DCF Announces New Appointments in Executive Leadership Team

DCF Announces New Appointments in Executive Leadership Team Following the retirement of two longtime leaders, the department passes the torch TALLAHASSEE—The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) announces two new appointments to the executive leadership team. JoShonda Guerrier has been appointed as the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Child Welfare and Jeri Flora Culley has been appointed as the Assistant Secretary for Economic Self-Sufficiency. “JoShonda and Jeri have been proven leaders on the DCF team and I am thrilled to see each of them begin serving in an increased leadership capacity,” Secretary Mike Carroll said. “As an organization committed to learning and improving to better serve vulnerable Floridians, strong leadership is key to that success and both have demonstrated their commitment to our sacred mission.” Guerrier has served as the Director of Child Welfare Strategic Projects in DCF’s Office of Child Welfare since May 2014.  She joined the then-Office of Family Safety in 2006 and went on to serve as the Northwest Region’s Adult Protective Services Program Manager for five years. She also served as an Abuse Hotline counselor, field trainer, medical social worker, clinical director and adjunct instructor. She was instrumental in the implementation of the major child welfare reform bill, SB 1666 in 2014, and other major initiatives – earning her tremendous respect among colleagues and partners in the child welfare system. Culley previously served as the Program Director for Economic Self-Sufficiency, a position she has held twice, first in 2012 and again starting last April. She joined the department in 2007 as the Chief of Quality Management and has also served as the Chief of Policy. In 2013, she accepted an executive leadership position with the Texas Health and Human Service Commission, returning to Florida and the department in 2015. She began her government career in Missouri, starting as an eligibility worker and departing after serving as Quality Control Director. The varied responsibilities of her prior experience will serve her well as she assumes this vital role for the department and the state. Guerrier and Culley are succeeded by the retirement of Janice Thomas and Jennifer Lange, respectively. Combined, Thomas and Lange served the department for more than 70 years. Contact: Michelle Glady, DCF Press Secretary, (850) 717-4450

Volunteer for Keys kids in the court system

The 16th Judicial Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program serving Monroe County would like to share our excitement in representing 100 percent of our children in dependency court proceedings. For those who don’t know, the Guardian ad Litem Program, which operates in most states, is a partnership of community advocates and professional staff who provide a powerful voice on behalf of children who are abused, abandoned and neglected and go through the court system. Our program in the Keys could not have accomplished 100 percent representation of these vulnerable children without the tremendous support we receive from the Monroe County Commission, county staff leadership, the many municipalities, our state legislators and, most importantly, our more than 100 volunteers and Voices for Florida Keys Children Inc., a nonprofit partnership organization that has been dedicated to bettering the lives of the children we serve for 25 years. Our volunteers’ loyalty and dedication are the heart and soul of our program. Our volunteers speak up for vulnerable, innocent children and hold government and private agencies accountable for their safety, security and best interests. Some of our volunteers have been active in our program for more than 20 years, with no compensation for their life-changing efforts other than the simple knowledge that they are making a difference in the lives of these children. Florida Guardian ad Litem Executive Director Alan Abramowitz recently revealed during the Florida Legislative session that our state’s program has exceeded its goal of 10,000 volunteers. As of February, Florida leads the nation with 10,056 Guardian Ad Litem volunteers that are trained and certified to work with children who are abused, abandoned or neglected. Most volunteers represent two or more abused children, visiting them at least once a month, and advising child-welfare judges on options for assuring the child’s best interests. But even with our recruiting success in reaching the 10,000 target, the Guardian ad Litem Program is always in need of volunteers. Anyone 18 or older can become a volunteer simply by participating in a local training course and meeting other qualifications. Our volunteer base is as unique and diverse as our state’s population. We have doctors, nurses, students, veterans, special-education teachers, hospitality workers, stay-at-home moms, restaurant cooks, retired persons, military personnel, FBI agents and law enforcement officers, all ranging from age 21 to 70. If you are interested in becoming a Guardian ad Litem volunteer, reach out to our local office and help us ensure that no child is left without a voice. Our volunteers make a difference in the lives of the Keys’ most vulnerable children. To learn more or to become a volunteer, visit www.GuardianadLitem.org or call (305) 295-6978 and speak with our outreach coordinator Anissah Tomes. Alexsandra Corsi Leto Director, Guardian ad Litem Program in Monroe County http://www.keysnet.com/2016/05/07/508293/volunteer-for-keys-kids-in-the.html

