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
Update on NEXGEN Band
Hello Everyone, It has come to our attention that there is still some misinformation regarding the NEXGEN Band. Through the hard work of NexGen, a number of bands have popped up around the state that are comprised of foster and adoptive children. While the NexGen band is no longer in existence, FSFAPA is going back to our roots where it all began, with NexGen being a source of continued support for foster, adoptive, and bio children within the foster care community. We applaud any and all efforts to showcase the talent we know exists within our children. We would just like to focus on all of them instead of just one population of talented youth. FSFAPA Board
May is National Foster Care Month
Community of Note
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
Volunteer for Keys kids in the court system
The 16th Judicial Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program serving Monroe County would like to share our excitement in representing 100 percent of our children in dependency court proceedings. For those who don’t know, the Guardian ad Litem Program, which operates in most states, is a partnership of community advocates and professional staff who provide a powerful voice on behalf of children who are abused, abandoned and neglected and go through the court system. Our program in the Keys could not have accomplished 100 percent representation of these vulnerable children without the tremendous support we receive from the Monroe County Commission, county staff leadership, the many municipalities, our state legislators and, most importantly, our more than 100 volunteers and Voices for Florida Keys Children Inc., a nonprofit partnership organization that has been dedicated to bettering the lives of the children we serve for 25 years. Our volunteers’ loyalty and dedication are the heart and soul of our program. Our volunteers speak up for vulnerable, innocent children and hold government and private agencies accountable for their safety, security and best interests. Some of our volunteers have been active in our program for more than 20 years, with no compensation for their life-changing efforts other than the simple knowledge that they are making a difference in the lives of these children. Florida Guardian ad Litem Executive Director Alan Abramowitz recently revealed during the Florida Legislative session that our state’s program has exceeded its goal of 10,000 volunteers. As of February, Florida leads the nation with 10,056 Guardian Ad Litem volunteers that are trained and certified to work with children who are abused, abandoned or neglected. Most volunteers represent two or more abused children, visiting them at least once a month, and advising child-welfare judges on options for assuring the child’s best interests. But even with our recruiting success in reaching the 10,000 target, the Guardian ad Litem Program is always in need of volunteers. Anyone 18 or older can become a volunteer simply by participating in a local training course and meeting other qualifications. Our volunteer base is as unique and diverse as our state’s population. We have doctors, nurses, students, veterans, special-education teachers, hospitality workers, stay-at-home moms, restaurant cooks, retired persons, military personnel, FBI agents and law enforcement officers, all ranging from age 21 to 70. If you are interested in becoming a Guardian ad Litem volunteer, reach out to our local office and help us ensure that no child is left without a voice. Our volunteers make a difference in the lives of the Keys’ most vulnerable children. To learn more or to become a volunteer, visit www.GuardianadLitem.org or call (305) 295-6978 and speak with our outreach coordinator Anissah Tomes. Alexsandra Corsi Leto Director, Guardian ad Litem Program in Monroe County http://www.keysnet.com/2016/05/07/508293/volunteer-for-keys-kids-in-the.html
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
Child Welfare in the News
AK: Foster care bill tells the state to never give up on finding families for kids Alaska Dispatch News – April 10, 2016 Rep. Les Gara, a Democrat from Anchorage, is once again pushing foster care reforms to change that. And he’s again teamed up with Amanda Metivier, a former foster child turned reformer — and foster parent. Gara’s legislation, House Bill 27, cleared the Republican-controlled state House 37 to 0. With about a week to go in the regular legislative session, the bill is set for a committee hearing in the Senate on Monday. http://www.adn.com/article/20160410/foster-care-bill-tells-state-never-give-finding-families-kids AR: Lawmakers return to Capitol, with focus on budget Associated Press – April 10, 2016 Hutchinson has proposed a $5.3 billion budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1, with a $142.7 million increase in state spending. The state’s Medicaid program would receive $88 million of that, and $20.4 million would go toward the state’s child welfare programs. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/apr/10/arkansas-lawmakers-return-to-capitol-with-focus-on/ AR: When Religious Groups Do What the Government Won’t The Atlantic – April 08, 2016 About half the parents who foster or adopt kids in Arkansas have been recruited through The Call, a nonprofit that tries to mobilize Christian families to adopt or foster children in Arkansas. http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2016/04/religious-groups-government-arkansas/477366/ AZ: Foster parents quitting; families urge DCS to focus on retaining families (Includes video) ABC 15 – April 08, 2016 As social service workers focus on recruiting new families to address Arizona’s foster kid crisis, an astounding number of existing families are quitting the foster system. http://www.abc15.com/news/state/arizona-foster-parents-quitting-families-urge-dcs-to-focus-on-retaining-families