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COME BE A PART OF THE
ASSESSMENT TEAM
Presented by:
Judy Tangney, Area Coordinator
Mel Copeland, Child Advocacy Manager
Dianne Bernard, Child Advocacy Manager
We are looking to expand our team of GALs who are willing to do assessment visits for children coming into the system. This is the first visit made by a GAL. The GAL will need to do a visit quickly in order to get any recommendations to the attorney before the Arraignment Hearing. If
this is something that interests you, join us for the training.
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
6:000 pm to 7:30pm
ICOT
14102 58th Street
Clearwater, FL
Florida's Quality Parenting Initiative
Live Web Event Invitation Presented by
the Florida Quality Parenting Initiative
Join us for a Live Webinar Series:
"ASK THE EXPERT: EARLY CHILDHOOD
DEVELOPMENT AND ATTACHMENT"
First session:
November 7, 2016, 12:00-1:00 p.m. EST
Second session:
December 19, 2016
12:00-1:00 p.m. EST
Featuring national infant mental health expert
Dr. Charles Zeanah, and hosted by Judge Hope Bristol,
the series will begin with an overview of half a
century of research about the development of attachment
between parents and children and consider its implications for court decision-making. In subsequent webinars, continuing in 2017, participants will use
case studies to further understand how early childhood development science can inform family time (visitation), custody, reunification, and transitions. AUDIO will be provided over your Computer. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions. Click here to register for the November 7th webcast or copy and paste this link into your browser: http://tinyurl.com/jyf7g4t Click here to register for the December 19th webcast or copy and paste this link into your browser:
http://tinyurl.com/zlm86qm
If you have technical questions or concerns, please contact
Center Support staff at [email protected]
The Center for Child Welfare Visit us online at
www.qpiflorida.org
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Brown Bag Lunches
Pinellas
Friday Nov 18, @ 11.30 am
ICOT Center,
14102 58th St, Clearwater
Pasco
NPR: Friday Nov 18, @ 12 pm
Health Dept, 10841
Little Rd
Bldg B, New Port Richey
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Stars of the Month
Volunteer Stars are sponsored by the Guardian ad Litem Foundation of Tampa Bay
Nancy Keyser
Cynthia Allen
David Staruch
Ginny Nourie
Britney Whitaker
Melissa Ettel
Charlene Tomas
Leigh Freijo
Kathy Robinson
Don Hudson
Kathi Konkle
Brittany Brochard
Lorraine Bennett
Wendy Mullins
Aleyda "Gipsell" Briceno
Jean Walder
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Welcome new GALs
Pinellas
Joustra, Linda
Rebecca Tangney
Andrew Zolper
Clay Kent
Kelly Hawk
Tara Kelly
Meggi Agrba
Ruth Dobkin,
Brittany Given
Jennifer Banner
Jennifer Boggess
Charles Derexson
Melissa Hale
Michelle Frost
Dale Lindberg
Peggy Paulson
Claire Brueck
Judith Ormsby
Caroline Svatek
Charlene Tomas
Jennifer Hutchins
Sheila Brown
Steve Burns
Pasco
Jeanine Foxworth
Kristine Johnson
Mary Field
Shannn Piloto
Rosanne Tomaselli
James Blaney
Kermit Dunn
Mary Field
Cynthia Webb
Jay Dusek
Joanne Lindauer
Karen Crowe
New Staff/Staff Changes
We have a new part-time CAM starting in Pinellas. Her name is Kimberly Auito and she will eventually be working out of ICOT. Kim previously
worked at the Dept of Revenue, as a
private investigator, as a
teen court coordinator and with the Public Defenders office. She has a wealth
of experience to bring to the GAL Program. She is a graduate of USF.
We also have Jason Imler, who will be a part time Administrative Assistant
at CJC. Jason is currently attending law school. He also works at HSN working with their consumer protection
compliance program. He is also a graduate of USF.
Please welcome them when you see them!
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Great Peeps to Tweet!
AnnaMarie Maguire, a new GAL who has hit the ground running and is doing a thorough job of gathering information on her case!
Aleyda "Gipsell" Briceno, who provided excellent translation services and connected with a Spanish speaker child who is the
victim of human trafficking.
