2014-10-04 BOD Minutes

FSFAPA Board Meeting Oct. 4, 2014 – 7 p.m. LaQuinta Inn – Ft. Myers Submitted for approval by FSFAPA Secretary Charles Parker. Meeting at 7 p.m after the Quarterly Mini Conference with Trudy Petkovich (President), Harriett Wynn (Exec VP, President-elect), Maria Bond (Treasurer) and Charles Parker (Secretary), Chris Johnson (RVP), Kara Elliot-Jordan (RVP), 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), Trish Allen (Adoptions), Amanda Williams (Nex Gen/IL) Harry Dubia (Membership), David Brown (CBC Advisor), Gay Frizzell (QPI Advisor) and Carrie Toy (DCF Advisor). Not in attendance:Director of Programs and Nominations Chair Orlando Avila was excused for family reasons. The minutes for the previous Board Meeting submitted for approval. No further edits were suggested. Trish moved they be accepted, Harriet Seconded, no opposition. Harriet informed the board that RVP Kimberly Hernandez had submitted her resignation to the executive committee (citing personal/family issues). The resignation was accepted; Harriet asked for everyone to think about possible replacements. NEW POSITIONS: Trudy introduced Amanda Williams as the prospective new IL Committee chair. Victoria had previously held this position but has opted to concentrate on the Nex Gen Band. The band has also been elevated to a “program” of the board with Victoria as the manager (Reporting regularly to Director of Programs Orlando Avila.) Charlie moved that the board approve these changes, Chris seconded the motion, no opposition. NEX GEN TEENS: Amanda briefed the board on the Nex Gen program at the hotel during the conference (earlier in the day.) 39 teens in attendance Several group homes were invited to participate, this probably won’t be repeated. (There is a history of issues when involving this population.) There was an altercation and some teens were asked to leave (group home teens involved). Goal is to make Nex Gen into more of a leadership conference with certificates at end for achievement TREASURER REPORT: Maria reported that the association was operating at a small loss for the year ($5,061.78) but that there were still some outstanding invoices. And income from Tshirts and Duffles not completely reconciled; however Summit accounting is closed. She declared the association “essentially even.” The Association is still financially stable due to the $127,956.42 in the operating account. Maria also indicated that she hopes to have time to explore grant opportunities and expanded sponsorships for the Annual Conferences moving forward. Motion was made to accept the treasurer’s report ny Dorothy and seconded by Coleen (no opposition.) OLD BUSINESS MINI CONFERENCE: A resounding success with approximately 160 in attendance at the conference and approaching 400 participating (when childcare and Nex Gen Teens included.) SUMMIT LESSONS LEARNED: There was some criticism of “advanced tracks” Community Break outs experiences varied, with many in challenging spaces (size mismatches) Preference is away from a FP meeting during sessions, but something to promote association Discussion included developing a presentation to be made by the association on benefits of strong FP associations to social workers/child welfare Retreat was a very positive experience, look to do similar more frequently. LICENSE PLATES: Coleen reported that the state currently has a moratorium, but it is not being enforced. Costs and process for plates is now more simplified (only requiring a legislative sponsor who can also get fees waived.) Once in place, you have 2 years to sell 1,000 plates. The board moved to continue exploration under Coleen’s leadership (Gay and Amanda to serve on the committee). WINTER QUARTERLY MEETING: Feb 14 in Fernandina Beach. Hotel is chosen (info on website) the CBC is very excited to have this in their area and will also be combining it with one of their meetings. Because it is on Valentines day the board may consider not having their meeting that evening to allow time with spouses. DUFFELS: Keith reported that there were 8 boxes left after the conference, with a large number distributed. There were some challenges with distribution and future events will require more explicit explanation of the rules. The board asked Keith to explore Polk County as a venue for the next walk fundraiser (as well as Brevard.) Walk is traditionally in May, but that, too, may be examined. Because of timeliness, the board expects action quickly. ADVISORS REPORTS DCF/CARRIE – Courtney Smith DCF Adoptions coordinator has asked her to inform the board of an adoption questionnaire that is being sent to adoptive families. One per family, focus is on ways to improve post adoption services and establish needs. Carrie also reported that there is a test case of the new license revocation procedures for “Quality issues.” CBC/LEGISLATIVE – DAVID – Going to explore transition planning requirements as a possible legislative position protected foster parent records Gay mentioned that Youth Shine has a proposed bill that they would like us to consider backing David updated the board on a recent call with FCC where we have asked them to get each CBC to commit to sending at least one family to the Rally in Tally in early February. Would like to see them pick up this commitment before we commit more to backing FCC positions QPI/GAY – The 2015 QPI conference is in San Diego January 20-22   NEW BUSINESS: YOUTH ADVISORS: Trudy has been approached about adding a youth member or two to the board. It was discussed and was well received. One suggestion was to have one representative from FSFAPA youth programs (Nex Gen) and one from an external program (such as Youth Shine. IL Programs or similar). Maria mentioned that there had been youth advisory boards in the past, and that there may be a possibility to replicate many of the positives of that program. Amanda will lead the committee exploring this with Trudy and Carrie assisting on the committee. NACAC CONFERENCE: FSFAPA has been asked if we would be be interested in bidding to co-host the 2016 NACAC Conference “in Florida.” The board approved moving forward to explore this possibility and report back. NEX GEN

