Florida FAPA

10/22/2026

National Foster Youth Voice Month Town Hall on October 21, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET!
This event brings together young adults with lived experience in foster care and supportive adults from across the country to celebrate youth voice, share perspectives, and explore opportunities to create meaningful change in the child welfare system. Led by a group of leaders with lived experience from across the country, this Town Hall will highlight the importance of youth voice and meaningful youth-adult partnerships.
Registration: https://buff.ly/sdXU4nl

10/08/2026

ICYMI: Governor Ron DeSantis Issues Updates on State Preparedness Efforts for Hurricane Isaias >> https://bit.ly/4znOJxA

10/08/2026

10/01/2026

Important update below from Families Rising!

Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Status:

Families Are Receiving the Credit!

Though we are still awaiting final language from the IRS, we've uncovered an update on the Adoption Tax Credit's refundability.
In March, we learned that the IRS had reviewed their interpretation of the federal law in 2025 H.R.1. that made a portion of the adoption tax credit refundable. We learned then that the IRS would create a post-filing season solution to extend that refundability to more families. Specifically, it would allow families with carryforward for credit claimed between 2020 to 2024 to access up to $5,000 as a refundable credit per child on their 2025 returns.

At this time, it looks like the IRS will do those calculations for families without the filer needing to send in an amended return. We are starting to hear reports from eligible families that some have already received $5,000 (plus interest) via automatic deposit to their bank account by the IRS.

Here at Families Rising, we are still concerned that many families will miss out on this refundable credit they are otherwise eligible for. The key groups are lower- or fixed-income groups that may not have filed taxes or those who didn't choose to claim the credit in 2025.

Once we have more details from the IRS, we will provide further information so no one misses out on this opportunity.
If you need immediate assistance with the Adoption Tax Credit or Adoption Subsidy, reach out to Josh Kroll at [email protected].

09/29/2026

Members of the Florida FAPA Team had the honor to attend the fasdunited Red Shoes Gala this evening, an important Impact Week event.

We are honored to be continuing our work tomorrow on Capitol Hill in partnership with The Florida Center for Early Childhood as we bring light to a big & in the FASD & conversation, with is the important intersection between FASD & Child Welfare.

09/28/2026

Florida FAPA Board Members and foster parents joined forces with other Foster/Adoptive parents and advocates at the National Foster Parent Association Capitol Hill Day!

Thank you to staff at Congressman Greg Steube and Congressman Vern Buchanan's Office for taking the time to speak with us about the needs for foster and adoptive parents and children.

09/11/2026

Congratulations and thank you to all of the Moments of Impact Award winners, you make a difference!

At the 2026 Florida Children and Families Summit, we celebrated the people who bring our shared purpose to life every day.

The Moments of Impact Awards recognize extraordinary individuals whose dedication, compassion, and courage make a lasting difference for Floridians.

Congratulations to this year’s honorees — Jessica, Jennifer, Maria, and Valerie — and thank you for showing how the moments we maximize today become part of the legacy we leave for Florida children and families.

09/10/2026

Florida FAPA Board members are honored to be attending the Florida Children and Families Summit this week. We’ve participated in great sessions, collaborated on Legislative needs and had a chance to meet with Caregivers from across our great State at our Membership meeting.

We can’t forget that Florida FAPA VP Selena Garrison and former Florida FAPA Board Member Martie had a packed room for their breakout session yesterday!

We are all looking forward to great Circuit breakouts before we head home tomorrow!