yes

Are all of the organization’s supported organizations listed by name in the organization’s governing documents?
If "No," describe in Part VI how the supported organizations are designated. If designated by class or purpose,
describe the designation. If historic and continuing relationship, explain.

Did the organization have any supported organization that does not have an IRS determination of status under section 509(a)(1) or (2)? If "Yes," explain in Part VI how the organization determined that the supported organization was described in section 509(a)(1) or (2).

Did the organization have a supported organization described in section 501(c)(4), (5), or (6)? If "Yes," answer lines 3b and 3c below.

Did the organization confirm that each supported organization qualified under section 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) and satisfied the public support tests under section 509(a)(2)? If "Yes," describe in Part VI when and how the organization made the determination.

Did the organization ensure that all support to such organizations was used exclusively for section 170(c)(2)(B) purposes? If "Yes," explain in Part VI what controls the organization put in place to ensure such use.

Was any supported organization not organized in the United States ("foreign supported organization")? If “Yes” and if you checked box 12a or 12b in Part I, answer lines 4b and 4c below.

Did the organization have ultimate control and discretion in deciding whether to make grants to the foreign supported organization? If “Yes,” describe in Part VI how the organization had such control and discretion despite being controlled or supervised by or in connection with its supported organizations.

Did the organization support any foreign supported organization that does not have an IRS determination under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) or (2)? If “Yes,” explain in Part VI what controls the organization used to ensure that all support to the foreign supported organization was used exclusively for section 170(c)(2)(B) purposes.

Did the organization add, substitute, or remove any supported organizations during the tax year? If “Yes,” answer lines 5b and 5c below (if applicable). Also, provide detail in Part VI, including (i) the names and EIN numbers of the supported organizations added, substituted, or removed; (ii) the reasons for each such action; (iii) the authority under the organization's organizing document authorizing such action; and (iv) how the action was accomplished (such as by amendment to the organizing document).

Type I or Type II only. Was any added or substituted supported organization part of a class already designated in the organization's organizing document?

Substitutions only. Was the substitution the result of an event beyond the organization's control?

Did the organization provide support (whether in the form of grants or the provision of services or facilities) to anyone other than (i) its supported organizations, (ii) individuals that are part of the charitable class benefited by one or more of its supported organizations, or (iii) other supporting organizations that also support or benefit one or more of the filing organization’s supported organizations? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI.

Did the organization provide a grant, loan, compensation, or other similar payment to a substantial contributor (defined in section 4958(c)(3)(C)), a family member of a substantial contributor, or a 35% controlled entity with regard to a substantial contributor? If “Yes,” complete Part I of Schedule L (Form 990 or 990-EZ) .

Did the organization make a loan to a disqualified person (as defined in section 4958) not described in line 7? If “Yes,” complete Part I of Schedule L (Form 990 or 990-EZ).

Was the organization controlled directly or indirectly at any time during the tax year by one or more disqualified persons, as defined in section 4946 (other than foundation managers and organizations described in section 509(a)(1) or (2))? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI.

Did one or more disqualified persons (as defined in line 9a) hold a controlling interest in any entity in which the supporting organization had an interest? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI.

Did a disqualified person (as defined in line 9a) have an ownership interest in, or derive any personal benefit from, assets in which the supporting organization also had an interest? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI.

10a

Was the organization subject to the excess business holdings rules of section 4943 because of section 4943(f) (regarding certain Type II supporting organizations, and all Type III non-functionally integrated supporting organizations)? If “Yes,” answer line 10b below.

10a

Did the organization have any excess business holdings in the tax year? (Use Schedule C, Form 4720, to determine whether the organization had excess business holdings).

10b

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2020

Page 5

Part IV

Supporting Organizations (continued)

Yes

Has the organization accepted a gift or contribution from any of the following persons?

A person who directly or indirectly controls, either alone or together with persons described in lines 11b and 11c below, the governing body of a supported organization?

11a

A family member of a person described in 11a above?

11b

A 35% controlled entity of a person described in line 11a or 11b above? If “Yes” to 11a, 11b, or 11c, provide detail in Part VI.

11c

Section B. Type I Supporting Organizations

Yes

Did the officers, directors, trustees, or membership of one or more supported organizations have the power to regularly appoint or elect at least a majority of the organization’s directors or trustees at all times during the tax year? If “No,” describe in Part VI how the supported organization(s) effectively operated, supervised, or controlled the organization’s activities. If the organization had more than one supported organization, describe how the powers to appoint and/or remove directors or trustees were allocated among the supported organizations and what conditions or restrictions, if any, applied to such powers during the tax year.

Did the organization operate for the benefit of any supported organization other than the supported organization(s) that operated, supervised, or controlled the supporting organization? If “Yes,” explain in Part VI how providing such benefit carried out the purposes of the supported organization(s) that operated, supervised or controlled the supporting organization.

Section C. Type II Supporting Organizations

Yes

Were a majority of the organization’s directors or trustees during the tax year also a majority of the directors or trustees of each of the organization’s supported organization(s)? If “No,” describe in Part VI how control or management of the supporting organization was vested in the same persons that controlled or managed the supported organization(s).

Section D. All Type III Supporting Organizations

Yes

Did the organization provide to each of its supported organizations, by the last day of the fifth month of the organization’s tax year, (i) a written notice describing the type and amount of support provided during the prior tax year, (ii) a copy of the Form 990 that was most recently filed as of the date of notification, and (iii) copies of the organization’s governing documents in effect on the date of notification, to the extent not previously provided?

Were any of the organization’s officers, directors, or trustees either (i) appointed or elected by the supported organization(s) or (ii) serving on the governing body of a supported organization? If "No," explain in Part VI how the organization maintained a close and continuous working relationship with the supported organization(s).

By reason of the relationship described in line 2 above, did the organization’s supported organizations have a significant voice in the organization’s investment policies and in directing the use of the organization’s income or assets at all times during the tax year? If "Yes," describe in Part VI the role the organization’s supported organizations played in this regard.

Section E. Type III Functionally-Integrated Supporting Organizations

Check the box next to the method that the organization used to satisfy the Integral Part Test during the year (see instructions):

The organization satisfied the Activities Test. Complete line 2 below.

The organization is the parent of each of its supported organizations. Complete line 3 below.

The organization supported a governmental entity. Describe in Part VI how you supported a government entity (see instructions)

Activities Test. Answer lines 2a and 2b below.

Yes

Did substantially all of the organization’s activities during the tax year directly further the exempt purposes of the supported organization(s) to which the organization was responsive? If "Yes," then in Part VI identify those supported organizations and explain how these activities directly furthered their exempt purposes, how the organization was responsive to those supported organizations, and how the organization determined that these activities constituted substantially all of its activities.

Did the activities described in line 2a, above constitute activities that, but for the organization’s involvement, one or more of the organization’s supported organization(s) would have been engaged in? If "Yes," explain in Part VI the reasons for the organization’s position that its supported organization(s) would have engaged in these activities but for the organization’s involvement.

Parent of Supported Organizations. Answer lines 3a and 3b below.

Did the organization have the power to regularly appoint or elect a majority of the officers, directors, or trustees of each of the supported organizations?If "Yes" or "No", provide details in Part VI.

Did the organization exercise a substantial degree of direction over the policies, programs and activities of each of its supported organizations? If "Yes," describe in Part VI. the role played by the organization in this regard.

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2020

Page 6

Part V

Type III Non-Functionally Integrated 509(a)(3) Supporting Organizations

Check here if the organization satisfied the Integral Part Test as a qualifying trust on Nov. 20, 1970 (explain in Part VI). See instructions. All other Type III non-functionally integrated supporting organizations must complete Sections A through E.

