FSS Spring Break Bash

FSS Hosts Children’s Week Spring Break Bash Family Support Services of North Florida (FSS), the community-based care lead agency for Duval and Nassau counties, was one of nine Jacksonville organizations to jointly plan and host a free community event March 24 celebrating Children’s Advocacy Week. Traditionally, Jacksonville holds a Children’s Week event in conjunction with spring break to encourage family participation and garner attention of local government officials. With attendance of nearly 300, the Children’s Week Spring Break Bash, focused on family health and safety, and on sharing information about free family services available locally. Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry and two city councilmen kicked off the event and discussed Jacksonville’s efforts to be a child-friendly city. They recognized local agencies and the extensive services available to maximize children’s potential to be healthy, safe and educated future leaders of the community. The Spring Break Bash also featured information booths from more than 25 area nonprofits, games, crafts, bounce houses, giveaways, prizes and an appearance by a Star Wars character. The Children’s Week event was hosted by the Jacksonville Kids Coalition, Family Support Services of North Florida, First Coast YMCA, The Players Center for Child Health, Children’s Ombudsperson of Jacksonville, Jacksonville Children’s Commission, Daniel Kids, Florida Guardian ad Litem, Partnership for Child Health and Early Learning Coalition.

FSFAPA Elections

Florida State Foster Adoptive Parent Association Are now accepting nominations for the following Positions: President & Treasurer For more information please check out job descriptions Click Here    Nominee for Board Position   ________________________________________________________________________________  Name     ________________________________________________________________________________  Position being nominated for       Contact info of nominee ________________________________________________________________________________  ________________________________________________________________________________  ________________________________________________________________________________  ________________________________________________________________________________      Why you are nominating this person ________________________________________________________________________________  ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________    Please email your nominees name to:  Curtis Byrd at curtis@dfsthisthat.com The new terms for each of these positions will be effective January 1, 2017.

H. Wynn Scholarship Applications Now Being Accepted

The Florida State Foster/Adoptive Parent Association H. Wynn Scholarship Fund is currently accepting applications for its 2015 scholarship. The H. Wynn Scholarship Fund was founded in 2012 to promote the education of children in the child welfare system. H. Wynn Scholarship (2016) All required documents (Scholarship Application Form, letters of recommendation and essay) must be received by the Scholarship Committee at the address listed below no later than June 3, 2016. Recipients will be notified at the 2016 NEX GEN teen conference in Orlando. You must be present to receive this scholarship. For additional information or questions, contact the Scholarship Committee at hwynn65833@aol.com.

2015-11-14 BOD Minutes