DCF Recognizes Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day

DCF Recognizes Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day TALLAHASSEE—The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) is collaborating with community organizations nationwide today to recognize National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day and the impact of children’s mental health and wellness on their development. “It is vital that we ensure our children have the support they need to grow up safe, healthy, and developmentally and academically prepared to live their best life,” DCF Secretary Mike Carroll said. “We must break down the negative stigma around asking for help and make caring for mental health as imperative as physical health.” According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), more than 50 percent of students age 14 and over with a mental illness drop out of school. Further, NAMI reports that suicide is the second-leading cause of death in youth ages 15-24, with 90 percent of those having an underlying mental health condition. In 2014, suicide was the third-leading cause of death when children as young as 5 were included. DCF works closely with the statutorily created Suicide Prevention Coordinating Council to develop strategies for preventing suicide, and offers many resources for at-risk youth. The 2016 theme for National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day is “Finding Help. Finding Hope.” Research shows that education, early intervention and access to behavioral health care are the keys to promoting mental health in children, youth and families. Contact: Michelle Glady, DCF Press Secretary, (850) 717-4450

“Turning Obstacles into Opportunities”

The Quality Parenting Initiative invites you to join us for a Live Web Event:  “Turning Obstacles into Opportunities”   Date: Thursday, May 5, 2016 10:30 – 11:15 AM (Eastern)   Heather Taylor, Ms. Wheelchair Florida 2016 presents an inspiring message of hope for parents and families that face obstacles in their daily lives. During this 30 minute webinar presentation, Heather will share a story of turning obstacles into opportunities and provide tips on how to foster resilience in children that have faced significant trauma or adversity. There will be time for Q&A after the presentation to learn more about Heather’s experience as a survivor of familicide, domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault and now as a new mom affected by a rarely diagnosed condition called Dysautonomia. Heather brings with her knowledge as an exceptional student educator, a behavioral health counselor, a suicide prevention trainer and a child protection family services counselor contracted to serve individuals referred by the Department of Children and Families. Heather holds a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Florida and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Leadership at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.   AUDIO will be provided over your Computer.   Click here to register for the webcast or copy and paste this link into your browser: http://tinyurl.com/jqencfg   If you have technical questions or concerns please contact Center Support staff atcentersupport@usf.edu

Trauma Informed Care training series for FAPA

Trauma Informed Care training series for FAPA   TIC part 1       May 4, 2016  from 7:00 PM- 8:30 Eastern Time          https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/797048447772665857 TIC part 2    May 11, 2016 from 7:00 PM- 8:30 Eastern Time        https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/4718739242724220417 TIC part 3    May 18, 2016 from 7:00 PM- 8:30 Eastern Time       https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/5384199963738041089 TIC part 4    May 25, 2016 from 7:00 PM- 8:30 Eastern Time       https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/4688367433029471745 TIC part 5    June 1, 2016 from 7:00 PM- 8:30 Eastern Time    https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/1977199357841114881 Respectfully, Graham Perkovich, BS Trainer Child Welfare Sunshine Health Cenpatico 1301 International Parkway, Suite 400 Sunrise, FL 33323  

