OUR MISSION At BBCBC our sole purpose is to provide the highest quality child welfare, substance abuse and mental health services to children, adults, and their families }within their communities through a managed network of accredited providers.

OUR VISION Our vision is to create local ownership and effective integration of the child welfare and substance abusemental health systems in each of our 18 communities. By doing so, we believe that the quality of life for children, adults and families we serve will dramatically improve, resulting in personal independence and stronger communities.

CORE VALUES We focus on the following Core Values to guide us in our work: • Empower all persons served • Respect the caregivers of children • Be innovative and dedicated to excellence • Be ethically, socially and culturally responsible 525 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. | Tallahassee, FL 32301 • Promote family and personal responsibility Phone: 850-410-1020 | Fax: 850-410-1076 • Partner with community and faithbased organizations to foster open and collaborative relationships TDD: 1-850-575-3518 • Earn the trust and respect of our partners, customers and the public by providing exceptional BIGBENDCBC.org customer service, while practicing sound fiscal stewardship • Employ an analytic and systemic approach to planning and performance management • Facilitate a work environment that encourage professional growth and development FOLLOW US!

@Big Bend Community Based Care @BigBendCBC @BigBendCBC From Our CEO & President

On behalf of the Board of Directors and our faithful team, we are pleased to present our Gift of a Forever Family annual report. We are excited and humbled to share the many stories of families, communities and professionals that contributed to 2,046 adoptions since 2006.

We are blessed to have unique community partnerships lifting our adoptive and foster parents to new heights and caring for precious children in the best way imaginable. Together they exceeded the goals set by our community and by our great State and are vigilant in making sure that no child waits for a place to call home.

We were honored to spend Christmas Day together with two new families and Chief Judge Sjostrom commencing and finalizing the first ever public adoptions on Christmas Day in the State of Florida!

We want to share our stories of togetherness and community strengths. In addition to our team members, we will highlight the selflessness of our volunteers, local businesses and community partners in faith.

We are and remain grateful to serve the people of the Big Bend and we are excited to see what 2018-2019 holds for our community, children and their forever families. TOGETHER we are strengthening families and empowering communities one day, one week, one month and one year at a time.

Mike Watkins Jeffrey Pic Chief Executive Officer President Big Bend Community Based Care Big Bend Community Based Care

BIG BEND COMMUNITY BASED CARE | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 3 Opioid Lawsuit

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are being presided over by the U.S. District Court Judge Dan (CDC), drug overdose deaths continue to increase in the Polster in the Northern District of Ohio. United States, and in 2016, there were 2,798 opioid-related overdose deaths in Florida—a rate of 14.4 deaths per 100,000 Mike Watkins, CEO of Big Bend Community Based Care and persons—compared to the national rate of 13.3 deaths per President of the Florida Association of Managing Entities 100,000 persons. As reported by the National Institute (FAME) said, “We refuse to stand by while the makers and on Drug Abuse, “…Florida has seen a dramatic increase in distributors of these harmful and highly addictive drugs cost the number of deaths, particularly among those related to Florida taxpayers billions of dollars each year – not to mention synthetic opioids. In 2016, there were 1,566 synthetic opioid- the horrible loss of life and the harm they cause to related deaths compared to 200 in 2013.” Florida families.”

In April, 2018 Big Bend Community Based Care and four other Clearly, there is already a shortage of funding for behaviorial Behavorial Health Managing Entities filed a lawsuit in federal health services in Florida, and the opioid crisis has added to court in Tallahassee to join a national legal action against some the demand for services. Watkins said, “The filing represents of the biggest drug manufactures and distributors in the world our best effort to vigorously pursue justice on behalf of those to try and recover billions of tax dollars spent on Florida’s we serve and recover the cost of providing badly needed opioid crisis. The lawsuit was merged with over 200 other behavioral health services on behalf of the taxpayers of lawsuits from around the country against the manufacturers this state.” of Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin and others. All the lawsuits

4 BIG BEND COMMUNITY BASED CARE | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 Community Engagement

In late 2017, BBCBC began focusing efforts on an initiative to Legislature during the 2018 Legislative Session, and Executive actively promote positive relationships within the community, Order 18-81 by Governor Rick Scott on March 26, 2018, which included clients we serve, our provider network, BBCBC has been laser-focused on school safety initiatives with and stakeholders. In addition, we advocated for successful Sheriffs, Superintendents,Network Providers, Legislators, implementation of services and new initiatives where they and other stakeholders. intersect with both professional organizations and individuals. In addition, we began working with the Florida Department Our efforts began with Sheriffs and School Superintendents of Health and county health departments in the 18-county throughout the BBCBC 18-county catchment area to determine catchment area to increase behavioral health services within level of behavioral health and child welfare services needed these counties. We also initiated contact with the Florida in their jail and school facilities. We followed-up these initial College System regarding mental health safety and workforce meetings by bringing the Sheriffs, Superintendents and the needs for more counselors. Finally, we opened lines of provider network together to determine how to best meet the communication with the Florida Veterans Foundation and service needs in their respective counties. Florida Department of Veteran Affairs to discuss how BBCBC can assist more veterans with behavioral health services. After the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018, the enactment of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Safety Act (SB 7026) by the Florida

BIG BEND COMMUNITY BASED CARE | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 5 Substance Abuse Prevention Activities

This last year Big Bend Community Based Care and its Network Provider Partners increased prevention activities with youth and adults throughout the Northwest Region serving in more counties and schools than ever before. There has been an increased emphasis on reaching children and youth with Evidence Based Programs that increase life skills and coping strategies for youth in the school setting reaching both middle and high school students and their parents. There has also been a concerted effort to increase the awareness of drug use and prevention especially regarding abuse of opioids and other prescription drugs while not losing sight of prevention of underage drinking and tobacco use.

