KidSide helps children from low-income families, who are in crisis due to high-conflict Family Court cases, receive critical protection, advocacy, and the ability to heal.
By providing essential funding to Family Court Services we allow them to deliver critical assistance, counseling and other resources that bridge gaps in the system to protect children involved in antagonistic cases like high conflict divorce, and domestic abuse. Without these services, many kids from low-income families would fall through cracks in the underfunded judicial system causing profound consequences in their lives and communities.
How KidSide HelpsFamily Court Services
Parents and children are emotionally interconnected. Parents react to their children’s distress as children react to their parent’s distress.For this reason, It is equally important to support and assist the parents as it is the children.
Not long ago, a case was referred to Family Court Services that involved parents that were headed for trial. Trust was at an all-time low and their parental conflict was at an all-time high. The parents had numerous litigious actions, along with failed mediations. Their communication was nonexistent and they were headed to trial.
Coming to Family Court Services was a last ditch effort to see if the parents could stop their “runaway train” of conflict, kick start their communication, and facilitate a time sharing plan that they get to create versus the court dictating to them how they will share their children.
After addressing their issues and concerns, the parents felt respected and that someone was listening to both of them. Additionally we focused on strategies and options to solve their problems versus blame and point fingers.
What was especially powerful, was watching the parents take over their own session in a positive way by engaging each other in a cordial, collaborative manner. They ultimately averted additional litigation by creating a time sharing plan and uniting in developing positive and constructive co-parenting framework that focused on their children’s needs.
Having this type of outcome is the reason my colleagues and I get up in the morning and go to work! It is heartening to know that the parents will get on with their lives in a content manner which will trickle down to the children in the best way possible.
Helenann Shapiro, LCSW
Family Court Services Liaison
Message from the Judiciary
KidSide is personal to me because of their support to Family Court Services. These services are often utilized in high-conflict family litigation where children are involved. Family Court Services has been a priceless resource in addressing the impact of separation, and conflict on children, without any red tape or income obstacles. These services are easily accessible to all. For these reasons, and so many more, I am proud to participate in the 2020 KidSide Judicial Reception. I am looking forward to continuing to bridge the gap between the bench, the bar, and the Miami community. Let’s gather for a great cause. Please join us!
Honorable Tanya Brinkley
Associate Administrative Judge
Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse
Thank you to the following Judges and General Magistrates who have already confirmed:
Don’t miss out! Register today!
Virtual Cooking Class a Huge Success!
Over 30 cooks together with kitchen helpers made KidSide’s first ever virtual cooking class a huge success! We raised close to $4,000 for Family Court Services. A very special thanks to Chef Philippe Boutemy, Hanh Nguyen, and Andrea Levy Steinacker for their continued support of KidSide.
Commit your pledge on behalf of KidSide for Give Miami Day 2020.
This year, you will have four days on which you may pledge your support to KidSide and Family Court Services.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, KidSide needs your support to continue its mission to the children of high conflict divorce in Family Court Services.
You may access the KidSide Give Miami Day Pledge form below here.
Please reach out to Marian Ortega at marian@kidsidemiami.org for additional details.
Become a KidSide Best Friend Today!
You can make a difference! Join the KidSide Best Friends Leadership Campaign.
Join the members of our 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 Dana Cahn at DanaCahn@faces.family.
KidSide Partner Program
KidSide is excited to announce its KidSide Partner Program. This program was established to provide a platform for those donors who wish to provide substantial support to the work of KidSide year round.
Among other benefits, our KidSide Partners’ support will be recognized at their respective annual commitment tier. The program provides for the ability to have multiple KidSide Partners at each tier.
We recognize this pandemic has had a significant economic impact in all forms. Therefore, we are extremely grateful to those who join the KidSide Partner Program this year as we acknowledge that such substantial support is extra important during these times.
Thank You to our KidSide Partners
Will you be next?
For more information, please reach out to Aileen Fernandez Mesa, President of KidSide at afernandez@orshanlaw.com
Do you have a birthday coming up?
Select KidSide, Inc., on Facebook for your birthday fundraiser!
Make a one-time donation below to support the work of Family Court Services by donating to KidSide.
Or you may make a contribution payable to KidSide, Inc. and mail to:
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.