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School is out and it is time for summer fun and outdoor activities. However, with increased activities, comes additional risks, most of which are avoidable. Living in Florida poses some unique risks that we need to be mindful of in keeping children safe from harm. Florida has venomous spiders, snakes, and of course alligators and sharks, that pose a danger in our natural habitat.
Additionally, Florida is known as the lightning capital of the nation. According to an analysis of
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) weather data, in the last 10 years, the U.S. has averaged 30 lightning fatalities per year, with Florida totaling 52 fatalities, 17 percent of the 304 total fatalities. This far outdistanced Texas, the state with the second highest number of fatalities (21), during that same time period.
To ensure safety during storms NOAA outlines the following safety tips:
- Avoid open fields, the top of a hill or a ridge top.
- Stay away from tall, isolated trees or other tall objects. If you are in a forest, stay near a lower stand of trees.
- If you are in a group, spread out to avoid the current traveling between group members.
- If you are camping in an open area, set up camp in a valley, ravine or other low area. Remember, a tent offers NO protection from lighting.
- Stay away from water, wet items, such as ropes, and metal objects, such as fences and poles. Water and metal do not attract lightning but they are excellent conductors of electricity. The current from a lightning flash will easily travel for long distances [1].
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 National Safety Month, observed annually, is led by the National Safety Council and joined by thousands of organizations across the country.
The goal is to raise awareness of what it takes to stay safe on our roads and in our homes and communities. Learn how you can help take part in the Keep Each Other Safe campaign here.
With summer upon us, please take a moment to review the following water safety tips courtesy of the "Simple Steps Save Lives" Program.
- Staying close, being alert and watching children in and around the pool
- Learning and practicing water safety skills
- Having appropriate equipment for your pool or spa
Read more water safety tips here.
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 June 1 marked the beginning of hurricane season. According to Brevard County Emergency Management, statistics show that people are not prepared when a disaster strikes them. To avoid being left unprepared, educate yourself and your family about what steps need to be taken before a disaster occurs.
The Brevard County Emergency Management web site offers tips to build a preparedness kit and get a plan. This is also a great local resource to utilize to stay informed when a storm approaches.
Additionally, they provide a Brevard County Emergency Preparedness Booklet that provides essential information such as evacuation routes, shelter locations, what to bring to a shelter, pet information and more.
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 Brevard Family Partnership is currently in need of Therapeutic foster homes for children in care. Our therapeutic foster care program offers specialized services to youth with complex behavioral and emotional concerns in a supportive, family environment.
Therapeutic foster parents are supported by a primary therapist who will train and coach them to implement the goals outlined in the child's treatment plan. Goals include community integration, meeting the medical and educational needs of the child, and working collaboratively with the foster care team. Foster parents receive 30 hours pre-service and continuing in-service training and support.
Interested in learning more about how you can help shape the lives of children in our community? Join us for an upcoming informational session
and get answers to all of your questions from professionals in the field like, foster parents, adoptive parents, licensing and adoption experts.
July 25, 2017, 6pm, South Care Center - Palm Bay
August 8, 2017, 6pm, Central Care Center - Rockledge
To reserve your seat or for additional information, please call 321-752-4650 ext. 3031 or email
foster@brevardfp.org.
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Family Allies, Inc., the newest addition to the Brevard Family Partnership family of agencies, successfully began operations June 26, 2017. Family Allies will provide child welfare case management services in Brevard County. The BFP Board of Directors voted several months ago to bring case management under local control, in an effort to return to the spirit and intent of privatization; communities coming together to care for their own.
Kickoff week included orientation and onboarding for over 70 employees, breakfast, and a visit by Mr. J's ice cream truck. Trivia provided some unusual answers for usual questions, and four care managers won a 'chauffeur for the day' experience. You may have seen Family Allies team members out and about during the scavenger hunts as each unit had to complete tasks including pictures with foster parents, Guardian ad Litem, Court Deputy, Children's Legal Services, Brevard Family Partnership and Family Allies staff, trips to Eckerd, the Courthouse, beach, and of course, the gas station.
Family Allies is also very excited to announce the inaugural care manager training class, which began class July 10. Congratulations to Brionne, Laurie, Robie, Yolanda, and Zharia; we're expecting big things from you!
The Central and South Care Centers are undergoing some changes with the Family Allies logo and branding and we are planning a formal opening house for each center in September 2017.
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Foster Parent Appreciation Event
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Brevard Family Partnership, the United Methodist Churches of Brevard, and the North Brevard Foster Care Task Force hosted a "Spring Fling" picnic for our foster families in recognition of National Foster Care Month. The family fun picnic featured entertainment, arts & crafts, food, bounce houses, face painting and more!
Thank you to Suntree United Methodist Church for hosting, along with the many organizations, churches, and non-profit organizations who helped make this a special appreciation event for our deserving foster families. We are grateful for your commitment to the children and families in our community.
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 A solid education is the cornerstone for success and with a GED, former foster children can begin to move towards independence with the education they need to attend college, a university, or vocational school or enter the workforce.
In 2009, Brevard Family Partnership teamed up with Education Solutions International, a leader in education advances to develop an intense, fast-paced program that prepares young adults who have exited the foster care system, to take (and pass) the GED exam.
Since inception, 75 students have graduated the program and
78% of the young adults who have participated have successfully completed the course and received their GED.
GED FastTrack provides participants with all of the training and tools they'll need, including:
* Education, supervision and support, provided by trained instructors;
* Steck-Vaughn GED Preparation book;
* Administrative and student manuals;
* Test taking tips for each subject;
* Practice tests;
* GED FastTrack Prescription that identifies each student's unique strengths and challenges; and
* Targeted goals sheets
This effective and proven program prepares students in an expedited manner that helps pave their way to a brighter future.
Additional information on the GED FastTrack Program can be found
online here.
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 We would like to give a very special thank you to the Viera High School Service Learning Project who graciously donated 10 backpacks for children in foster care.
Often times, children in foster care have nothing but a trash bag to carry their belongings in. Your donation will make a significant difference in the lives of children in our community. We appreciate your generosity and support!
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