2015-11-14 General Membership Mtg

General Membership Quarterly Meeting Nov. 14, 2015, 12:45 PM Friends of Foster Children – West Palm Beach Submitted for approval by FSFAPA Secretary Charles Parker. Harriet started the meeting at 12:45 with words of welcome. Introduction board members present: Harriett Wynn (President), Chris Johnson (Executive VP), Maria Bond (Treasurer), Charles Parker (Secretary), Keith Best (RVP), Melanie Stimmell (RVP), Dorothy Alvarez (RVP), Coleen LaCosta (FAST Coordinator), Victoria Herrin (Band Manager) and Wendy Vernon (Advocacy). Charles discussed the prior meeting minutes (emailed to board members and posted on the website) and asked if anyone had any edits. Motion to accept the minutes was made by Melanie from the floor and Angela McFarlane seconded. Vote passed with no opposition or voiced abstaining votes. Charles then informed the group that the elections for the group were all uncontested and announced that the election of Chris Johnson as Exec VP and the slate of RVPs and that the board will make these elections official at their meeting later that day. (Secretary position was up for election but nominations were declined – so it will be filled by appointment.) Melanie gave an update on the 2016 Annual Education Conference, set for the Orlando Renaissance Resort (Sea World). Date is June 10-12. Looking for exhibitors and trainers. Maria informed the group that there are generally scholarships available through the CBCs, and encouraged members to start talking with their case workers about considerations for these scholarships. Open positions are listed on the website; Harriet encouraged everyone to review the open positions and contact her if they are interested in joining the board. Harriet shared that the association will be participating in Rally in Tally on Nov. 30-Dec. 1. Wendy Vernon gave a brief description of the event to meet with legislators and share with them the needs of our families. (More info at FLchildren.org) Chris gave a Fostering Success Update, in partnership with DCF and QPI focusing on recruiting foster and adoptive homes for teens. He referred everyone to monitor progress at QPIFlorida.org – and if they are interested in participating in any of the workgroups or looking for resources to help share info about the need for homes for teens. Keith gave an Duffels update about the walk in May 21, at the Jacksonville Zoo. Melanie also updated that she has a supply of duffels that she is taking to the central FSFAPA region, but can possibly assist nearby areas. The next Quarterly meeting is in 1Q and is not yet set, Harriet encouraged people to suggest locations and partners (Bartow and Miami/Turnberry Island were suggested.) Charles gave an update on Adoption Intervention legislation and urged everyone to follow the progress on the association’s website and Facebook page. There is a bill in the state senate (590 “Child’s Best Hope”) sponsored by Senator Detert and there will be a house companion introduced in the next several days. The biggest issue in play is to have the Chapter 39 “Best Interest” language tests into this Adoption Intervention process so that the judges can use those tests to determine if the motion is really in the best interest of the children. State Rep. Mark Pafford (D-86) joined the group and shared pointers on how to speak with your legislators effectively. He also shared the pressures and forces at play in Tallahassee, and how effective conversations with your representatives can benefit you. Using the Bill Numbers and Titles when discussing them (and even asking why they voted the way they did) certainly gets their attention. He also encouraged contact with specific “asks” that are presented in a very clear way. Meeting adjourned at 2:20 p.m.

2016-02-29 BOD Minutes

Florida State Foster Adoptive Parent Association, Inc. Board of Directors Monthly Conference Call February 29, 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 call missing and unexcused was Wendy Vernon 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 Chris Johnson reported on the RVP’s all seems to be going well.  He discussed with the RVP’s to please be in touch with the CBC CEO’s so they can speak to them about the Membership Letter.  Chris asked to have the letter resent and a list of those CBC’s that have committed or already sent their checks would be appreciated. Laurallyn reminded Chris that in the letter to the CBC’s one registration included for their membership of $1500. Maria Bond reported that we have $77,724.85 in the bank.  