Brown Bag Lunches
Pinellas
Friday July 2
11:30 AM
Icot Office
Pasco
New Port Richey:
Friday July 21
12:00 PM
NPR office
8324 Corporate Way
Dade City
Friday July 14 in the Dade City office
On line Trainings
Florida GAL website
:
Just in Time Foster Parent Trainings:
Florida Center for Child's Welfare:
2017-Early Childhood Conference
in Tampa Aug 25-27 at the Embassy Suites Hotel USF/Bush Gardens. For additional information see
Here
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Stars of the Month
Taylor Greenberg
Kris Yarborough
Kathi Konkle
Brittany Given
Phyllis Vitale
Kathleen Beckman
Suzanne Pileggi
Nora Acevedo
Lillian McCabe
Dawn Freijo
Ganesha Barojas-Chaigneau
Jeff Shelton
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Staff Changes
Laurie Rosati, will serve in a new role as our Circuit Trainer.
Attorney John Gohl, moved to Pasco office.
Evelien Still, was promoted to Pasco Program Manger.
All the best to Suzanne Parker, who returns to her former position as Director of Child Advocacy and Permanency.
Kari Marsland-Pettit promoted to Senior Best Interest Attorney.
Welcome to Robin Benifield, new
Pinellas CAM.
Welcome new GALs
Allman, Kimberley
Barker, Emily
DeAngelo, Jacquelyn
Fernandes, Isabel
Grunebach, Pat
Hicks, Patsy
Hutchinson, Kathryn
Johnson, Ana lisa
Kaps, Lisa
Keenan Talley, Vicky
Kelsey, Terry
Mahoney, Kelly
Mui, Edward
Mullins, Michael
Oliver, Jeanine
Pearson, Diane
Ragan, Paige
Talley, Charles
Walters, Barbara
Young, Ardith
A SPECIAL NOTE OF THANKS
A special thank you to Suncoast Voices for Children from the GAL Program, for all they do to support the children and families!
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Great Peeps to Tweet!
Thank you to
Ann and Frank Zebert
for such thorough and timely work on their cases.
Thank you
Sam Harris!
Your attention to detail, your reports, and
information on your cases, always important and always timely.
Thank you Judy T
angney, always!
Craig Mousseau for his extraordinary representation of a special needs child, now on the road to adoption!
Nancy Blount for traveling afar to assure the best possible representation of the children in her care. Thank you.
Alex Diaz - thank you for all of the "transport".
Kudos to
Lisa Crandall who while visiting children assigned to her in their foster home, took the time to research the names and CAMs of other children who were recently placed in the same home. Lisa volunteered to see all the children each month as she does her foster home visit. What an efficient use of time and program resources. Way to go Lisa!
Kudos to
Karen Crowe for having great attention to detail and picking up on some little things that just didn't add up. It's great to be aware of those red flags that could mean trouble down the road and keep a watchful eye on them!
Kudos to
Ann Dwyer and
Lyle Burmeister for jumping right in and teaming up on a difficult case to help move reunification along.
Kudos to
AnnaMarie Maguire for tenaciously advocating for a young teen as we move toward adoption by her grandmother. AnnaMarie, you made it happen!
From Andrea
to Melodie Menzer who has been an amazing courtesy volunteer from Pinellas on one of my cases as she has helped transport the boys to their counseling appointment, attended a recruitment event with them in Pasco County and has agreed to stay with them even though they recently moved to Tampa. She's amazing!
Welcome to
Linda Grandinetti who was on Laurie Rosatti's team!
Linda stuck with her cases as they were transferred to
Pam Peterson's team. Nice to be working with you!
Welcome to my team from
Wendy Kelly. I would like to welcome
Shari Silk and
Arlene Nolke to my team, who had the pleasure to be under Laurie and I hope that I can be as good. In addition, I would like to welcome
Ardy and
John Young two new team members from the latest class.
Kudos
to Kermit Dunn and LettyAnn Felts
for taking on additional cases that are difficult, but these are two GALs who will not give up regardless of the challenges.
Kudos from
Alyssa
to GALs who've taken on two or more cases for me:
Karyn Moses,
Kermit Thatcher
,
Kristine Johnson,
Loren Dusch, Mardee Harvey,
Arlene Nolke, Gerald Dost and Sandra Weller
Courtesy Visitors from Pinellas,
Sarah Swoch,
Rebecca Nguyen
and
Patricia Bailey.
