2017-06-17 General Membership Meeting

Florida State Foster Adoptive Parent Association, Inc. Quarterly Membership Meeting, Orlando, Fl. Saturday, June 17, 2017   The Quarterly Membership Meeting of FSFAPA was called to order at 7:30 am by Harriett Wynn, President. A motion was made by Orlando Avila to accept the minutes as corrected, seconded by Thomas Croom.  Motion passed Harriett introduced Kylie McCracken and welcomed her to the board. Harriett announced that the Chair person for the combined NFPA / FSFAPA 2018 Conference will be Kara Elliott- Jordan. Harriett gave the floor to Denise Sasiain, Treasurer, who presented the 2016 Year End Report to membership.  After discussion a Motion was made to accept the Report. It was properly seconded and a vote was called. Motion passed Harriett then yielded the floor to Thomas Croom, Nomination Chair. Thomas then opened the floor for nominations and announced the candidates previously submitted. Exec. Vice President: Kara Elliott-Jordan, and Christopher Johnson; Vice President: Kara Elliott-Jordan, and Orlando Avila. Secretary: Curtis Byrd, and Christina Nunez. Thomas asked for nominations from the floor.  If no further nominations, are brought forward nominations will be closed at the end of the Quarterly Membership Meeting.  When nominees were ask if they accepted the nomination, Kara Elliott-Jordan declined the nominations. With this decision Exec. Vice President and Vice President will run unopposed. Harriett then introduced Trudy Petkovich, Executive Director Trudy announced the upcoming October Mini Conference & Quarterly Meeting Quarterly Meeting and Mini Conference Date:  Saturday, October 14, 2017 Location:  Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place 200 Rialto Place Melbourne, Fl. 32901 1-321-768-0200 Rate:  $124 a night Time:  10 am – 3 pm Topic:  QPI FAST – Foster Allegation Support Team FSFAPA Quarterly Meeting & Election Sponsored by FSFAPA and Alachua County Foster and Adoptive Parent Association   Harriett introduced Thomas Croom and enlightened everyone on the past legislative session and the plans for the 2018 Legislative session. Harriett and Gay Frizzell then presented the 2016 Awards. Harriett introduced Lora Diaz who update dated everyone what was happening with Just in Time Training and thanked everyone for the support. Harriett thanked everyone for coming. Motion to adjourn made by Thomas Croom and seconded by Stephen Rollo, the motion passed and the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 am. Respectfully submitted for approval by FSFAPA Secretary Curtis Byrd  

2017-02-11 General Membership Mtg

Florida State Foster Adoptive Parent Association General Membership Meeting Crestview, Fl.  February 11, 2017 Type of Meeting: FSFAPA Membership Meeting Meeting Facilitator: Harriett Wynn, President Introduction of Board Members – Harriett introduced all board members to the general membership.   Each board member gave a little information of who they are and what region they cover. Approval of Minutes from:  10/15/2016 – A motion was made to approve the general membership minutes with changes if needed. Ennis Coleman made the motion; it was seconded by Joy Cromer. With no further discussion a vote was taken.  Motion Carried Harriett announced that we are seeking a location to hold the Oct/Nov Mini Conference. Amanda will check with her CBC about holding the fall mini conference in Gainesville. Legislative update and review – Thomas discussed the current bills that we are supporting and asked everyone to please become more aware of the bills and who is supporting them.  Get to know your local legislators. Update on upcoming events Update 2017 Conference – Trudy discussed the upcoming 2017 conference in Orlando.  The registration will be going to the CBC in 10 days. The 2018 NFPA/FSFAPA conference will be held at the Caribe Royale in Orlando. Adjourned, with no other business to be brought before this meeting a motion was made to adjourn.  It was seconded and a vote was called for.  Motion Carried.   Respectfully Submitted Curtis Byrd Curtis Byrd, Secretary

