2016-06-09 BOD Minutes
Florida State Foster Adoptive Parent Association, Inc. Board of Directors Face to Face Meeting Thursday, June 9, 2016 Respectfully submitted for approval by FSFAPA Secretary Curtis Byrd The monthly meeting was called to order at 1:15 pm by President Harriett Wynn Secretary Curtis Byrd took Roll: Attendance attached. May Minutes were not available so they were tabled. Motion was made to table the minutes until our next meeting was made by Maria Bond and Seconded by Lillie Blackshear. Motion Carried. Open business Melanie Stimell: Melanie goes over everyone assignments, and answers questions. Monitors will meet in the Hospitality Room to receive assignments. Curtis asks that all the board members at least monitor one training session. Christopher and Orlando: RVP Training: RVP’s should be promoting the FAST Program every opportunity they have. Summit there will be an additional training – in depth for all the RVP’s and it will be mandatory – we will hold that meeting on Wednesday, September 7th from 10 – noon. Trudy will make arrangements with Amy for that and the Quarterly Membership to be at lunch on Thursday at the Summit. Maria suggested that each time we meet there be in depth trainings for the RVP on specific subjects. Trudy will send her some suggestions, possibly the United Way can help with trainers. Trudy Petkovich: Executive Board meeting Tuesday night September 6th at 8 pm Fall Quarterly meeting will be on October 8th. TLC volunteered they have put together support for funding, child care and everything is in Heartland area. This was approved by the Executive Board to move forward. 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: She also reminded everyone that they should wear their Red Shirts. Curtis Byrd: Discussed the upcoming elections: Informed every one of the names that had been sent to him for nominations, President: Harriett Wynn, Chris Johnson Treasurer: Denise Sasiain, and Paul Vernon. Curtis informed every one that we printed a letter to be distributed to the Conference goers and post it on the website and send it out through Constant Contact. Motion to adjourn made by Thomas Croom and seconded by Melanie Stimmell, the motion passed and the meeting was adjourned at 2:30pm.
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
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.
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
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.