Foster Care Alumni Scholarships Available for 25+

Announcement from the Foster Care Alumni of America: Over the past several years, legislative actions have improved access to education for young alumni, but there is still a gap for older alumni of care. We recognize there are many strong alumni leaders who still need financial support to continue their education. At Foster Care Alumni of America, we believe in all people in and from foster care, which is why we launched a scholarship program last year to bridge this access gap. This scholarship serves our alumni members aged 25 and older who wish to pursue higher education. Last year the scholarship was awarded to Alex McFarland, a graduate student pursuing a degree in Veterinary Medicine. We are pleased to say that applications are available now to apply for the 2017-2018 FCAA Scholarship! To apply or to learn more, please visit the Foster Care Alumni of America website HERE.

Updated Conference Schedule Released

UPDATED (5/28) CONFERENCE SCHEDULE: (Click here to download PDF) For more information on the FSFAPA Annual Education Conference, click here.

State Park passes for foster, adoptive families signed into law

From Floridapolitics.com Foster families will get free annual passes to Florida state parks under a bill signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday. Sponsored by Rep. Larry Lee in the House and Sen. Aaron Bean in the Senate, the new law provides families who operate a licensed family foster home free family annual passes and a discount on base campsite fees at Florida State Parks. Families who adopt children with special needs would be eligible to receive a one-time family annual entrance pass to the Florida State Parks. It also requires the Division of Recreation and Parks to work with the Department of Children and Families to identify the types of documentation needed to establish eligibility for discounts. The law requires the division to continue to partner with DCF to promote foster care and the adoption of children with special needs through events held during National Foster Care Month and National Adoption Month. The law goes into effect on July 1. The bill was one of 16 the governor signed into law on Wednesday.

Governor Scott Signs “Key to Independence Act” Into Law

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott signed SB 60, known as the “Keys to Independence Act,” which helps children in Florida’s foster care system obtain driver’s licenses. This legislation makes permanent a pilot program signed into law by Governor Scott in 2014 and expands the program to include children in out-of-home settings, such as relative or non-relative care givers. Governor Scott said, “I’m proud to sign this legislation today to help Florida’s teens in foster care and out-of-home settings obtain their drivers licenses. This bill continues our efforts to help children in our foster system thrive and live their dreams in our state. I would like to thank DCF Secretary Mike Carroll and Florida Guardian ad Litem Executive Director Alan Abramowitz for their hard work on this important legislation.” Florida Department of Children and Families Secretary Mike Carroll said, “Ensuring foster children in Florida have the opportunity to take part in age-appropriate activities such as participating in extracurricular activities, going to the beach, and getting a driver’s license is important for developing life-skills and healthy emotional development. We are grateful for the support from Governor Scott and the Florida legislature in removing barriers for children in foster care to have the same opportunities as every other child.” To see a copy of the transmittal letter, click HERE.

2017 Awards Nominations Open

Florida State Foster/Adoptive Parent Association 2017 Awards Nominations Nominations must be received by May 1, 2017 Caring Hearts Award – to honor a licensed foster family for quality service to children, exemplary partnership with the system of care and dedication to children and their families, who are involved in the foster care system. Forever Hearts Award – to honor an adoptive family that represents the very best in Florida by providing permanency and a loving family to children in care, with specific attention to special needs, siblings, maintaining connections, and supporting and mentoring other adoptive families. Kinship Caregiver Award – to honor a kinship caregiver for quality care given to children of family who have found themselves in need of a stable loving environment.  Note: this may include non-blood related “kin”. Partner in Caring Award – to honor a worker or partner (case manager, licensing/placement, Independent Living, GAL) who embodies partnership and collaboration with foster parents and the families served. Rising Star Award – to honor a youth for progress and positive gains, goal setting and accomplishments either academically, socially, mentoring other youth, and personal achievements Leadership through Example Award – to honor a CBC for demonstrating their commitment to children, families and foster parents through positive actions intended to strengthen partnerships and create a culture of caring through the system of care. Please provide information about EACH of the following 6 items: Award Category Name and Address of nominee(s) Agency and Address of CBC and/or Licensing Agency Name of person submitting this nomination and best way to contact (phone/email) A description (qualities, actions, characteristics, behaviors) of how your nominee meets the criteria for the selected award Will your agency cover travel expenses for your nominee to receive this award at the annual FSFAPA Conference in Orlando June 16-18? Submit to Gay Frizzell, Quality Parenting Initiative (QPI) Advisor at:   gfrizzell@qpiylc.org