Lisa Crandall, who has fought to get services for two siblings who have
developmental disabilities.
Toni Pauline and
Monika Stephan for taking "just one more case!"
As a CAM I occasionally get to talk with or visit kids and caregivers, even on cases where there is an assigned GAL volunteer. I recently spoke with the non-relative caregiver of a nineteen month old who has been on my caseload for over a year. My GAL volunteer,
Eve Crosariol, completed the termination of parental rights trial over a month ago, her first TPR!
Eve continues to see the child regularly as the family prepares for adoption.
I contacted the non-relative caregiver so I could fill in for Eve and schedule
the monthly home visit. I was thrilled when the caregiver shared the following unsolicited comments about her GAL:
Eve has worked a lot harder for us than anybody else we've worked with in
this process. She's been wonderful! Eve is very dear to my heart!
Congratulations Eve for being the best possible advocate and representative of the Guardian ad Litem Program that I could wish for!
Roger DePauw who accepted a new case and continues to advocate on two other cases.
Mitch Aydlette: Continues advocate on a case and visit even though the child is now in a different county.
Heloisa Bates and
BIA Wanda Davis for their persistence in getting a child's belongings back from a previous placement who was not willing to return the items. Some of these items were irreplaceable because they were from the child's deceased mother.
-Thank you to all the GALs who attended the Dade City Brown Bag lunch with the guest speaker from the Heart Gallery. We had a wonderful turn out.
Suzzette Bernardo and
Lisa Richards for helping to ensure the GAL Program was represented at the Angels Against Abuse Child Advocacy Expo!
10 Things Every GAL Should Know About IEPS
1. The IEP is a binding contract. What is on the IEP at the end of the IEP meeting is a legal document. Whatever isn't in writing doesn't matter.
2. Meeting notes should be taken by someone from the school board and a copy should be given to you at the end of the meeting. Before the meeting begins ask who will be taking the IEP minutes notes? And inform them that you would like a copy. Take time and check the notes for accuracy at the end of the meeting. Make sure they include all of your concerns if they don't ask them to include them.
3. The child has the right to have an advocate, attorney or any other person who knows the child and can offer information to be present at the IEP meeting. The child may have one more than one person. If the child doesn't have an attorney present, the district should not have an attorney present.
4. You have the right to take as long as you need to understand the IEP process and participate fully. If the district tries to hurt you, ask for a continuation on another date. If you don't understand what is being said, I asked for an explanation. You understanding what is being said is one of the primary objectives of the IEP process.
5. Evaluations are important because the information will/should be used to write the IEP. The evaluations determine what strengths and weaknesses your child has. Bring a "cheat sheet" with you to understand the scores. You can Google "psychometric" conversion chart to get a copy of one. Print it and take it with you to the IEP meetings.
6. Save all of your documents and file them inappropriate categories. Keep them in order. Again if it's not in writing, it didn't happen in the eyes of the Court.
7. Do all communication by email. If you do have a telephone conversation, send a follow-up email thanking them for the conversation and restating what you both said.
8. The child has a right to one meeting per year to determine the need for extended school year services. The child does not need to be on access points or have failing grades to be entitled to ESY.
9. Do not speak poorly about the district or their employees to the child or Guardian. Students with disabilities have enough challenges getting to graduation day without having the Goodwill in authority of the district undermined. Be a strong advocate, but keep your battles private.
10. Know when to get help. If you feel that the child's rights are being violated, or you're not being heard, call someone. There are advocates and attorneys who specialize in educational advocacy and can help.
-Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida
www.clsmf.org
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By 6th Circuit Director, 
Donna Rasmussen
I would like to give kudos and thanks to Taylor Greenberg and Kimberly Dukes, who spearheaded and organized a very successful "Inspiring Youth Event" for the Child Advocates of Stetson Law School! The theme of this event is to inspire these teens to focus on their futures and to show
them that they can be successful and accomplish their dreams despite their circumstances. The special guest speaker was Ashley Rhodes-Courter, who generously gave her time and experience to speak to the 30 youth who attended. Thanks also to our Guardian ad Litem Foundation of Tampa Bay, for providing Ashley's books "Three Little Words" for each of the youth. The GAL Program and volunteer's partnered to get the word out to invite the youth. Each youth received an "I am for the child" wrist band. Taylor ensured resource materials were available for the youth. The youth were divided up and paired with a Stetson law student who had similar interest. The feedback from this event was so great. Taylor indicated that some of the kids and students really hit it off, with following up to help the teens with college applications, one offered to teach a youth how to play the piano, and many of the teens were inspired by Ashley, including one who wants to write up her own story. Thanks to Taylor, Ashley, the Stetson students, the volunteers, caregivers, and group homes who invited and ensured the youth were there.
