Safe Children Coalition recognized during recent DCF Summit

Since 1997, the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) has engaged child welfare professionals in an annual premier training event reflecting their collective impact on prevention, self-sufficiency, and well-being while advancing the best outcomes for children and families across the state.

During the 2026 DCF Summit, program manager Wendy Readus and the Safe Children Coalition (SCC) Independent Living Services team received numerous accolades for its work in preparing foster care youth ages 13-18 to live independently as well as in assisting young adults ages 18-23 with supports such as monthly stipends (for post-secondary school), service referrals, case management, and temporary financial assistance if needed.

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Wendy Readus, SCC's Independent Living Life Skills Manager, was recognized as the Florida Youth SHINE Mentor of the Year. Florida Youth SHINE is a youth-run, peer-driven advocacy group run under Florida's Children First for current and former foster youth. A major factor in Readus's recognition was her innovative work organizing the Independent Living "Level Up" Youth Summit this past summer. The event featured numerous speakers addressing topics such as education, leadership, health and life skills. Keynote speakers were Dr. Charles Lee-Johnson, an author, motivational speaker, pastor, and CEO of The Children's Collective, Inc. in Los Angeles, Calif. as well as international speaker and South Florida musical artist Alexander Star, who presented an upbeat and empowering musical keynote concert.

Readus also received the Spark of Change Award – with nominations coming from youths involved with the program as well as professional colleagues from across the state – earning a thunderous round of applause from youth and colleagues in attendance. The Spark of Change Award recognizes and celebrates exceptional professionals, mentors or advocates who are driving meaningful, systemic improvements in the child welfare and foster care systems.

Additionally, SCC's Independent Living team and All Star Children's Foundation earned the Circuit 12 (Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties) Breakout Collaboration Award. They received this recognition for a partnership that focuses on transforming how transition-age youth prepare for adulthood, through the creation of three complementary initiatives: the Life Lab, the W.A.Y. (Well-Being, Access, Youth Education/Employment) Program, and the Independent Living Summit. Rather than relying solely on traditional case management, the team identified gaps in services and developed innovative, youth-centered solutions that address the real-world challenges young adults face as they transition to independence.

"For many children, the journey to adulthood and independence is supported by a parent or parents and other relatives, who provide a family safety net, housing stability, educational encouragement and support, and years of guidance regarding financial literacy and life skills – and love," said Readus. "We provide many resources for foster children who age out of the system, and we actively encourage youths and young adults to stay connected with us so that we can support them through the many challenges that come with being a young adult."

SCC's Independent Living Services team is committed to preparing children and young adults, ages 13-23, to live independently. Assistance and support come in many forms, including life skills training classes, individual coaching, in-home instruction, and leadership opportunities. Priority areas for skill building include money management, personal care and hygiene, nutrition, personal safety, housing, employment, and educational/career planning.

For more about SCC's Independent Living Services, visit sccfl.org/independent-living-services.

About Safe Children Coalition, Inc.
Safe Children Coalition, Inc. (SCC) serves as the lead agency for community-based care for Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. SCC is a collaboration between local community agencies that provide services to children and families in need. SCC is committed to protecting children, strengthening families, and building community. The core functions provided by SCC include child welfare case management, foster care, adoption, independent living, prevention, diversion, quality management, and support services as well as other social service programs. Visit sccfl.org or call 941-371-4799.