Vice President
Florida’s Children First
Mission
Florida’s Children First works to advocate for children and improve the government systems that exist to serve children. We do this through executive branch advocacy, legal advocacy, legislative advocacy, procedural rule advocacy, support for former foster youth, and training and support of attorneys who represent or serve children.
Florida’s Children First’s primary work is with children in state custody, either because their parents are accused of having done something wrong (abuse, abandonment, neglect, juvenile dependency) or because the children are accused of having done something wrong (juvenile delinquency).
Florida’s Children First also works on issues for children who have disabilities and children who are immigrants. We are concerned with such systemic issues as Department of Children & Families management, juvenile dependency, juvenile delinquency, developmental disabilities, education advocacy, foster care, immigration, independent living, mental health, and the legal representation of children.
Florida’s Children First is part of the Florida system for delivery of legal services to the poor. We are primarily funded by The Florida Bar Foundation and private donations, with significant grants from other foundations.
Serving Jacksonville
Since 2004. Founded in 2001.
Those served
Florida’s Children First is a statewide organization. My primary focus and work with the organization is in Northeast Florida.
Biggest challenge
Educating the public about the problems facing Florida’s most vulnerable, at-risk children. Generally, these issues are grossly under-reported, and misunderstood, even among lawyers.
Biggest satisfaction
Helping to get children out of bad situations and into good ones; helping them get through whatever difficulties life has thrown at them; and seeing them move past those difficulties to lead healthy, happy and productive lives.
Hometown
Cincinnati, Ohio
First experience with community service
St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, where the Jesuits taught us to be “Men for Others” above all else.
Your job in addition to Florida’s Children First
By day I am an attorney and partner at Zisser, Robison, Brown, Nowlis, Maciejewski & Cabrey in Jacksonville, where I practice in the areas of injury law and child advocacy. My firm has been truly heroic in its support of my children’s advocacy work, and children’s issues in general. I could not do what I do for kids without them.
Upcoming events
Sept. 27: Annual Northeast Florida Children’s Advocacy Awards reception honoring local child advocates.
Contact information
www.floridaschildrenfirst.org