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Street Beat
Cooking Mattters
C
ooking matters was a big success, due to Chef Donna, who did an outstanding job with the children. We had 9 children enrolled, all of which enjoyed the 6 week class very much. We could just see them bloom from being shy to being confident cooks. One child stated: "I love this cooking class, I never want it to end. I love spending time with you all most of all". The kids learned knife skills, safety, nutrition and how to make special healthy dishes. They also learned shopping on a budget and each were able to take home $10 in groceries from Publix. For the last class, Chef Donna brought a whole bunch of ingredients and the kids teamed up to make dishes of their choice. We had judges and the winning team of 2 received gift cards from the Guardian ad Litem Foundation. Kimberly House donated the cooking space to Cooking Matters. All kids received a Cooking Matters certificate, a cook book and a filled gift bag.
I absolutely enjoyed every minute.
Cooking Matters Project Coordinator, Evelien Still
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Kids learning to shop on a budget!
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For the Children
Taylor Park
Saturday, August 5th 8am-11am
Saturday, October 7th 8am-11am
Bait and poles provided at no charge.
Prizes for:
First Fish Largest Fish
Smallest Fish Second Largest Fish
Most Fish Third Largest Fish
For additional information, call
Jim Garrity, Kiwanis
Tel 727-
580 3703
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GUARDIAN AD LITEM FIVE CORE COMPETENCIES
Commitment to Children- The children for whom we advocate are our most important priority.
Communication Built on Trust- The Program has a culture of open communication, active listening, teamwork, and regard for the views of others. This includes being honest and straightforward with the children we represent in keeping with their level of age and maturity.
Collective Empowerment-
Each circuit has the authority and responsibility to make and implement the best decisions to meet the children's needs. This empowerment must be passed on to volunteers, staff and attorneys.
Collaboration- The Program proactively seeks to develop relationships that promote the well-being of the whole child.
Courtesy- The Program values all who engage in this challenging work and ensures they are treated with respect and dignity.
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Mariela Ollsen,
Circuit Director
Hurricane season is upon us, and I wanted to share some infomration with you to ensure you take measures to be safe. Also it is important that you communicate with the case manager and caregivers, to have an understanding of what plans they have for the children, in the event that an evacuation is needed, or other safety measures need to be taken. Our role, as a GAL is to provide what ever support and assistance is requested from the Community Based Care Agency/caregivers and case managers, to ensure the children are safe and their needs are met. This includes after any storm, when there may be power and school outages. Of course, your safety and your families come first, but if you are able to reach out, and offer assistance, I am sure that would be much appreciated. Here is the webiste to the Pinellas County guide which includes Hurricane Prepardneess resrources and actions.
It is important to review and have safety measures in place, well before the storms.
http://www.pinellascounty.org/emergency/allhazardguide.htm
Here is the link to the Pasco
County resources
http://www.pascocountyfl.net/index.aspx?NID=701
Sometimes, when there are serious storms or flooding, the courthouses are closed. On occasion, courts have been closed in one county, and not the other. You can check Bay News Nine for updates on closings, or you can check the Sixth Circuit Court website, where updates are posted on closings during bad weather.
www.jud6.org
Also, be sure to protect copies of any paper notes, reports or case information, as well as electronic equipment where you have saved reports. Also, just a reminder about our emergency GAL numbers in each county. Pinellas GAL is 727-647-1675 and Pasco GAL emergency number is: 727-267-1208. We hope for a calm hurricane season, but taking steps in advance always a good course.
St Pete Bar Young Lawers Help the Children
The Unified Family Court Division in Pinellas County received a generous donation from the St. Petersburg Bar, Young Lawyers Division after they applied, presented and received monies from a grant through the Florida Bar, Young Lawyers Division. The donation of coloring and activity books, crayons, reading books and sticker books is to be used by all the children who attend Dependency Court in the Sixth Circuit. We are thankful to have such caring people thinking about our abused, abandoned and neglected children.
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Left to right, Mariela Ollsen, Director of the Sixth Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program, Kimberly Todd, Circuit Court Judge, Unified Family Court, Stephen Lewellyn, Esq. from Maxey Law Office, Makayla Lewellyn, Lauren Rubenstein, Esq. from Denhardt Law
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Twenty Five Years of Service!
Two volunteers were given a nice watch to commerate their amazing 25 ( or more) years of service to our program. We are so thankful for them. It is difficult to imagine the number of children and families they positively impacted during the past quarter century! A big thanks to Al Ferraro, a volunteer since 1989. Al works with CAM's in Pasco and Pinellas. During his tenure he has worked full time cases, courtesy cases, assisted with training as a Master GAL. He also has assisted with recruitment and retention. His advice to new GAL's:
It takes compassion to do this job and his satisfaction is... one less child that has to go through the torment of life because no one cares.