The Second Annual Superhero Race sponsored by the Guardian ad Litem Foundation of Tampa Bay was held on Saturday October 15. What an amazing event to support the children and raise awareness. The superheroes came in both the two and four legged variety. There was literally dancing in the street in downtown Safety Harbor. Lots of kids, and fun for all. Thank you so much to everyone who worked so hard. Special thanks to Erin Emnett the Board Chair who organized an amazing event, to Amy Foster our Executive Director and all the board members and many volunteers.
"A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives." - Jackie Robinson
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The 6th
Circuit Vital Statistics:
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2456 (<)
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Of those without a GAL
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748 (<)
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Case Volunteers
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733 (>)
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Transportation Approved Volunteers
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238 (<)
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- For those of you, who are Optima Trained, please enter your notes in the Optima Log. Your CAM has access to that information and will also advise your Child's Best Interest Attorney of your visitation information.
- If you have not yet taken the Optima Training, please send your notes by email as you have always done. Thank you GALS.
- When supervised visits are occurring, please make every attempt to observe some of these visits so you are ready for a recommendation in regard to moving forward on your case.
- As always, remember, if you have any issues and/or concerns, always feel free to contact your CAM or your Child's Best Interest Attorney. Everyone is ready to assist in any way possible.
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When a New Child Enters an Existing Case
Children and Families Operating Procedure (CFOP) 170-01, addresses what to do when a new child enters into an existing dependency case. (formerly CFOP 175-72). One of the responsibilities of Case Management is to assess the safety of any new child that has joined or will join a household involved in an active investigation or open Dependency. This procedure applies not only to the parent/legal guardian but also to a minor child in any safety plan, pregnant caregiver, or a new child who will be moving into the home. This policy also applies to the household of the "non-offending" parent or legal guardian who presently has custody of the child or may have custody in the future or a Relative/Non-Relative Caregiver's household.
Upon notification or observation of the impending arrival, the Case Manager is responsible for initiating an ongoing assessment as to how the care of the new child will be managed. The assessment must include a study of the family conditions that led to the shelter or safety plan, how those family conditions will be impacted by the birth of the child, as well as the new child's need for protection. During the course of the family member's pregnancy, the case manager must work with and support the family. The following questions (among others) will be evaluated on the assessment:
* If the pregnancy involves a single parent or a minor child, who is the child's father, and what will his role be?
* What will be the expectations and shared responsibilities, if any, for the care of the child?
* If a minor is pregnant, how much responsibility for the care of the child will the minor parent assume?
* How will the responsibility for caring for the child will be distributed among the household members and what, if any, support will be needed?
* If the new child is entering a household from which a child has been removed and not yet reunified, how will the care of a new child impact the current family dynamic and conditions?
* Will a new infant or child be vulnerable to any new or existing danger/threats?
The Case Manager is also responsible for coordinating a staffing (a.k.a. "Pregnancy Staffing") with the State Attorney, parents, and Guardian ad Litem, if appointed, as soon as the child is born to determine any legal actions necessary. It is preferable to hold this staffing prior to the birth of the child in order to better ensure that child's safety. In cases where there are other new children in a home and the Progress Update concludes that the child would be unsafe in the home and an in-home safety plan is not feasible, the State will determine if there is a legal basis to amend the current dependency petition.
Although it is the responsibility of the Case Manager to ensure these steps are followed and the staffing occurs in a timely fashion, it is the duty of the appointed GAL volunteer to inform the Guardian ad Litem Program of any developments. The appointed GAL volunteer should also assess the situation, much like the steps above to determine what is in the best interests of the child(ren).
