Notes for those headed to Orlando Conference

Thank you for registering for the 2017 Florida State Foster/Adoptive Parent Association Educational Conference. We are so excited to have parents from around the state gather in Orlando for a weekend of training, connections, and encouragement. Please check out this link to the conference program so you can begin to plan which workshops you wish to attend. You will also receive a hard copy of the program when you check in. The Marriott Renaissance Orlando at Sea World is a large venue and a map of the hotel is included in the program. Here are a few details that we thought might be helpful to know before you arrived: the Resort fee is not included in your room rate – you have the option to add it at check in Complimentary guest room internet is included for Marriott Rewards members paying for their own rooms 50% discount on self parking for guests Registration for Adults is by the Oceans meeting rooms Registration for child care is on the second floor Registration for tweens is the Grouper Room Second floor Registration for NexGen & Inspiring Self Success will be at the Coral Ballroom We look forward to meeting you! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to a FSFAPA board member if you have a question or concern. Safe travels, and we will see you on Friday!

Lauren & Tony Dungy in new GAL PSA

Pro Football Football Hall of Fame member tony Dungy and his wife, Lauren, have several adopted children and are current foster parents in Hillsborough County.  They filmed a Public Service Announcement promoting the Guardian Ad Litem Program recently. The spot was paid for by the nonprofit Voices for Children Tampa Bay. Please share this!

Foster Care Alumni Scholarships Available for 25+

Announcement from the Foster Care Alumni of America: Over the past several years, legislative actions have improved access to education for young alumni, but there is still a gap for older alumni of care. We recognize there are many strong alumni leaders who still need financial support to continue their education. At Foster Care Alumni of America, we believe in all people in and from foster care, which is why we launched a scholarship program last year to bridge this access gap. This scholarship serves our alumni members aged 25 and older who wish to pursue higher education. Last year the scholarship was awarded to Alex McFarland, a graduate student pursuing a degree in Veterinary Medicine. We are pleased to say that applications are available now to apply for the 2017-2018 FCAA Scholarship! To apply or to learn more, please visit the Foster Care Alumni of America website HERE.

Updated Conference Schedule Released

UPDATED (5/28) CONFERENCE SCHEDULE: (Click here to download PDF) For more information on the FSFAPA Annual Education Conference, click here.

State Park passes for foster, adoptive families signed into law

From Floridapolitics.com Foster families will get free annual passes to Florida state parks under a bill signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday. Sponsored by Rep. Larry Lee in the House and Sen. Aaron Bean in the Senate, the new law provides families who operate a licensed family foster home free family annual passes and a discount on base campsite fees at Florida State Parks. Families who adopt children with special needs would be eligible to receive a one-time family annual entrance pass to the Florida State Parks. It also requires the Division of Recreation and Parks to work with the Department of Children and Families to identify the types of documentation needed to establish eligibility for discounts. The law requires the division to continue to partner with DCF to promote foster care and the adoption of children with special needs through events held during National Foster Care Month and National Adoption Month. The law goes into effect on July 1. The bill was one of 16 the governor signed into law on Wednesday.

Governor Scott Signs “Key to Independence Act” Into Law

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott signed SB 60, known as the “Keys to Independence Act,” which helps children in Florida’s foster care system obtain driver’s licenses. This legislation makes permanent a pilot program signed into law by Governor Scott in 2014 and expands the program to include children in out-of-home settings, such as relative or non-relative care givers. Governor Scott said, “I’m proud to sign this legislation today to help Florida’s teens in foster care and out-of-home settings obtain their drivers licenses. This bill continues our efforts to help children in our foster system thrive and live their dreams in our state. I would like to thank DCF Secretary Mike Carroll and Florida Guardian ad Litem Executive Director Alan Abramowitz for their hard work on this important legislation.” Florida Department of Children and Families Secretary Mike Carroll said, “Ensuring foster children in Florida have the opportunity to take part in age-appropriate activities such as participating in extracurricular activities, going to the beach, and getting a driver’s license is important for developing life-skills and healthy emotional development. We are grateful for the support from Governor Scott and the Florida legislature in removing barriers for children in foster care to have the same opportunities as every other child.” To see a copy of the transmittal letter, click HERE.

2017 Awards Nominations Open

Florida State Foster/Adoptive Parent Association 2017 Awards Nominations Nominations must be received by May 1, 2017 Caring Hearts Award – to honor a licensed foster family for quality service to children, exemplary partnership with the system of care and dedication to children and their families, who are involved in the foster care system. Forever Hearts Award – to honor an adoptive family that represents the very best in Florida by providing permanency and a loving family to children in care, with specific attention to special needs, siblings, maintaining connections, and supporting and mentoring other adoptive families. Kinship Caregiver Award – to honor a kinship caregiver for quality care given to children of family who have found themselves in need of a stable loving environment.  Note: this may include non-blood related “kin”. Partner in Caring Award – to honor a worker or partner (case manager, licensing/placement, Independent Living, GAL) who embodies partnership and collaboration with foster parents and the families served. Rising Star Award – to honor a youth for progress and positive gains, goal setting and accomplishments either academically, socially, mentoring other youth, and personal achievements Leadership through Example Award – to honor a CBC for demonstrating their commitment to children, families and foster parents through positive actions intended to strengthen partnerships and create a culture of caring through the system of care. Please provide information about EACH of the following 6 items: Award Category Name and Address of nominee(s) Agency and Address of CBC and/or Licensing Agency Name of person submitting this nomination and best way to contact (phone/email) A description (qualities, actions, characteristics, behaviors) of how your nominee meets the criteria for the selected award Will your agency cover travel expenses for your nominee to receive this award at the annual FSFAPA Conference in Orlando June 16-18? Submit to Gay Frizzell, Quality Parenting Initiative (QPI) Advisor at:   gfrizzell@qpiylc.org

Conference Scholarship Opportunity

Deadline: May 5, 2017 • Are you an adoptive, kinship/relative or non-relative caregiver/parent? • Are you no longer licensed as a foster parent? • Do your children still live in your home? If you answer “YES” to these questions, we have a scholarship opportunity for you! FSFAPA is awarding scholarships for families to attend the Annual Education Conference “Our Journey, Your Dreams”. The scholarship will include registrations for your family as well as your hotel reservations for two nights. If you are interested, please complete the online Conference Registration and in the box for payment indicate this is for the Adoptive/Kinship Scholarship. Once your registration is received we will contact you to provide 50-100 words on why you want to attend the conference this year with your family. All applicants must or will be, 2017 dues paid members of FSFAPA. Any questions, please contact Trudy Petkovich, petkovij@me.com or 305-213-6627.

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