Conference Scholarship Opportunity

Deadline: May 5, 2017 • Are you an adoptive, kinship/relative or non-relative caregiver/parent? • Are you no longer licensed as a foster parent? • Do your children still live in your home? If you answer “YES” to these questions, we have a scholarship opportunity for you! FSFAPA is awarding scholarships for families to attend the Annual Education Conference “Our Journey, Your Dreams”. The scholarship will include registrations for your family as well as your hotel reservations for two nights. If you are interested, please complete the online Conference Registration and in the box for payment indicate this is for the Adoptive/Kinship Scholarship. Once your registration is received we will contact you to provide 50-100 words on why you want to attend the conference this year with your family. All applicants must or will be, 2017 dues paid members of FSFAPA. Any questions, please contact Trudy Petkovich, petkovij@me.com or 305-213-6627.

Thank You

Your form has been transmitted to the appropriate people at FloridaFAPA.  You should also receive a confirmation email shortly. Thank you. Click here to return to the home page

Individual/Family Membership Form

 The Florida FAPA makes a difference in the lives of foster, adoptive and relative caregivers by providing support, training, and advocacy. Every licensed foster parent, relative, non-relative caregiver, and adoptive parent in the state of Florida are automatically entitled to the benefits provided by the Florida FAPA. Florida FAPA’s mission statement is to support, educate, and advocate on behalf of foster and adoptive families.  Membership Benefits:  Attend mini-conferences each quarter in various parts of the state. Participate in Advocacy Day in Tallahassee where we advocate for the families we serve. Attend the Annual Educational Conference where over 300 parents attend. This is agreat opportunity to meet and network with other parents. Florida FAPA Boardadvocates on your behalf statewide and locally. They are involved in workgroups andinitiatives designed to improve the care system in Florida. Networking opportunities with other foster families, adoptive families and relativecaregivers Foster Allegation Support Team (FAST) Program to help in the event of an abuseallegation. Our FAST coordinator is available to offer guidance and support during thisdifficult time. The FAST Program is designed and maintained by Florida FAPA. Why Join?  Individual/Family  So why should you pay membership dues if you receive all of this for free? A dues-paidmember is eligible to vote on issues and concerns and participate in the electionprocess. It also provides financial support for Florida FAPA as we work around the clock for youand your entire family. To be eligible for Florida FAPA Annual Conference and/or other National/StateConferences scholarship, you must be a member of Florida FAPA. Individual Dues are $10/calendar year. Family Dues are $15/calendar year. Only dues paid members may be nominated for the Executive Board. Local FAPA Associations  Florida FAPA serves as an extension of your local association and is here to support theassociation in various ways, whether it’s help with infrastructure, training or findingways to attract new members. Attend the President’s Council at the Annual Conference. Local association dues are $50/calendar year. Click here for PDF of membership form [CP_CONTACT_FORM_PAYPAL] *Required Fields