	Section A - Adjusted Net Income		(A) Prior Year	(B) Current Year (optional)
1	Net short-term capital gain	1
2	Recoveries of prior-year distributions	2
3	Other gross income (see instructions)	3
4	Add lines 1 through 3	4
5	Depreciation and depletion	5
6	Portion of operating expenses paid or incurred for production or collection of gross income or for management, conservation, or maintenance of property held for production of income (see instructions)	6
7	Other expenses (see instructions)	7
8	Adjusted Net Income (subtract lines 5, 6 and 7 from line 4)	8

	Section B - Minimum Asset Amount		(A) Prior Year	(B) Current Year (optional)
1	Aggregate fair market value of all non-exempt-use assets (see instructions for short tax year or assets held for part of year):	1
a	Average monthly value of securities	1a
b	Average monthly cash balances	1b
c	Fair market value of other non-exempt-use assets	1c
d	Total (add lines 1a, 1b, and 1c)	1d
e	Discount claimed for blockage or other factors (explain in detail in Part VI):
2	Acquisition indebtedness applicable to non-exempt use assets	2
3	Subtract line 2 from line 1d	3
4	Cash deemed held for exempt use. Enter 0.015 of line 3 (for greater amount, see instructions).	4
5	Net value of non-exempt-use assets (subtract line 4 from line 3)	5
6	Multiply line 5 by 0.035	6
7	Recoveries of prior-year distributions	7
8	Minimum Asset Amount (add line 7 to line 6)	8

	Section C - Distributable Amount		Current Year
1	Adjusted net income for prior year (from Section A, line 8, Column A)	1
2	Enter 85% of line 1	2
3	Minimum asset amount for prior year (from Section B, line 8, Column A)	3
4	Enter greater of line 2 or line 3	4
5	Income tax imposed in prior year	5
6	Distributable Amount. Subtract line 5 from line 4, unless subject to emergency temporary reduction (see instructions)	6

Check here if the current year is the organization's first as a non-functionally-integrated Type III supporting organization (see instructions)

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2020

Page 7

Part V

Type III Non-Functionally Integrated 509(a)(3) Supporting Organizations(continued)

Section D - Distributions		Current Year
1 Amounts paid to supported organizations to accomplish exempt purposes	1
2 Amounts paid to perform activity that directly furthers exempt purposes of supported organizations, in excess of income from activity	2
3 Administrative expenses paid to accomplish exempt purposes of supported organizations	3
4 Amounts paid to acquire exempt-use assets	4
5 Qualified set-aside amounts (prior IRS approval required - provide details in Part VI)	5
6 Other distributions (describe in Part VI). See instructions	6
7Total annual distributions. Add lines 1 through 6.	7
8 Distributions to attentive supported organizations to which the organization is responsive (provide details in Part VI). See instructions	8
9 Distributable amount for 2020 from Section C, line 6	9
10 Line 8 amount divided by Line 9 amount	10

Section E - Distribution Allocations (see instructions)		(i) Excess Distributions	(ii) Underdistributions Pre-2020	(iii) Distributable Amount for 2020
1 Distributable amount for 2020 from Section C, line 6
2 Underdistributions, if any, for years prior to 2019 (reasonable cause required-- explain in Part VI). See instructions.
3 Excess distributions carryover, if any, to 2020:
a From 2015.......
b From 2016.......
c From 2017.......
d From 2018.......
e From 2019.......
fTotal of lines 3a through e
g Applied to underdistributions of prior years
h Applied to 2020 distributable amount
i Carryover from 2015 not applied (see instructions)
j Remainder. Subtract lines 3g, 3h, and 3i from line 3f.
4Distributions for 2020 from Section D, line 7:
$
a Applied to underdistributions of prior years
b Applied to 2020 distributable amount
c Remainder. Subtract lines 4a and 4b from line 4.
5 Remaining underdistributions for years prior to 2020, if any. Subtract lines 3g and 4a from line 2. If the amount is greater than zero, explain in Part VI. See instructions.
6 Remaining underdistributions for 2020. Subtract lines 3h and 4b from line 1. If the amount is greater than zero, explain in Part VI. See instructions.
7 Excess distributions carryover to 2021. Add lines 3j and 4c.
8 Breakdown of line 7:
a Excess from 2016.....
b Excess from 2017.....
c Excess from 2018.....
d Excess from 2019.....
e Excess from 2020.....

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) (2020)

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2020

Page 8

Part VI

Supplemental Information. Provide the explanations required by Part II, line 10; Part II, line 17a or 17b; Part III, line 12; Part IV, Section A, lines 1, 2, 3b, 3c, 4b, 4c, 5a, 6, 9a, 9b, 9c, 11a, 11b, and 11c; Part IV, Section B, lines 1 and 2; Part IV, Section C, line 1; Part IV, Section D, lines 2 and 3; Part IV, Section E, lines 1c, 2a, 2b, 3a and 3b; Part V, line 1; Part V, Section B, line 1e; Part V Section D, lines 5, 6, and 8; and Part V, Section E, lines 2, 5, and 6. Also complete this part for any additional information. (See instructions).

Facts And Circumstances Test

Return Reference	Explanation

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2020

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

- TIN:

Schedule B
(Form 990, 990-EZ,
or 990-PF)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Schedule of Contributors

Attach to Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF.

Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for the latest information.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2020

Name of the organization

FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST INC

Employer identification number

52-2372998

Organization type (check one):

Filers of:

Section:

Form 990 or 990-EZ

501(c)( ) (enter number) organization

4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust not treated as a private foundation

527 political organization

Form 990-PF

501(c)(3) exempt private foundation

4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust treated as a private foundation

501(c)(3) taxable private foundation

Check if your organization is covered by the General Rule or a Special Rule.
Note: Only a section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) organization can check boxes for both the General Rule and a Special Rule. See instructions.

General Rule

For an organization filing Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF that received, during the year, contributions totaling $5,000 or more (in money or other property) from any one contributor. Complete Parts I and II. See instructions for determining a contributor's total contributions.

Special Rules

For an organization described in section 501(c)(3) filing Form 990 or 990-EZ that met the 33¹/3% support test of the regulations
under sections 509(a)(1) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi), that checked Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ), Part II, line 13, 16a, or 16b, and that received from any one contributor, during the year, total contributions of the greater of (1) $5,000 or (2) 2% of the amount on (i) Form 990, Part VIII, line 1h, or (ii) Form 990-EZ, line 1. Complete Parts I and II.

For an organization described in section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) filing Form 990 or 990-EZ that received from any one contributor,
during the year, total contributions of more than $1,000 exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes, or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals. Complete Parts I, II, and III.

For an organization described in section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) filing Form 990 or 990-EZ that received from any one contributor,
during the year, contributions exclusively for religious, charitable, etc., purposes, but no such contributions totaled more than $1,000. If this box is checked, enter here the total contributions that were received during the year for an exclusively religious, charitable, etc., purpose. Don't complete any of the parts unless the General Rule applies to this organization because it received nonexclusively religious, charitable, etc., contributions totaling $5,000 or more during the year ......... Arrow Bullet

Caution: An organization that isn't covered by the General Rule and/or the Special Rules doesn't file Schedule B (Form 990,
990-EZ, or 990-PF), but it must answer “No” on Part IV, line 2, of its Form 990; or check the box on line H of its Form 990-EZ
or on its Form 990PF, Part I, line 2, to certify that it doesn't meet the filing requirements of Schedule B (Form 990,
990-EZ, or 990-PF).

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions
for Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF.

Cat. No. 30613XSchedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2020)

Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2020) Page 2

Name of organization FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST INC

Part I Contributors	Contributors (see instructions). Use duplicate copies of Part I if additional space is needed.
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
RESTRICTED	,	$ RESTRICTED	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2020)

Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2020)

Page 3

Name of organization FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST INC		Employer identification number 52-2372998

Part II	Noncash Property (see instructions). Use duplicate copies of Part II if additional space is needed.
(a) No. from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (See instructions)	(d) Date received
		$
(a) No. from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (See instructions)	(d) Date received
		$
(a) No. from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (See instructions)	(d) Date received
		$
(a) No. from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (See instructions)	(d) Date received
		$
(a) No. from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (See instructions)	(d) Date received
		$
(a) No. from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (See instructions)	(d) Date received
		$
Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2020)

Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2020)

Page 4


Name of organization FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST INC			Employer identification number 52-2372998
Part III Exclusively religious, charitable, etc., contributions to organizations described in section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) that total more than $1,000 for the year from any one contributor. Complete columns (a) through (e) and the following line entry. For organizations completing Part III, enter the total of exclusively religious, charitable, etc., contributions of $1,000 or less for the year. (Enter this information once. See instructions.) $ Use duplicate copies of Part III if additional space is needed.

(a)
No. from Part I

(b) Purpose of gift

(d) Description of how gift is held

(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4	Relationship of transferor to transferee

(a)
No. from Part I

(b) Purpose of gift

(d) Description of how gift is held

(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4	Relationship of transferor to transferee

(a)
No. from Part I

(b) Purpose of gift

(d) Description of how gift is held

(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4	Relationship of transferor to transferee

(a)
No. from Part I

(b) Purpose of gift

(d) Description of how gift is held

(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4	Relationship of transferor to transferee

Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2020)

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

- TIN:

SCHEDULE D
(Form 990)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Supplemental Financial Statements

Complete if the organization answered "Yes," on Form 990,
Part IV, line 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 12a, or 12b.
SchDMd Bullet

Attach to Form 990.
SchDMd Bullet

Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2020

Open to Public Inspection

Name of the organization

FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST INC

Employer identification number

52-2372998

Part I

Organizations Maintaining Donor Advised Funds or Other Similar Funds or Accounts. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 6.

