2020 Florida FAPA Summer Virtual Conference


Click on the video title to play.


Welcome Video (Now playing!)

Presenters: Amanda Cruce, President Florida FAPA
Secretary Chad Poppell, Florida Department of Children and Families

Florida FAPA President Amanda Cruce welcomes caregivers and others to the 2020 Virtual Summer Conference. In his welcome video, DCF Secretary Chad Poppell thanks caregivers and provides some key updates about the Department’s work and legislation.


Investing in Diversity as a Family Value (Now playing!)

Presenter: Carol Edwards

This session focuses on the tools and practices that support diversity as a family value. Appreciating the racial and cultural identity of oneself and others promote positive connections and authentic relationships.


Life in the F.A.S.T. Lane - Understanding and Supporting Foster Parents Through Allegations (Now playing!)

Presenter: Coleen LaCosta

The Foster Allegation Support Team (F.A.S.T.) is a program of Florida FAPA. Life in the F.A.S.T. Lane is an interactive presentation for foster parents, other caregivers and licensing staff to have the opportunity to become familiar with the investigation process and learn what can be expected during an investigation on a foster home.


Navigating the Various Scholarship Programs Available in Florida for School-Aged Children (Now playing!)

Presenter: Stepanie Love

This workshop will provide details regarding qualifications and how to apply for the following scholarship programs available for school-aged children throughout the state of Florida: the Florida Tax Credit and Family Empowerment Income-Based Scholarships, the Gardiner Scholarship for children with certain special needs, the Hope Scholarship for children who have experienced bullying and the Reading Scholarship Accounts for public school students in grades 3 through 5 who struggle with reading.


Creating a Tool Box: Self-Care and Family Care Tips During the Pandemic (Now Playing!)

Presenter: Martie Gillen

To say that parents are stressed and overwhelmed right now is an understatement. Even the calmest and collected parent may be feeling overwhelmed. There’s still so much uncertainty. Learn tips and tricks for creating a toolbox for self-care and family care during uncertain times. Taking care of yourself not only makes you feel better but it also makes you a better parent.


“The Legislation 2020” and Closing Session (Now Playing!)

Presenters: Alan Abramowitz, Executive Director, Florida Guardian Ad Litem
Asst. Secretary Patricia Medlock, Florida Department of Children and Families
Amanda Cruce, Florida FAPA President

Alan Abramowitz, Executive Director of Florida’s Guardian ad Litem program shares important information on new legislation that impacts child welfare. He highlights the sponsors of each and how it will impact children and families. Amanda Cruce, President of Florida FAPA concludes the 2020 Virtual Summer conference with closing remarks by Asst. Secretary Patricia Medlock who shares a special thank you and new initiatives from the Office of Child Welfare.


About Us

Florida's Just in Time Training is a web based service program designed to connect foster parents, kinship or other caregivers with training, peer experts and other resources. Questions are answered and practical solutions to care for children are discussed - all from the comfort of your home or office.

Helpful Videos

Creating Boundaries November 2018
Incarcerated Parents August 2018

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Florida Abuse Hotline

1-800-962-2873