KidSide Newsletter February 2021
We Couldn’t Have Done it Without You…
More than 80% of the clients at Family Court Services do not have legal representation. Regardless of the reason, if a client’s emotions are in the driver’s seat when making decisions about their life and their family’s future, it can be problematic.
From a Victim – Testimonial
As a domestic abuse victim, it is rare to come across people who understand what you’ve gone through. Even family members don’t understand.
When I was referred to Family Court Services, I was shocked. The Specialists assigned to my case were so sensitive, provided me with the emotional support (that I didn’t even know I needed), and offered me information on different resources available to me near my home. Because of this, I felt like I had everything in my power now to do right by me and my family.
Because of Family Court Services, I was able to work with a Domestic Abuse Advocate, create an emergency safety plan for me and my children, and receive help with legal services. I knew I needed an advocate and someone to really help me with my situation but I never found it in me to get the assistance. With the wrap around support, education, and expertise from Family Court Services, I was finally able to find the encouragement and drive I’ve been searching for. Once I worked on my inner strength, I was then able to focus on my children.
It’s a great relief knowing that Family Court Services exists and that everything was free. They helped my family and I have no doubt they can help yours.
-Lucia, 28 y/o, Mother of 2 boys (2 y/o and 10 months)
Family Court Services is here to keep families connected while going through the judicial process.
Please continue to support KidSide.
Words From The Bench…
When I transferred into the Family Division in October of 2019, it did not take me long to realize that the task at hand, making decisions involving families in conflict, was one I could not do alone. Family cases are multi-faceted; each family faces their own challenge whether it be mental health issues, substance abuse, personality disorders, or domestic abuse, to name a few. The stakes are always high when it involves a child’s well-being. Unfortunately, there is no possible way that one judge, with hundreds of other cases, could possibly dedicate the necessarily time to ferret out the cause and develop a remedy for the conflict in every situation.
This is where Family Court Services comes in.
Equipped with Guardians ad Litem, parenting coordinators, and therapists, Family Court Services acts in a dual capacity to both assist the court and assist the families simultaneously. For instance, not only does the presence of a supervisor deescalate a typically hostile time sharing exchange, but the observations of the supervisor allow a Court to gain insight. A co-parenting session will not only teach parents how to place their children first, but also provide the Court with specific scenarios that could instigate conflict. And most important, a Guardian or therapist can lend a therapeutic ear, and at the same time provide me with the information to make the best decision for a child.
The only way I can operate as a family court judge and make the necessary decisions on certain cases is with the assistance of FCS, and families in conflict cannot start the healing process without FCS. Working with FCS, relying on their findings, and witnessing their therapeutic process made me a “believer.” Erika Ruiz and her team go the distance for each case; FCS deserves all the support they can garner for the tremendous work they do. So, when asked to help guide Kidside on their Judicial Advisory Board, I jumped at the chance. As I have leaned on FCS for support throughout my years on the bench, it is my honor to return the favor.
Honorable Spencer Multack, Circuit Judge
Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building
Your KidSide Donations At Work
Because of your support to KidSide, Family Court Services is able provide both in-house and referred-out services to families in need.
Though the list of services provided is extensive, not surprisingly, this month’s most requested, as detailed in the image below, were individual counseling and co-parenting.
Times are challenging, but COVID-19 has provided a unique set of challenges for families in distress.
Your contributions are the bridge providing KidSide the ability to assist FCS in helping families heal and supporting their needs.
Future newsletters will detail the monthly services, both referred out and in-house, which Family Court Services provides to distressed families. Stay tuned!
Thank You for Your Support!
KidSide Has Been Selected…
KidSide has been selected by this local store leadership as the benefiting non-profit in the Community Bag Program!
For the month of March 2021, KidSide will receive a $1 donation for each time a $2.50 reusable Community Bag is bought at the store located at
Winn-Dixie 6770 Bird Road, Miami FL.
Supporting local non-profits has never been more important than it is right now!
Thank You for Participating!
Become a KidSide Best Friend Today!
You can make a difference!
Join the KidSide Best Friends Leadership Campaign.
During this time of COVID-19, in person fundraising is not possible but the children served by Family Court Services are greatly impacted and need our help. We must do our best to ensure they do not sustain long term emotional harm.
By becoming a member of the KidSide Best Friends Leadership Campaign with a monthly sustaining gift, it allows Family Court Services to anticipate the on-going level of support they can provide children in need. We need your support now more than ever so Family Court Services may continue to meet the needs of our community.
For more information and/or to join our Best Friends Leadership Campaign committee please contact Erica Whittler, Esq., at Erica@305divorce.com.
Thank You to our KidSide Partners
Will you be next?
For more information, please reach out to Dana Cahn, President of KidSide at DanaCahn@faces.family
Do You Have A Birthday Coming Up?
Our Marian Estevez Ortega, Administrative Assistant for KidSide, celebrated her birthday ealier this month selected KidSide, Inc., as her Facebook birthday fundraiser!
Thank you!
Who’s next?
Select KidSide, Inc., on Facebook as your birthday fundraiser!
Make a one-time donation below or mail your contribution to support the work of Family Court Services by donating to KidSide.
KidSide, Inc.
14261 SW 120 Street #103-552
Miami, FL 33186
Telephone: (305) 908.1126
Email: marian@kidsidemiami.org
All proceeds will benefit KidSide, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that supports Family Court Services in its mission to provide services for those children most victimized by family conflicts.
KidSide, Inc. is registered to solicit contributions with the State of Florida. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling (800) 435-7352. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the State.