		(a) Donor advised funds	(b) Funds and other accounts
1	Total number at end of year .........
2	Aggregate value of contributions to (during year)
3	Aggregate value of grants from (during year)
4	Aggregate value at end of year ........

Did the organization inform all donors and donor advisors in writing that the assets held in donor advised funds are the organization’s property, subject to the organization’s exclusive legal control? ............

Yes No

Did the organization inform all grantees, donors, and donor advisors in writing that grant funds can be used only for charitable purposes and not for the benefit of the donor or donor advisor, or for any other purpose conferring impermissible private benefit? ...................................

Yes No

Part II

Conservation Easements.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 7.

Purpose(s) of conservation easements held by the organization (check all that apply).

Preservation of land for public use (e.g., recreation or education) Preservation of an historically important land area

Protection of natural habitat Preservation of a certified historic structure

Preservation of open space

Complete lines 2a through 2d if the organization held a qualified conservation contribution in the form of a conservation easement on the last day of the tax year.


a	Total number of conservation easements ......................	2a
b	Total acreage restricted by conservation easements ....................	2b
c	Number of conservation easements on a certified historic structure included in (a) .....	2c
d	Number of conservation easements included in (c) acquired after 7/25/06, and not on a historic structure listed in the National Register ...	2d

Number of conservation easements modified, transferred, released, extinguished, or terminated by the organization during the
tax year SchDMd Bullet

Number of states where property subject to conservation easement is located SchDMd Bullet

Does the organization have a written policy regarding the periodic monitoring, inspection, handling of violations, and enforcement of the conservation easements it holds? ............

Yes No

Staff and volunteer hours devoted to monitoring, inspecting, handling of violations, and enforcing conservation easements during the year
SchDMd Bullet

Amount of expenses incurred in monitoring, inspecting, handling of violations, and enforcing conservation easements during the year
SchDMd Bullet

Does each conservation easement reported on line 2(d) above satisfy the requirements of section 170(h)(4)(B)(i) and section 170(h)(4)(B)(ii)? .............................

Yes No

In Part XIII, describe how the organization reports conservation easements in its revenue and expense statement, and
balance sheet, and include, if applicable, the text of the footnote to the organization’s financial statements that describes
the organization’s accounting for conservation easements.

Part III

Organizations Maintaining Collections of Art, Historical Treasures, or Other Similar Assets.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 8.

If the organization elected, as permitted under FASB ASC 958, not to report in its revenue statement and balance sheet works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets held for public exhibition, education, or research in furtherance of public service, provide, in Part XIII, the text of the footnote to its financial statements that describes these items.

If the organization elected, as permitted under FASB ASC 958, to report in its revenue statement and balance sheet works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets held for public exhibition, education, or research in furtherance of public service, provide the following amounts relating to these items:

(i)

Revenue included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 1 ......................... SchDMd Bullet

(ii)

Assets included in Form 990, Part X ............................... SchDMd Bullet

If the organization received or held works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets for financial gain, provide the
following amounts required to be reported under FASB ASC 958 relating to these items:

Revenue included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 1 .......................... SchDMd Bullet

Assets included in Form 990, Part X ............................... SchDMd Bullet

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.

Cat. No. 52283D

Schedule D (Form 990) 2020

Page 2

Part III

Organizations Maintaining Collections of Art, Historical Treasures, or Other Similar Assets (continued)

Using the organization’s acquisition, accession, and other records, check any of the following that are a significant use of its collection items (check all that apply):

Public exhibition

Loan or exchange programs

Scholarly research

Other

Preservation for future generations

Provide a description of the organization’s collections and explain how they further the organization’s exempt purpose in
Part XIII.

During the year, did the organization solicit or receive donations of art, historical treasures or other similar
assets to be sold to raise funds rather than to be maintained as part of the organization’s collection?...

Yes No

Part IV

Escrow and Custodial Arrangements. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 9, or reported an amount on Form 990, Part X, line 21.

Is the organization an agent, trustee, custodian or other intermediary for contributions or other assets not
included on Form 990, Part X? ....................................

Yes No


b	If "Yes," explain the arrangement in Part XIII and complete the following table:		Amount
c	Beginning balance .............................	1c
d	Additions during the year ............................	1d
e	Distributions during the year ..........................	1e
f	Ending balance ................................	1f

Did the organization include an amount on Form 990, Part X, line 21, for escrow or custodial account liability? ...

Yes No

If "Yes," explain the arrangement in Part XIII. Check here if the explanation has been provided in Part XIII ....

Part V

Endowment Funds.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 10.

		(a) Current year	(b) Prior year	(c) Two years back	(d) Three years back	(e) Four years back

1a	Beginning of year balance ....
b	Contributions ...
c	Net investment earnings, gains, and losses
d	Grants or scholarships ...
e	Other expenditures for facilities and programs ...
f	Administrative expenses ....
g	End of year balance ......

Provide the estimated percentage of the current year end balance (line 1g, column (a)) held as:

Board designated or quasi-endowment SchDMd Bullet

Permanent endowment SchDMd Bullet

Term endowment SchDMd Bullet

The percentages on lines 2a, 2b, and 2c should equal 100%.

Are there endowment funds not in the possession of the organization that are held and administered for the
organization by:

Yes

(i) Unrelated organizations .......................

3a(i)

(ii) Related organizations .......................

3a(ii)

If "Yes" on 3a(ii), are the related organizations listed as required on Schedule R? .........

Describe in Part XIII the intended uses of the organization's endowment funds.

Part VI

Land, Buildings, and Equipment.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 11a. See Form 990, Part X, line 10.

Description of property		(a) Cost or other basis (investment)	(b) Cost or other basis (other)	(c) Accumulated depreciation	(d) Book value

1a	Land .....
b	Buildings ....
c	Leasehold improvements
d	Equipment ....	14,343	13,644	699
e	Other .....
Total. Add lines 1a through 1e. (Column (d) must equal Form 990, Part X, column (B), line 10(c).)..				699

Schedule D (Form 990) 2020

Page 3

Part VII

Investments - Other Securities.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 11b. See Form 990, Part X, line 12.

(a) Description of security or category (including name of security)	(b) Book value	(c) Method of valuation: Cost or end-of-year market value
(1) Financial derivatives.........
(2) Closely-held equity interests........
(3)Other
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
(F)
(G)
(H)
(I)
Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col. (B) line 12.)

Part VIII

Investments - Program Related. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11c. See Form 990, Part X, line 13.

(a) Description of investment	(b) Book value	(c) Method of valuation: Cost or end-of-year market value

(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 13.)

Part IX

Other Assets.
Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11d. See Form 990, Part X, line 15.

(a) Description				(b) Book value

(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 15.)...........

Part X

Other Liabilities.
Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11e or 11f. See Form 990, Part X, line 25.

1.(a) Description of liability	(b) Book value
(1) Federal income taxes
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 25.)	655
2. Liability for uncertain tax positions. In Part XIII, provide the text of the footnote to the organization's financial statements that reports the organization's liability for uncertain tax positions under FIN 48 (ASC 740). Check here if the text of the footnote has been provided in Part XIII

Schedule D (Form 990) 2020

Page 4

Part XI Reconciliation of Revenue per Audited Financial Statements With Revenue per Return. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 12a.
1	Total revenue, gains, and other support per audited financial statements .......			1	1,417,477
2	Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12:
a	Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments ....	2a	9,885
b	Donated services and use of facilities .........	2b
c	Recoveries of prior year grants ...........	2c
d	Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ............	2d
e	Add lines 2a through 2d .....................			2e	9,885
3	Subtract line 2e from line 1..................			3	1,407,592
4	Amounts included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12, but not on line 1:
a	Investment expenses not included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 7b .	4a	1,679
b	Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ...........	4b
c	Add lines 4a and 4b....................			4c	1,679
5	Total revenue. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 12.) ......			5	1,409,271

Part XII Reconciliation of Expenses per Audited Financial Statements With Expenses per Return. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 12a.
1	Total expenses and losses per audited financial statements ...........		1	1,174,354
2	Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part IX, line 25:
a	Donated services and use of facilities .........	2a
b	Prior year adjustments ............	2b
c	Other losses ................	2c
d	Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ............	2d
e	Add lines 2a through 2d....................		2e
3	Subtract line 2e from line 1...................		3	1,174,354
4	Amounts included on Form 990, Part IX, line 25, but not on line 1:
a	Investment expenses not included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 7b ..	4a
b	Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ............	4b
c	Add lines 4a and 4b.....................		4c
5	Total expenses. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 18.) ......		5	1,174,354

Part XIII

Supplemental Information

Provide the descriptions required for Part II, lines 3, 5, and 9; Part III, lines 1a and 4; Part lV, lines 1b and 2b; Part V, line 4; Part X, line 2; Part XI, lines 2d and 4b; and Part XII, lines 2d and 4b. Also complete this part to provide any additional information.