FSFAPA Board Meeting   Saturday, Nov. 14, 3  p.m. Friends of Foster Children, West Palm Beach Submitted for approval by FSFAPA Secretary Charles Parker. Meeting started by at 3:06 p.m. Following were in attendance: Harriett Wynn (President), Chris Johnson (Exec VP), Charles Parker (Secretary), Kara Elliot-Jordan (RVP – by phone), Keith Best (RVP), Victoria Herrin (Band Manager), Maria Bond (Treasurer), Melanie Stimmell (RVP), Dorothy Alvarez (RVP), and Coleen Lacosta (FAST-excused). After attendance, the minutes from the prior Board Meeting were accepted with changes. Motion made by Chris and seconded by Colleen; motion passed with no opposition. Harriet addressed the group as our last face-to-face meeting of the year, and thanked everyone for all they have done this year. She shared that the NFPA wanted to partner with FSFAPA again for a conference in 2018. NFPA has assured that the situation will be different with more information shared. She shared that the Ecomm has some questions for NFPA to ensure the partnership is beneficial to both parties, but the conversation is being explored. Harriet announced the elections by acclamation of Chris as EVP and the slate of RVPs. She also shared that all of the program chairs and ad-hoc positions will be reviewed for the new board and reviewed and set by reappointment for the new board. Harriet also shared that Charles declined the nomination to retain the secretary position and she will be looking for people to appoint to cover his position and other duties in the coming year. She also shared that many of our position holders are not taking their responsibilities to heart. She did feel that we need more accountability at many positions and we need to all evaluate our own performances and seriously consider whether we are effectively filling our roles or covering our territorial requirements. She also reminded the board that the Quarterly reports are due to Trudy on Nov. 20. Urged that they be more focused on the requirements and measures of the position – like meetings attended and assistance provided — rather than what some associations “gave out so many turkeys” etc. The Next Quarterly meeting needs to be set and a location secured. There was discussion about Gainesville as a location. There had been interest at Port St. Lucie, and Dorothy mentioned they had been overwhelmed by the requirements of the meeting place, and that the list may be better shared as a conversation rather than a list that may be seen as “demands.” We also need to be scheduling these regional meetings more in advance so that the requirements can be met across many months rather than just a few. Chris volunteered to take the lead on getting these scheduled. Harriet thanked Friends of Foster Children for hosting a successful quarterly meeting, and thanked them for all their support. More than 70 attended. Treasurer’s report was given by Maria, as of Oct. 31 there was $76,846.89 in the bank, income for the year was $189,968 and expenses $220,783.14.  The operating deficit for the year is  now $30,814.70. Maria commented that this deficit is now more back in line with the original budget expectations despite a major shortfall ($39,000) from the conference, which is generally our biggest fundraiser. This is largely due to recent cost-saving measures and general austerity by the board throughout the year. OLD BUSINESS 2016 Conference – Melanie shared that they are examining everything with an eye toward costs, so that money is spent on the items that are more important to the overall experience. They have also approached a couple of the major churches as alternatives to Super Sitters. They are soliciting ideas and will reach out for assistance on bags and other support. Chris is coordinating the keynote speakers. BAND – Victoria mentioned the band is looking to do a “star search” model to create a next generation of the group. Victoria’s Allen Madden foundation is hoping to kick off their support (and sponsorship coordination) for the band as they come online with their website and FB this week. MEETINGS SCHEDULE – The call set for later this month is cancelled (this meeting covers the month.) Motion to adjourn was made at 4:25 pm by Charles, seconded by Melanie. There was no opposition.

