2016-05-31 BOD Minutes
FSFAPA Board of Directors Meeting May 31, 2016 Monthly Conference Call Welcome Harriett Wynn Reminder the Board call is the last Monday of the month for the entire Board. Roll Call – Absent Maria Bond, Dorothy Alvarez, Coleen LaCosta – on a plane. Melanie Stimmell Minutes – motion to accept the minutes with changes Chris Johnson, Thomas Croom seconded motion carried RVP Report – Chris Johnson, nothing at this time. All RVP reports are due today or tomorrow before the conference. We will go over all the RVP changes at the Board meeting at the Conference. Kara – their area is drowning with capacity concerns – homes over capped are stunning, trying to get to the root of the issues. All local FAPA’s are coming together at the conference to discuss concerns. Thomas, last few months several requests to assist with 501C3’s and bylaws to discuss how we can facilitate these things – at the conference some training will be welcome. Chris acknowledged we have that on the table and will discuss next week. Conference request for exhibitor – Melanie was going to try and reach out to the new association in Panama City, to reach Judith. Chris explained the concern that they want their teens to sell items at the conference.. Harriet asked for Chris to please contact her before the conference. Thomas will send a phone number if he has one. Suggestions of giveaways at the Summit: mouse pads, jelly bracelets, send to Trudy. Silent Auction – Lillie reported that she does have baskets and a couple of associations have contacted me. It always works out and I don’t worry about it she announced. Harriett announced that she appointed Anne Whiteside as the RVP over the southwest region. Anne was welcomed by the Board, she is looking forward to meeting everyone next week. Conference hotel contract for 2017 – Melanie and Chris said the hotel has been great to work with for the 2016 conference. They are completely pleased with how everything at the hotel is working this year. Trudy reported we signed a contract for the Renaissance at Sea World in 2017. 2018 will be a joint conference with NFPA and will probably be at the Caribe Royale as NFPA has a long standing relationship with the Caribe. At the Dependency Summit the FSFAPA Quarterly Membership Meeting will be held at lunchtime on Thursday. The Board of Directors meeting will be held on Wednesday morning at 10 am at the Summit. We will primarily be discussing the new RVP positions. October 8, 2016 will be the Quarterly Membership meeting and Mini Conference. Hosted by TLC in Mulberry. 2016 Conference – Executive Board Wednesday at 8 pm, Thursday the Board of Directors is at 1 pm not noon in the Zander Room. The Membership meeting will be on Saturday morning during breakfast. The QPI meeting is on Thursday. Conference discussion – Harriett asked about the meals and Chris gave her a run down of the meals and the luncheon and breakfast speakers. Children’s meals are similar but child friendly. Meeting on Thursday we will not have access to our training so Friday morning is when we will set up the rooms. Kara asked do we have any spots for childcare, teens or adults. No scholarships left but we can take any additional families. The hotel is full so we have some option for an overflow hotel in the area. Stuff the conference bags on Thursday. Chain will go up on Friday. Amanda Nex Gen update need some volunteers, food speaker and surfing set. There are three waivers she will be contacting the foster parents of teens registered. Lauralyn, concurred that there are high levels of kids all around the state at this time. Due to the fact Trudy now has a position at DCF Southern Region, so Curtis will now be the Contract Manager moving forward. Harry wants to know where to bring the Chain on the 8th. Chris said to text him. Orlando needed a rundown of the meeting schedule for the Board and a review of the support schedule. Anne Whiteside has a question, state holding a focus group on June 28th for foster parents CFSR Stakeholder and Focus Groups. State and Federal doing focus groups, so there is not a lot of information at this time. A motion to adjourn by Chris Johnson and seconded, no discussion and motion carried. Respectfully Submitted Cutis Byrd
Child Welfare in the News