NUMBER SERVED BETWEEN 7/1/16 AND 6/30/17

FUNDING SOURCE YOUTH ADULTS UNKNOWN TOTAL Federal Block Grant 37,601 8,867 10,870 57,338 FL Prevention Partnership Grants 2,224 638 301 3,163 FL Partnerships For Success Grant 331 18 490 839 TOTAL 40,156 9,523 11,661 61,340

NUMBER SERVED BETWEEN 7/1/17 AND 6/30/18

FUNDING SOURCE YOUTH ADULTS UNKNOWN TOTAL Federal Block Grant 79,108 9,524 15,295 103,927 FL Prevention Partnership Grants 2,485 64 300 2,849 FL Partnerships For Success Grant 485 262 782 1,529 FL State Targeted Response to the Opioid Epidemic Grant 244 0 5 249 TOTAL 82,322 9,850 16,382 108,554

Bay Coalition on Drugs and Chautauqua Healthcare Services Alcohol, in collaboration with promoted an Opioid Town Hall in BBCBC, hosted a prevention Walton County event titled “Not My Child”

6 BIG BEND COMMUNITY BASED CARE | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 Prevention Partnership

Donna Richardson from the Prevention Partnership of Bay District Schools was selected for the Air Force’s Distinguished Educator’s Tour by the 331st Recruiting Squadron.

She was one of only 25 educators were selected across the United States with two being selected from Florida. She will tour Air Force installations September 11-14, 2018. She says, “I am so honored to have this opportunity to represent the Prevention Partnership of Bay District Schools.”

Air Force Recruiters are thrilled we are in the classrooms, as an early intervention with the Botvin’s LifeSkills Program, to educate students regarding the dangers of drug use and how to build effective drug resistance skills. By strengthening the development of personal self-management skills, building general social skills, and reinforcing the fact that the choices they make as an adolescent can greatly affect their future, the Air Force can become one of many viable career options.

BIG BEND COMMUNITY BASED CARE | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 7 Serving Children Safely in Their Homes

Safety Support Services are designed to manage or control Circuit 2, Habilitative Services to serve Calhoun, Holmes, danger threats to enable children to safely remain in their Jackson and Washington Counties and Life Management homes while Child Protective Investigators (CPI) continue to Center to serve Bay and Gulf Counties. Services include crisis assess the home or while Case Managers involve the family management, home visiting, monitoring contacts and resource in treatment services to support caregiver behavior changes support. Since December 2017, 44 families and 85 which results in safe home environments. After seeking input children have been served. In 96 % of the cases, from our Child Protective Investigation and Case Management the children have been able to remain safely in partners, BBCBC developed program specifications and their homes. sought provider for in home safety support services. Contracts were awarded to ECHO to serve

Training

BBCBC’s Training and Development team continued they complete pre-service to work with our partners to ensure the needs of training. Pre-service training providers are met and quality services are provided enhancements include having to the families we serve. To develop a more additional expert speakers, targeted approach for in-service training, quarterly increased court preparation meetings were instituted to review quality assurance and improved information information and to gather input from stakeholders. regarding local providers and Stakeholders included representatives from case partners. “Phase 2” training management organizations, Quality Parenting will include additional skill Initiative (QPI) staff, foster home licensing and and knowledge training, recruitment staff, placement staff, Managing Entity assignment of a training staff and quality assurance staff. In-service training specialist for each trainee and focused on customer service and engagement, a case file assessment to help quality home visits, conditions of return, youth create individual development mental health and human trafficking. plans. The team is excited to put these enhancements in The team also led workgroups to develop place this coming year. enhancements for case management’s pre-services training curriculum and recommendations for required “Phase 2” training for case managers after

8 BIG BEND COMMUNITY BASED CARE | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 Crisis Intervention Team Training

BBCBC partners with The Florida Sheriff’s Association to coordinate Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) trainings for law enforcement officers. The program was developed after a shooting involving a gentleman with mental health issues in Memphis, Tennessee. CIT trains officers how to respond to mental health crises. It promotes officer safety and the safety of the individual in crisis. CIT is designed as a community partnership between law enforcement, behavioral health providers, families, and individuals with lived mental health disorder experience. The officers toured area Baker Act receiving and detox facilities, as well as learned about available community resources.

DURING FY 17-18, THERE WERE THREE 40 HOUR TRAININGS INVOLVING OVER 30 OFFICERS. THEY WERE HELD IN CIRCUIT 14, FOUR IN CIRCUIT 1 & SIX IN CIRCUIT 2.

BIG BEND COMMUNITY BASED CARE | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 9 F.I.T. Success

Shannon is a 35-year old mother who was originally referred engage with her FIT services by participating in individual to the Family Intensive Treatment (FIT) Program following counseling and peer support services, as well as her other the removal of her infant son. At the time of her enrollment, court-ordered services, including mental health evaluations Shannon had already had her four oldest children removed and therapy as well as medication management and from her care and they were either in the care and custody supervised visitations with her son. Shannon was also able to of their fathers or in the process of being adopted by family obtain and maintain employment while in residential treatment, members. Shannon came into the FIT program with an as well as acquire affordable housing upon her completion. extensive substance abuse history beginning at the age of 18, Shannon was transferred to the Aftercare Component of FIT in as well as a history of trauma, domestic violence and untreated July 2017 and the focus shifted to maintain positive patenting mental illness. Shannon also came into the program motivated and relapse prevention. Shannon successfully completed her and determined to be reunified with her son and maintain stay at Salvita on September 1, 2017 and moved into her own positive relationships with her daughters. apartment.