2015-10-26 BOD Minutes

FSFAPA Board Meeting MONDAY, Oct. 26 – 8:30 p.m. Conference Call Submitted for approval by FSFAPA Secretary Charles Parker. Meeting started at 8:30 p.m. Following were in attendance: Harriett Wynn (President), Chris Johnson (Exec VP), Orlando Avila (Director of Programs), Charles Parker (Secretary), Kara Elliot-Jordan (RVP), Thomas Croom (RVP), Keith Best (RVP), Lillie Blackshear (RVP), Victoria Herrin (Band Manager), Amanda Williams (Nex Gen/IL), Harry Dubia (Membership), Trudy Petkovich (Executive Director), Xiomara Turner (DCF Advisor), Melissa Schol (RVP), Laurallyn Segur (CBC Advisor) and Gay Frizzell (QPI Advisor). Not in attendance: Maria Bond (Treasurer-excused), Melanie Stimmell (RVP), Dorothy Alvarez (RVP-excused), Trish Allen (Adoptions), Wendy Vernon (Advocacy), Lynda Thompson (Parliamentarian/ Bylaws – excused), David Brown (Nominations – excused), Coleen Lacosta (FAST-excused) After attendance, the minutes from the prior Board Meeting were accepted with changes. Motion made by Chris and seconded by Lillie; motion passed with no opposition. Treasurer report was given in summary by Chris (in Maria’s absence) As of Sept 30 there was $70,504.76 in the bank and the June conference appear to be settled. OLD BUSINESS 2016 Conference – Chris is continuing to work through the planning and things seem to be progressing on schedule. TEEN RECRUITMENT – Amanda reported that work with Fostering Success and have met with Sec. Carroll, and everyone left the meeting with more work to do. Developing a plan to get more recognition nationally. Chris added that he was very encouraged by the support Sec. Carroll offered and that DCF is planning on being more involved in providing support to this effort. BAND – No report. Next Fostering Success event is in Miami on Jan. 30, working on what band involvement would look like. NEW BUSINESS MEETINGS SCHEDULE – The board meeting at the WPB mini conference on Nov. 14 will be the only board meeting for the month. FUNDRAISING – Orlando has set up a GoFundMe account for the association in hopes of raising some money to offset childcare expenses for the conference. There are still some edits that need to be made, but it will go public soon. Also looking at Amazon Smile as a fundraising option. NEW HOME PROGRAM – Trudy reported that the wife of our conference speaker is a realtor in the Orlando area, and has developed a program to assist foster parents in first-time and other home purchases. (including buyer trainings, reduced commissions etc.) The program will start with her broker in the Orlando area and then hopefully spread to other areas of the state. REPORTS SUNCOAST – RVP Melissa reported she attended the Pasco association meeting and there were lots of questions, including about the Duffels program and Adoption Intervention issues. NORTHEAST – RVP Lillie reported that she is working in C4 to assist the association with getting their 501c3, there is progress, but lots of work still to be done. Everything else in C4 and C7 appears to be going well. NORTHWEST – RVP Kara reported that C1 is still on a “high” with the rollout of QPI in the area, and that the CBCs are engaging local FPA leadership. Kara reported that there are 2 local FAPAs that are facing major leadership changes and she is helping train the incoming leaders. At the moment the Adoption Intervention issue is the “ugliest” issue. NORTHCENTRAL – RVP Thomas reports there is not much new outside of a new group forming in Lake City that had its first meeting earlier this month. There is a need for a group in Perry. Tallahassee group has some leadership changes with a VP moving out of the area. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE – Thomas reported the Adoption Intervention language is still being hammered out, and that there will be a list of senators on the committee to focus our grass-roots efforts on.   He hopes to get RSVPs for 2-5 parents to visit each member of the committee and once the house sponsor is identified they will do the same on that side. EXEC DIRECTOR REPORT – Trudy reported that 10 board members are set to attend Rally in Tally. David Brown has offered to help on setting appointments along with Thomas and Jennifer McDougal (FCC) and also to meet with Alan Abramowitz. … FCC weekly Monday Morning call at 9am on legislation efforts including AI language. … Miami/SoFla association started an AI petition and their president Denise asked us to continue to share … There is a DCF survey that will be sent out after the meeting that we need to share with parents and associations. … Quarterly reports will go to Trudy and she will compile them into a year-end report. … We have a new contract manager at DCF (Tori Callan) and Trudy is working with her on our next contract … Statewide Dependency Court Improvement Panel is restarting and Trudy will sit on it as FSFAPA rep. DCF ADVISOR – Xiomara thanked the association for their continued support of the recruitment effort Fostering Success, and shared that she is working on the 2016 Youth Leadership class. Apps are out, ask your CBC about the opportunities for 14-17 year olds. … She is also working on the issue of training hours accumulated in the time between the licensing paperwork submission and the receipt of the new license, at this point that training time is “lost” and she is looking for alternatives. … she also reported that the federal normalcy rules are in development and the “prudent parent” guidelines they are using match Florida. QPI – Gay commented that all of her topics have been covered by others on the call, but she also reported that David is all over the state making site visits at every CBC. FCC/CBC – Laurallyn reported that after the Fostering Success meeting with Sec. Carroll reported earlier by Amanda, several of the groups are reconvening to for a more formal “Ask” of what support to request from DCF – including a “bigger” campaign. Also reported that many CBCs are getting excited about the Rally in Tally. DISCUSSION