She has the budget ready to go over.  Maria, Trudy and Harriett will go over the agency budget and the contract budget in Daytona so we have it ready for contract talks with Tallahassee.  The three of them will travel to Tallahassee sometime in April to discuss our three year contract with DCF.  The annual budget will be available for our March Board meeting.  Two CBC’s have returned membership in the amount of $1500, Devereux and Children’s Network of SW Fl. 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.  The foster parents need to have training to be aware of these concerns about safety prevention methods to put in place in their homes.  The other issue is taking the kids out of the home when there is not immediate concern.  Thomas will update Melanie on anything that might help with finding a speaker to cover these concerns.  Gay also volunteered to report back to Melanie with any suggestions. Membership – Harry Dubia has approximately 140 memberships.  Everyone received the letters Harry sent out to the CBC’s.   Laurallyn has commitments from Eckerd Pasco/Pinellas, Eckerd Hillsborough and Harriett heard from Heartland. Trudy Petkovich – Mini Conference update.  Information has gone out to the Board and Constant Contact from Curtis to the membership.  Harry will speak during the meeting regarding Membership..  Mary Ann Davenport is not going to be able to attend.  There are 22 spots for childcare left. Thomas Croom reported on legislative – as far as we know the two bills will go tomorrow and pass out completely to the Governors office.   SB 7018 child welfare bill contains a lot of various issues with 40 amendments; there is a companion bill in the House.  Not sure there is enough time for that bill to move forward.  We don’t have a position on it. Alan Abramowitz and Thomas have spoke to the Governors office about a bill signing event for the two bills we supported.  They are interested in doing that and Thomas will advise when it will happen. Xiomara Turner updated us that JT will be retiring in April.  They  think JoShonda Guerrier may be her replacement.  They are still looking at the licensing codes under and hope to have them completed soon. Gay Frizzell reported that the Florida QPI Conference is going to be well attended.  The topics they are going to cover:  normalcy, transitions and investigations.  Denise Goodman will be training on Friday about recruitment. Laurallyn Segur – discussed a memo from DCF making it possible for some children in foster care to be home schooled.  Each CBC has been asked to put a policy in place to allow for this to happen on a case by case basis.  Discussion followed about homeschooling in other areas. This may open up some other avenues to recruit foster parent.  Thomas asked for the memo and Laurallyn is going to send it to everyone.  Xiomara offered to speak with anyone wanting to discuss this home schooling memo. Laurallyn advocates at every chance available for better partnership between CBC’s , local associations and FSFAPA. 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 through Nathaniels Hope. Rough draft of the committees: Harriett:  Letter for the brochure, Hospitality meet and greet the families Awards will be handled by Gay again this year. Harry Dubia – conference bags and photos – speakers will have the photos rolling behind them.   Photo booth – a contract is $3000  Melanie thinks that is too much money so she will look into getting a fish eye lens and the props and borrow the printer from a photo company.  Harry will take photos at the conference. Trudy Petkovich – packets for presenter, packets for attendees, names tags,  packets for monitors and possibly stamps or stickers for the in service training hours. Chris Johnson – keynote speakers, A/V equipment and we are looking at costs. Maybe Thomas to help in that area for the a/v  specific needs checking the rooms. Presidents meeting Chris will attend to the meeting and the agenda.  Harriett will take care of the Membership Meeting agenda. Lori  Dubia will be responsible for the Chain of Love. Lori also volunteered to provide the table decorations. Nex Gen – Amanda Williams has this all under control, looking at exciting new things. Being really flexible.  Amanda may be out of town so we are looking at a Plan A or Plan B.  Some of the possibilities will take the teens offsite. If anyone has some out of the box ideas to work with teens please email Amanda.  We have between 50-75 teens and we need volunteers to come and support the NexGen conference. Melanie will work on exhibitors, child care this