After enrollment in the FIT Program in March 2016, Shannon Since completing residential treatment, Shannon has began working with her primary counselor, Alison Dumas, and continued to work with her FIT Team in order to maintain her her Peer Support Specialist, Latina Reaves-Mitchell, to address sobriety and continue on her recovery journey by building her substance use and begin building her natural supports. natural supports, becoming an active participant in the 12- Unfortunately, Shannon did not have a history of positive Step community, and maintaining her stable employment and relationships and she continued housing. In addition to everything to surround herself with unsafe that Shannon does to take care of people. About a month after herself, she is also now the primary starting the program, Shannon caregiver for her youngest son. relapsed and made the choice Shannon was legally reunified with to surround herself with positive her son on September 26, 2017 and supports by calling her FIT was physically reunified on October Team and Dependency Case 23, 2017. One of the reasons Manager and asking for help. that Shannon had an extended This relapse did lead to a court- reunification plan was due to order for residential treatment concerns about her ability to meet and while Shannon was initially her son’s medical needs. Shannon’s hesitant to go, she did agree. son was diagnosed as Failure to In June 2016, Shannon began Thrive and also exhibited a number residential treatment at Mothers of delays and struggles. Prior to in Sobriety, where she remained reunification, Shannon was given until December 2016, when she the opportunity to attend her son’s voluntarily moved into Salvita, a medical appointments, weight- residential transitional program. checks and therapy appointments While in residential treatment, in order to learn about his struggles Shannon continued to actively and how to best meet his needs. (continued on page 10)

10 BIG BEND COMMUNITY BASED CARE | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 Shannon attended various appointments, usually relying on support system and is thankful for the bond that they have public transportation to do so, in order to be there for her son. with each other and with her son. Shannon also continues Currently, Shannon’s son is thriving and has begun walking and to work and has moved up to a supervisory position at her talking, his weight has stabilized, and he is an all-around happy, place of employment. Shannon has made strides in budgeting healthy child. and is currently saving money to reinstate her license and purchase a vehicle so that she no longer has to rely on public Today, Shannon is able to provide for her son and even helps transportation. Shannon has remained clean and sober since with her four oldest daughters. Shannon has rebuilt trust her relapse in 2016 and has not had a single urinalysis or hair and relationships with her daughters and their caregivers follicle test come back positive for substances or alcohol. As and is able to spend time with them and continues building of August 10, 2018, Shannon has successfully completed the those relationships. Shannon has also built a surprisingly FIT Program and we are confident that she will continue to strong and lasting relationship with her son’s former foster succeed using the tools that she has learned and the supports family. Shannon identifies the foster mother as a part of her that she has built.

I want to personally thank my friends and colleagues who donated over $2,600 to provide foster parents funding for summer camps, trips to the lake and family outings. I ran the Green Beret Challenge Saturday to remind myself how hard life can be for our kids and our parents. There were multiple times that I faced adversity and extreme exhaustion such as the half-mile endurance challenge with a wooden yoke across my back tied to two sand bags weighing over 100lbs. Each step I saw the face of a kid and knew I wouldn’t give up on him. Again, I appreciate your support very much. I look forward to talking to each of you soon about the event and sharing stories of the kids we helped!

Mike Watkins

BIG BEND COMMUNITY BASED CARE | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 11 SOARing in Care Coordination and Housing and was socially isolated and living with his terminally ill father Care coordination ensures service linkage by building with no resources. The team got to work building trust and relationships with community providers and engaging in rapport and assessing immediate and long-term goals. As a purposeful interactions with individuals who are not yet result of this assessment, it was determined he was eligible connected with services. Housing is an important component for SSI benefits. He began receiving benefits 56 days from his of care coordination. When an individual has stable housing, filing date. Now, he has Medicaid, access to preventative health it decreases episodes of decompensation and visits to acute and treatment services and is on the road to recovery. care facilities. It can also decrease the likelihood of criminal justice involvement. The client is stable in their treatment, which fosters recovery.

Another struggle for individuals receiving care coordination services is maintaining an adequate income to be self- sufficient. Many of the individuals served are without income and unable to maintain employment due to their illness. SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery) has proven to be an effective model in securing income for individuals who meet the eligibility requirements for SSI/SSDI. The Managing Entity partners with its Network Providers to assist the priority population with applying for SSI/SSDI using the SOAR model.

Apalachee Centers, Homeless Project SOAR specialist utilized the SOAR process to assist an individual who had experienced homelessness for over 10 years. Prior to going to prison, the individual had SSI, but like the majority of those who have served time, when released, he found himself in destitute circumstances as he had lost his benefits. Lakeview Center’s LEAP (Linking, Engaging, Advocating/ Since then, the individual had been trying to regain his SSI Accessing and Planning) Team has been working with a but has faced extensive difficulty in doing so. After being 21 year old female who was homeless and pregnant. The team denied, he felt like everyone had given up on him. The SOAR assisted her with a SOAR application. Transition Voucher funds Specialist was persistent in advocating for him and working were used multiple times to keep her housed and safe. After collaboratively with community service providers. He was 2 years of homelessness, she obtained housing through a approved for SSI benefits and is now has stable housing. referral to Opening Doors NWFL’s I-Care program. She had the baby on Christmas Eve 2017 and is now stable and Life Management Center has also had success when assisting receiving benefits. a young man who had a history of severe mental illness. Additionally, he had been in the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU)

12 BIG BEND COMMUNITY BASED CARE | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 Financials

BBCBC operated the 2017/2018 with a budget of approximately $98 million. BBCBC continued to focus on the most efficient and effective administration of funds received to ensure the accomplishment of vision and mission and was able to maintain adminisistrative serve expenses at a rate less than 3% while continuing to receive many contractual program mandates without any additional administrative dollars. BBCBC has been able to consistently maintain administrative expenses at a reasonable level for over ten years.