2015-09-28 BOD Minutes

FSFAPA Board Meeting MONDAY, Sept. 28 – 8:30 p.m. Conference Call Submitted for approval by FSFAPA Secretary Charles Parker. Meeting started at 8:30 p.m. Following were in attendance: Harriett Wynn (President), Chris Johnson (Exec VP), Charles Parker (Secretary), Kara Elliot-Jordan (RVP), Thomas Croom (RVP), Keith Best (RVP), Lillie Blackshear (RVP), Melanie Stimmell (RVP), Trish Allen (Adoptions), Lynda Thompson (Parliamentarian/ Bylaws), Victoria Herrin (Band Manager), Amanda Williams (Nex Gen/IL), Harry Dubia (Membership), Laurallyn Segur (CBC Advisor) and Gay Frizzell (QPI Advisor). Not in attendance: Wendy Vernon (Advocacy), Orlando Avila (Director of Programs-excused), David Brown (Nominations – excused), Trudy Petkovich (Executive Director-excused), Dorothy Alvarez (RVP-excused), Xiomara Turner (DCF Advisor), Maria Bond (Treasurer), Melissa Schol (RVP), Coleen Lacosta (FAST) After attendance, the minutes from the prior Board Meeting were accepted with changes. Motion made by Chris and seconded by Harry; motion passed with no opposition. Fall Mini Conference will be Nov. 14 in West Palm Beach at the Friends of Foster Children facility. We will participate in their Triple P parenting training and have our quarterly meeting and President’s Council in conjunction with their schedule. Board meeting will be at that same location that evening. Please email Trudy RSVP as soon as possible. OLD BUSINESS DUFFELS – Melanie inquired about the check to purchase additional bags for distribution, understanding is the funds were approved – however Maria is travelling and could not be on the call to confirm. Harriet announced that the 2016 walk is going to be held in Jacksonville at the zoo. BAND – Summit performance was only new activity to report since last call (start of school) The next event for Fostering Success is in October, the band is trying to determine availability for the event. CAREGIVER RECRUITMENT – Chris reported that there were a couple of presentations to share successes and boost recruiting in other circuits. Breakout sessions also shared ideas among various areas. Amanda concurred that everything is kinda in a lull at the moment, groups seem to be trying to figure out what their next moves are. NOMINATIONS – In David’s absence, Charles reported that all info is in ald all positons will be filled by acclamation at the Fall mini conference quarterly meeting. BYLAWS – Lynda asked whether the board wanted to see them in redline or before/after. Harriet responded before/after would be her preference and asked Lynda to forward them to the Executive Committee as soon as she was able. NEW BUSINESS RALLY IN TALLY – Send your name to Trudy if you are interested in participating (Nov. 30-Dec1). 2016 CONFERENCE – Melanie reported that they are working on lining up keynotes looking at childcare options (especially in light of the issues and costs this year.) Chris added they are open to suggestions for themes in addition to the fact it is the 20th annual conference. Melanie asked Lynda to confirm that her daughter would be interested in working with Tweens again next year. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE – Thomas reported that Alan’s bill (GAL) is filed and has Dietert as the sponsor in the Senate, there is apparently a House sponsor lined up as well, but that information is being held close to the vest at the moment. Once the legislation is on the board, Thomas has informed Alan (GAL) that FSFAPA will push for addition to strengthen the language (more detailed) in some portions. QPI – Gay commented that Carole got several comments at summit regarding the investigation process and that it seems to be moving away from the QPI expectations. She wants to survey the various county FAPAs to see how this is developing statewide. Harriet added that there have been issues in her area, and Amanda added that she has met with her CBC CEO regarding investigations not following protocols and being misleading (they plan to take this to their DCF region as well.) Charles reported that Collen’s last FAST report indicated this is happening in various parts of the state and removals are happening quickly – and even in cases where the allegations prove unfounded the children are not allowed to return. (He pointed out the incongruity to the best interest/transition issues QPI stands for.) Melanie also pointed out that this issue is also one she heard from parents in Hernando in a recent visit. FCC/CBC – Laurallyn reported that CBCs focus on Teen Recruitment has not had as much progress as they would have liked, they are polling all CBCs to see what has worked where, and hope to set best practices model. She also reported that the investigation issue Gay outlined may have some policy components as some CBCs and CPI units remove immediately as a matter of policy. Laurallyn suggested that FSFAPA present at a future FCC meeting to share our vision and goals and get it in front of all the CBC CEOs. EXEC DIRECTOR REPORT – Trudy reported (via Harriet) that at the Summit she was surprised at the number of CPIs and CMs that were not aware of the FAST program. DISCUSSION – Harriet shared with the board that Orlando had broken his femur the week prior and was recovering from surgery at Shands (Jacksonville) well with hopes of going home next week. Motion to adjourn was made at 8:58 pm by Chris, seconded by Kara. There was no opposition.

