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.

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.    

Children’s Movement News

I’m excited; so is Vance Aloupis, The Movement’s CEO. And we think you will be excited, too, about our high-quality newly named board members: Carol Jenkins Barnett, of Lakeland, chair and president of Publix Super Markets Charities and longtime benefactor of the statewide ReadingPals early literacy program. Wesley Barnett, of Lakeland, an entrepreneur who holds key leadership positions in several technology, retail and entertainment companies. Tony Carvajal, of Tallahassee, executive vice president of the Florida Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Gary Chartrand, of Jacksonville, executive chairman of Acosta Inc., and a member and former chair of the Florida Board of Education. George Fernandez, of Miami, a health-care industry entrepreneur and now founder and president of a medical transportation start-up called Ride2MD. Toni Jennings, of Orlando, former lieutenant governor of Florida and state Senate President. Gerald Katcher, of Miami, former chair of Sabadell United and Mellon United banks and co-founder of the Early Childhood Initiative Foundation. Dr. Jane Katcher, of Miami, a retired pediatric radiologist and co-founder of the Early Childhood Initiative. Ron Sachs, of Tallahassee, president and CEO of the Sachs Media Group and a former senior communications chief for Florida Govs. Reubin Askew and Lawton Chiles. Bentina Terry, of Pensacola, vice president for customer service and sales at Gulf Power Co. – and board member of Leadership Florida and the Florida Chamber Foundation. Susan Towler, of Jacksonville, vice president of the Florida Blue Foundation and the company’s executive director of corporate social responsibility and philanthropic strategy. Tom Van Straaten, of Miami, former chemical company CEO and a longtime supporter of early learning and music organizations. They will add to the momentum…as you do already. Thanks. Dave Lawrence Chair

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

Letter from Amanda (consent form must be signed)

Dear parents and youth – We are very excited to have you at NexGen next week.  A few things that we wanted everyone to know. 1) We will be going off site on Saturday to a surf leadership program.  3 waivers are needed.  Two are attached to this email and another is at this link https://app.rockgympro.com/waiver/esign/orlandowatersports/6116d4aa-a92d-45eb-b3f4-56e408bfd783 Without these 3 waivers being completed and turned in Friday or Saturday your youth will not be able to go on Saturday 2) We will be leaving the hotel by 9am.  Please have your child check in by 830am so they can get breakfast, signed in etc. 3) Each youth should bring an age appropriate bathing suit, a cover up, sun screen, a hat, a change of clothes and a towel.  We will be gone all day but will have frequent water, food and activities both in and out of the water. 4) If you do not come with us Saturday off site there are NO alternative activities for teens 5) Friday will be engaging and fun, two speakers that will have the teens up out of their seats, interactive and discussing life skills in a fun and interesting way.  Please encourage your youth to attend. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me today or during the event at 352-214-6300.  For more information on Urban Surf 4 Kids feel free to look at their website – http://www.urbansurf4kids.org Amanda     CODE OF CONDUCT URBAN SURF 4 KIDS Participation in the organization’s programs is subject to the observance of the rules and procedures. The activities outlined below are strictly prohibited. Any participant or staff member who violates this Code is subject to discipline, up to and including removal from this event and or entire program. Abusive language towards a staff member, volunteer, event participants or other participants. No use of flow, cursing, or negative words/language of any kind towards anyone at anytime. No conduct endangering the life, safety, health or well-being of others. Failure to follow any Urbansurf4kids policy or procedures. Safeguard the privacy/confidentiality of our individuals, participants, families/ groups as well as the integrity of Urbansurf4kids. All photos must be approved by said party, individuals, participants, families/groups BEFORE any photos are taken. I have read and understand the Urbansurf4kids Code of Conduct. I agree to abide the rules and guidelines described above and understand that I may be removed as a participant/volunteer if I violate any of these rules. Waiver URBAN SURF 4 KIDS WAIVER 2016 SEASON In consideration of being allowed to participate in any of Urban Surf 4 Kids programs and / or related activities. I, ________________________________________________ acknowledge and agree to the have read and fully agreed to the following disclosures: Risk of injury from the activities involved in this program is significant, including the potential for permanent paralysis and death, and while particular rules, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious injury does exist. I Acknowledge That Surfing May Be Dangerous And I Accept And Assume Such Risks, both known and unknown, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES or others, and assume full responsibility for my participation: I am aware that open water activities in general, and surfing specifically, involves inherent risks. I willingly agree to release Urban Surf 4 Kids or any of its employees / volunteers from responsibility and waive all my rights to take any legal action against Urban Surf 4 Kids. If however I will observe any unusual significant hazards during my presence or participation I understand that it is my responsibility to remove myself from participating and bring such to the attention of the nearest official immediately. I Waive My Right To Sue Urban Surf 4 Kids: In consideration for Urban Surf 4 Kids agreeing to provide me with surfing instructions and allowing me to participate in this class or lesson, I agree that I shall not make a claim or bring any action against, sue, or hold responsible, the local city of the event, Urban Surf 4 Kids, its owners, officers, agents, employees, associates, representatives, volunteers (referred to collectively in this agreement as “Urban Surf 4 Kids”) or expect, require, or pursue them, to be held accountable for any damages. I voluntarily agree to release, discharge, and hold harmless Urban Surf 4 Kids from and against any and all claims of liability, even those arising out of their negligence, fault, recklessness, or any other act or omission which causes me damages, illness, injury, disease, or death, of any nature in any way connected with my participation in this activity. I also expressly agree to release and discharge Urban Surf 4 Kids from any act or omission, excluding acts of wanton or gross negligence, in rendering or failing to render any type of rescue, emergency or medical services. Urban Surf 4 Kids volunteers are prohibited from posting or distributing pictures of youth at events unless they receive a signed waiver/authorization from the foster parents, guardians, or youth themselves (18 and over). Urban Surf 4 Kids prohibits the photographing of youth, outside of water activity wearing bikinis, shirtless, or any inappropriate attire. I acknowledge that Urban Surf 4 Kids does contract event photography to commercial vendors. I acknowledge that these pictures will sometimes be utilized in social media campaigns and advertisement. In the event that an individual does not want to be photographed they must contact an Urban Surf 4 Kids staff member at the event. Event photo’s will be made available to volunteers and youth groups through Urban Surf 4 Kids official website or social media sites. I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY RELEASE, INDEMNIFY, AND HOLD HARMLESS URBAN SURF 4 KIDS, their officers, officials, agents, volunteers and/or employees, other participants, sponsoring agencies, sponsors, advertisers, and if applicable, owners and lessons of premises used to conduct the event (“Releases”), WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, or loss or

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