BBCBC moves into the 2018/2019 fiscal year with continued focus on the effective integration of the child welfare and substance abuse-mental health systems and implementation of Florida Department of Children and Families’ core initiatives as well as the additional Managing Entity program mandates associated with the National Opioid Crisis and School Safety issues. BBCBC will apply to the Department of Children and Families Risk Pool to offset the significant increase in out of home care costs associated with a significant rise in children entering care. This will be the first time that BBCBC has appled to the Risk Pool in over ten years.

018 EENSES

M S A 59.99% C M 7.30% A M S 9.03% B C 5.27% O M CBCME 6.39% I 1.82% 1.58% A S 1.83% D C A 0.84% I L S 1.15% A S 1.12% M 0.91% I L S 0.44% 0.48% T 0.33% CBC R 0.16% C 0.07% ME 0.19% ME C C 0.19% CBC N C C 0.91%

ACCOUNTABILITY BBCBC’s board of directors are provided bi-monthly financial statements. Fiscal operating plans pre- pared by management are reviewed by the finance committee and then forwarded to the full board for approval. An audit committee of the board reviews the results of the independent accountants’ audit report. James Moore & Co., P.L. serves as the independent auditor of BBCBC and issued an unmodified opinion on the most recent audited financial statements.

BIG BEND COMMUNITY BASED CARE | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 13 Fostering Achievement Fellowship Students Are Soaring

Since 2011, the Fostering Achievement Fellowship program at Tallahassee Community College has provided comprehensive support to assist foster care alumni in making the transition from a structured foster care system to independent young adulthood. The program provides academic and social support as well as career readiness to assist college-bound youth aging out of foster care to pursue a college education and have a chance to achieve their full potential. During the 2017-2018 school year, the program successfully served 35 students. Of those students, 11 have graduated with an Associate of Arts Degree, four earned vocational certificates and three students are furthering their education by pursuing a Bachelor’s degree.

Franchesca originally had doubts about her college success, at least until she joined the Fostering Achievement Fellowship (FAF). Franchesca arrived on TCC’s campus with a “C” aver- age and no idea of her desired career path. Upon meeting the coordinator and hearing about the services available through FAF, Franchesca reported that she had a sense of relief know- ing she had some much needed support. Franchesca began to thrive in her classes, selected Nursing as her major and main- tained a 3.57 grade point average during her tenure. Franchesca received her AA degree with honors in May 2018 and will attend Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in the fall.

14 BIG BEND COMMUNITY BASED CARE | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 Early Childhood Court Previously referred to as “Baby Court” or “Early Intervention This position will facilitate ECC Meetings and provide care Court,” Florida’s Early Childhood Court (ECC) Initiative coordination through Wraparound. In Circuit 14 an additional officially launched in April 2015, with a statewide kick off CPP provided added in 2018, increasing capacity of Bay summit to support implementation for 22 judges across the and Jackson County. ECC expanded into Jackson County state. Early Childhood Court is a collaborative effort between in February 2018. October of 2018, the Bay ECC site will the Department of Children and Families, Office of Child conclude the evaluation process with Zero To Three and will Welfare, Zero to Three, the Office of Court Improvement, begin working closely with the Office of Court Improvement Florida State University as well as local judges, attorneys, and their evaluation efforts. community coordinators, infant mental health specialists, case managers and many more. In Circuit 2, Big Bend Community The ECC approach in aimed at providing families with Based Care (BBCBC) and DISC Village are the project leads. wraparound services and ensuring that the judiciary is well informed of the family’s needs and progress. Community The Early Childhood Court Program has expanded this past Coordinators coordinate and facilitate monthly family year. The ECC Program will continue to serve 20 families team meetings, attend ECC court hearings, assist parents in Circuit 2; including Gadsden, Leon and Wakulla County with accessing services, provide monthly feedback to case families. Using care coordination funding through the management as well as the Courts and help families heal. Managing Entity contract, DISC Village Inc. has hired a full- This coordinated effort provides for better decision making time Care Coordinator that will serve an additional 12 families regarding reunification, placement, service needs and with identified substance abuse and mental health needs. ultimately, improves outcomes.