Child Welfare in the News AR: Volunteers sought to aid child welfare The Sentinel-Record – July 25, 2016 About 40 percent of children in Arkansas’ child welfare system don’t receive the assistance they need, according to Justin Buck, executive director of Garland County Court Appointed Special Advocates. http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2016/jul/25/volunteers-sought-to-aid-child-welfare-/?f=news-arkansas AZ: Restored KidsCare Program Taking Applications (Includes audio) Public News Service – July 26, 2016 The reinstated KidsCare program provides health insurance at low or no cost to as many as 30,000 Arizona children. http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2016-07-26/childrens-issues/az/a53206-1 CA: The death of a grandchild and how Child Protective Services restricts vital information (Opinion) Sacramento Bee – July 24, 2016 This journey, from the devastation of learning about the death of my grandson to outrage over the recent effort by the California Department of Social Services to restrict the ability of the public to have access to important information, began in January 1999. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/california-forum/article91298532.html CA: ‘This is a safe haven’: Stockton group home for LGBT foster youth is Valley’s first Recordnet.com – July 23, 2016 “My mom said she didn’t want me living with her anymore,” said the girl, who cannot be identified publicly because she is a juvenile and is in the foster-care system. “She didn’t want me to live there anymore because I’m 17 and she’s tired of taking care of me. So I’m here.” But the girl’s story, as wrenching as it is, carries with it an extra layer of complexity. Someday, the girl said last week, she wants to be a man. Someday she plans to transition. So when it came time to find the right group home, the task was especially challenging. http://www.recordnet.com/news/20160723/this-is-safe-haven-stockton-group-home-for-lgbt-foster-youth-is-valleys-first?rssfeed=true CA: New Monterey County director of child welfare: conversation has to change Monterey Herald – July 23, 2016 There are several challenges facing the department of child welfare in Monterey County, including difficulty filling vacant social worker positions and finding families who want to become foster parents. Lori Medina, who recently took over as director of the Family and Children’s Services Branch of the Monterey County Department of Social Services, wants to change the way the department is perceived besides addressing those issues. http://www.montereyherald.com/social-affairs/20160723/new-monterey-county-director-of-child-welfare-conversation-has-to-change FL: Heroin’s toll seen as rolls of foster children grow News Chief – July 23, 2016 An unprecedented number of children in Manatee County are being removed from their homes by the Department of Children and Families, largely because of the spike in heroin- and opiate-related abuse in the area. http://www.newschief.com/article/20160723/NEWS/160729775/-1/news300?Title=Heroin-s-toll-seen-as-rolls-of-foster-children-grow GA: After years of cutbacks, state of Georgia hiring again Atlanta Journal And Constitution – July 25, 2016 Agency officials say the new staffers are designed to help cut down on long lines at driver’s license offices, to reduce backlogs at crime labs, to cut caseloads for overworked child protective services staffers, to give the state the manpower to investigate police shootings, to provide more teachers in schools with growing enrollment, and to improve the system of signing up Georgians for government benefits. http://www.ajc.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/after-years-of-cutbacks-state-of-georgia-hiring-ag/nr4kT/ IN: Background checks weed out bad teachers Lafayette Journal Courier Online – July 23, 2016 When a background check company conducted rechecks for an Indiana school with about 1,000 employees, more than 40 teachers had criminal histories, including four with drug or theft felonies. Also: New law requires deeper background checks for new school hires: http://www.tribstar.com/news/local_news/new-law-requires-deeper-background-checks-for-new-school-hires/article_aae8b41e-b32a-5551-9236-75d8f941cbe5.html http://www.jconline.com/story/news/education/2016/07/23/background-checks-weed-out-bad-teachers/86599558/ KS: Contractor has begun review after sexual harassment lawsuit Associated Press – July 25, 2016 A Kansas foster care and family preservation contractor said it has begun an internal review of allegations raised in a federal lawsuit that one of its caseworkers sexually harassed and coerced a mother seeking to regain custody of her