Florida's Children First Inc

What it reported doing in 2025

Improving general child welfare how we improve outcomes: we achieve substantive change through executive branch advocacy by working with agencies when they write their policies, procedures, or rules. We improve systems by making the general public aware of problems to mobilize their help and support in making improvements. We achieve change by training professionals across the state on new procedures or law - or educating them on critical issues so they are aware of the need for change. We also educate by writing materials, brochures, and pamphlets that provide information on various topics in child welfare, delinquency, and disabilities. We now have more than 3 dozen publications to our credit. Advocacy initiatives advocacy drives our activities at all levels. On a legislative level, we propose, draft, and comment on new legislation, providing comprehensive documentation on the potential impact of proposed bills on the lives of children, families, and care providers we file amicus briefs to assert children's rights and aid in the appointment of attorneys for them. We serve as advisors to the executive branch, offering insights on new rules, and participate on task forces, panels, and forums that shape policy. Professional training and educational workshops every year, we offer a new series of free training workshops that keep those who interact with, or care for, youth informed on current issues and changes in benefits, policies, and practices. Publications we produce, update, and distribute free fact sheets, guidebooks, and informational tools on critical issues industry professionals and youth alike need. Publications are also written and designed to be youth-friendly so youth can better understand the content and access benefits and services. High-quality legal representation we provide independent, personalized guidance, brief advice, and quality representation to ensure more youth receive the representation they need and deserve and to be sure they have a voice in the proceedings that shape their lives. Fcf impacts and achievements: all of our work has made positive changes in the lives of thousands of children in Florida. More importantly, these changes continue to have a ripple effect that impacts more and more youth each year and educates thousands of additional professionals and countless citizens about issues and solutions for children in care. By filling a critical void in the child welfare system, our work each year benefits children, families and the community in ways that are substantial and life-changing for thousands. By impacting laws & policies we have: "secured the option for youth to remain in foster care until age 21. "paved the way for free in-state college tuition until age 28 for youth from foster care, relative care, or those experiencing homelessness. "made obtaining a driver's license and insurance possible for youth in foster care. "enhanced youth representation in court decisions. "removed barriers to normalcy, allowing participation in activities like sports and sleepovers - becoming a national model. "spearheaded laws to support sibling unity. "reduced overmedication and unnecessary psychotropic drug prescriptions. "fought for rights of sex-trafficked children, ensuring they receive appropriate services. "ensured youth are educated about their rights, laws and resources in place to protect them. "secured critical housing resources for foster youth. Additionally, "38,335 + people have been educated and trained on important child welfare topics "60 publications created on children's rights and vital issues impacting them "40 amicus briefs filed "52 child protection bills passed, drafted, or supported "110,547 + hours of youth advocacy, training, education and empowerment provided "8,482,732 ,732 in professional services donated to help children and families and "18,982 pro bono hours helping children by filling a critical void in the child welfare arena, each year our work benefits children, famil

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 76.4%; rating input score 76
• Program expense ratio: 86.1%; rating input score 86
• Fundraising efficiency: $18.07 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 56; 56th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: Limited
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: Limited
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 7 of 7 controls in place; rating input score 100
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Other executive compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 12.2%; rating input score 60; 60th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 0.89; rating input score 30; 30th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.04; rating input score 63; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 6.9%; rating input score 46; 46th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 10.1% per year; rating input score 100; 61st percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 9.6% per year; rating input score 100; 64th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 24.5% per year; rating input score 100; 89th percentile among comparable filings