BIG BEND COMMUNITY BASED CARE | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 15 Foster and Adoptive Parent Recruitment Campaign

In 2016, Big Bend Community Based Care was selected to be one grant by generating 3 to 1 in in-kind contributions from media of three CBC’s statewide to the recipient of three year innovative sponsors such as the Tallahassee Democrat, WTXL, Heart federal grant to help recruit Foster Parents and assist with Radio, Lamar Advertising, WJHG and faith based marketing Adoptions for teens. The Florida Intelligent Recruitment Project through churches throughout the circuits. and Pod Advertising (FIRP) is collaborative initiative between DCF and three Florida to create 50 in 50 Campaign, 50 homes in 50 Days. Community Based Care Lead Agencies established to improve out-of-home care options and permanency outcomes for older In 2017-18, the marketing campaign with all of these partners youth in foster care (aged 9-15) who’s parental rights have been generated 69% increase in foster parent and adoptive parent terminated for more than one year. inquiries in the BBCBC service area. A survey conducted for the program indicated that the recruitment campaign The project’s major focus has been the implementation of a messages and tools being used were truly resonating among multi-layered strategic marketing process in Circuit 14 and those whom the program endeavors to engage. The survey Circuit 2 to target and attract quality foster and adoptive indicated that the multimedia marketing generated a 160% parents for youth in the target population. increase in recall among survey respondents to the FIRP Foster and Adoptive Parent Recruitment message since the inception To mobilize the campaign, BBCBC partnered with Children’s of the grant. Some of the recent increase in adoptions may Home Society in Circuit 2 and Life Management Centers in be a result of this FIRP initiative. All partners were extremely Circuit 14 to develop community based multimedia recruitment pleased with the increase in recruitment efforts to provide campaigns with themes that would resonate with prospective Foster and forever homes to youngsters in the region. Foster and Adoptive parents. BBCBC leveraged the federal

16 BIG BEND COMMUNITY BASED CARE | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 Quality Parenting Initiative

Big Bend Community Based Care recognizes the significance The panel discussion was honest and constructive with of the partnership between birth parents, system partners, and the conversation revolving around perceived barriers to the positive impact this alliance can have on the children and reunification from the mother’s perspective as well as dialogue families we serve. In the spirit of this partnership, BBCBC hosted about the supports necessary to establish trust among the a QPI Birth/Foster Parent Partnership Panel on April 12th which parties. There were tears, dozens of emails, countless meetings included a presentation by local Child Welfare expert, Carol and a few laughs along the way to reunification and the journey Edwards, LCSW. was not without times of contention from multiple parties. Eventually, through the support of the various system workers We truly appreciated birth parent, Shannon Tucker-Diaz and and with the assistance and collaboration of a zealous foster foster parent, Danielle Austin taking the time to share the story mother, a child was safely reunified with his mother and two of their partnership with our Case Managers and Guardian Ad families will forever share a bond over the love of a little boy. Litem event attendees. The panel also included representatives from Foster Home Licensing, Child Protective Investigations The second half of the event facilitated by Carol Edwards, and Dependency Case Management. All parties highlighted included a True Colors Personality Test presentation. their roles in supporting the relationship between the licensed Participants learned about their personality traits and their role caregiver and the mother during this two year journey. While it in communication. They also learned about their communication took some time (16 months) before true partnership between needs as well as how to best meet the needs of other system the families began, ultimately, the team pulled together to offer partners, a priceless lesson that participants can benefit from support to a mother with a dependency history that many for years to come. believed made her unlikely to achieve a reunification goal.

BIG BEND COMMUNITY BASED CARE | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 17 An Adoption Success Story

This is the story of a very special young man and his new family The Smiths came forward and asked for John to be placed with who wish to remain anonymous. John, age nine, experienced them. They participated in a structured transition plan to allow almost three years in the system. He lived with his mother, with John to adjust to full time living in their home. They obtained a relative, and finally came to foster care. His foster family was special training through the Quality Parent Training (QPT) very supportive of him and he caught up in school, made good program to help them better understand his past trauma and his friends, and became involved in a local church family. He found current and future needs. soccer, stability, and safety in this home. John loves his biological mother very much and feels close to her. When it became clear that John would not be able to go home to He grieves her loss at the same time as being happy in his new his mother, who was very young herself, a new plan for his future family. The Smiths helped John obtain pictures of his mother, had to be made. Though his foster parents were attached to him found a frame for his favorite picture for him to keep by his and he had become a part of their family, they were not able to bed. They listen when he talks about his family of origin and his adopt him. John had remained in their home for a significant mother with kind, accepting, and loving hearts. John’s past life period of time and he had grown to love their extended family as is respected and treated with open tenderness allowing him to his own. explore his feelings about the things that have happened to him, his anger and disappointment with his mother, and also his great John found his forever family with a very special family related love for her. to his foster parents. John’s new caregivers had spent weekends with him, invited him on their family outings, came to the family The Smiths have made a loving and accepting place for John gatherings John was attending, and were also a part of his church and his past. They are helping him heal in his present. They are family. They have two children and John grew attached to them, paving a way for his future. On the day of John’s adoption the loved to be around them and play with them. Moving in with new family exuded love, joy, and hope for their future together. them was an easy, seamless transition for him, for the foster parents and for the adoptive family, the Smiths, because of the time they spent developing a relationship with him.

“When it became clear that John would not be able to go home to his mother, who was very young herself, a new plan for his future had to be made.”

18 BIG BEND COMMUNITY BASED CARE | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 Instant Family by Laura Allen

My husband, Tyler, and I knew that we wanted to become foster parents. We were licensed quickly and placed with our first child within just a few months. I will never forget the night we got the call for our oldest son, Gunner. It was late into November, just before Thanksgiving, and it was the first freeze of the season. The phone rang just before midnight, and we were told that a three-year-old little boy needed a home. We said yes. Within an hour or so, we had dressed, been to Walmart to get everything a three-year-old needs (talk about a crazy midnight trip to Walmart), and we were meeting the CPI in the Publix parking lot. Love at first sight is what comes to mind when I think back to getting Gunner. We fell hard. We were first time parents… to a three-year-old. Everything he did made us smile. We beamed with pride. We worked alongside his biological parents as they attempted to work their case plan.