CA: State to expand paid family leave for new parents Reuters – April 08, 2016 California will increase the amount of money new parents can receive through the state’s paid family leave program under a bill to be signed on Monday by Democratic Governor Jerry Brown, his office said Friday. http://929wlmi.com/news/articles/2016/apr/09/california-to-expand-paid-family-leave-for-new-parents/ CA: The Impact of Extended Foster Care: Preliminary Findings of the CalYOUTH Study Chronicle of Social Change – April 07, 2016 CalYOUTH is a five-year research project looking at the impact of the California Fostering Connections to Success Act, a California law known as AB 12 that extended foster care to age 21 and took effect in 2012. The study examines outcomes during the transition to adulthood for foster youth and will conclude in 2017. Information Gateway Resource: https://www.childwelfare.gov/fostercaremonth/resources/caregivers/ https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/los-angeles/calyouth-study/17245 CO: Pot-in-schools debate returns to Colorado Associated Press – April 11, 2016 The possibility of medical marijuana in schools raises a number of questions for school officials. The law currently says that the drug must be in non-smokeable form and is to be administered by a school nurse or a caregiver, likely a parent. But those school nurses are also required to report to authorities any child who is exposed to an illegal drug, including marijuana-derived treatments. That happened to the Wann family of Highlands Ranch, which got a call from Child Protective Services last year because their epileptic 8th grader uses a cannabis-derived treatment. Amber Wann said her son doesn’t take the oil at school, but the district reported the family as possible child abusers, despite last year’s law clarifying that schools may allow marijuana treatment. http://am860theanswer.com/news/articles/pot-in-schools-debate-returns-to-colorado CT: State aims to end court monitoring Greenwich Time – April 10, 2016 A quarter-century has passed since the settlement of a landmark federal lawsuit aimed at forcing Connecticut to take better care of its abused and neglected children. http://www.greenwichtime.com/local/article/State-strives-to-end-court-monitoring-7237645.php CT: State Rolls Out Program to Improve Child Welfare Services NBC Connecticut – April 08, 2016 The state Department of Children and Families is launching a new program aimed at improving child welfare services in Connecticut and they will be announcing what it entails today. The announcement comes during Child Abuse Prevention Month. Also: New child abuse prevention guide focuses on very young: http://wtnh.com/2016/04/08/new-child-abuse-prevention-guide-focuses-on-very-young/ http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/State-to-Roll-Out-Program-to-Improve-Child-Welfare-Services–375013291.html FL: DCF Under Fire Over LGBT Rule Change News Service of Florida – April 08, 2016 Last fall, when DCF Secretary Mike Carroll approved provisions protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth, advocates celebrated. At that point, the draft rule banned staffers at group homes from”(a)ttempt(ing) to change or discourage a child’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.” However, that language was opposed by the Florida Baptist Children’s Home and the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, and by late January, it was gone. Also: Florida backtracks on new guidelines for LGBT foster children: http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/stateroundup/florida-backtracks-on-new-guidelines-for-lgbt-foster-children/2272531 http://miami.cbslocal.com/2016/04/08/dcf-under-fire-over-lgbt-rule-change/ FL: Spike in Fla. foster care numbers causes concern (Incudes video) NBC 2 – April 08, 2016 NBC2 has discovered in just the last five months, 331 children have been taken from their parents in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties, a 17% spike. http://www.nbc-2.com/story/31679325/spike-in-fla-foster-care-numbers-causes-concern#.VwruvHrMab8 HI: Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month Recognized by Children’s Justice Centers Big Island Now – April 08, 2016 In recognition of Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, Children’s Justice Centers across the state are participating in a variety of activities during the month of April, including three events on the Big Island. According to Hawai’i Children’s Justice Centers, over 50 percent of reported victims of crime throughout the state are under the age of 18. In addition, research provided by the centers indicate that one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually assaulted before they are 18. http://bigislandnow.com/2016/04/08/child-abuse-awareness-and-prevention-month-recognized-by-childrens-justice-centers/ IL: DCFS director visits children’s shelter, worries for funding (Includes video) WPSD – April 08, 2016 Children staying in foster care or shelters are often separated from their brothers and sisters, but a local Illinois shelter fights to keep them together. Visiting the Night’s Shield in West Frankfort on Friday, Illinois Director of the Department of Child and Family Services George Sheldon said he?s concerned about its future and the future of others like it in the state. http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/story/31680081/illinois-dcfs-director-visits-childrens-shelter-worries-for-funding?clienttype=generic&mobilecgbypass MN: The need is urgent: Invest in our abused and neglected children (Opinion) MinnPost – April 08, 2016 Here are some startling statistics that illustrate how child abuse has become an urgent health crisis: in 2014, deaths from child abuse and neglect exceeded deaths caused by childhood cancers. Nationally, 700,000 children were victims of child
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.