Contact your Child Advocacy Manager or Child's Best Interest Attorney if you have additional questions.
DCF's Operating Procedures in their entirety or the chapters discussed above can be viewed by clicking the link below:
DCF Operating Procedures
~Christina Glaser, Esquire
Child's Best Interest Attorney,Clearwater Office
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Recruitment Corner
It's October already and holidays are approaching when many people decide to slow down their schedules. However, Recruitment in both counties continues to be alive and well. The final 2016 training for Pasco County occurred 10/8 - 10/22. There were a total of 19 in this class, including 3 GALS transferring from other circuits. The final Pinellas class started on October 26th with 24 participants, including 2 Pasco trainees.
We have been trying to "think out of the box" as it relates to recruiting strategies. We have listed postings on job boards such as Indeed.com, which has proven to be advantageous in obtaining leads. In addition to holding two Information Sessions per week in our Pinellas and Pasco offices, we are holding Information Sessions in the community in both counties at places like Panera Bread, IHOP, local libraries, etc. In Pasco, we've also had the opportunity to be interviewed on Spirit FM radio and Nature Coast TV, as well as, have articles written in local newspapers. We also are starting to receive unsolicited calls from those who have heard about the program through friends and family. Most recently Pasco received a lead generated by the husband of one of our Pasco CAMs who was performing repair work in the individual's home! He somehow started talking about his wife working for the program and it ended up being a lead! So it appears "Guardian ad litem" is starting to be the "word on the street" in our circuit.
As always, Karen Malo and Larnelle Scott are always willing to come out and speak to groups, large or small, about the Guardian ad litem program to those who may be interested in volunteering to advocate for the abused/neglected/abandoned children in our circuit. In Pinellas, Karen can be reached at
[email protected] or 727-464-6187. In Pasco, Larnelle can be contacted at
[email protected] or 727-834-3493.
To every GAL volunteer, CAM, Best Interest Attorney, support staff and leadership team.....THANK YOU for your continued commitment to the Guardian ad litem program, recruitment efforts....and most importantly the children.
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~ Larnelle Scott,
Pasco County Community
Outreach Coordinator
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Mary Kolts is celebrating her seventh year anniversary with the 6th Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program in Pasco County this October. In those seven years, Mary has done a fabulous job representing many children. She has done so with great commitment and passion! She advocates for what is in the best interest of her children throughout each step of the case.
Mary has most recently advocated for her children to remain in the same school setting when reunified in order for the children to maintain consistency, friendships, and relationships with teachers! She worked with the Case Manager, CAM, and S.I.T. Program to ensure the children had transportation, and even though the children did not remain in the school due to the mother's decision, she still went above and beyond for her children and never gave up trying to ensure they were able to remain in their school!
Thank you Mary!
~Brigette Mauger , Child Advocacy Manager
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| Pinellas GAL of the Month |
Collette Burgess was certified as Guardian ad Litem in June, 1999. Over the past 17 years she has been assigned to 29 cases and has been the voice in the Courtroom for at least twice as many children. With her calm, soft spoken demeanor, Collette has vigorously advocated for children both in and
outside the Courtroom. Collette is not afraid to ask the hard questions and track down the answers, no matter what the issue. Collette likes a challenge and has represented children of all ages, from infants to teenagers. Until her recent retirement from a full-time job with the VA, Collette
was working full time while volunteering with our program. She rarely missed a Court hearing or a staffing to ensure that the needs of her children were being met. In addition to working her cases, Collette also works with our assessment
team completing initial visits with children who have just been sheltered. She recently represented a set of boy/girl siblings whose case cumulated with adoption. Collette was an integral part of their successful transition to their forever family. Collette's advocacy has taken her from one
end of the county to the other to visit her children, track down the parents and investigate her cases. She has also severed as mentor to new Guardians when times allows. Her loyalty to our program has been demonstrated over and over again with her willingness to take on the most difficult of cases. She is never intimidated by difficult parents and her
focus is always on what is in the best interest of the children she represents. It is a pleasure to work with her and an honor to call her my friend.
