DCF Announces New Appointments in Executive Leadership Team

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

DCF Recognizes Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day

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

“Turning Obstacles into Opportunities”

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

Trauma Informed Care training series for FAPA

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