2016-10-15 General Membership Mtg

Membership Meeting Minutes Mulberry, Fl. October 15, 2016 Type of Meeting: Quarterly Membership Meeting Meeting Called to Order by Harriett Wynn, President A motion to approve the minutes from 9/08/2016 with changes if needed was made by Charles Parker.  Seconded by Dorothy Alvarez, with no further discussion a vote was called.  Motion Carried The attendees were given a detailed layout of the new RVP’s organizational chart. Chris Purche – discussed fire safety, explained the difference between types of extinguishers and the fires they extinguish. Monthly inspection is important. Smoke detectors over 10 years old should be replaced. Sabrina Gonzales- talked about teens aging out of the system and the effect of life in foster care is affecting young adults. At 11:30am all remaining ballots from members at the meeting were collected.  Curtis asked for two volunteers, Linda Gauntt and Ennis Clements volunteered.   Ballots were opened and sorted and counted by Linda and Ennis.  Curtis and Trudy separately tallied the counts three times to be sure all the numbers agreed.  The election results were announced to the general membership. President Harriett Wynn and Treasurer Denise Sasiain.  The other nominees were thanked for participating in the election process. Trish Allen – discussed Normalcy and how it impacts our children. Jonathan – explained the partnership between All Pro Dads and DCF to recruit new foster parents and bring about awareness around the state. A motion was made by Dorothy Alvarez to adjourn the meeting, it was seconded.     With no discussion a vote was called for. Motion Carried       Respectfully Submitted by Curtis Byrd Secretary

2016-09-08 General Membership Mtg

Meeting Facilitator: Harriett Wynn Location: DCF Child Protection Summit, Orlando Call to order – Harriett Wynn A motion to approve the minutes from 6/11/2016 with changes if needed was proposed by Denise.  Seconded by Coleen, with no further discussion a vote was called.  Motion Carried The attendees were given a detailed layout of the new RVP’s organizational chart. Chris reviewed the sheet and answered any questions. Curtis reviewed voting requirements, and reminded attendees that only paid members are eligible to vote, and that they must have been paid members prior to the June conference. Orlando educated the attendees on benefits and explained the working of FAST. Update on upcoming events October Mini Conference update everyone was encouraged to attend. QPI National Conference Harriett informed attendees that Lynda would be representing the Association at this conference. Adjournment:  A motion was made by Orlando to adjourn the meeting it was seconded. With no discussion a vote was called for. Motion Carried    

2016-06-11 General Membership Mtg

Florida State Foster Adoptive Parent Association, Inc. Quarterly Membership Meeting, Orlando, Fl. Saturday, June 8, 2016   The Quarterly Membership Meeting of FSFAPA was called to order at 7:30 am by Harriett Wynn, President. A motion was made by Orlando Avila to accept the minutes as corrected, seconded by Thomas Croom.  Motion passed   Open business Harriett introduced Lynda Thompson, Bylaws Chair Lynda discussed the changes to the Bylaws and fielded any questions from the floor.  After discussion on the Bylaws, Lynda asked everyone to mark their green voting card Yes or No to approve the Bylaws.  Once all green voting cards were collected they were counted.  The final vote was 61 Yes and 0 No, so the changes to the Bylaws passed. Harriett then yielded the floor to Orlando Avila, who was standing in for Curtis Byrd, Nomination Chair. Orlando then opened the floor for nominations and announced the candidates previously submitted. President: Harriett Wynn, and Christopher Johnson; Treasurer: Denise Sasiain, and Paul Vernon. Orlando asked for nominations from the floor.  If no further nominations are brought forward nominations will be closed at the end of the Quarterly Membership Meeting. Harriett then introduced Trudy Petkovich, Executive Director Trudy announced the upcoming October Mini Conference & Quarterly Meeting   T.L.C. Association, Inc will be hosting the Quarterly Membership Meeting & Mini Conference October 8, 2016 at Mulberry Christian Academy Church of God 200 Dean St. Mulberry, 33860  Limited Childcare 0-12 cost $5.00 per child Conference will start at 9:00am to 4:00pm.  Lunch will be served. The Hotel will be announced later. Lori Decker will be handling registration, Phone 813-892-3016 or email:  loriadeckertlc@gmail.com Harriett and Gay Frizzell then presented the 2016 Award Winners: Caring Heart Award/Foster – Marcia and Stephens Croom Dee Wilson/Adoption – Reyna Alvarez Partner in Caring – Holly Torres Leadership through Example – Eckerd Community Alternatives/Pasco & Pinellas Counties Harriett thanked everyone for coming. Motion to adjourn made by Thomas Croom and seconded by Stephen Rollo, the motion passed and the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 am. Respectfully submitted for approval by FSFAPA Secretary Curtis Byrd