children. http://ksnt.com/2016/07/25/kansas-contractor-has-begun-review-after-sexual-harassment-lawsuit/ KY: We should protect foster kids’ religious freedom (Opinion) Lexington Herald-Leader – July 25, 2016 The Bevin administration is re-embroiling the state in a court fight that was triggered 18 years ago when Kentucky Baptist Homes for Children fired an employee because she posed with her lesbian partner in a photo exhibit at the state fair. The employee’s discrimination complaint was dismissed early on. But the state, the Baptist-supported agency that was renamed Sunrise Children’s Services and three Kentucky taxpayer plaintiffs have been arguing ever since in federal court about how to safeguard children in taxpayer-supported foster care from religious coercion and proselytizing. http://www.kentucky.com/opinion/editorials/article91798782.html MD: Building Trust and Support for Homeless Youth in OST Programs Youth Today – July 25, 2016 At the after-school coaching programs run by the Orange Duffel Bag Initiative, the staff never shines a spotlight on the fact that many of their participants are homeless. Often the moment comes when the participants draw their chairs into a circle after a day of trust-building exercises. They talk about experiencing homeless, the foster care system or deep poverty. http://youthtoday.org/2016/07/building-trust-and-support-for-homeless-youth-in-ost-programs/ MI: The Orphanage: Part 1 – The Past (Includes video) TV 6 – July 25, 2016 Just over a hundred years ago, the Holy Family Orphanage opened its doors to Upper Michigan children, and for roughly 50 years, 15 nuns looked after about 150 children, at any given time. http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/content/news/The-Orphanage—Part-1-The-Past-388196152.html OR: Social Workers Say What It’s Like To Deal With Foster Kids Living In The Office Oregon Public Broadcasting – July 25, 2016 “Sometimes we’ll have babies that will come in, and you know, luckily there are a lot of people who want to hold babies. But if you have a super fussy baby it makes it hard for everybody to work. Because there’s babies crying or toddlers crying. Or they’re trying to run away and do things that really aren’t safe,” she said. http://www.opb.org/news/article/oregon-foster-care-social-workers-in-office/ US: Bogus ‘sex offender’ labels are ruining lives (Opinion) New York Post – July 25, 2016 The US Bureau of Justice reports: “The single age with the greatest number of offenders from the perspective of law enforcement was age 14.” http://nypost.com/2016/07/25/bogus-sex-offender-labels-are-ruining-lives/ US: Child Welfare Ideas from the Experts, #1: Federal Runaway Prevention Regulations in Foster Home Licensing Chronicle of Social Change – July 25, 2016 Washington wants to amend a recently signed federal law to “restrict the renewal of a foster
2016-06-11 General Membership Mtg
Florida State Foster Adoptive Parent Association, Inc. Quarterly Membership Meeting, Orlando, Fl. Saturday, June 8, 2016 The Quarterly Membership Meeting of FSFAPA was called to order at 7:30 am by Harriett Wynn, President. A motion was made by Orlando Avila to accept the minutes as corrected, seconded by Thomas Croom. Motion passed Open business Harriett introduced Lynda Thompson, Bylaws Chair Lynda discussed the changes to the Bylaws and fielded any questions from the floor. After discussion on the Bylaws, Lynda asked everyone to mark their green voting card Yes or No to approve the Bylaws. Once all green voting cards were collected they were counted. The final vote was 61 Yes and 0 No, so the changes to the Bylaws passed. Harriett then yielded the floor to Orlando Avila, who was standing in for Curtis Byrd, Nomination Chair. Orlando then opened the floor for nominations and announced the candidates previously submitted. President: Harriett Wynn, and Christopher Johnson; Treasurer: Denise Sasiain, and Paul Vernon. Orlando asked for nominations from the floor. If no further nominations are brought forward nominations will be closed at the end of the Quarterly Membership Meeting. Harriett then introduced Trudy Petkovich, Executive Director Trudy announced the upcoming October Mini Conference & Quarterly Meeting T.L.C. Association, Inc will be hosting the Quarterly Membership Meeting & Mini Conference October 8, 2016 at Mulberry Christian Academy Church of God 200 Dean St. Mulberry, 33860 Limited Childcare 0-12 cost $5.00 per child Conference will start at 9:00am to 4:00pm. Lunch will be served. The Hotel will be announced later. Lori Decker will be handling registration, Phone 813-892-3016 or email: loriadeckertlc@gmail.com Harriett and Gay Frizzell then presented the 2016 Award Winners: Caring Heart Award/Foster – Marcia and Stephens Croom Dee Wilson/Adoption – Reyna Alvarez Partner in Caring – Holly Torres Leadership through Example – Eckerd Community Alternatives/Pasco & Pinellas Counties Harriett thanked everyone for coming. Motion to adjourn made by Thomas Croom and seconded by Stephen Rollo, the motion passed and the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 am. Respectfully submitted for approval by FSFAPA Secretary Curtis Byrd
