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Summer is nearing conclusion and Brevard's children have now returned to school. For many, this is an exciting time to reconnect with friends, meet their new teachers and to learn and grow. For others, however, returning to school may not be such a positive experience.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety affects 1 in 8 children and "
Anxiety is a normal part of childhood, and every child goes through phases. A phase is temporary and usually harmless. But children who suffer from an anxiety disorder experience fear, nervousness, and shyness, and they start to avoid places and activities."
Left unaddressed, what may be a normal part of childhood, can spiral downward into school avoidant behavior over time. Bullying and fear, undiagnosed learning disabilities and anxiety disorders may be the causes of aversion to school attendance. For this reason, it is important for caregivers to explore the source of avoidant behaviors and school related distress, rather than to solely focus on the presenting issue.
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 This article, written by Phebe Powell, Executive Director of Brevard C.A.R.E.S., will provide helpful advice on helping your child cope with back to school stressors.
Heading back to school is exciting for some and overwhelming for others. Family stress can mount up with thoughts of school supplies, getting the "right" clothes, avoiding unhealthy snacks and planning around hectic work and school schedules. Many families may also be worried about their children starting a new school, changing school districts, facing a more rigorous academic year or dealing with difficult social situations. Often the fear of the unknown: classmates, teachers, or the school building, are the most stressful for family members, whether it's the children hopping on the school bus or their parents who have to wave goodbye.
Fortunately, children are extremely capable of coping with change and parents can help them in the process by providing a setting that fosters resilience and encourages them to share and express their feelings about returning to school.
Read back to school tips from the American Psychological Association here.
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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. 
GED FastTrack provides participants with all of the training and tools they'll need, including test taking tips, practice tests, preparation books, and support by trained instructors.
Of the 16 formally enrolled students from the first class in 2014, through the most recent class completion in June 2016, 13 have been able to attain their GED, for a pass rate of 81.25%. This percentage significantly exceeds both the historic national average for all GED test takers and the national aged-out-of-foster care percentage, which is well below 50%.
Additional information on the GED FastTrack Program can be found online here.
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Make a Difference in a Teen's Life
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 There is an ongoing need for more people to become foster parents for teenagers in foster care. Your support, guidance and care can have a lifelong impact.
Would you consider fostering a teen?
Learn more by attending one of our informational sessions.
Foster Parent Q&A Session
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
BFP South Care Center
1591 Robert J Conlan Dr, Ste. 128
Palm Bay, FL
Get answers to all of your questions from professionals in the field like, foster parents, adoptive parents, licensing and adoption experts.
RSVP to
321-752-4650 ext. 3034 or Jason.Simmons@brevardfp.org.
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We would like to give a special thank you to the Kiwanis Club of Rockledge and in particular, Esther Anderson, for their tremendous support of the children in our care. Esther and the Kiwanis Club have "adopted" Brevard Family Partnership as one of their charity of choices and have planned a mission every month for the remainder of the year to benefit BFP, specific to the current needs of the agency. 
In July, they facilitated a school supply drive, giving local foster children the confidence they need to succeed in school by donating much-needed school supplies.
Additionally, in collaboration with Melanie's Salon and Spa, they orchestrated a Spa Day Event for some of our teenage girls in foster care. The amazing team members at Melanie's Salon and Spa donated their time and talent to give these girls a well-deserved day of pampering.
 Through this partnership, we also received a donation of 50 vouchers from The Salon Professional Academy in Melbourne, which will allow our youth the opportunity to receive complimentary back-to-school haircuts.
We are greatly appreciative of the generosity we have received from these organizations and individuals. Thank you for your support of Brevard's most vulnerable children.
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Save the Date! Decades in Revue Lip Sync Battle
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For additional information about the 2nd Annual Decades in Revue Lip Sync Battle, please click here.
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