Return Reference	Explanation

Schedule D (Form 990) 2020

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

- TIN:

SCHEDULE M
(Form 990)

Department of the Treasury

Internal Revenue Service

Noncash Contributions

Complete if the organizations answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, lines 29 or 30.
Right pointing arrow large image

Attach to Form 990.
Right pointing arrow large image

Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for the latest information.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2020

Open to Public Inspection

Name of the organization

FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST INC

Employer identification number

52-2372998

Part I

Types of Property

	(a) Check if applicable	(b) Number of contributions or items contributed	(c) Noncash contribution amounts reported on Form 990, Part VIII, line 1g
1 Art—Works of art ....
2 Art—Historical treasures .
3 Art—Fractional interests ..
4 Books and publications ..
5 Clothing and household goods .......
6 Cars and other vehicles ..
7 Boats and planes ....
8 Intellectual property ...
9 Securities—Publicly traded .
10 Securities—Closely held stock .
11 Securities—Partnership, LLC, or trust interests ....
12 Securities—Miscellaneous ..
13 Qualified conservation contribution—Historic structures .....
14 Qualified conservation contribution—Other ...
15 Real estate—Residential .
16 Real estate—Commercial ..
17 Real estate—Other ...
18 Collectibles .....
19 Food inventory ...
20 Drugs and medical supplies .
21 Taxidermy ......
22 Historical artifacts ....
23 Scientific specimens ..
24 Archeological artifacts ...
25 Other ( LEGAL SERVICES )	X	6	369,714
26 Other ( LEGAL SERVICES )	X	1	107,902
27 Other ( )
28 Other ( )

Number of Forms 8283 received by the organization during the tax year for contributions
for which the organization completed Form 8283, Part IV, Donee Acknowledgement

Yes

30a

During the year, did the organization receive by contribution any property reported in Part I, lines 1 through 28, that it must hold for at least three years from the date of the initial contribution, and which isn't required to be used for exempt purposes for the entire holding period? ...................

30a

If "Yes," describe the arrangement in Part II.

Does the organization have a gift acceptance policy that requires the review of any nonstandard contributions?

32a

Does the organization hire or use third parties or related organizations to solicit, process, or sell noncash

contributions? ..........................

32a

If "Yes," describe in Part II.

If the organization didn't report an amount in column (c) for a type of property for which column (a) is checked,

describe in Part II.

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.

Cat. No. 51227J

Schedule M (Form 990) (2020)

Page 2

Part IISupplemental Information. Provide the information required by Part I, lines 30b, 32b, and 33, and whether the organization is reporting in Part I, column (b), the number of contributions, the number of items received, or a combination of both. Also complete this part for any additional information.

Return Reference	Explanation

Schedule M (Form 990) (2020)

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

- TIN:

SCHEDULE O
(Form 990 or 990-EZ)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Supplemental Information to Form 990 or 990-EZ

Complete to provide information for responses to specific questions on
Form 990 or 990-EZ or to provide any additional information.
MediumBullet

Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
MediumBullet

Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for the latest information.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2020