2016-03-12 General Membership Mtg

Quarterly Meeting in Daytona, FL Saturday, March 12, 2016   Respectfully submitted for approval by FSFAPA Secretary Curtis Byrd The general meeting was called to order at 1:28 pm by President Harriett Wynn Secretary Curtis Byrd took Roll call.  All available Board Members and Advisors were there. A motion was made by Orlando Avila to accept the minutes as corrected, seconded by Thomas Croom.  Motion passed   Open business Harriett introduced Laura Diaz and Gay Frizzell. Laura and Gay reviewed the QPI meeting.  The QIP meeting covered the topics of information sharing, normalcy/babysitting, transitions, and investigations, clarify existing law/policy. On the topic of information sharing, the speakers stressed the critical need for full information sharing with foster parents, the necessity for clear definition on what documents are truly HIPAA protected, and that some information about birth parents should never be shared.  Specifically, substance abuse/mental health and domestic violence center records. On the topic of normalcy/babysitting, the speakers stressed a need for clearness on emergency care and on-going babysitting requirements with background checks, etc.  They also discussed a need for common sense in terms of licensing requirements and chemicals storage for items like baby wipes, cleaning products, etc.  The speakers emphasized providing information to assist caregivers in careful parenting decision making.   They also stressed revisions to current rule about babysitting need to provide balance with structure but also flexibility. On the topic of transitions, the speakers explained that the Children’s Legal Services (CLS) will continue to monitor and encourage connections between former and current caregivers critical to the child. On the topic of investigations, the speakers believed that Practice across the state on foster parent referrals seemed to be working.  They pointed out that generally staffing on foster parent investigations are not occurring.  They also stressed that there is often a lack of clarity about removals of children when investigation underway and that information about F.A.S.T. needed to be shared across the state. The presenters felt that generally existing policy is functioning but some clarifications are needed.  They recommend that Statewide QPI meetings occur every 3-6 months to ensure information is broadly shared and to surface issues as they arise.  They also stressed that results of this meeting will be posted on qpiflorida.com and shared with all partners.  Harriett thanked everyone for coming.  Motion to adjourn made by Thomas Croom and seconded by Stephen Rollo, the motion passed and the meeting was adjourned at 3:34 pm.

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.