We were into our seventh month being parents when we got another call: here we go again! This time the call was for a one-year-old boy, our son Hank. We thought becoming was adopted (about 18 months after he was placed with us). parents for the first time in less than three hours was fast but We welcomed our baby girl, Gwen Mae to the family and the within 20 minutes, we were welcoming Hank into our family. boys suddenly became the best big brothers in the world. Our boys were already very bonded to one another, but it was I am a teacher, and it was the first day of my summer break. something else seeing them with this tiny little baby that they I was emptying all of my closets and reorganizing the entire loved so much. Shortly after our daughter was born, Hank’s house. Perfect project to start with a new toddler in the mix, adoption was finalized (also about 18 months after he was right? I picked up Hank from the CPI office and rushed to do placed with us). We became parents to three kids in less than another one of my famous Walmart trips. This time, with a one- two years. Talk about instant family! year-old in tow. If you could have seen me in Walmart that day, I’m sure you would have laughed. I was walking the aisles and We could not have survived fostering and adoption without asking myself, “Does a one-year-old need this,” to every item support from Children’s Home Society and DISC Village. in the baby section while Hank yelled and pulls items off the With both of our boys, we were fortunate to land stellar case shelves. Just like with Gunner, everything Hank did we adored. workers that kept communication open. When fostering and Maintaining two children is tough. Maintaining two children, adopting, communication is key, and our ladies rocked it! So with two sets of biological parents, two case workers, and many amazing people played important roles in our lives during two case plans is tougher than tough. But, not impossible. our period of fostering and adopting. We are truly grateful for Ultimately, it was looking as if both cases were moving toward their dedication in Gunner and Hank’s cases. Tyler and I cannot adoption. Then, God decided to add a little more to our lives. imagine a world without our precious boys in it. We found out I was pregnant. During my pregnancy, Gunner

BIG BEND COMMUNITY BASED CARE | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 19 Our Leap of Faith by Lee Duggar

My husband and I work for ourselves and work a lot. We were When we finally made the decision to take the leap and ask chugging along fine, happy how life was progressing. We had what we could do to be matched with these guys, we met talked about children and always planned on having them but obstacle after obstacle and a very closed circle of wagons. We weren’t really concerned when it didn’t happen. didn’t know it at the time, but we would quickly find out just how special these three children were. Then one day a dear friend of mine started telling us about these three children that were in her school (she is a music Our transition plan was scrutinized by more agencies than teacher). She really didn’t know much except that the foster the norm and we were blessed to have quality case managers family couldn’t adopt them (they were older and not able to on our side to keep things moving forward and our spirits up. commit to adoption). She started telling me about them and We finalized in July 2018 and we are a family that is blessed would mention them again every now and again. We were beyond measure! afraid to pursue it right away for many reasons and when we inquired about starting the process, we couldn’t figure out who to call about taking the required classes.

20 BIG BEND COMMUNITY BASED CARE | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 Introducing the...

The Delaney Family The Sclairet - Russ Family

The Robinson Family

The Croley/Allen Family

The Jenkins

The Bickelmans

BIG BEND COMMUNITY BASED CARE | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 21 The Perfect Fit: a Letter from Amy Kelly

After trying for many years to have children, my husband Scott and I felt like our dream would never become a reality. In 2013, we suffered a miscarriage and thought our world would never be happy, until God opened our hearts to the idea of adoption. In May, 2017 we contacted Children’s Home Society and signed up for Quality Parent Training. We met some amazing trainers, case managers, and made wonderful friends. We learned so much that has helped us tremendously. We were ready to have kids in the house as soon as possible! I was told that it would take some time to find the perfect fit. We told our niece and nephew about our plan to expand our family. While my nephew was hoping for a boy his age, my niece went on to say “Aunt Amy, you are going to have kids before Christmas!” The faith of a child is so precious!

Our home study was completed and by October 26, 2017, we received the amazing news that we were matched with three children! We said “YES!” These children were amazing. I could not imagine life without them. They moved in with us in December of 2017.

Sierra, Gabriel and Bradley legally became ours March of 2018. They are the happiest, healthiest and most playful kids we could have ever imagined! Our children have a forever family! It is like they were always meant to be Kelly’s. The Social Worker’s with the Children’s Home Society of Tallahassee are truly wonderful people and we are grateful for our precious children.

Sincerely, Amy M. Kelly

22 BIG BEND COMMUNITY BASED CARE | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 The Christmas Gift of a New Family

On Christmas morning, 12-year-old Ja’Maris Willis got an oversized stuffed bear, barely smaller than her. uncommon gift. He got the gift of a family. “When you do it for true love, that means you’re truly planting a Ja’Maris was finally adopted by his great aunt, Zyeedah Willis, seed in someone else so they can become productive citizens in at a special adoption ceremony held at a red decked hall today’s society,” Willis said about the value of adoption. inside the Big Bend Community Based Care office. Along with another family of four other children also being adopted, the “It’s been a long time coming,” said Willis, 49. She’d been new, official Willis family gathered with relatives and case caring for Ja’Maris for 10 years, and months-worth of managers to celebrate. Wearing his bright orange dress shirt protocols must be followed before an adoption is finalized. and striped vest, a soft spoken, Ja’Maris shyly smiled and “I just want to thank God. It’s definitely a gift from God – embraced his 5-year old sister Mariah who had already been definitely.” “I’ve never done an adoption on Christmas before,” adopted by Willis, while Chief Judge Jonathan Sjostrom of the Judge Sjostrom said. “But it’s right. Christmas is about Second Judicial Circuit finalized the adoption at BBCBC. celebrating a new child, a new family, and so it’s right…that we should celebrate a new family on this day.” “This is a message of hope and optimism,” said Judge Sjostrom who presides over the dependency court. Mike Watkins, BBCBC CEO, said the idea of a Christmas “This is your family forever.” The kids exchanged hugs with adoption ceremony has been simmering since August. He Willis and the judge before tearing apart the wrapping paper wanted to add another meaningful ceremony aside from on Christmas presents from BBCBC. Ja’Maris beamed at his November’s National Adoption Day – to celebrate “the gift new basketball while Mariah quickly scooped up a plush, of family.”

