Posts by FF_Editor

Encouraging Bonding and Healthy Attachment

When children come into foster care, we learn that many of them have had limited opportunities to develop healthy bonds and attachments to their primary caregivers. Many of our children in care have experienced unhealthy relationships in which their feelings were not properly mirrored by their caregivers; or have experienced relationships with their caregivers where…

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Children and Teens Need Loving Foster Homes

Foster homes, and the parents who provide a safe and nurturing environment for kids in foster care, are in desperate short supply. More than 3500 children and teens have been removed from their biological parents due to abuse or neglect in Hillsborough County. And there are just not enough foster parents to provide a temporary…

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February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

It is a national effort carried on by activists, community leaders, and national and local organizations, to raise awareness about dating abuse, promote programs that support young people, and encourage communities to prevent this form of abuse with the goal of decreasing the prevalence of dating abuse among young people. The National Resource Center on…

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New Year’s Resolutions with Kids

The new year offers a fresh start for us all—kids included! New Year’s Resolutions are a great way to teach children about setting goals and sticking to them. Both of which can be challenges for everyone! If you haven’t done so already for 2018, sit down with your children and help them make a New…

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10 New Year Resolutions for Foster Care

Families First of Florida recognizes that not everyone can become a foster parent, everyone can help a child in foster care in some way, and in some fashion. With more children in foster care now than in years past, the foster care system in the United States is in need of attention, and in some…

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Fostering in the New Year

My name is Karen Bebnowski and I am the Director of Program Development and Marketing for Families First of Florida, LLC. The New Year provides opportunities for reflection, especially for me. I have been able to a foster and adopt children in ‘the system’; as well as be raised by my own parents who also…

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A Forever Home for the Holidays

A loving family around the holidays is the best gift we can give to our children, including those in foster care. Recently, one of our most deserving kids received the forever family he has so truly desired. JJ’s Christmas wish came true when, Peggie Hargrove his foster parent of 2 years, made him a permanent…

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Foster Care & The Holidays

Families First of Florida has been serving children in therapeutic foster care since 2000.  We understand how difficult this time of year can be for foster children, their families and the foster parents who are caring for them. If you have ever wondered what foster care and the holidays is like, Dr. John N. DeGarmo,…

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Family Mentor Model

Families First of Florida uses a unique model for our therapeutic foster care program to better support both the children and the families they reside with.  Our tag line is Foster Hope for a reason, because we believe all people are on a life journey and the course of treatment is part of that journey. …

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