2016-03-12 General Membership Mtg
Quarterly Meeting in Daytona, FL Saturday, March 12, 2016 Respectfully submitted for approval by FSFAPA Secretary Curtis Byrd The general meeting was called to order at 1:28 pm by President Harriett Wynn Secretary Curtis Byrd took Roll call. All available Board Members and Advisors were there. A motion was made by Orlando Avila to accept the minutes as corrected, seconded by Thomas Croom. Motion passed Open business Harriett introduced Laura Diaz and Gay Frizzell. Laura and Gay reviewed the QPI meeting. The QIP meeting covered the topics of information sharing, normalcy/babysitting, transitions, and investigations, clarify existing law/policy. On the topic of information sharing, the speakers stressed the critical need for full information sharing with foster parents, the necessity for clear definition on what documents are truly HIPAA protected, and that some information about birth parents should never be shared. Specifically, substance abuse/mental health and domestic violence center records. On the topic of normalcy/babysitting, the speakers stressed a need for clearness on emergency care and on-going babysitting requirements with background checks, etc. They also discussed a need for common sense in terms of licensing requirements and chemicals storage for items like baby wipes, cleaning products, etc. The speakers emphasized providing information to assist caregivers in careful parenting decision making. They also stressed revisions to current rule about babysitting need to provide balance with structure but also flexibility. On the topic of transitions, the speakers explained that the Children’s Legal Services (CLS) will continue to monitor and encourage connections between former and current caregivers critical to the child. On the topic of investigations, the speakers believed that Practice across the state on foster parent referrals seemed to be working. They pointed out that generally staffing on foster parent investigations are not occurring. They also stressed that there is often a lack of clarity about removals of children when investigation underway and that information about F.A.S.T. needed to be shared across the state. The presenters felt that generally existing policy is functioning but some clarifications are needed. They recommend that Statewide QPI meetings occur every 3-6 months to ensure information is broadly shared and to surface issues as they arise. They also stressed that results of this meeting will be posted on qpiflorida.com and shared with all partners. Harriett thanked everyone for coming. Motion to adjourn made by Thomas Croom and seconded by Stephen Rollo, the motion passed and the meeting was adjourned at 3:34 pm.
2016-04-25 BOD Minutes
Florida State Foster Adoptive Parent Association, Inc. Board of Directors Monthly Conference Call April 25, 2016 Respectfully submitted for approval by FSFAPA Secretary Curtis Byrd The monthly meeting was called to order at 8:31 by President Harriett Wynn Secretary Curtis Byrd took Roll: All other Board Members and Advisors were on the call. A motion was made by Orlando Avila to accept the minutes as corrected, seconded by Maria Bond. Motion passed Open business Lynda Thompson presented the revised bylaws to the board for approval. A motion was made by Coleen LaCosta and seconded by Harry Dubia; a vote was called and the motion passed. Chris Johnson reported on the RVP’s all seems to be going well. Coleen reported on FAST – more of the same concerns have been coming up. One concern is that biological family members (children) with allegations and are labeled as sexual predators. Melanie Stimmell reported that all is well with conference. Harriett thanked everyone for their participation on the call. Motion to adjourn made by Thomas Croom and seconded by Melanie Stimmell, the motion passed and the meeting was adjourned at 8:50 pm.