BIG BEND COMMUNITY BASED CARE | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 23 The Heart Gallery

24 BIG BEND COMMUNITY BASED CARE | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 Big Bend Comunity Based Care Staff

EXECUTIVE STAFF Mike Watkins – Chief Executive Officer | Pam East – Chief Operations Officer | Lori Gulledge – Chief Financial Officer

Gilbert Allen Kathy Donofro Rachael Hines Rene’Merced Zachary Summerlin Child Welfare Data Specialist Permanency Specialist Child Welfare Contract Coordinator Eligibility Specialist Network Coordinator C2 Lisa Audfencamp Tom Doyle Kathy Holiday Shelley Miller Lisa Tajdari Care Coordination Specialist, C 14 Quality Assurance Specialist Fiscal Assistant Vouchering Specialist/Admin Assistant Managing Entity Data Specialist Maria Avila Durden Jeanne Lafashia Jackson Tracie Moorer Tara Taylor Early Court Community Coordinator Intake/Placement Specialist Office Manager Housing Resource Specialist C1 Housing and Resource Specialist C 14 Kristie Bammann John Fair Linda Jackson Sherni Neal Mike Taylor Human Resource/Payroll Specialist Intake Placement Assistant Accountant Intake/Placement Specialist Out of Home Care Specialist Kelsey Barker Rosemary Farrell Roshannon Jackson Amia Nunn Janice Thomas Foster Family Support Specialist Foster Family Support Specialist Operations Manager C 2 Eligibility Speialist. Director of System of Care Mary Helen Barnes Jacqueline Flowers Joe Jefferies Ruth Oliver Julia Walls Quality Parenting Specialist C 14 AP - Accountant Intake/Placement Specialist Data Systems Training Coordinator C2 Accountant Rachel Bassett Natalie Folsom Brook Kelly Delbra Percy Jennifer Warren Early Childhood Court Community Acountant Specialist - Client Trust Accounting Specialist - Client Trust Executive Assistant Quality Assurance Specialist Coordinator CircCuit 2 Samone Franklin Rae Kerr Margaret Petronio Sophia Whaley Cori Bauserman Intake/Placement Specialist Finance and Accounting Director Child Welfare Contract Manager Intake Placement Specialist Director of Clinical Services Todd Gainey Amanda Lacey Chris Peyton Felicia Wilhelmy Crystal Berry Accounting Supervisor Accounting Specialist II ME Data Specialist ME Contract Manager Receptionist Janice George Alaina (Gilpin) Lane Judy Porter Felicia Wilhelmy Torris Bethea ME Network Coordinator C1 Intake/Placement Specialist Quality Assurance Specialist Contract Manager Data Integrity Manager Steve Girton Jackie Ledbetter Emily Pritchard Amanda Wander Rita Bing Intake/Placement Specialist Data Systems Training Coordinator C14 Foster Family Support Coordinator Acting Network Coordinator C2 Accountant - POS Elliott Glass Darci Lolley Gordon Pyper Tiny Williams Kirk Brown Intake/Placement Specialist Performance, Quality & Accreditation Director of Program Development Eligibility Integrity Specialist Utilization Management Specialist Manager Taylor Googe Kervin Rene’ Christie Wills James Carter Managing Entity Prevention Specialist Jacqueline Luke IT Coordinator Intake Placement Specialist C14 Payroll Specialist ME Contract Coordinator Oliver Green Kristyn Robinson Ann Wing Jeaninne Charles Intake/Placement Specialist Benjamin Lyda Training Specialist ME Network Coordinator C14 Care Coordination Specialist C1 Records Clerk Ty Gulledge Takenya Robinson Blair Wulfekuhl Marla Clark Records Clerk Connie Lyda Intake/Placement Vouchering Intake/Placement Utilization Diligent Search Specialist Michelle Haben Director Communications Supervisor Management Supervisor Molly Clore Administrative Assistant Darrien Mack Darlene Rock Jenifer Zephyr Foster Family Support Supervisor Ralph Haben Intake Placement Specialist C14 Intake Placement Director Financial Analyst Jhaismen Collins General Counsel Marcia Mathis John Sablan Andrea Ziglar Behavioral Health Coordinator Amy Hand Community Relations Director Intake Placement Specialist C14 Well-Being Specialist Austin Cooksey Well-Being Specialist C2 Shelia Maxie-Harmon Chad Sedam Katie Zimpfer Records Management Specialist Roderick Harris Accountant - POS Utilization Management Specialist Operations Manager Circuit 14 Marcia Croom ME Data Administrator Chelsea McGowin Jennifer Sikes Intake/Placement Specialist Kimberly Harvey Diligent Search Specialist Training Supervisor David Daniels Training Specialist Maura McMillion Smith Jeremy ME Operations Manager Shevanda Haywood Diligent Search Specialist Financial Analyst Angela Davis Adoptions Eligibility Specialist Patrick McRae Quantara Smith-Williams Accounting Specialist - Client Trust Jamie Henderson Judicial/Case Management Specialist ME Quality Assurance Specialist Chase Davis Diligent Search Supervisor Christopher Meadows Calyn Stringer HR Payroll Assistant Director of Contract Administration Foster Family Support Specialist

BIG BEND COMMUNITY BASED CARE | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 25 THANK YOU! 2017-2018 Donations: Big Bend Community Based Care has been blessed with many wonderful community partners, volunteers, and friends who support our mission. It is because of your commitment and support that our success will continue!

