FFCR Volunteer is Recognized and FFCR Staff Present at the 13th Annual Regional Child Welfare Conference

On December 6th, Miami-Dade and Monroe County child welfare professionals gathered at the Newman Alumni Center at the University of Miami for the 13th Annual Regional Child Welfare Conference organized by the Miami-Dade CBC Alliance. This year’s theme was, “It Begins with You: Empowerment to Make a Difference.” Participants were selected from six morning workshops ranging from Social Media and the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children to Baker Act: When it can and should be used by the Public School System. FFCR’s Marissa Leichter moderated one of these morning workshops, My Empowerment Journey, which involved members of Florida Youth Shine sharing their personal stories. The keynote speaker, David Lawrence, shared anecdotes from his new book, A Dedicated Life: Journalism, Justice and a Chance for Every Child, and signed copies for conference-goers. Judge Cindy Lederman, who will be retiring from the bench this month, was given the first Humanitarian Hero Award for her outstanding service to our community.

Each case management agency and partnering organization presented its Outstanding Professional of the Year Award. FFCR was thrilled to recognize volunteer Edith Hudson. A CRP panel chair, Edith was not only selected for her 22 years of service, but also for the positive and productive way in which she facilitates the panels and engages with all of the participants during the review hearing. Upon receiving the award, Edith remarked, “This is just great! I am so honored. What a fantastic conference this was.” FFCR’s PRT Outreach Specialist Lamar Thomas echoed Edith’s assessment of the day stating, “The conference reignited my commitment to Miami-Dade County through its positive energy and supportive resources.”