Justice for Kids

08/31/2026

Is Florida’s foster care system truly working for the children it is designed to protect?

Justice for Kids Co-Founder Stacie Schmerling spoke with Naples Daily News for an article that takes a closer look at Florida’s privatized child welfare system and the concerns surrounding accountability when children are harmed.

At Justice for Kids, we believe accountability is essential to creating a safer, stronger child welfare system.

Read the full article to learn more: https://www.naplesnews.com/story/news/2026/08/18/lost-in-the-system-does-floridas-foster-care-system-work/91094888007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=false&gca-epti=z11xx32p118250l004450c118250e008380v11xx32&gca-ft=43&gca-ds=sophi

08/20/2026

The Justice for Kids division of Kelley Kronenberg is proud to have 3 attorneys awarded in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

Congratulations to Howard M. Talenfeld (Civil Rights Law and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs), Stacie J. Schmerling (Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs) and Justin Grosz (Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs).

08/14/2026

After years of advocacy, Justice for Kids co-founder Justin Grosz and partner Nicole Coniglio secured a legislative claims bill for a young girl who suffered catastrophic injuries when she was just eight weeks old after Florida child welfare authorities inexplicably returned her to her abusive parents.

Passage of a legislative claims bill in Florida is an extremely onerous process. In this video, Justin Grosz shares more about this significant outcome and the legal journey that made it possible.

After years of advocacy, Justice for Kids co-founder Justin Grosz a...

08/12/2026

"Everyone has a role in the pursuit of children's justice" - Kim Dvorchak, CEO of the National Association of Counsel for Children

The 2nd Annual Pickle for a Purpose tournament in Aspen raised an incredible $180,000 to support Florida’s Children First, the National Association of Counsel for Children and the Youth Law Center.

This year's event brought together pickleball pros, local players, sponsors, volunteers and community leaders around one shared mission: ensuring children in foster care have the support, advocacy and legal representation they need to thrive.

A huge thank you to everyone who played, sponsored, volunteered, donated and helped make this year’s event such a success!

Fundraising remains open as we work toward a $200,000 goal. To learn more or donate: https://floridaschildrenfirst.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donate

Pickle for a Purpose was sponsored in part by Justice for Kids, Kelley Kronenberg, Slatestone Wealth, the City of Aspen, and Aspen Pickleball, with tournament sponsor Dolman Law.

08/06/2026

At Justice for Kids, our commitment to helping children extends beyond the courtroom. Through our pro bono and public service efforts we work to support vulnerable children and families who may not otherwise have access to the legal resources they need.

We believe that access to justice shouldn't depend on a person's financial circumstances. That's why we're proud to dedicate time and resources to helping children find safety, support, and a voice during some of life's most difficult moments. Much of this work is possible through the incredible organizations that protect abused and neglected children nationwide, including Florida's Children First, Youth Law Center, National Association of Counsel for Children, and Legal Aid Society chapters.

Learn more about our public service and pro bono initiatives: https://justiceforkids.com/public-service-pro-bono/

07/27/2026

Justice for Kids Co-Founder Stacie Schmerling spoke with CBS12 about the challenges child victims often face when reporting abuse, including fear, shame and the power imbalance that exists when the alleged abuser is in a position of authority.

Every child deserves to be heard, believed and protected. If additional victims exist, we hope they know they are not alone and that coming forward can help protect others.

Read the full story: https://cbs12.com/news/local/crime-police-seek-more-possible-victims-in-case-against-ex-juvenile-detention-worker-west-palm-beach-police-department-south-florida-news-exploiting-teen-inappropriate-relationship-with-a-17-year-old-girl-lewd-or-lascivious-written-solicitation

07/22/2026

Following the arrest of a St. Cloud foster parent facing child s*x abuse charges, Justice for Kids Co-Founder Justin Grosz spoke with News6 about the questions this case raises regarding oversight, accountability, and the systems designed to protect vulnerable children.

As Justin shared, these tragedies often reveal broader systemic failures. Every child deserves a foster care system that prioritizes safety through proper screening, oversight, and accountability.

Read the full story: https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2026/06/24/questions-raised-about-florida-foster-care-oversight-after-st-cloud-foster-parent-arrested-on-child-s*x-abuse-charges/

07/15/2026

We're honored to see Pickle for a Purpose featured by the Aspen Daily News as excitement builds for this special event benefiting children and youth in foster care.

Join us on July 21 in Aspen for an unforgettable day of pickleball and giving back. Whether you're stepping onto the court or cheering from the sidelines, your participation helps support organizations dedicated to protecting and advocating for vulnerable children.

Proceeds benefit Florida's Children First, the National Association of Counsel for Children, and Youth Law Center.

Register today and help make a difference. We hope to see you there!

Read article: https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/pickle-for-a-purpose-seeks-to-raise-funds-for-youths-in-foster-care/article_e15515ae-ca13-46ad-bc5b-1d691c117e77.html

Register for Pickle for a Purpose: https://www.floridaschildrenfirst.org/pickle-for-a-purpose-tournament/

Three nonprofits will be involved in a fundraiser sponsored by Aspen Pickleball for its second annual “Pickle for a Purpose” event on July 21.

07/09/2026

Registration is now open for the 2nd Annual Pickle for a Purpose tournament in Aspen, CO!

Don't miss your chance to play alongside Major League Pickleball Champion Andrei Daescu while making a meaningful impact for children in foster care. Every registration helps support organizations working to ensure youth have skilled legal advocates protecting their rights, safety, and future.

🔵 Aspen Recreation Center
🔵 July 21
🔵 Registration deadline: July 18 (spots are limited and expected to sell out!)

Secure your spot today: https://www.floridaschildrenfirst.org/pickle-for-a-purpose-tournament/

Justice for Kids is honored to support this incredible event and the mission to give every child a champion in their corner.

06/30/2026

Justice for Kids is proud to sponsor the 2nd Annual Pickle for a Purpose tournament in Aspen, CO on July 21!

Join Major League Pickleball Champion & MVP Andrei Daescu and fellow players for an unforgettable day on the courts—all while supporting a cause that matters. Proceeds benefit Florida's Children First, the National Association of Counsel for Children, and Youth Law Center, helping ensure children in foster care have the legal advocates they need to protect their rights and build brighter futures.

Player registration opens July 1 and spots are extremely limited.

In addition to the top pros on the court, several youth who were formerly in foster care and now working with FCF, YLC, or NACC will also take to the court, adding a powerful personal dimension to the day’s festivities.

The event is being sponsored in part by City of Aspen Government, Aspen Pickleball, Justice for Kids, a division of Kelley Kronenberg, and SlateStone Wealth LLC.

Learn more: https://www.floridaschildrenfirst.org/pickle-for-a-purpose-tournament/