2015-08-31 BOD Minutes

FSFAPA Board Meeting MONDAY, Aug. 31 – 8:30 p.m. Conference Call Submitted for approval by FSFAPA Secretary Charles Parker. Meeting started by at 8:30 p.m. Following were in attendance: Harriett Wynn (President), Chris Johnson (Exec VP), Charles Parker (Secretary), Orlando Avila (Director of Programs), Maria Bond (Treasurer), Kara Elliot-Jordan (RVP), Thomas Croom (RVP), Keith Best (RVP), Lillie Blackshear (RVP), Dorothy Alvarez (RVP), Melissa Schol (RVP), Trish Allen (Adoptions), Amanda Williams (Nex Gen/IL), Coleen Lacosta (FAST), Victoria Herrin (Band Manager), Laurallyn Segur (CBC Advisor), Gay Frizzell (QPI Advisor), and Trudy Petkovich (Executive Director). Not in attendance: Melanie Stimmell (RVP), Lynda Thompson (Parliamentarian/Bylaws), Wendy Vernon (Advocacy), Harry Dubia (Membership), David Brown (Nominations – excused), Xiomara Turner (DCF Advisor) After attendance, the minutes from the prior Board Meeting were accepted with changes. Motion made by Chris and seconded by Maria; motion passed with no opposition. TREASURER’S REPORT – July 31 Financial Report had income of $102,774.55 and expenses of $202,321.95. Does not include the $60,000 DCF reimbursement for conference which arrived in August. With that the current amount in the bank is $63,086.93. FALL MINI CONFERENCE – Set for Nov. 14 in Palm Beach County. Hosted by Friends of Foster Children. Will be inconjunction witht heir “Triple-P” parenting program. Maria will send location & speaker info for website and newsletter etc. OLD BUSINESS DUFFELS – LaShaun sent an email to the entire board asking if we were interested in “spinning off” duffles as own program. Exec committee is investigating this further but initial reaction is in support of the idea. There was no further discussion. BAND – Victoria reported that the band will perform at the Summit, and that it will be a new set, including a song writted for them by Kurt Kelly. There will be many people participating in the performance, including Kelly, Secretary Carroll and others. CAREGIVER RECRUITMENT – no meetings since last update. Band did have an event in support of this in Jensen Beach. DCF reimbursement issues persist. There are meetings and presentations on this topic set for the Summit. NOMINATIONS – David reports he has received all information necessary to confirm nominations. BYLAWS – Charles reported that a possible redline available at the summit, but since there is no board meeting to confirm them at the summit, they will be reviewed later and presented to the general meeting later in the year. There had been some question about this creating a confusing timeframe with next year’s election, but Charles indicated that we’d likely choose an effective date of January 1 regardless of which GMs they are presented. NEW BUSINESS NACAC UPDATE – Submited in writing (emailed to board) prior to the meeting by Trish, there were no questions. RVPS – Thomas reported that there is a new association being cultivated in his area (North Central) and things have been very positive. He also has been working with ELC on several issues, but nothing to report on those at this time. Keith reported that he attended the South Dade FAPA meeting – they have an all new board of directors in place: they held a backpack distribution. The church they meet at is very supportive. He also attended the Miami-Dade FAPA where they had 25-30 at the meeting. Also held a backpack distribution and gave away free movie passes. The deadline for their travel club (Disney park visit) is Sept. 1. Keith also reported that Broward FAPA has managed to hold a meeting every month this year —which is a vast improvement over the past. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE – Committee meetings for the session starts on Sept. 14. Legislature is “going nowhere” on a litany of issues, so it remains to be seen whether there will be progress on the Adoption Intervention issue. FAST – Colleen reported that the phone has been really busy with complicated calls. Seems to be a trend developing removals surrounding allegations and the children never returning to the home – even if the allegations are found to not be credible. This is happening in SW FL, Panhandle and Volusia according to the calls she is seeing. Thomas indicated he is seeing this in his area as well and has a meeting with Big Bend CBC CEO to discuss this. It appears there is no real policy or procedure in place to compel the CBCs to handle this issue – Big Bend has agreed to work up a policy for review with recognition of the trauma removals can create. Thomas will share the draft when complete. PRESIDENT REPORT – Fostering Success workgroups are continuing to meet and the work on the “matching” software continues. Lots of discussion of short term vs. long term goals in development of matches. There is also still discussion about the need for a hotline, but liability concerns have that stalled at the moment. QPI – Gay reported that there will be a few QPI events at the summit, Thursday at 10 am there will be a QPI workshop, Thursday at 2 pm there will be 2 focus groups one for caregivers, one for teens. DCF is supporting this and will allow people to participate in these even without being part of the Summit – an email about this has been sent out and Gay has asked us (especially RVPS) to share this with caregivers that may be able to participate. NEX GEN – Amanda reported that there are several groups around the state that have contacted her to expand the Nex Gen concept to local associations. EXEC DIRECTOR REPORT – FCC Rally in Tally is set for Nov. 30-Dec. 1. Hotel is $129/room. Cost of registration/participation is not yet set. If interested, please let Trudy know. On the legislative front, FCC has concerns about infighting between legislators and hopes it doesn’t affect their goals. FCC will share their agenda with us when it is complete (before public) but they are also concerned about issues with Group Homes and Fl Chilodren’s First is pushing a draft of legislation concerning some