2016-03-12 BOD Minutes (Revised)
Florida State Foster Adoptive Parent Association, Inc. Board of Directors Monthly Quarterly Meeting in Daytona, FL (Face to Face) Saturday, March 12, 2016 Respectfully submitted for approval by FSFAPA Secretary Curtis Byrd The monthly meeting was called to order at 1:28 pm by President Harriett Wynn Secretary Curtis Byrd took Roll call. All other Board Members and Advisors were there. A motion was made by Orlando Avila to accept the minutes as corrected, seconded by Thomas Croom. Motion passed Open business Harriett introduced Laura Diaz and Gay Frezell. Laura and Gay reviewed the QPI meeting. The QIP meeting covered the topics of information sharing, normalcy/babysitting, transitions, and investigations, clarify existing law/policy. On the topic of information sharing, the speakers stressed the critical need for full information sharing with foster parents, the necessity for clear definition on what documents are truly HIPAA protected, and that some information about birth parents should never be shared. Specifically, substance abuse/mental health and domestic violence center records. On the topic of normalcy/babysitting, the speakers stressed a need for clearness on emergency care and on-going babysitting requirements with background checks, etc. They also discussed a need for common sense in terms of licensing requirements and chemicals storage for items like baby wipes, cleaning products, etc. The speakers emphasized providing information to assist caregivers in careful parenting decision making. They also stressed revisions to current rule about babysitting need to provide balance with structure but also flexibility. On the topic of transitions, the speakers explained that the Children’s Legal Services (CLS) will continue to monitor and encourage connections between former and current caregivers critical to the child. On the topic of investigations, the speakers believed that Practice across the state on foster parent referrals seemed to be working. They pointed out that generally staffing on foster parent investigations are not occurring. They also stressed that there is often a lack of clarity about removals of children when investigation underway and that information about F.A.S.T. needed to be shared across the state. The presenters felt that generally existing policy is functioning but some clarifications are needed. They recommend that Statewide QPI meetings occur every 3-6 months to ensure information is broadly shared and to surface issues as they arise. They also stressed that results of this meeting will be posted on qpiflorida.com and shared with all partners. Harriett thanked everyone for coming. Motion to adjourn made by Thomas Croom and seconded by Melanie Stimmell, the motion passed and the meeting was adjourned at 9:34 pm.
2016-03-12 BOD Minutes
Florida State Foster Adoptive Parent Association, Inc. Board of Directors Monthly Quarterly Meeting in Daytona, FL (Face to Face) Saturday, March 12, 2016 Respectfully submitted for approval by FSFAPA Secretary Curtis Byrd The monthly meeting was called to order at 1:28 pm by President Harriett Wynn Secretary Curtis Byrd took Roll call missing and unexcused was Coleen LaCosta. All other Board Members and Advisors were there. A motion was made by Orlando Avila to accept the minutes as corrected, seconded by Thomas Croom. Motion passed Open business Chris Johnson – reported on the RVP’s all seems to be going well. Maria Bond – Stated that thing were still the same; Maria reported that she was close to completing the final financial report and would email them out soon. Maria has taken up the mantle of getting Exhibitors for the conference. Coleen reported on FAST – There was no report on FAST. Coleen was excused from this meeting due to West Palm Beach were having their Super Saturday. Membership – Harry Dubia – Reported that there had been several replies to the membership letter. Harry is taking care of Conference Bags, NEXGEN Bags, and Photography and he is doing the Slideshow. His wife Lori Dubia is taking on the task of table centerpieces and the Chain of Love. Trudy Petkovich – Passed out all the Good Moral Character forms for everyone to complete. The Policy and Procedures redlines are due back to Trudy by April 1, 2016. Trudy also purposed to the board that QPI is wanting to piggy back with our June conference. The board agreed. She also is preparing the packets for presenter, packets for attendees, names tags, packets for monitors and possibly stamps or stickers for the in service training hours. Thomas Croom – reported on legislative that both bills passed and are now on the Governors’ desk. Thomas is handling the Speakers and all the AV equipment. The discussions of bylaws were tabled until the Executive Board reviews the restructuring of the RVP’s. Xiomara Turner -They are still looking at the licensing codes under and hope to have them completed soon. Gay Frizzell – reported that the Florida QPI Conference was well attended. Gay is also taking the task of Awards for this year’s conference, she is confident that she will have them done by May 2016. Melanie Stimmell – Annual Education Conference report Melanie has been working on trainers, exhibitors, and child care. We will have the ability to have medical children with a doctor and nurses in place, this year. Melanie’s children will be taking over the Tweens. Harriett: Letter for the brochure, Hospitality meets and greets the families if we can have one. Harriett will take care of the Membership Meeting agenda. Chris Johnson – keynote speakers, A/V equipment and we are looking at costs. Presidents meeting Chris will attend to the meeting and the agenda Nex Gen – Amanda Williams has this all under control, looking at exciting new things. Orlando Avila brought up to the board that he knows someone that can make stickers. Dorothy asks about the wrap for the trailer, saying that it would be a great way to advertise the association. Curtis Byrd has done Monitors Dorothy will work with him. Melissa Schol – Hospitality room work with the local association. Melissa stepped up to do the conference program, Maria and Melanie need to discuss the budget today after the meeting. Chris Johnson reached out to Secretary Carroll for the luncheon Saturday, Chris needs to get the forms completed for him to attend. Lillie Blackshear –Reported that she has, began collecting items for the silent auction; she is also in charge of the 50/50. Harriett thanked everyone for coming. Motion to adjourn made by Thomas Croom and seconded by Melanie Stimmell, the motion passed and the meeting was adjourned at 9:34 pm.
