FFDA
Foster Child Funeral Program
Recognizing
a need in our state, the FFDA entered into an agreement
with the Florida Department of Children and Families
to provide funeral arrangements for foster children.
The plight of a foster child is tragic enough without
the additional burden of funding for a funeral of
one of these children. Foster children often have
no permanent family involved and no resources to help,
especially with financial matters.
In
2000, a Senator approached FFDA with concerns about
the lack of funding for funeral for foster children
after a foster child died in his district. Shortly
thereafter, the agreement between FFDA and DCF was
negotiated. Since the Foster Child Funeral Program
began, FFDA members have provided dignified, compassionate
funerals to over 100 children.
Many
people in the community have expressed their appreciation,
including Governor Jeb Bush, who said “I would
like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt
appreciation for the services provided by the Florida
Funeral Directors Association’s Foster Child
Funeral Program. FFDA saw a need to serve the most
vulnerable members in our society and came forward
to meet that need.” Mr John McCarthy, Executive
Director of Child and Family Connections (the lead
agency for community based care in Palm Beach County)
has expressed his thanks and gratitude for this "important
and critical service which is desperately needed during
times of family tragedy that cause such an overwhelming
sense of grief and loss.”
To
participate in the FFDA Foster Child Funeral Program,
the DCF District Administrator should contact FFDA
Executive Director Leigh Ann Bradley for a Foster
Child Funeral Program Form. After completing the information
requested and returning the form the Ms. Bradley,
she will contact the FFDA District Director in the
area where the death has occurred. The District Director
either handles the funeral or calls around the district
seeking assistance from FFDA members. In some cases
race, religion or culture determines who is called
upon for assistance.