A Community Based Care Agency

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Brevard Family Partnership A Community Based Care Agency

Board Report ......

August 28, 2014

Patricia Nellius-Guthrie, CEO Narrative Report

July and August have been eventful months beginning with the implementation of SB 1666 which requires the tracking and posting of data on the website monthly, along with a myriad of other substantial changes to the law. The case management transition took place on July 1, 2014, and considering the magnitude of tasks associated, it went very seamless thanks to the great team and partnership. There were also several contract renewals along with the reorganization, departure of our Finance Director, and new staff appointments. I am pleased to report BFP has hired a new Chief Finance Director, Jessica Simmons. Jessica will be present at the Board meeting to meet the members and review the financials. The reorganization plan is going smoothly and the transition of staff concluded on August 11, 2014.

The Annual Brevard Youth Thrive Summit took place on July 24, 2014. The Summit was at capacity days before the event. The venue and speakers were outstanding and inspirational. Once again, we had 3 successful former foster youth as Keynotes and their messages and challenges were powerful. Additionally, Dr. Munoz spoke on Trauma and the Adolescent Brain to help caregivers and responders better understand adolescent development and how to foster healthy risk taking. The youth café took place the evening before the event with 30 youth in attendance. The youth had the opportunity to meet with 2 of the Keynotes, Lydia Joyner and Sixto Cancel who facilitated discussion and solicited responses to be shared at the Summit on how the system of care could best meet their needs. Ashley Carraro, BFP Director of Clinical Services has done an outstanding job building the Brevard Youth Thrive Framework and once again planning and coordinating the Summit. The next phase in the development of BYT and the TIC initiative is being facilitated in partnership with the Center for the Study of Social Policy who is providing 3 days of Trauma Informed Care Train the Trainer training in Brevard County on Sept. 23-25. Over thirty system partners applied to participate in the Train the Trainer event. However, it is limited to twenty trainees from across the system of care. These individuals have committed to participating in the training to serve as part of the cross sector teams who will conduct training throughout the county.

The CBC CEO’s met with the FCC and DCF on July 14-17th. Secretary Carroll shared his goals and priorities and outlined his strategy for Child Welfare. His approach is very supportive of Community Based Care and he has demonstrated his intent to forge a strong partnership. On that note, the CBC’s were asked to submit a Legislative Budget Request to DCF that Secretary Carroll intends to roll into the DCF budget to unify the efforts of those caring for children in child welfare. Based on the standard template we were furnished with to provide financial projections, BFP’s LBR totaled 4.9 million dollars. Ironically, this is the same amount of funding BFP has lost over the past 4 years; so in essence BFP is advocating for restored funding to meet the needs of those we serve. The plan is for DCF to identify, validate, and present a defendable business position that will ultimately bring child welfare funding to adequacy. The plan is to roll out the total funding needed over a 3-5 year period of time to be rolled up into the DCF budget for CBC. This year DCF is targeting case management caseloads, ratios and salary parity along with the IL deficit for inclusion in the DCF budget. Going forward, DCF will request funding for other high priority areas of need.

2 . . The board recruitment. subcommittee will be convening following the board meeting to discuss and review prospective. Board candidates for recommendation to the full Board in September. There will also be an. executive session following the board meeting to meet with James Milucky to review the findings of the Forensic Audit and determine the next steps. A group of select Board members met with Merrill Lynch to review the BFP investment plan and current strategy to determine whether there is validity in changing the Moderately Conservative risk level. Based upon the presentation by Michael Welch and the consensus of those in attendance, it was determined that the current investment package should remain intact as the risk associated with a change in approach with the minimal increase in return on investment does not appear to be viable at this time. There was further discussion about whether or not the Board wishes to identify a 10 year spending/project plan. It was agreed this would be discussed and presented at the August Meeting.

Patrice Grier will be present at the August meeting to update the Board on the lawsuit status. Ms. Baznik the President and CEO of IMPOWER will be present to meet with members and to provide a status report on the case management transition. I am pleased to report that Geo Ropert and Enie Windle will be present at the August Board meeting to present the proposed 10 year anniversary event plan for discussion. Members will be presented with the 2015 Annual SWP goals for approval at the August meeting.

Brevard C.A.R.E.S Board has voted and selected their new Executive Director, Kimah Burrell who will be starting in September, 2014. Kimah comes with a wealth of knowledge in child welfare with particular emphasis and passion for child abuse prevention and diversion. She will be an asset to the agency.

The 2014 Child Protection Summit is scheduled to take place on September 3-5, 2014 at the Orlando World Center Marriott. Members wishing to attend should contact Laurie Anna Blackburn. Please note that the hotel is at capacity so anyone wishing to attend will be booked at the overflow hotel Courtyard Marriott, Lake Buena Vista.

I would like to extend a special word of appreciation to Eric Smith for attending the County Commission briefings with staff to garner support for the Brevard C.A.R.E.S. property and for Indian River Networks once again serving as the title sponsor for the Run for Love.

The Auditors will be on site to conduct their testing on October 16-17, 2014.

Finally, I wanted to alert members that I have been selected to serve on the Central Florida Cares Board of Directors as one of three Brevard representatives. Central Florida Cares is the Managing Entity in our region that provides substance and mental health services to our families. The meeting will occur quarterly beginning on August 21, 2014.

Respectfully Submitted,

Patricia Nellius Chief Executive Officer