2016-01-31 BOD Minutes

FSFAPA Board Meeting   Sunday, Jan. 31, 8:30 p.m. Monthly Conference Call Submitted for approval by FSFAPA Secretary Curtis Byrd. Meeting started at 8:30 p.m. Following were in attendance: Harriett Wynn (President), Chris Johnson (Exec VP), Curtis Byrd (Secretary), Kara Elliot-Jordan (RVP), Trudy Petkovich (Exc. Director), Lynda Thompson (Bylaws), Melissa Schol (RVP), Victoria Herrin (Band Manager), Thomas Croom(RVP), Maria Bond (Treasurer), Melanie Stimmell (RVP), Harry Dubia (Membership), Dorothy Alvarez (RVP), and Coleen Lacosta (FAST). The minutes from 11/14/2015 Board Meeting were accepted with changes. Motion made by Chris and seconded by Kara; motion passed with no opposition.  December meeting was cancelled. President Harriett Wynn: Welcomed everyone to our first call of the 2016 year; I want to thank Curtis for stepping back in as the secretary. We are going to table our by-laws discussion until we can meet face-to-face meeting in March. Executive Vice President Chris Johnson: We had our first RVP call of the year week before last, and everybody gave a report on what’s going on around the state. A lot of people shared about the different Christmas activities.  Several of the associations have new leadership and some have completely new Boards.  Many of our team has been around the state visiting the different associations, and things are going. There’s nothing really major as December was focused on Christmas. Legislative Update – Thomas Croom: The Adoption Intervention Bill is on its third reading in the Senate.  The House version is currently in its last committee.  At this time the two bills are identical.  Our expectation is that they the House and Senate will vote on it and it will go to the Governor to be signed. The Foster Parent Appreciation bills are in both the House and Senate and they are doing exactly the same thing.  If the bill passes it calls for the second week in February, starting in 2016 to be Foster Parent Appreciation Week. Alan Abramowitz expects there to be a signing event for both these bills at which we would like all supports, foster parents, stakeholders, parents every to come out. Senate Bill 7018 is moving through the Senate.  This bill is related to child welfare and includes things about group homes.  We have not taken a position on this bill. Treasurer’s Report Maria Bond: We currently have $80,513.30 in the account. The year-end for last fiscal year almost complete; Income: $189,869.04, Expenses: $227,750.43. Harriett asked that Maria send the Financial report out to everyone with a review of all events in the report. Maria will send that report in the morning. If there are any questions please email Maria. Membership Report Harry Dubia: At this time we have approximately 152 paid members. There are Board members who still have not paid their dues which are due by the end of January. Laurallyn and Harry worked on the membership letter to the CBC’s. It is now ready to go out via certified mail. He asked for each RVP to follow up and make an appointment with the CEO/President of the CBC to discuss their membership and encourage their membership. FAST Report – Coleen LaCosta: Reports were calm for a month and now they have increased and it has been crazy. Many areas of the state are looking into different and creative ways of helping support the foster parents. There are some issues in central Florida with retention and the allegations. The licensing people in Jacksonville were not giving the families the information to reach out to FAST so the numbers went down and yet really didn’t. There is no real trend at the moment. Some of the problem around the state is finding the right person to talk with. With the many workforce changes families are frustrated at not being able to reach support in a timely manner, or at all. Then trying to help the relative caregivers and who to call for that support. Trudy is collecting licensing updates around the state, then we are going to reach out and provide up dated information on FAST to them and their families. Annual Education Conference – Melanie Stimmell & Chris Johnson: Melanie reported that Chris is heading up getting presenters and keynote speakers. One idea is to start off the conference with a comedian as the keynote. Melanie is looking for suggestions of exhibitors as she is in the process of sending out letters to the list we have. Chris is working on a letter to the CBC’s that will include the many different scholarships and the registration process. It will include registering for the hotel as well as childcare. Childcare will need more sponsors to help cover the child care costs.   This will be out the first week in February. Bridget Brown and Melanie will hand the registration. If anybody wants to help with the brochure I have that to be done one month out before conference. We changed the logo and made it bigger and added 20th Anniversary Celebration to it. I will send that to everyone this week. Committees, Melanie will send out for sign up next month. We are working with Nathaniel’s Hope to provide child care for medical children and their parents to be able to attend the conference this year. We are set for Friday and Saturday but still need Volunteers for Sunday. Their program called Buddy Break has been offered at Melanie’s church and they have a doctor and nurse on site. NexGen Leadership Conference – Amanda Williams: Melanie and I are working with Urban Surf (who worked with our teens at our Daytona Beach conference several years ago) to do an off site event with the teens 13 to 21. It is a secure site in a warehouse district. There has been discussion about the meeting the needs of our teens including those that don’t swim. Urban Surf would take up the entire day on Saturday. The other days would be filled with activities, leadership training and speakers. Executive Director – Trudy Petkovich: The Quarterly