Open to Public
Inspection

Name of the organization

FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST INC

Employer identification number

52-2372998

Return Reference	Explanation
FORM 990 - ORGANIZATION'S MISSION	FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST, INC. IS A NON-PROFIT CORPORATION ESTABLISHED TO REPRESENT AND PROTECT THE LEGAL RIGHTS OF FLORIDA'S ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN, ESPECIALLY THOSE IN FOSTER CARE, AND TO ADVANCE CHILDREN'S LEGAL RIGHTS CONSISTENT WITH THEIR MEDICAL, SOCIAL, AND EDUCATIONAL NEEDS, THROUGH AWARENESS AND ADVOCACY PROJECTS. THE CORPORATION BEGAN OPERATIONS IN 2002. WE ENGAGE IN PUBLIC EDUCATION VIA MEDIA ADVOCACY, WHEN NECESSARY. WE GIVE INTERVIEWS ON TV, RADIO, NEWSPAPERS, LIVE PRESENTATIONS IN OTHER FORUMS - ALL EFFECTIVE TOOLS WHEN USED IN THE RIGHT WAY TO EFFECTIVELY GET THE MESSAGE OUT QUICKLY AND TO THE LARGEST AUDIENCE. SOMETIMES MAKING THE SYSTEM BETTER FOR OUR CHILDREN REQUIRES US TO ARGUE IN THE APPELLATE COURTS IN "AMICUS BRIEFS" DESIGNED TO SUPPORT OR OPPOSE A POSITION TAKEN IN A CASE THAT AFFECTS THE LIVES OF CHILDREN IN CARE. OR, WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS, SOMETIMES THE ONLY WAY TO TRY TO CHANGE THE SYSTEM MEANS FILING A LAWSUIT. THANKFULLY, FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST HAS NEVER HAD TO RESORT TO FILING A SUIT, ALTHOUGH IT DOES HAVE SUFFICIENT ABILITY TO DO SO IF THE NEED AROSE.
FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4A	IMPROVING GENERAL CHILD WELFARE FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST HAS BECOME A NATIONAL GO-TO ORGANIZATION WHEN SEEKING SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS IN CHILD WELFARE. FCF IS ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN HELPING PROFESSIONALS ACROSS FLORIDA TO JOIN TOGETHER TO REVIEW PROPOSED AGENCY RULES AND TO DRAFT COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS, WITH THE ABILITY TO APPEAL IF THE RULE DOESN'T COMPORT WITH THE LAW. FCF TAKES THE LEAD IN PRESENTING TRAINING MATERIALS DURING EACH STEP OF THE PROCESS OF CHANGE, MAKING SURE THAT THE CHILDREN AND YOUTH, PUBLIC AND PROFESSIONALS ARE AWARE OF THE ISSUES AND PROGRESS. THIS RESULTS IN A WEALTH OF PUBLISHED MATERIALS, MOST OF WHICH CAN BE EASILY AND FREELY ACCESSED ON OUR WEBSITE FOR USE BY ALL. FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST ALSO MAKES THE LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF CHILDREN A TOP PRIORITY. SADLY, FLORIDA IS ONE OF ONLY 10 STATES THAT DO NOT PROVIDE FOR PAID COUNSEL FOR CHILDREN WHOSE LIVES ARE BEING DISRUPTED AND DECIDED IN A COURT OF LAW. TO HELP RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM, FCF WORKS DILIGENTLY TO RECRUIT AND TRAIN LAWYERS ACROSS THE STATE TO PROVIDE FREE LEGAL SERVICES FOR OUR CHILDREN. FCF HAS PROVIDED LIVE AND VIDEOTAPED TRAINING AND TRAINING MATERIALS ON THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF DEPENDENCY PROCEEDINGS IN FLORIDA, MENTORS ATTORNEYS WHO HANDLE INDIVIDUAL CASES AND LINK LAWYERS TOGETHER WHO HAVE A COMMON ISSUE. FCF HAS HELPED TRAIN HUNDREDS OF LAWYERS WHO VOLUNTEER THEIR TIME REPRESENTING INDIVIDUAL CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE. WE DEVELOPED OUTSTANDING TRAINING VIDEOS AND MATERIALS, WITH CONTINUING LEGAL CREDIT GIVEN TO THE PARTICIPANT LAWYERS FROM THE FLORIDA BAR. THE TOPICS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO DISABILITY RIGHTS, THE OVERUSE OF PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION ON TOPICS. MOST IMPORTANT IS THE ABILITY OF FCF TO BE EXTREMELY FLEXIBLE - READY AND ABLE TO TACKLE AN IMMEDIATE PROBLEM OR ISSUE BY ACCESS TO ITS HUNDREDS OF RESOURCES OF PEOPLE AND MATERIALS. WHEN THE LIVES OF CHILDREN ARE AT STAKE, A QUICK RESPONSE AND IMMEDIATE ACTION ARE NECESSARY. FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST IS THE ONE AND ONLY ORGANIZATION IN FLORIDA THAT CAN MOTIVATE AND MOBILIZE MANY YOUTH AS WELL AS KNOWLEDGEABLE PROFESSIONALS AT A MOMENT'S NOTICE, AND HAS THE ABILITY TO WORK WITHIN AND OUTSIDE THE SYSTEM TO GET THE DESIRED RESULTS, OFTEN IN A VERY QUICK TIME WITH EXTENSIVE, POSITIVE OUTCOMES. THIS WORK CONTINUES DAILY AND THE GOOD RESULTS THAT HELP CHILDREN CONTINUE TO BE ACHIEVED. EXAMPLES OF THE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES/PRESENTATIONS BY FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST INCLUDE: ODEPENDENCY TRAINING FOR CHILDREN'S ATTORNEYS OHOW TO BE AN EFFECTIVE ADVOCATE OARREST AND CONVICTION OF DEPENDENT YOUTH OCHILD ON CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE OHUMAN TRAFFICKING AND CHILDREN IN CARE OMEDICAL AND EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS OF FOSTER YOUTH OMAKING THE MOST OUT OF MEDICAID, MID-DECADE EXAMPLES OF TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES/PRESENTATIONS BY FLORIDA YOUTH SHINE: OWE ARE FAMILY - EVEN IF I DON'T HAVE ALL MY BROTHERS & SISTERS WITH ME (SIBLING SEPARATION) OTHE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY - HOW GROUP HOME LIVING IMPACTS CHILD SAFETY, WELL-BEING, AND NORMALCY. OWE CAN TALK, BUT WILL YOU LISTEN? HOW YOUTH CAN BE EMPOWERED TO ADVOCATE FOR THEMSELVESAND OTHERS IN CARE. OSO, YOU CAME TO TAKE US AWAY: NOW WHAT? TRAUMA OF REMOVAL FROM FAMILY, FRIENDS, SCHOOL OFROM BABYSITTING TO PARENTING: HOW TO RECRUIT AND TRAIN THE NEXT GENERATION OF FOSTER PARENTS. OWE HAVE THE RIGHT TO NOT REMAIN SILENT KNOWING OUR RIGHTS IS IMPORTANT - YOU CAN HELP. OWHAMM, BOOM, KAPOW FLORIDA YOUTH SHINE SHARES HOW YOU CAN BRING OUT THE SUPERPOWER IN EVERY KID ONURTURING NATURAL RELATIONSHIPS: YOUTH SHARE HOW YOU CAN HELP THEM WITH LIFETIME RELATIONSHIPS
FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4B	IMPROVING OUTCOMES FOR OLDER YOUTH: FCF IS EDUCATED, INFORMED, AND INSPIRED BY THE VOICE OF THE YOUTH WE SERVE. YOUTH, WHO ARE DIRECTLY IMPACTED BY THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM, TEACH US THE WAY TO MAKE THE SYSTEM BETTER. THROUGH THEIR INPUT AND LIVED EXPERIENCES, WE LEARN WHERE THE SYSTEM FAILURES ARE AND DEVELOP WAYS TO CORRECT THOSE BREACHES. INCLUDING THE VOICE OF THE YOUTH IN THAT PROCESS IS CRITICAL TO SUCCESSFULLY IMPROVING THE SYSTEM. IN FACT, TEACHING CHILDREN IN STATE CARE, OR WHO HAVE LEFT CARE, TO BECOME THE FACE FOR ADDRESSING MANY ISSUES HAS BECOME THE MOST EFFECTIVE TOOL IN IMPROVING OUTCOMES FOR OLDER YOUTH. IMPROVING OUTCOMES FOR OLDER YOUTH - CONTINUED: AS SUCH, FCF CREATED THE YOUTH ADVOCACY AND MENTORSHIP ORGANIZATION FLORIDA YOUTH SHINE (FYS) TO PROVIDE SUPPORT, STRUCTURE, GUIDANCE, AND EDUCATION THAT EMPOWERS CHILDREN TO BECOME EFFECTIVE ADVOCATES BY LETTING THEIR VOICE BE HEARD. FLORIDA YOUTH SHINE (FYS), WITH 14 CHAPTERS ACROSS THE STATE, HAS BECOME A STRONG, CREDIBLE, AND EFFECTIVE VOICE TO REPRESENT THE DIFFICULTIES FACING THE OLDER YOUTH IN THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM. AS THE YOUTH WORK TOGETHER WITH PROFESSIONAL MENTORS AND KIDS FROM AROUND THE STATE, THEY ALSO GAIN INVALUABLE LIFE SKILLS SUCH AS TEAMWORK, DISCIPLINE, SELF- CONFIDENCE, PATIENCE, AND PUBLIC SPEAKING. FYS ALSO PROVIDES A SAFE AND NURTURING SPACE FOR EMOTIONAL HEALING AND UTILIZES A GROUNDBREAKING PEER-TO-PEER MODEL. AFTER ENDURING SEVERE TRAUMA, YOUTH FROM CARE ARE MORE TRUSTING AND RECEPTIVE OF FELLOW FOSTER YOUTH. THEREFORE, FYS MENTORS, EDUCATES, AND ENABLES YOUTH TO LEAD THEIR PEERS AND TOGETHER, THEY SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES WITH OTHERS TO HEAL THEMSELVES AND OTHERS. USING THE VOICE OF FYS YOUTH TO EDUCATE ADULTS ON LIFE IN CARE, MAJOR REFORMS HAVE BEEN SECURED, LEADING TO BETTER OUTCOMES FOR ALL FOSTER KIDS. FLORIDA YOUTH SHINE HAS SUCCEEDED IN INFLUENCING POSITIVE CHANGE ON A NUMBER OF ISSUES THROUGH ITS EXISTENCE; INCLUDING BILLS THAT REQUIRE ALL CHILDREN LEAVING CARE TO OBTAIN THEIR OWN, PERSONAL RECORDS, AND IN IMPROVING EDUCATIONAL STABILITY. LANDMARK LEGISLATION WAS ENACTED IN FLORIDA THAT IMMEDIATELY BECAME THE BASIS FOR NEW NATIONAL LEGISLATION TO HELP CHILDREN LIVE MORE NORMAL LIVES. UNDER THE TRADITIONAL SYSTEM OF FOSTER CARE, CHILDREN IN CARE ARE VERY RESTRICTED IN PARTICIPATING IN NORMAL CHILDHOOD ACTIVITIES. CAREGIVERS WERE CONCERNED THAT A CHILD MIGHT GET INJURED, OR ADMINISTRATORS OF STATE AGENCIES WERE CONCERNED ABOUT LIABILITY ISSUES. THESE REACTIONS CAUSED MANY UNFAIR PROCEDURES REQUIRING FOSTER PARENTS TO OBTAIN COURT ORDERS TO ALLOW THE CHILD TO TRAVEL WITH THE FAMILY ON VACATION, OR TO ATTEND A SCHOOL EVENT IN ANOTHER COUNTY, OR TO TRAVEL WITH A CHURCH GROUP TO A SLEEP-AWAY CAMP. FINGERPRINTING AND BACKGROUND SCREENING WAS REQUIRED WHENEVER A CHILD WANTED TO SLEEP OVER AT A CLASS-MATE'S HOME, OR A FOSTER PARENT WANTED TO HAVE THEIR RELATIVE WATCH THE CHILDREN SO THE FOSTER PARENT COULD GO GROCERY SHOPPING. FLORIDA YOUTH SHINE PUT A FACE ON THIS ISSUE AS THEY SPOKE WITH THE MAJORITY OF FLORIDA'S LEGISLATORS, AND TESTIFIED EXTENSIVELY AT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS, TO HELP LAWMAKERS UNDERSTAND THE NEED FOR OUR CHILDREN TO HAVE NORMAL CHILDHOOD RELATED ACTIVITIES. THIS CAUSED A LAW CHANGE THAT ALLOWED CAREGIVERS TO MAKE DECISIONS LIKE ANY REASONABLE AND PRUDENT PARENT, WITHOUT STATE INTERFERENCE OR APPROVAL. NO LONGER DO CAREGIVERS HAVE TO ASK A JUDGE TO ALLOW THE CHILD TO ATTEND BAND PRACTICE, A CHURCH OUTING OR SPORTING EVENT, OR GET NEIGHBORS FINGERPRINTED AND LAW ENFORCEMENT BACKGROUND SCREENINGS TO ALLOW THEIR CHILDREN TO HAVE SLEEP- OVERS. CAREGIVERS, LIKE PARENTS, CAN NOW DECIDE WHAT IS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILDREN IN THEIR CARE. SOME OF OUR OTHER AMAZING RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THE AREA OF IMPROVING OUTCOMES FOR OLDER CHILDREN HAS BEEN FCF AND FYS'S SEVERAL YEARS OF WORK IN EDUCATING THE PUBLIC AND THE LEGISLATURE TO FINALLY EXTEND FOSTER CARE FROM AGE 18 TO AGE 21. FLORIDA YOUTH SHINE WAS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THIS LANDMARK POLICY CHANGE. AND THE PUBLIC AND THE LEGISLATURE LISTENED. THE LAW WAS PASSED, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 2014, THAT ALLOWS CHILDREN TO CHOOSE TO REMAIN IN FOSTER CARE UNTIL THEY ARE READY TO BE ON THEIR OWN. GETTING THESE MAJOR CHANGES DOES NOT END OUR WORK. IN FACT, THE REAL WORK IS ABOUT TO BEGIN. FCF AND FYS MUST BE INVOLVED IN THE RULEMAKING PROCESS, CONTINUE TO CAREFULLY SCRUTINIZE THE SYSTEM TO SEE THAT THE LAW IS PROPERLY IMPLEMENTED, TRAIN PROFESSIONALS ACROSS THE STATE ON THE NEW LAW AND POLICIES AND PROCEDURES, DRAFT PUBLICATIONS, MAKE APPEARANCES, BE THE WATCHDOG AND DRIVE THE SYSTEM TO CONTINUE TO DO BETTER FOR OUR CHILDREN.
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 2	HOWARD TALENFELD JULIE TALENFELD PRESIDENT DIRECTOR MARRIED
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 11B	THE BOARD IS PROVIDED WITH A COPY OF THE 990 PRIOR TO BEING FILED.
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 12C	ANNUAL REVIEW OF POLICIES BY OPERATIONS COMMITTEE AND THE FULL BOARD.
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15A	ANNUAL REVIEW BY THE OPERATIONS COMMITTEE AND THE FULL BOARD.
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15B	ANNUAL REVIEW BY THE OPERATIONS COMMITTEE AND THE FULL BOARD.
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 19	UPON REQUEST AND ON THE WEB SITE

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.