2017-01-30 BOD Minutes

Board of Directors Monthly Conference Call Monday, January 30, 2017 President Harriett Wynn opened the meeting at 8:30 pm Curtis Byrd took roll call, please see attached A motion was made by Orlando Avila to approve the minutes with any corrections from November 28, 2016.  Seconded by Denise Sasiain.  The motion carried Announced that Travis Davis was appointed as the Southern RVP.  If no objection it is approved by acclamation. Denise Sasiain – Unfortunately, Maria was unavailable to meet last Friday so we are looking for another time to meet. Chris Johnson welcomed Travis to the Board.  Melissa Schol moved to Ocala a few months ago, she is our Suncoast RVP & Social Media person.  She has submitted her resignation so we are now looking for someone for the Suncoast RVP position.  Chris has had some conversation with a friend of Melissa but we are looking for anyone else that might have a lead contact Chris. Rally in Tally – a good number of meetings.  Kara connected with her CBC, Anne was with her CBC as well.  Orlando and Chris were both there.  Chris had some good meetings with FCC and DCF.  At the breakfast there were several new legislators and the networking was good.  Giving them first hand information on foster care.  Chris met with his new Senator who is now on the Children & Families Committee and made a good connection.  They talked about the Florida Parks Bill that we are partnering with GAL to have passed. Orlando Avila– appointment with Aaron Bean but he was not in Tallahassee so Orlando met with his Legislative Aide and was able to spend quality time talking with her.  Relationships are important.  My local representative I met with is new to Tallahassee, he is an attorney and he is very receptive to meeting and learning more about our concerns, especially the Parks Bill.  We also talked about funding for other concerns foster parents have including childcare.   Met with a friend that is the Executive Director of an organization that assists with other associations as a contact for the future insight. Chris announced everyone’s RVP report is due tomorrow. Coleen volunteered to handle the Facebook page, Harriett asked to please add her on as an Administrator Curtis. Coleen La Costa – FAST has been getting a lot of calls, some are more conversation and discussing licensing concerns.  Still a lot of relative calls.  Allegation related calls seem to be more complicated that are coming in to the FAST line.  Coleen is looking for additional input from the Investigations workgroup. Thomas Croom reported that Chris and Orlando did a great job at Rally in Tally.  Thomas will have more updates on this legislative session at our meeting in Crestivew Crestview Mini Conference – Kara announced if you are bringing kids get that to Curtis ASAP.  Coleen is presenting on FAST in the morning, David Brown is presenting on QPI with Gerald Waters and Connie Werner in the afternoon,  A local restaurant is providing lunch.  Shawn Salameda from our CBC is doing the opening and the DCF Regional Managing Director will be there all day. Foster Parent Week – the letter FSFAPA is sending to the families in the State. Was written by Chris with input from the Executive Board.  This letter will go to the printer this week. FSFAPA Conference theme:  Our Journey Your Dreams Kinship and Adoptive Parent Scholarship will be given again this year., how many not yet decided. Melanie is in charge of child care and she has announced this year we will not have medical child care available. Tweens $75 registration – Nex Gen Registration is $100 Super Sitters we have contracted with again this year . Amanda announced the teens we will be working with Mike Williams with his Inspiring Program. We hope to meet several Leadership goals.  So our Nex gen Program is not just viewed as babysitting while parents are at the conference. Melissa Eady will be working with the tweens this year. Lynda Thompson, Lori Decker and Dorothy Alvarez are working on the Exhibitors this year. Lillie and Laurallyn are looking for unique items for the Silent Auction   Harriett announced she will set up a conference call with the different committees on a regular basis. The CBC letter for Membership will be out the middle of February per Laurallyn. Harriet asked Travis how are you doing so far in your new position.  He reported that  he and Trudy met with the CEO of Our Kids and he is making the rounds of the local FAPA’s.  Trudy is going to help him with the Monthly report. Gay Frizzell reported the QPI statewide meeting happened in Bartow on January 17th and there were a lot of parents in attendance.   DCF continues to work on Investigations policy and gave us an update.  On the QPI website checkout Myth Busters for answers to frequently asked questions.  Lora Diaz is continuing to add topics for webcasts.  David Brown will be at the Mini Conference in Crestview to train as well as represent m QPI at the Board of Directors meeting. Foster Parent Week hopefully we can be more organized for it next year – Trudy reported. Melanie said we do have a contract with Super Sitters.  Coleen asked if we are negotiating a lower price.  Melanie reported they will do a walk thru next week for better registration ideas.  Coleen said Super Sitters is more expensive than others in the area.  Melanie said Super Sitters last year was the cheapest company in Orlando..  So this year decided to go with Super Sitters again as they are prepared for our population etc.  We have a really good partnership, and at the end of the day we know our kids are safe. Open Discussion: June conference letters for the CBC allocation of registrations will go out the second or third week in February.  Laurallyn will get the CBC membership letters out in February also. Amanda and Melanie want to go