• Chad Sedam • Ladies Learning to Lead • Quantara Smith-Williams • Gloria Mitchell • Together We Rise Project • Nanette Schimpf • Heather Rosenberg • Amanda Birch • One Church One Child • Warchant & Corner Pocket • FSU Fashion Club • Danielle Austin/HCA Healthcare Charities • Samantha Vance North Florida Division • The Growing Room • Scott and Anessa Dungey • Jimmeal Thomas & Michael • Annsworth Academy • Chris and Rian Meadows Cork “Remember Me” Project • My Favorite Books • Project Linus • Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle • Gerald La’ Mothe • Mary Ann Britten Club Area • Superior Painting • Plum Delightful • The Faircloth family: Sweet Cases • Faith DeKanter • Laura Kirksey • Dress for Success • Mike Watkins

BBCBC Service Centers

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE JACKSON COUNTY HUMAN WAKULLA COUNTY HUMAN 525 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd SERVICES CENTER SERVICES CENTER Tallahassee, Florida 32301 4120 Jireh Court 69 High Road 850-410-1020 phone Marianna, Florida 32448 Crawfordville, Florida 32327 850-921-9718 fax (first floor) 850-482-9568 phone 850-926-0024 phone 850-410-1076 fax (second floor) 850-482-3183 fax 850-926-0030 fax

LEON COUNTY HUMAN HOLMES/WASHINGTON COUNTY FRANKLIN COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES CENTER HUMAN SERVICES CENTER SERVICES CENTER 1000 W. Tharpe St 1352 South Blvd 192 14th Street Tallahassee, Florida 32303 Chipley, Florida 32428 Apalachicola, Florida 32320 850-488-0500 phone 850-415-5146 850-653-1617 850-488-0506 fax GADSDEN/LIBERTY COUNTY BAY COUNTY HUMAN HUMAN SERVICES CENTER SERVICES CENTER 305 W. Crawford St 910 Harrison Ave Quincy, Florida 32351 Panama City, Florida 32401 850-627-7009 phone 850-747-5755 phone 850-627-6216 fax 850-747-5898 fax

26 BIG BEND COMMUNITY BASED CARE | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 Board of Directors Community Sponsors & Partners

ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 Jeffrey Pic Linda Nelson Dr. Liz Holifield Mark Stavros, MD President Immediate Past Director Director Table of Contents President Cathy Harcus Denise Myers Brian Tesnar OUR MISSION, VISION AND CORE VALUES ...... 2 Vice President Michael D. Beedie Director Director Director LETTER FROM CEO/BOARD PRESIDENT...... 3 Dr. Pauline Patrick Ronald Pickett Gerald Waters OPIOID LAWSUIT...... 4 Treasurer Scott Clemons Director Director COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT...... 5 Director SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION ACTIVITIES...... 6 Kathy Milton Bambi Smith Catherine Wynne Secretary Reggie Johns Director Director PREVENTION PARTNERSHIP...... 7 Director SERVING CHILDREN SAFELY IN THEIR HOME ...... 8 TRAINING...... 8 CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM TRAINING...... 9 F.I.T. SUCCESS...... 10 SOARING IN CARE COORDINATION AND HOUSING...... 12 FINANCIALS...... 13 FOSTERING ACHIEVEMENT FELLOWSHIP STUDENTS ARE SOARING...... 14 EARLY CHILDHOOD COURT...... 15 FOSTER AND ADOPTIVE PARENT Big BendThank Community Based CareYou! would like to thank the RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN...... 16 dedicated adoption staff and community partners for helping QUALITY PARENTING INITIATIVE...... 17 2,046 children find their “FOREVER FAMILIES.” AN ADOPTION SUCCESS STORY...... 18 INSTANT FAMILY BY LAURA ALLEN...... 19 We would like to recognize outstanding employees and partners of the OUR LEAP OF FAITH BY LEE DUGGAR...... 20 organization for this past year. INTRODUCING THE...... 21 THE PERFECT FIT: A LETTER FROM AMY KELLY...... 22 Foster Parent Vision Awards: Nancy Messer and Molly Clore THE CHRISTMAS GIFT OF A NEW FAMILY...... 23 Core Values Champion: Avery Curry THE HEART GALLERY...... 24 BIG BEND COMUNITY BASED CARE STAFF...... 25 Volunteer of the Year: Danielle Austin THANK YOU! 2017-2018 DONATIONS...... 26 Employees of the Year: Jeremy Smith and Chris Meadows BBCBC SERVICE CENTERS...... 26 Case Manager of the Year: Beverly Johnson BOARD OF DIRECTORS...... 27 Chairman’s Award: BBCBC Placement Teams in Circuit 2 & 14 THANK YOU...... 27

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