Cat. No. 51056K

Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2020

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

1	Briefly describe the organization’s mission or most significant activities: FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST, INC. IS A NON-PROFIT CORPORATION ESTABLISHED TO REPRESENT AND PROTECT THE LEGAL RIGHTS OF FLORIDA'S ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN, ESPECIALLY THOSE IN FOSTER CARE, AND TO ADVANCE CHILDREN'S LEGAL RIGHTS CONSISTENT WITH THEIR MEDICAL, SOCIAL, AND EDUCATIONAL NEEDS, THROUGH AWARENESS AND ADVOCACY PROJECTS. THE CORPORATION BEGAN OPERATIONS IN 2002. WE ENGAGE IN PUBLIC EDUCATION VIA MEDIA ADVOCACY, WHEN NECESSARY. WE GIVE INTERVIEWS ON TV, RADIO, NEWSPAPERS, LIVE PRESENTATIONS IN OTHER FORUMS - ALL EFFECTIVE TOOLS WHEN USED IN THE RIGHT WAY TO EFFECTIVELY GET THE MESSAGE OUT QUICKLY AND TO THE LARGEST AUDIENCE. SOMETIMES MAKING THE SYSTEM BETTER FOR OUR CHILDREN REQUIRES US TO ARGUE IN THE APPELLATE COURTS IN "AMICUS BRIEFS" DESIGNED TO SUPPORT OR OPPOSE A POSITION TAKEN IN A CASE THAT AFFECTS THE LIVES OF CHILDREN IN CARE. OR, WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS, SOMETIMES THE ONLY WAY TO TRY TO CHANGE THE SYSTEM MEANS FILING A LAWSUIT. THANKFULLY, FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST HAS N
2	Check this box
3	Number of voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1a) ........	3	20
4	Number of independent voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1b) .....	4	20
5	Total number of individuals employed in calendar year 2020 (Part V, line 2a) ......	5	5
6	Total number of volunteers (estimate if necessary) .............	6	437
7a	Total unrelated business revenue from Part VIII, column (C), line 12 ........	7a	0
b	Net unrelated business taxable income from Form 990-T, line 39 .........	7b

		Prior Year	Current Year
8	Contributions and grants (Part VIII, line 1h) .........	895,526	1,401,574
9	Program service revenue (Part VIII, line 2g) .........		0
10	Investment income (Part VIII, column (A), lines 3, 4, and 7d ) ....	10,715	7,697
11	Other revenue (Part VIII, column (A), lines 5, 6d, 8c, 9c, 10c, and 11e)		0
12	Total revenue—add lines 8 through 11 (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12)	906,241	1,409,271
13	Grants and similar amounts paid (Part IX, column (A), lines 1–3 )...		0
14	Benefits paid to or for members (Part IX, column (A), line 4).....		0
15	Salaries, other compensation, employee benefits (Part IX, column (A), lines 5–10)	467,948	503,780
16a	Professional fundraising fees (Part IX, column (A), line 11e) .....		0
b	Total fundraising expenses (Part IX, column (D), line 25) 74,949
17	Other expenses (Part IX, column (A), lines 11a–11d, 11f–24e)....	583,795	670,574
18	Total expenses. Add lines 13–17 (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25)	1,051,743	1,174,354
19	Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 18 from line 12.......	-145,502	234,917
		Beginning of Current Year	End of Year
20	Total assets (Part X, line 16).............	206,739	417,007
21	Total liabilities (Part X, line 26).............	49,564	16,709
22	Net assets or fund balances. Subtract line 21 from line 20.....	157,175	400,298

Sign Here

	Signature of officer	Date

	Type or print name and title


4a	(Code: ) (Expenses $ 541,592 including grants of $ ) (Revenue $ )
	IMPROVING GENERAL CHILD WELFARE FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST HAS BECOME A NATIONAL GO-TO ORGANIZATION WHEN SEEKING SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS IN CHILD WELFARE. FCF IS ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN HELPING PROFESSIONALS ACROSS FLORIDA TO JOIN TOGETHER TO REVIEW PROPOSED AGENCY RULES AND TO DRAFT COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS, WITH THE ABILITY TO APPEAL IF THE RULE DOESN'T COMPORT WITH THE LAW. FCF TAKES THE LEAD IN PRESENTING TRAINING MATERIALS DURING EACH STEP OF THE PROCESS OF CHANGE, MAKING SURE THAT THE CHILDREN AND YOUTH, PUBLIC AND PROFESSIONALS ARE AWARE OF THE ISSUES AND PROGRESS. THIS RESULTS IN A WEALTH OF PUBLISHED MATERIALS, MOST OF WHICH CAN BE EASILY AND FREELY ACCESSED ON OUR WEBSITE FOR USE BY ALL. FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST ALSO MAKES THE LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF CHILDREN A TOP PRIORITY. SADLY, FLORIDA IS ONE OF ONLY 10 STATES THAT DO NOT PROVIDE FOR PAID COUNSEL FOR CHILDREN WHOSE LIVES ARE BEING DISRUPTED AND DECIDED IN A COURT OF LAW. TO HELP RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM, FCF WORKS DILIGENTLY TO RECRUIT AND TRAIN LAWYERS ACROSS THE STATE TO PROVIDE FREE LEGAL SERVICES FOR OUR CHILDREN. FCF HAS PROVIDED LIVE AND VIDEOTAPED TRAINING AND TRAINING MATERIALS ON THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF DEPENDENCY PROCEEDINGS IN FLORIDA, MENTORS ATTORNEYS WHO HANDLE INDIVIDUAL CASES AND LINK LAWYERS TOGETHER WHO HAVE A COMMON ISSUE. FCF HAS HELPED TRAIN HUNDREDS OF LAWYERS WHO VOLUNTEER THEIR TIME REPRESENTING INDIVIDUAL CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE. WE DEVELOPED OUTSTANDING TRAINING VIDEOS AND MATERIALS, WITH CONTINUING LEGAL CREDIT GIVEN TO THE PARTICIPANT LAWYERS FROM THE FLORIDA BAR. THE TOPICS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO DISABILITY RIGHTS, THE OVERUSE OF PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION ON TOPICS. MOST IMPORTANT IS THE ABILITY OF FCF TO BE EXTREMELY FLEXIBLE - READY AND ABLE TO TACKLE AN IMMEDIATE PROBLEM OR ISSUE BY ACCESS TO ITS HUNDREDS OF RESOURCES OF PEOPLE AND MATERIALS. WHEN THE LIVES OF CHILDREN ARE AT STAKE, A QUICK RESPONSE AND IMMEDIATE ACTION ARE NECESSARY. FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST IS THE ONE AND ONLY ORGANIZATION IN FLORIDA THAT CAN MOTIVATE AND MOBILIZE MANY YOUTH AS WELL AS KNOWLEDGEABLE PROFESSIONALS AT A MOMENT'S NOTICE, AND HAS THE ABILITY TO WORK WITHIN AND OUTSIDE THE SYSTEM TO GET THE DESIRED RESULTS, OFTEN IN A VERY QUICK TIME WITH EXTENSIVE, POSITIVE OUTCOMES. THIS WORK CONTINUES DAILY AND THE GOOD RESULTS THAT HELP CHILDREN CONTINUE TO BE ACHIEVED. EXAMPLES OF THE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES/PRESENTATIONS BY FLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST INCLUDE: ODEPENDENCY TRAINING FOR CHILDREN'S ATTORNEYS OHOW TO BE AN EFFECTIVE ADVOCATE OARREST AND CONVICTION OF DEPENDENT YOUTH OCHILD ON CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE OHUMAN TRAFFICKING AND CHILDREN IN CARE OMEDICAL AND EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS OF FOSTER YOUTH OMAKING THE MOST OUT OF MEDICAID, MID-DECADE EXAMPLES OF TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES/PRESENTATIONS BY FLORIDA YOUTH SHINE: OWE ARE FAMILY - EVEN IF I DON'T HAVE ALL MY BROTHERS & SISTERS WITH ME (SIBLING SEPARATION) OTHE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY - HOW GROUP HOME LIVING IMPACTS CHILD SAFETY, WELL-BEING, AND NORMALCY. OWE CAN TALK, BUT WILL YOU LISTEN? HOW YOUTH CAN BE EMPOWERED TO ADVOCATE FOR THEMSELVESAND OTHERS IN CARE. OSO, YOU CAME TO TAKE US AWAY: NOW WHAT? TRAUMA OF REMOVAL FROM FAMILY, FRIENDS, SCHOOL OFROM BABYSITTING TO PARENTING: HOW TO RECRUIT AND TRAIN THE NEXT GENERATION OF FOSTER PARENTS. OWE HAVE THE RIGHT TO NOT REMAIN SILENT KNOWING OUR RIGHTS IS IMPORTANT - YOU CAN HELP. OWHAMM, BOOM, KAPOW FLORIDA YOUTH SHINE SHARES HOW YOU CAN BRING OUT THE SUPERPOWER IN EVERY KID ONURTURING NATURAL RELATIONSHIPS: YOUTH SHARE HOW YOU CAN HELP THEM WITH LIFETIME RELATIONSHIPS