Child Welfare in the News

AK: Foster care bill tells the state to never give up on finding families for kids Alaska Dispatch News – April 10, 2016 Rep. Les Gara, a Democrat from Anchorage, is once again pushing foster care reforms to change that. And he’s again teamed up with Amanda Metivier, a former foster child turned reformer — and foster parent. Gara’s legislation, House Bill 27, cleared the Republican-controlled state House 37 to 0. With about a week to go in the regular legislative session, the bill is set for a committee hearing in the Senate on Monday. http://www.adn.com/article/20160410/foster-care-bill-tells-state-never-give-finding-families-kids AR: Lawmakers return to Capitol, with focus on budget  Associated Press – April 10, 2016 Hutchinson has proposed a $5.3 billion budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1, with a $142.7 million increase in state spending. The state’s Medicaid program would receive $88 million of that, and $20.4 million would go toward the state’s child welfare programs. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/apr/10/arkansas-lawmakers-return-to-capitol-with-focus-on/ AR: When Religious Groups Do What the Government Won’t The Atlantic – April 08, 2016 About half the parents who foster or adopt kids in Arkansas have been recruited through The Call, a nonprofit that tries to mobilize Christian families to adopt or foster children in Arkansas. http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2016/04/religious-groups-government-arkansas/477366/ AZ: Foster parents quitting; families urge DCS to focus on retaining families (Includes video) ABC 15 – April 08, 2016 As social service workers focus on recruiting new families to address Arizona’s foster kid crisis, an astounding number of existing families are quitting the foster system. http://www.abc15.com/news/state/arizona-foster-parents-quitting-families-urge-dcs-to-focus-on-retaining-families CA: State to expand paid family leave for new parents Reuters – April 08, 2016 California will increase the amount of money new parents can receive through the state’s paid family leave program under a bill to be signed on Monday by Democratic Governor Jerry Brown, his office said Friday. http://929wlmi.com/news/articles/2016/apr/09/california-to-expand-paid-family-leave-for-new-parents/ CA: The Impact of Extended Foster Care: Preliminary Findings of the CalYOUTH Study Chronicle of Social Change – April 07, 2016 CalYOUTH is a five-year research project looking at the impact of the California Fostering Connections to Success Act, a California law known as AB 12 that extended foster care to age 21 and took effect in 2012. The study examines outcomes during the transition to adulthood for foster youth and will conclude in 2017. Information Gateway Resource: https://www.childwelfare.gov/fostercaremonth/resources/caregivers/ https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/los-angeles/calyouth-study/17245 CO: Pot-in-schools debate returns to Colorado Associated Press – April 11, 2016 The possibility of medical marijuana in schools raises a number of questions for school officials. The law currently says that the drug must be in non-smokeable form and is to be administered by a school nurse or a caregiver, likely a parent. But those school nurses are also required to report to authorities any child who is exposed to an illegal drug, including marijuana-derived treatments. That happened to the Wann family of Highlands Ranch, which got a call from Child Protective Services last year because their epileptic 8th grader uses a cannabis-derived treatment. Amber Wann said her son doesn’t take the oil at school, but the district reported the family as possible child abusers, despite last year’s law clarifying that schools may allow marijuana treatment. http://am860theanswer.com/news/articles/pot-in-schools-debate-returns-to-colorado CT: State aims to end court monitoring Greenwich Time – April 10, 2016 A quarter-century has passed since the settlement of a landmark federal lawsuit aimed at forcing Connecticut to take better care of its abused and neglected children. http://www.greenwichtime.com/local/article/State-strives-to-end-court-monitoring-7237645.php CT: State Rolls Out Program to Improve Child Welfare Services NBC Connecticut – April 08, 2016 The state Department of Children and Families is launching a new program aimed at improving child welfare services in Connecticut and they will be announcing what it entails today. The announcement comes during Child Abuse Prevention Month. Also: New child abuse prevention guide focuses on very young: http://wtnh.com/2016/04/08/new-child-abuse-prevention-guide-focuses-on-very-young/ http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/State-to-Roll-Out-Program-to-Improve-Child-Welfare-Services–375013291.html FL: DCF Under Fire Over LGBT Rule Change News Service of Florida – April 08, 2016 Last fall, when DCF Secretary Mike Carroll approved provisions protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth, advocates celebrated. At that point, the draft rule banned staffers at group homes from”(a)ttempt(ing) to change or discourage a child’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.” However, that language was opposed by the Florida Baptist Children’s Home and the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, and by late January, it was gone. Also: Florida backtracks on new guidelines for LGBT foster children: http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/stateroundup/florida-backtracks-on-new-guidelines-for-lgbt-foster-children/2272531 http://miami.cbslocal.com/2016/04/08/dcf-under-fire-over-lgbt-rule-change/ FL: Spike in Fla. foster care numbers causes concern (Incudes video) NBC 2 – April 08, 2016 NBC2 has discovered in just the last five months, 331 children have been taken from their parents in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties, a 17% spike. http://www.nbc-2.com/story/31679325/spike-in-fla-foster-care-numbers-causes-concern#.VwruvHrMab8 HI: Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month Recognized by Children’s Justice Centers Big Island Now – April 08, 2016 In recognition of Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, Children’s Justice Centers across the state are participating in a variety of activities during the month of April, including three events on the Big Island. According to Hawai’i Children’s Justice Centers, over 50 percent of reported victims of crime throughout the state are under the age of 18. In addition, research provided by the centers indicate that one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually assaulted before they are 18. http://bigislandnow.com/2016/04/08/child-abuse-awareness-and-prevention-month-recognized-by-childrens-justice-centers/ IL: DCFS director visits children’s shelter, worries for funding (Includes video) WPSD – April 08, 2016 Children staying in foster care or shelters are often separated from their brothers and sisters, but a local Illinois shelter fights to keep them together. Visiting the Night’s Shield in West Frankfort on Friday, Illinois Director of the Department of Child and Family Services George Sheldon said he?s concerned about its future and the future of others like it in the state. http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/story/31680081/illinois-dcfs-director-visits-childrens-shelter-worries-for-funding?clienttype=generic&mobilecgbypass MN: The need is urgent: Invest in our abused and neglected children (Opinion) MinnPost – April 08, 2016 Here are some startling statistics that illustrate how child abuse has become an urgent health crisis: in 2014, deaths from child abuse and neglect exceeded deaths caused by childhood cancers. Nationally, 700,000 children were victims of child