Children’s Movement News
I’m excited; so is Vance Aloupis, The Movement’s CEO. And we think you will be excited, too, about our high-quality newly named board members: Carol Jenkins Barnett, of Lakeland, chair and president of Publix Super Markets Charities and longtime benefactor of the statewide ReadingPals early literacy program. Wesley Barnett, of Lakeland, an entrepreneur who holds key leadership positions in several technology, retail and entertainment companies. Tony Carvajal, of Tallahassee, executive vice president of the Florida Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Gary Chartrand, of Jacksonville, executive chairman of Acosta Inc., and a member and former chair of the Florida Board of Education. George Fernandez, of Miami, a health-care industry entrepreneur and now founder and president of a medical transportation start-up called Ride2MD. Toni Jennings, of Orlando, former lieutenant governor of Florida and state Senate President. Gerald Katcher, of Miami, former chair of Sabadell United and Mellon United banks and co-founder of the Early Childhood Initiative Foundation. Dr. Jane Katcher, of Miami, a retired pediatric radiologist and co-founder of the Early Childhood Initiative. Ron Sachs, of Tallahassee, president and CEO of the Sachs Media Group and a former senior communications chief for Florida Govs. Reubin Askew and Lawton Chiles. Bentina Terry, of Pensacola, vice president for customer service and sales at Gulf Power Co. – and board member of Leadership Florida and the Florida Chamber Foundation. Susan Towler, of Jacksonville, vice president of the Florida Blue Foundation and the company’s executive director of corporate social responsibility and philanthropic strategy. Tom Van Straaten, of Miami, former chemical company CEO and a longtime supporter of early learning and music organizations. They will add to the momentum…as you do already. Thanks. Dave Lawrence Chair
Update on NEXGEN Band
Hello Everyone, It has come to our attention that there is still some misinformation regarding the NEXGEN Band. Through the hard work of NexGen, a number of bands have popped up around the state that are comprised of foster and adoptive children. While the NexGen band is no longer in existence, FSFAPA is going back to our roots where it all began, with NexGen being a source of continued support for foster, adoptive, and bio children within the foster care community. We applaud any and all efforts to showcase the talent we know exists within our children. We would just like to focus on all of them instead of just one population of talented youth. FSFAPA Board
Letter from Amanda (consent form must be signed)
Dear parents and youth – We are very excited to have you at NexGen next week. A few things that we wanted everyone to know. 1) We will be going off site on Saturday to a surf leadership program. 3 waivers are needed. Two are attached to this email and another is at this link https://app.rockgympro.com/waiver/esign/orlandowatersports/6116d4aa-a92d-45eb-b3f4-56e408bfd783 Without these 3 waivers being completed and turned in Friday or Saturday your youth will not be able to go on Saturday 2) We will be leaving the hotel by 9am. Please have your child check in by 830am so they can get breakfast, signed in etc. 3) Each youth should bring an age appropriate bathing suit, a cover up, sun screen, a hat, a change of clothes and a towel. We will be gone all day but will have frequent water, food and activities both in and out of the water. 4) If you do not come with us Saturday off site there are NO alternative activities for teens 5) Friday will be engaging and fun, two speakers that will have the teens up out of their seats, interactive and discussing life skills in a fun and interesting way. Please encourage your youth to attend. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me today or during the event at 352-214-6300. For more information on Urban Surf 4 Kids feel free to look at their website – http://www.urbansurf4kids.org Amanda CODE OF CONDUCT URBAN SURF 4 KIDS Participation in the organization’s programs is subject to the observance of the rules and procedures. The activities outlined below are strictly prohibited. Any participant or staff member who violates this Code is subject to discipline, up to and including removal from this event and or entire program. Abusive language towards a staff member, volunteer, event participants or other participants. No use of flow, cursing, or negative words/language of any kind towards anyone at anytime. No conduct endangering the life, safety, health or well-being of others. Failure to follow any Urbansurf4kids policy or procedures. Safeguard the privacy/confidentiality of our individuals, participants, families/ groups as well as the integrity of Urbansurf4kids. All photos must be approved by said party, individuals, participants, families/groups BEFORE any photos are taken. I have read and understand the Urbansurf4kids Code of Conduct. I agree to abide the rules and guidelines described above and understand that I may be removed as a participant/volunteer if I violate any of these rules. Waiver URBAN SURF 4 KIDS WAIVER 2016 SEASON In consideration of being allowed to participate in any of Urban Surf 4 Kids programs and / or related activities. I, ________________________________________________ acknowledge and agree to the have read and fully agreed to the following disclosures: Risk of injury from the activities involved in this program is significant, including the potential for permanent paralysis and death, and while particular rules, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious injury does exist. I Acknowledge That Surfing May Be Dangerous And I Accept And Assume Such Risks, both known and unknown, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES or others, and assume full responsibility for my participation: I am aware that open water activities in general, and surfing specifically, involves inherent risks. I willingly agree to release Urban Surf 4 Kids or any of its employees / volunteers from responsibility and waive all my rights to take any legal action against Urban Surf 4 Kids. If however I will observe any unusual significant hazards during my presence or participation I understand that it is my responsibility to remove myself from participating and bring such to the attention of the nearest official immediately. I Waive My Right To Sue Urban Surf 4 Kids: In consideration for Urban Surf 4 Kids agreeing to provide me with surfing instructions and allowing me to participate in this class or lesson, I agree that I shall not make a claim or bring any action against, sue, or hold responsible, the local city of the event, Urban Surf 4 Kids, its owners, officers, agents, employees, associates, representatives, volunteers (referred to collectively in this agreement as “Urban Surf 4 Kids”) or expect, require, or pursue them, to be held accountable for any damages. I voluntarily agree to release, discharge, and hold harmless Urban Surf 4 Kids from and against any and all claims of liability, even those arising out of their negligence, fault, recklessness, or any other act or omission which causes me damages, illness, injury, disease, or death, of any nature in any way connected with my participation in this activity. I also expressly agree to release and discharge Urban Surf 4 Kids from any act or omission, excluding acts of wanton or gross negligence, in rendering or failing to render any type of rescue, emergency or medical services. Urban Surf 4 Kids volunteers are prohibited from posting or distributing pictures of youth at events unless they receive a signed waiver/authorization from the foster parents, guardians, or youth themselves (18 and over). Urban Surf 4 Kids prohibits the photographing of youth, outside of water activity wearing bikinis, shirtless, or any inappropriate attire. I acknowledge that Urban Surf 4 Kids does contract event photography to commercial vendors. I acknowledge that these pictures will sometimes be utilized in social media campaigns and advertisement. In the event that an individual does not want to be photographed they must contact an Urban Surf 4 Kids staff member at the event. Event photo’s will be made available to volunteers and youth groups through Urban Surf 4 Kids official website or social media sites. I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY RELEASE, INDEMNIFY, AND HOLD HARMLESS URBAN SURF 4 KIDS, their officers, officials, agents, volunteers and/or employees, other participants, sponsoring agencies, sponsors, advertisers, and if applicable, owners and lessons of premises used to conduct the event (“Releases”), WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, or loss or