2015_06_19 General Membership Mtg

General Membership Quarterly Meeting June 19, 2015, 3:30 PM Orlando Hilton (FSFAPA Annual Education Conference) Submitted for approval by FSFAPA Secretary Charles Parker. Harriet started the meeting at 3:35 with words of welcome. Introduction board members present: Harriett Wynn (President), Charles Parker (Secretary), Chris Johnson (Executive VP), Orlando Avila (Director of Programs), Maria Bond (Treasurer), Trudy Petkovich (Executive Director), Victoria Herrin (Band Manager), Wendy Vernon (Advocacy), Lynda Thompson (Parliamentarian/Bylaws/Conference Chair), Lillie Blackshear (RVP), Dorothy Alvarez (RVP), Thomas Croom (RVP), Kara Elliot-Jordan (RVP), Keith Best (RVP), Melanie Stimmell (RVP), Trish Allen (Adoptions), Harry Dubia (Membership), Laurallyn Segur (CBC Advisor), Amanda Williams (NexGen Teens), Gay Frizzell (QPI Advisor), David Brown (Nominations), Rose Stayduhar (FAST Coordinator) Charles announced that the minutes from the previous GM Meeting had been put on the tables prior to the meeting and asked if anyone had any edits. Motion to accept the minutes was made by Tamara Harry from the floor and Chris Johnson seconded. Vote passed with no opposition or voiced abstaining votes. Harriet announced that there would be a duffels distribution after the RVP meetings on Saturday in the same room that the GM Meeting was taking place. Charles then retook the stage and called Nominations Chair David Brown up. Charles shared that there were three Executive Board positions that were due for an election this year at the next (Fall) General Membership Meeting (Secretary, Director of Programs and EVP). David then shared that all three current occupants of those positions had been nominated to continue and the floor was opened to additional nominations for each of the three positions and none were heard. Nominations closed. Charles also shared that there had been some issues with the transition and record keeping when his predecessor left the secretary position for health reasons, and that there was some confusion as to which RVP positions were supposed to be up for election this year. He shared that the executive board and full board had decided to put the entire slate up for election at this time so that the membership had the opportunity to vote for the people in these positions. None of the current RVPs are in their positions because of a contested election, and the majority are in the position by appointment. Charles also shared that due to the difficulty of finding RVPs, the board has expressed a desire to update the bylaws to make the RVP postions appointed and follow the same terms as the sitting president. David opened the floor for nominations and there was one for Suncoast RVP (Melissa Schol) and NE RVP (Christy Connor) Harriet made announcements about the security for NexGen and Tweens – they need to be wearing the correct shirts or badges or they cannot come in. There were nominations from the floor for the prospective location for our Fall Regional Mini-Conference and General Membership meeting; locations included Innisbrook (Palm Harbor), Daytona, Jacksonville, Gainesville, St. Pete, Panhandle and Tampa. Chris Johnson shared that FSFAPA has become a full member of the Florida Coalition for Children. We took this step to gain more of an equal standing with the CBCs and CMAs that make up FCC. We want to be seen as equal partners. Charles and Thomas Croom then explained the FSFAPA legislative focus for the 2016 session: Adoption Intervention. There has been an increase statewide of parents using this legislation as a last-ditch power-grab to exert control just prior to TPR, and we also believe that there are cases of less-ethical adoption agencies/attorneys soliciting families to exercise this option in ways the legislation did not intend. FSFAPA is not against cases where the parents quickly utilize this process and the child avoids or minimizes their time in foster care, but we are against it being used well after the child has bonded with other caregivers. FSFAPA is working with the GAL office and DCF to support efforts to have the “best interest” language from Chapter 39 inserted into this legislation (to make it uniform) and to explore a sliding scale that weighs the parent’s wishes more heavily early in the process, and the child’s rights and best interests more heavily after 60 or 90 days. FSFAPA will begin collecting first hand accounts of AI stories to support the effort later this year. Motion to adjourn was heard at 4:25 p.m. and was seconded by many. No opposition was heard.    

2015_04_14 General Membership Mtg

FSFAPA General Membership Meeting April 14 2015-1:30 pm Tallahassee, Fla Submitted for approval by FSFAPA RVP Kara Elliott-Jordan Meeting started by 1:32 Following were in attendance: Harriet Wynn (President), Chris Johnson (Exec VP), Kara Elliott-Jordan (RVP), Keith Best (VP), Lillie Blackshear (RVP), Dorothy Alvarez (RVP), Trish Allen (Adoptions), Wendy Vernon (Advocacy), Coleen LaCosta (FAST Coordinator, Kinship), Harry Dubia (Membership), Gay Frizzel (QPI Advisor), Maria Bond (Treasurer), and Laurallyn Segur (CBC Advisor) Not in Attendance: Orlando Avila (Director of Programs), Charles Parker (Secretary), Lynda Thompson (Parliamentarian/Bylaws/Conference Chair),), Carrie Toy (DCF Advisor), Amanda Williams (Nex Gen/IL), Victoria Herrin (Band Manager), Trudy Petkovich (Executive Director), David Brown (Legislative Advisor), Kristi Putnam (DCF Advisor), Thomas Croom (RVP), and Melanie Stimmell (RVP) I. Roll Call of Board members completed II. Minutes from February general meeting accepted a. Motion by Colleen LaCosta, seconded by Dorothy Alvarez III. President’s Message a. Harriet announced Thomas Croom as the new North Central RVP b. Gave an update on the new DCF/FSFAPA initiative to recruit foster parents for teens c. Introduced board members in attendance IV. Old Business a. Upcoming Events i. 2015 Duffels for Kids Walk is May 16 in Port Orange, FL. Encouraged everyone to participate or donate and to share with their networks. Can register as a virtual walker online. ii. Annual Education Conference is June 19-21 at the Orlando Hilton. CBCs have been given scholarships for their area. FSFAPA has scholarships available for adoptive parents or kinship caregivers who are no longer licensed foster parents. See floridafapa.org/events for details. b. Change of Quarterly Meeting Schedule for 2016 i. There will not be a general membership during Children’s Week in 2016 ii. Still in need of a host site for the Fall Mini Conference in October 2015. Let FSFAPA board know if you’re local association and/or CBC would be interested in hosting c. Suncoast RVP position open i. Executive VP Chris Johnson has a potential candidate and will update as able V. NEW BUSINESS a. Membership i. Drop in membership from 2014 to 2015 because members did not renew during new year. Renew online at floridafapa.org b. Fast/Kinship i. Currently more calls from the West Coast than other areas ii. Helpful resources for kinship caregivers on webpage. Floridafapa.org/programs/kinship-care c. Adoptions i. Florida’s Adoption Information Center is hosting an Adoption Conference May 21-23 at the Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort. Saturday portion of the conference is FREE for adoptive parents. Limited childcare is available. See details at floridafapa.org/event/floridas-adoption-information-center-adoption-conference d. Advisor Reports i. QPI 1. Reiterated recruitment of homes for teens in foster care Meeting Adjourned at 1:47