4b	(Code: ) (Expenses $ 471,735 including grants of $ ) (Revenue $ )
	IMPROVING OUTCOMES FOR OLDER YOUTH: FCF IS EDUCATED, INFORMED, AND INSPIRED BY THE VOICE OF THE YOUTH WE SERVE. YOUTH, WHO ARE DIRECTLY IMPACTED BY THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM, TEACH US THE WAY TO MAKE THE SYSTEM BETTER. THROUGH THEIR INPUT AND LIVED EXPERIENCES, WE LEARN WHERE THE SYSTEM FAILURES ARE AND DEVELOP WAYS TO CORRECT THOSE BREACHES. INCLUDING THE VOICE OF THE YOUTH IN THAT PROCESS IS CRITICAL TO SUCCESSFULLY IMPROVING THE SYSTEM. IN FACT, TEACHING CHILDREN IN STATE CARE, OR WHO HAVE LEFT CARE, TO BECOME THE FACE FOR ADDRESSING MANY ISSUES HAS BECOME THE MOST EFFECTIVE TOOL IN IMPROVING OUTCOMES FOR OLDER YOUTH. IMPROVING OUTCOMES FOR OLDER YOUTH - CONTINUED: AS SUCH, FCF CREATED THE YOUTH ADVOCACY AND MENTORSHIP ORGANIZATION FLORIDA YOUTH SHINE (FYS) TO PROVIDE SUPPORT, STRUCTURE, GUIDANCE, AND EDUCATION THAT EMPOWERS CHILDREN TO BECOME EFFECTIVE ADVOCATES BY LETTING THEIR VOICE BE HEARD. FLORIDA YOUTH SHINE (FYS), WITH 14 CHAPTERS ACROSS THE STATE, HAS BECOME A STRONG, CREDIBLE, AND EFFECTIVE VOICE TO REPRESENT THE DIFFICULTIES FACING THE OLDER YOUTH IN THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM. AS THE YOUTH WORK TOGETHER WITH PROFESSIONAL MENTORS AND KIDS FROM AROUND THE STATE, THEY ALSO GAIN INVALUABLE LIFE SKILLS SUCH AS TEAMWORK, DISCIPLINE, SELF- CONFIDENCE, PATIENCE, AND PUBLIC SPEAKING. FYS ALSO PROVIDES A SAFE AND NURTURING SPACE FOR EMOTIONAL HEALING AND UTILIZES A GROUNDBREAKING PEER-TO-PEER MODEL. AFTER ENDURING SEVERE TRAUMA, YOUTH FROM CARE ARE MORE TRUSTING AND RECEPTIVE OF FELLOW FOSTER YOUTH. THEREFORE, FYS MENTORS, EDUCATES, AND ENABLES YOUTH TO LEAD THEIR PEERS AND TOGETHER, THEY SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES WITH OTHERS TO HEAL THEMSELVES AND OTHERS. USING THE VOICE OF FYS YOUTH TO EDUCATE ADULTS ON LIFE IN CARE, MAJOR REFORMS HAVE BEEN SECURED, LEADING TO BETTER OUTCOMES FOR ALL FOSTER KIDS. FLORIDA YOUTH SHINE HAS SUCCEEDED IN INFLUENCING POSITIVE CHANGE ON A NUMBER OF ISSUES THROUGH ITS EXISTENCE; INCLUDING BILLS THAT REQUIRE ALL CHILDREN LEAVING CARE TO OBTAIN THEIR OWN, PERSONAL RECORDS, AND IN IMPROVING EDUCATIONAL STABILITY. LANDMARK LEGISLATION WAS ENACTED IN FLORIDA THAT IMMEDIATELY BECAME THE BASIS FOR NEW NATIONAL LEGISLATION TO HELP CHILDREN LIVE MORE NORMAL LIVES. UNDER THE TRADITIONAL SYSTEM OF FOSTER CARE, CHILDREN IN CARE ARE VERY RESTRICTED IN PARTICIPATING IN NORMAL CHILDHOOD ACTIVITIES. CAREGIVERS WERE CONCERNED THAT A CHILD MIGHT GET INJURED, OR ADMINISTRATORS OF STATE AGENCIES WERE CONCERNED ABOUT LIABILITY ISSUES. THESE REACTIONS CAUSED MANY UNFAIR PROCEDURES REQUIRING FOSTER PARENTS TO OBTAIN COURT ORDERS TO ALLOW THE CHILD TO TRAVEL WITH THE FAMILY ON VACATION, OR TO ATTEND A SCHOOL EVENT IN ANOTHER COUNTY, OR TO TRAVEL WITH A CHURCH GROUP TO A SLEEP-AWAY CAMP. FINGERPRINTING AND BACKGROUND SCREENING WAS REQUIRED WHENEVER A CHILD WANTED TO SLEEP OVER AT A CLASS-MATE'S HOME, OR A FOSTER PARENT WANTED TO HAVE THEIR RELATIVE WATCH THE CHILDREN SO THE FOSTER PARENT COULD GO GROCERY SHOPPING. FLORIDA YOUTH SHINE PUT A FACE ON THIS ISSUE AS THEY SPOKE WITH THE MAJORITY OF FLORIDA'S LEGISLATORS, AND TESTIFIED EXTENSIVELY AT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS, TO HELP LAWMAKERS UNDERSTAND THE NEED FOR OUR CHILDREN TO HAVE NORMAL CHILDHOOD RELATED ACTIVITIES. THIS CAUSED A LAW CHANGE THAT ALLOWED CAREGIVERS TO MAKE DECISIONS LIKE ANY REASONABLE AND PRUDENT PARENT, WITHOUT STATE INTERFERENCE OR APPROVAL. NO LONGER DO CAREGIVERS HAVE TO ASK A JUDGE TO ALLOW THE CHILD TO ATTEND BAND PRACTICE, A CHURCH OUTING OR SPORTING EVENT, OR GET NEIGHBORS FINGERPRINTED AND LAW ENFORCEMENT BACKGROUND SCREENINGS TO ALLOW THEIR CHILDREN TO HAVE SLEEP- OVERS. CAREGIVERS, LIKE PARENTS, CAN NOW DECIDE WHAT IS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILDREN IN THEIR CARE. SOME OF OUR OTHER AMAZING RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THE AREA OF IMPROVING OUTCOMES FOR OLDER CHILDREN HAS BEEN FCF AND FYS'S SEVERAL YEARS OF WORK IN EDUCATING THE PUBLIC AND THE LEGISLATURE TO FINALLY EXTEND FOSTER CARE FROM AGE 18 TO AGE 21. FLORIDA YOUTH SHINE WAS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THIS LANDMARK POLICY CHANGE. AND THE PUBLIC AND THE LEGISLATURE LISTENED. THE LAW WAS PASSED, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 2014, THAT ALLOWS CHILDREN TO CHOOSE TO REMAIN IN FOSTER CARE UNTIL THEY ARE READY TO BE ON THEIR OWN. GETTING THESE MAJOR CHANGES DOES NOT END OUR WORK. IN FACT, THE REAL WORK IS ABOUT TO BEGIN. FCF AND FYS MUST BE INVOLVED IN THE RULEMAKING PROCESS, CONTINUE TO CAREFULLY SCRUTINIZE THE SYSTEM TO SEE THAT THE LAW IS PROPERLY IMPLEMENTED, TRAIN PROFESSIONALS ACROSS THE STATE ON THE NEW LAW AND POLICIES AND PROCEDURES, DRAFT PUBLICATIONS, MAKE APPEARANCES, BE THE WATCHDOG AND DRIVE THE SYSTEM TO CONTINUE TO DO BETTER FOR OUR CHILDREN.