2014-08-25 BOD Minutes

Board of Directors Monthly Conference Call MINUTES Monday, Aug 25, 2014 at 8:30 p.m. Teleconference was called to order at 8:33 p.m. Members in attendance: Trudy Petkovich, Harriett Wynn, Maria Bond, Orlando Avila, Charles Parker, Chris Johnson, Lillie Blackshear, Kara Jordan, Dorothy Alvarez, Keith Best, Kimberly Hernandez, Lynda Thompson, Trudie Poole, Coleen LaCosta, Victoria Herrin, Harry Dubia, Wendy Vernon Members not present: Trish Allen Advisors in attendance: David Brown, Carrie Toy and Gay Frizzell Approval of minutes: Minutes from the 7/28 meeting were approved with no changes (Motion: Trudie; Second: Lillie; Passed with no dissent) PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Trudy gave a report on the “Our Kids” Legislative Committee. They are looking onto the possibility of getting records of unfounded abuse reports expunged Hope to collaborate with FCC, Fostering Florida’s Future, QPI, DCF on this Working to see if this is possible Trudy announced that the executive committee had voted to raise the compensation of the FAST Coordinator position to $12,000 annually. Trudy recognized all of the board members that have attempted to answer the emails/questions of “Ms. Hayes” and thanked them for their effort. She pointed out that we have given her all the information we have, now it is prudent to refer her to DCF or local resources. TREASURER’S REPORT: Maria gave the Treasurer’s report (including summarizing the Conference final budget report.) NexGen came in under budget and FSFAPA has settled all accounts with NFPA ($33,786.56) for registrations and other expenses. In total FSFAPA was $2,388.69 under the projected budget. Maria announced that the organization’s Tax Form 990 was completed, transmitted and has been accepted/approved by the IRS. RVP REPORTS: Kim Reported on Suncoast, Pasco has been seeking her assistance with local board issues; Pinellas still has some duffels to distribute (waiting on Jonah’s list); Hillsborough continuing to grow doing well; Manatee has a series of smaller and support groups that are not truly independent, so developing growth is not a priority for them, Kim is focusing on improving partnerships there. Kara reported on North Florida: All Medicaid changes went live Aug. 1, Circuit 1 was caught largely by surprise, Sunshine Health did not have infrastructure in place. Adoptive parents did receive letter, fosters did not. Many kids with no service providers have been switched to Humana or Integral. Escambia FAPA and FP liaison got lines crossed, FAPA thought agency was offended by them going to Sunshine; concern that Families First Network liaison was was coming in to “take over” … situation was resolved, but charged environment. Training from Sunshine set in September in Okaloosa/Walton counties. Working on getting meeting with new CEO of Families First Network.   WEBSITE/PR UPDATE: more than 500 unique visitors in first month of new site, looking to get better measurement tools. Updates ongoing. Next section to be enhanced is “events” section – but current events section is updated and data is there – just hoping to make it more dynamic. Collecting data for the next newsletter, should progress after the summit, but in time to promote the next mini conference. CBC/FCC ADVISOR UPDATE: Dave shared that discussions on Children’s Week for next year, they are trying to determine what FCC and FSFAPA want to do. Has met with several N Florida legislators. They are currently focused on campaigning; he plans to meet many more after the summit to discuss next year’s session. MINI CONFERENCE: Diane Damark from Sunshine will present, they are collecting questions plan to do a Q & A with her. They have commitments from Judges and local CLS to discuss recent legislative changes. QPI: Gay reported Carol has been meeting with Sec. Caroll, Pete Digre, Janice Thomas (DCF Asst Sec for Child Welfare), Grainne O’Sullivan (CLS) and General Counsel Rebecca Kapusta; there will be a pre-summit meeting Tues Sept 2, 3:30-5:30 to discuss relative placement and placement options that are discovered late in the process (and the damage that can cause). Looking for solutions, trying to ensure that the kids needs are met first. Second issue is Licensing Revocation. In 2013 legislation added ability to revoke licenses based on no meeting quality standards, but many CBCs are not willing to do this. DCF: Carrie reported they are “consumed with Summit.” Spent Friday confirming childcare, great opportunity to talk directly to FPs. Several coming early and have been invited to QPI meeting. DCF has published notification for FAC 65c28 rulemaking workshop (Relative Caregivers Rule) … meeting will be Sept. 11, 9-11 am will be available by webinar. She doesn’t believe there is a draft of the new rule available yet. Rilya Wilson Act updates have been causing many questions; big change is the age of the child (was 3, now “school age”). Does not require children in care to be enrolled in licensed program, but those that are must attend 5 days a week. They will be distributing a FAQ this week. Special needs resource guide is posted on website, Carrie will share for FSFAPA to post links. OLD BUSINESS SUMMIT: Exhibitor table – Harriet reports the table is largely staffed, everyone will have to take a couple shifts. Trudy mentioned that we’ll have 2 tables … the second is for duffels … Keith reported that 200 more duffels have been ordered and should arrive prior to the Summit. Parents can pick up existing orders or sign up for duffels there. Will also continue to use RVPS who will get any leftover from summit. Keith is considering disabling online registration form to encourage this as more of a FSFAPA event-driven perk. Pajamas – Keith is looking into having the recent pajama donation at the summit. RETREAT: Chris reported that the retreat is planned, we’ll start at about 1 p.m after the summit completion on Friday, and have a family pizza & salad lunch. Afternoon will be a get-to-know you team-building experience. Will convene in time for families to enjoy facilities, but hope that groups will naturally congregate and continue to spend time together. On Saturday we’ll meet 8:30 or 9 to