2015_02_14 General Membership Mtg

DRAFT MINUTES TO BE APPROVED AT SPRING QUARTERLY MEETING General Membership Quarterly Meeting Feb 14, 2015, 11:10 AM Atlantic Center, Fernandina Beach (Joint Quarterly Mini Conference with FSS Quarterly Training) Submitted for approval by FSFAPA Secretary Charles Parker. Meeting started immediately after the Nex Gen Band performed to welcome everyone to the Quarterly Mini Conference with the following board members present: Harriett Wynn (President), Charles Parker (Secretary), Chris Johnson (Executive VP), Orlando Avila (Director of Programs), Maria Bond (Treasurer), Trudy Petkovich (Executive Director), Victoria Herrin (Band Manager). Coleen LaCosta (FAST Coordinator), Wendy Vernon (Advocacy), Lynda Thompson (Parliamentarian/Bylaws/Conference Chair), Lillie Blackshear (RVP), Dorothy Alvarez (RVP), Keith Best (RVP), Melanie Stimmell (RVP), Trish Allen (Adoptions), Harry Dubia (Membership), LaShaun Wallace (Duffels), Laurallyn Segur (CBC Advisor), Amanda Williams (NexGen Teens). Not in attendance (all previously excused) Kara Elliot-Jordan (RVP), Gay Frizzell (QPI Advisor) and Carrie Toy and Kristi Putnam(DCF Advisors). The meeting was attended by approximately 170 attendees. Harriet welcomed everyone and thanked the band for their performance. She then asked the board members in attendance to come to the front and introduce themselves. Next the minutes for the previous Quarterly Meeting (October 2014) were approved by a motion from the floor by Tom DePolo and seconded by Lori Dubia. Motion passed without opposition or further discussion Harriet shared with the group information about the upcoming Childrens Week in Tallahassee, and that the state association was participating (April 12-17). Lynda then shared information about the upcoming annual training conference in June. June 19-21; Orlando Hilton. Flyers were available at the FSFAPA table and more updates will come via the FloridaFAPA.org website, email and Facebook posts. DUFFELS: Harriet outlined the Duffels program and how it is funded, and explained why the distribution is specific to children in Foster Care (not adopted, kinship, relative care, or biological). Shared that there is a fundraising walk set for May 16 in Port Orange and donations can be made via the FloridaFAPA.org website for those that cannot make the walk. Duffles distribution was scheduled to happen at the end of the FSS training portion of the day’s meeting. ADOPTIONS: Trish shared that she has attended several conferences and is setting up a wish list of speakers and trainings for the conference. She also solicited feedback from the attendees as to the types of post-adoption services they need. MEMBERSHIP: Harry outlined membership benefits for paid members and asked attendees to consider joining the association. Harriet shared that those attending from outside the county could pick up training certificates to take back to their CBCs at the FSFAPA table. Motion to adjourn the quarterly meeting was made by Mike Price at 11:35 and seconded by Phyllis Durham. There was no opposition, so the Quarterly meeting closed and the FSS training agenda commenced.