~ Conni Galbraith , Child Advocacy Manager
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Taking care of ourselves during the holidays
We just had our first cool front of the year and signs of fall are in the air. Cool, crisp air with sunny days are on their way and so are the holidays! Holidays can be a stressful time not only for the children and families we serve but also for us as we struggle to balance our own family and social obligations around the holidays with the needs of the children we represent. Busy social calendars, travel and company in town for the holidays can leave even the most organized and composed GALS feeling stretched to the limit.
Imagine where the children you advocate for would be without you in their lives and know that as long as you are doing the best you can do they are benefitting from having a GAL. Sometimes making a list of things we are thankful for can help us to gain perspective and see things in a more positive light. For example, with my case I am thankful that the children I advocate for are well cared for, getting their needs met and are truly loved by their caregivers. Yes, it can be frustrating that it takes so long to get certain things done but if I look over the past year, I have seen progress made and that is what I try to focus on. I hope that you can see the positives in your case and if you are having a difficult time always remember help is only a phone call away whether it is to your CAM, a fellow GAL or even to our Employee Assistance Program which is a valuable resource available to all of our volunteers. Speaking of EAP, there is a new number to call and it is below. I would also encourage you to watch the short intro video on the link below as they have some great resources available such as webinars on a variety of topics.
New EAP Administrator : e4health
Holidays can also bring up all sorts of childhood memories from our own past, both positive and sometimes not so positive. So, take a deep breathe, close your eyes and try to give yourself permission to feel however you are feeling and know that this too shall pass with the flip of the calendar. In the meantime be sure to get outside, take a walk, feel the breeze and enjoy this weather! As always, please please keep doing the good work you are doing and reach out if you need help because without you, the GAL Program (and our children) would be lost!
~Karen Malo ,
Pinellas
Community
Outreach
Coordinator
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A THANKSGIVING SALUTE TO GALS
The general public is not aware; no one is really in the know.
Being a Guardian ad Litem means being constantly on the go.
We come to you now and always, but on this Thanksgiving Day,
A special Thank You; GALS are outstanding in every way!
We give thanks to you; we hear your voices loud and so clear,
As you advocate for children - we give you a loud cheer!
Please know that our gratitude knows absolutely no bounds.
You speak up in Court and how we all love to hear your sounds!
~ Diana Aboussir,
Child Advocacy Manager
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October Anniversaries
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ONE
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TWO
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GUADALUPE MAYORGA
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Peter Gorn
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Robert Hale
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GLORIA SMITH
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Karen Karinja
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Krista Bledsoe
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KIMBERLY MELICK
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Daphne Days
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Kelly McCan
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LINDA POULETTE
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Christine Malpartida
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Arielle Claude
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FIVE
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Catherine Beardsley
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Lorna Cook
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Margaret Lambis
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Yvonne Crandall
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Jennifer Kilmurray
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Paul Lambis
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Robert "Lee" Allen
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Natalie Yello
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SIX
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Susan Allen
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CANDY MCCLOUD
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Lisa Palis
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Kathryn Carter
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Michele Gibson
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SEVEN
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Sarah Wilkins
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LISA NICOLARO
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William Meyer
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PASCAL FRUGE
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MITCHELL AYDLETTE
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Karen Secor
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TONI GORN
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Peggy Chase
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Cynthia Faulhaber
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CAROL SCHMIDT
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RUSSELL MCLEOD
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MARY KOLTS,
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ALEACIA GUY
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THREE
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Kathi Konkle
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MARIE DEFILLIPO
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Nick Griffin
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Makitia Dillard
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LYDIA SANTANA
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Viktoryia Johnson
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EIGHT
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Michael Borota
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NORMAN ANDINA
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LINDA GRANDINETTI
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Suzanne Lanza
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Polly Leibe
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Anna Hayes
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LISA PALLADINO-HOLLAND
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Marie Davis
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TEN
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BEVERLY GAROFALO
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FOUR
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Catherine Rogers
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BEVERLY OCONNOR
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William Smith
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ELEVEN
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RACHEL OCONNOR
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Carolyn McNulty
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Terry Stoermer
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Shannon Mills
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DOUG DUPUIS
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JAMES BLANEY
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Juanita Sparks
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NANCY DUPUIS
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TWELVE
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Deborah Thurman
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POLLY ESKEW
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MARIO RENDINA
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FOURTEEN
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Susan Neville
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