Partnership for Strong Families (C8)

Community Based Care Lead Agency for: Columbia, Dixie, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor, Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy and Union counties. (All of Judicial Circuits 3 & 8.) Contact: Stephen Pennypacker, CEO/President, Stephen.pennypacker@pfsf.org, 5950 NW 1st Place, Gainesville, FL 32607, (352) 359-0157, http://www.pfsf.org  

2014-07-28 BOD Minutes

Board of Directors Monthly Conference Call MINUTES Monday, July 28, 2014 at 8:30 p.m. Teleconference was called to order at 8:32 p.m. Members in attendance: Trudy Petkovich, Harriett Wynn, Maria Bond, Orlando Avila, Charles Parker, Chris Johnson, Lillie Blackshear, Kara Jordan, Dorothy Alvarez, Keith Best, Kimberly Hernandez, Trish Allen, Lynda Thompson, Trudie Poole, Coleen LaCosta, Victoria Herrin, Harry Dubia (Wendy Vernon was excused.) Advisors in attendance: David Brown, Carrie Toy and Gay Frizzell. Approval of minutes: TABLED. (Several documents have yet to transition to Charles Parker who took over the recently vacated secretary position, efforts are being made to recover them for future approval.) Trudy gave a report on the North American Council on Adoptable Children Conference: The conference theme was “Permanency” and dealt with many issues especially sibling connections. Trainings from this conference are available on DVD for approx. $7 for each session (contact Trudy for more info.) Nathan Ross (Jockey Grant Funded position within NACAC) held leadership training, Trudy asked Trish to look into getting him to come to 2015 conference. Joe Kroll (NACAC Executive Director) is retiring in 2015, Trudy mentioned that FSFAPA should do something for him as he has supported FSFAPA for many years. She will find out what the organization’s plans are to commemorate his retirement at their 2015 conference in Long Beach and will see how FSFAPA can participate. Keith reported on the Duffels: Will continue to use same provider for immediate future. Asked the RVPs to send him inventory numbers, still waiting on info from Chris and Lillie Estimated need 510 bags: 260 orders; 100 for Summit distribution; 150 for Our Kids IM (they were $10k donor) Keith and LaShaun will be co-chairs Keith working to resolve outstanding order issues (missed delivery, return) Plan is to distribute at events (conferences, summit, etc) and use opportunity to “restock” RVPs Keith asked for data on FPs attending DCF Summit to attempt to prepare for distribution Victoria gave NexGen Band update: Scheduled to play at DCF Summit and Faith Symposium First fundraiser is being planned, would like FSFAPA to team with KCI for “Cowboy Up” event “Trailer” for band promo is done (pending Trudy and Chris okay). Hour Long (44 min of content) is expected in mid-August, producers want candid time with kids. Invited to have kids tape on Ellen show, target tapings are August or October with airing expected Nov-Dec. Dave Brown inquired about shows around state (i.e. other CBCs) and Victoria indicated that is a possibility in future Current challenges are getting kids acquainted with playing with “monitors” and large donors fuzzy on what is local vs. corporate funded Asked about getting website set up for “larger” donations (PayPal limits to $10k per transaction.) No direct donations have been received at this time, however sponsors have absorbed some costs and Victoria fronting others   OLD BUSINESS DCF SUMMIT – Trudy Trudy looking into extra exhibitor table for duffels Harriet responsible for FSFAPA exhibitor table Trudy asked the following to produce fliers David (Mini Conf); Keith (Duffels) and