4c	(Code: ) (Expenses $ including grants of $ ) (Revenue $ )












4d	Other program services (Describe in Schedule O.)
	(Expenses $ including grants of $ ) (Revenue $ )
4e	Total program service expenses1,013,327

(A) Name and title	(B) Average hours per week (list any hours for related organizations below dotted line)		(D) Reportable compensation from the organization (W-2/1099-MISC)	(E) Reportable compensation from related organizations (W-2/1099-MISC)	(F) Estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations
(A) Name and title
(18) NATHAN COOK........................................................................ SECRETARY	2.00 .......................	X	0	0	0
(19) LAURA REICH........................................................................ VICE PRESIDE	2.00 .......................	X	0	0	0
(20) GERALD REISS........................................................................ TREASURER	2.00 .......................	X	0	0	0
(21) HOWARD TALENFELD........................................................................ PRESIDENT	4.00 .......................	X	0	0	0

1b	Sub-Total................
c	Total from continuation sheets to Part VII, Section A....
d	Total (add lines 1b and 1c)...........	117,289

(A) Name and business address	(B) Description of services	(C) Compensation





2 Total number of independent contractors (including but not limited to those listed above) who received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization

1a	Federated campaigns..		1a
b	Membership dues..		1b
c	Fundraising events..		1c
d	Related organizations		1d
e	Government grants (contributions)		1e	73,145

f	All other contributions, gifts, grants, and similar amounts not included above		1f	1,328,429

g	Noncash contributions included in lines 1a - 1f:$		1g	477,616

h Total. Add lines 1a-1f.......		1,401,574

		Business Code
2a
b
c
d
e
f	All other program service revenue.
g	Total. Add lines 2a–2f .....

3 Investment income (including dividends, interest, and othersimilar amounts) ......			7,697		7,697
4 Income from investment of tax-exempt bond proceeds
5 Royalties...........
		(ii) Personal	(i) Real
6a	Gross rents			6a
b	Less: rental expenses			6b
c	Rental income or (loss)			6c
d	Net rental income or (loss).......
		(ii) Other	(i) Securities
7a	Gross amount from sales of assets other than inventory			7a
b	Less: cost or other basis and sales expenses			7b
c	Gain or (loss)			7c
d	Net gain or (loss).........
8a	Gross income from fundraising events (not including $ of contributions reported on line 1c). See Part IV, line 18 ....
			8a
b	Less: direct expenses ...		8b
c	Net income or (loss) from fundraising events..
9a	Gross income from gaming activities. See Part IV, line 19 ...
			9a
b	Less: direct expenses ...		9b
c	Net income or (loss) from gaming activities..
10a	Gross sales of inventory, less returns and allowances ..
			10a
b	Less: cost of goods sold ..		10b
c	Net income or (loss) from sales of inventory..
Business Code			Miscellaneous Revenue
11a
b
c
d	All other revenue ....
e	Total. Add lines 11a–11d ......
12	Total revenue. See instructions.....			1,409,271		7,697

1	Grants and other assistance to domestic organizations and domestic governments. See Part IV, line 21 ....
2	Grants and other assistance to domestic individuals. See Part IV, line 22 ...........
3	Grants and other assistance to foreign organizations, foreign governments, and foreign individuals. See Part IV, lines 15 and 16. .............
4	Benefits paid to or for members .......
5	Compensation of current officers, directors, trustees, and key employees ...........
6	Compensation not included above, to disqualified persons (as defined under section 4958(f)(1)) and persons described in section 4958(c)(3)(B) .........
7	Other salaries and wages........	503,780	378,643	59,758	65,379
8	Pension plan accruals and contributions (include section 401(k) and 403(b) employer contributions) ....
9	Other employee benefits .......
10	Payroll taxes ...........
11	Fees for services (non-employees):
a	Management ......
b	Legal .........	433,866	433,866
c	Accounting ...........	19,250	3,850	14,400	1,000
d	Lobbying ...........
e	Professional fundraising services. See Part IV, line 17
f	Investment management fees ......
g	Other (If line 11g amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column (A) amount, list line 11g expenses on Schedule O)	35,000	35,000
12	Advertising and promotion ....
13	Office expenses .......	19,637	11,262	6,845	1,530
14	Information technology ......	15,612	14,053	780	779
15	Royalties ..
16	Occupancy ...........	23,538	21,186	1,176	1,176
17	Travel ............
18	Payments of travel or entertainment expenses for any federal, state, or local public officials .
19	Conferences, conventions, and meetings ....	451	216	235
20	Interest ...........
21	Payments to affiliates .......
22	Depreciation, depletion, and amortization ..	2,075	1,867	104	104
23	Insurance ...
24	Other expenses. Itemize expenses not covered above (List miscellaneous expenses in line 24e. If line 24e amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column (A) amount, list line 24e expenses on Schedule O.)
a	PUBLIC AWARENESS/EDUCAT	62,295	56,324	990	4,981
b	TRAINING AND EDUCATION	57,060	57,060
c	DUES/FEES/LICENSES	1,790		1,790
d
e	All other expenses
25	Total functional expenses. Add lines 1 through 24e	1,174,354	1,013,327	86,078	74,949
26	Joint costs. Complete this line only if the organization reported in column (B) joint costs from a combined educational campaign and fundraising solicitation. Check here if following SOP 98-2 (ASC 958-720).

1	Cash–non-interest-bearing ........			1,015	1	1,015
2	Savings and temporary cash investments .........			33,454	2	133,025
3	Pledges and grants receivable, net ......			9,146	3	5,000
4	Accounts receivable, net .............				4	1,000
5	Loans and other receivables from any current or former officer, director, trustee, key employee, creator or founder, substantial contributor, or 35% controlled entity or family member of any of these persons .......
					5
6	Loans and other receivables from other disqualified persons (as defined under section 4958(f)(1)), and persons described in section 4958(c)(3)(B) ...
					6
7	Notes and loans receivable, net ...........				7
8	Inventories for sale or use ............				8
9	Prepaid expenses and deferred charges ......			2,932	9	2,949
10a	Land, buildings, and equipment: cost or other basis. Complete Part VI of Schedule D	10a	14,343
b	Less: accumulated depreciation	10b	13,644	2,774	10c	699
11	Investments—publicly traded securities .			155,597	11	271,498
12	Investments—other securities. See Part IV, line 11 .....				12
13	Investments—program-related. See Part IV, line 11 ..				13
14	Intangible assets ...............				14
15	Other assets. See Part IV, line 11 ...........			1,821	15	1,821
16	Total assets. Add lines 1 through 15 (must equal line 33)...			206,739	16	417,007

17	Accounts payable and accrued expenses .....	35,812	17	16,054
18	Grants payable ...		18
19	Deferred revenue .........	10,800	19
20	Tax-exempt bond liabilities .........		20
21	Escrow or custodial account liability. Complete Part IV of Schedule D		21
22	Loans and other payables to any current or former officer, director, trustee, key employee, creator or founder, substantial contributor, or 35% controlled entity or family member of any of these persons .........
			22
23	Secured mortgages and notes payable to unrelated third parties ..		23
24	Unsecured notes and loans payable to unrelated third parties ..		24
25	Other liabilities (including federal income tax, payables to related third parties, and other liabilities not included on lines 17 - 24). Complete Part X of Schedule D	2,952	25	655
26	Total liabilities. Add lines 17 through 25..	49,564	26	16,709

	Organizations that follow FASB ASC 958, check here and complete lines 27, 28, 32, and 33.
27	Net assets without donor restrictions ..........	23,742	27	232,798
28	Net assets with donor restrictions ...........	133,433	28	167,500
	Organizations that do not follow FASB ASC 958, check here and complete lines 29 through 33.
29	Capital stock or trust principal, or current funds .....		29
30	Paid-in or capital surplus, or land, building or equipment fund ...		30
31	Retained earnings, endowment, accumulated income, or other funds		31
32	Total net assets or fund balances ...........	157,175	32	400,298
33	Total liabilities and net assets/fund balances ........	206,739	33	417,007

Florida's Children First Inc — Form 990, tax year 2020