will review FSFAPA documents prior to Summit FSFAPA informational meeting will be held during lunch one day – TBD (short meeting) All motel reservations are made Reminder that fees go up Aug. 1, members not signed up by then are responsible for difference. RETREAT – Chris Determined that after summit completion best for majority (done by Noon Saturday) Will start with meeting about 2 hours after Summit completion, then an activity in pool area that evening that includes families, dinner Reconvene Saturday 9-12 for a board business and visioning meeting Goals: to get to know one another better (social and personal) and determine board direction for the future Hotel reservations reflect this additional day MINI–CONFERENCE – David 4 at Hodges University in Fort Myers, in Lecture Hall Christ the Redeemer Church (approx. ½ mile from site) will handle childcare at their location Debra Bass CLS managing attorney has agreed to speak and will give update on legal changes They have reached out to SW Fla. Judges to participate, present Lodging info will be sent to Trudy shortly PROFESSIONAL POSITION – Maria Job description near completion, exec committee has had several meetings on the position role A prime candidate has been identified; search Committee (exec committee) would like to revert position back to original “Executive Director” proposal Exec board member expressed interest in position and recused self from search committee If the position were to be offered to Trudy Petkovich budgeting for board and travel of “Past president” could be used for her in ED role Charles made a motion: “… that we allow the search committee to revert to the original proposed title of “Executive Director” for the proposed FSFAPA professional support position and adjust compensation package up to the original figure of $15,000 per year based on the preliminary findings of the search committee.” (Seconded by Lillie, passed with no opposition) An additional motion was made by Charles: “That the search committee be allowed to replace any recused positions with a choice from the ranks of sitting RVPs as the professional position details are finalized.” Seconded by Keith, passed with no opposition.   Maria also noted that Coleen in the FAST position has proven to be extremely thrifty, utilizing carpools and shared lodging when possible. She suggested that the board consider awarding the unspent dollars designated for the FAST position to Coleen in recognition of the hours and effort she provides beyond the contract requirements. Harriet agreed and asked that it be placed on the next Executive Committtee meeting agenda. NEW BUSINESS UMBRELLA 501(c)3 – Maria Background: several years ago it was the understanding of a previous board that the association could extend their 501(c)3 to other FAPAs around the state (like the Boy Scouts of America does with local councils) but it was discovered that there was a control issue. (Because the local FAPAs are not under the control of FSFAPA) Now FSFAPA offers to assist local FAPAs in obtaining their own tax-exempt status (a huge process) Bad info is

Children’s Legal Services – Circuit 16 (DCF)

Christy Lopez-Acevedo, Esq. Managing Attorney 401 NW 2nd Avenue Suite 526 South Miami, Florida 33128 Office: (786) 257-5034 Cell: (305) 377-5278 Email: Christine_Lopez-Acevedo@dcf.state.fl.us (Also covers Circuit 11)

Children’s Legal Services – Circuit 11 (DCF)

Christy Lopez-Acevedo, Esq. Managing Attorney 401 NW 2nd Avenue Suite 526 South Miami, Florida 33128 Office: (786) 257-5034 Cell: (305) 377-5278 Email: Christine_Lopez-Acevedo@dcf.state.fl.us (Also covers Circuit 16)