Also honored and pictured below is Fran Naumann. Fran also has been a GAL since 1989. She has worked with CAMS in both counties During her years of service she has played many roles including working full time cases, Termination of Parental Rights cases, case planning conferences on behalf of the Program, courtesy visits, assessments of new appointments, and she has assissted with numerous GAL events. Fran is also a Master GAL. Her advice to new GALs:
When they tell her their case is a problem she would advise them to take an additional case, then they wouldn't obsess with the one case. The next case could different.
Both Al and Fran currently work with CAM, Mel Copeland. Mel said she admires their passion for children and their dependability. Another amazing GAL with 25 years of service, Harriet Olesen will be highlighted in the July E-Advocator.
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| Left to right- Judy, Christina, Elyse behind Christina, Mariela, Al, Fran, Hugo behind Fran, Mel, Evelien and Sally |
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Thanks to Suzanne and Welcome to Evelien
On Monday, June 19, the Pasco County offices held a luncheon to honor Suzanne Parker's time as our Pasco County Program Manager. Evelien Still will be replacing her. Suzanne was given a crown in her honor, which she has now passed on to Evelien. The Dade City office provided Suzanne with an "I ate at Steph's" t- shirt. Suzanne loved Steph's Restaurant and the office personnel joined her often when she came to Dade City. Pasco County GAL Offices wish Suzanne the very best in her new job, and we welcome Evelien back to Pasco County.
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| Suzanne with her crown and Steph's shirt! |
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RED, WHITE AND BLUE!
We come now to wish our GALS a splendid 4th of July!
Enjoy the picnics, the fireworks, and watch the dragonfly.
Take some time for yourselves, relax, and have some fun.
Hamburgers, hotdogs, salads too. Not time to be on the run.
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY TO ONE AND ALL
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Sixth Circuit Vital Statistics:
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2678(<)
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Of those without a GAL
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957 (<)
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Case Volunteers
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778 (<)
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Transportation Approved Volunteers
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254(>)
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SCHEDULES: GALS, please remember to calendar your court dates as well as the "start" date to work on your Judicial Review report. We appreciate this help GALS as reports need to be filed within a certain time frame. Thank you GALS!
PARENTS: GALS, please make every attempt to engage with the parents on your case(s). Often, before and/or after Court, could be an appropriate time to speak with parents. Please keep a log of every attempt you make to reach a parent(s), either in person or by phone. This contact log may be significant as the case progresses.
TRANSPORT: GALS, if you wish to be able to transport your child to an event, or for normalcy purposes, please contact your CAM who will provide the needed documentation and forms.
OPTIMA: GALS, if you need assistance in using OPTIMA, please contact your CAM who will assist you and direct you in the use of OPTIMA. Thank you GALS!
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A Look Inside AARC Decision Making
Have you had a case where the choice of an adoptive placement presented challenging issues? If your answer is yes, you might be familiar with the term AARC. AARC stands for Adoption Applicant Review Committee. The Florida Administrative Code provides for an AARC consultation when an adoptive home study has been denied or when the adoption selection process presents other challenging issues. One challenging issue that necessitates an AARC meeting occurs when multiple families apply to adopt the same child.
When multiple families apply to adopt, a best interest standard will be applied in order to select a family. The committee must consider the following factors in determining the child's best interest when selecting the adoptive family: attachment, siblings, kinship, permanency, and post communication or contact.
1. Attachment. The committee will consider the quality and length of attachment to the current and potential caregiver.
2. Sibling consideration. The committee will determine whether a potential adoptive placement is willing to adopt all members of a sibling group.
3. Consideration is given to kinship as cultural values and traditions are more likely to be passed on by those who have a shared history. Additionally, consideration should be given to the quality of the relationship with a relative seeking to adopt.
4. Permanency. Consideration must be given to a potential adoptive parent's willingness to understand the adoptive child's needs as well as the prospective adoptive parent's understanding of the inherent challenges to parenting an adopted child.
5. Post communication or contact. Consideration is given as to whether the potential adoptive parent is willing and has the capacity to agree to post-adoption contact with siblings or significant adults when such contact is in the child's best interest.
Following the AARC meeting, the AARC chairperson will issue a written recommendation to the community-based care agency. The community-based agency will then either approve or reject the applicant in writing. If the applicant is rejected, written notification to the applicant must include the reason for rejection. The rejected applicant will have twenty-one days to request review of the agency's decision. A request for review will provide the applicant with an administrative hearing. Proceeding with the administrative hearing reviewing the applicant's denial will likely cause notable delay to the adoption of the child. If you have additional questions, please contact your CAM or Best Interest Attorney.
By Senior Best Interest Attorney, Kari Marsland-Pettit, Pasco County
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It is hard to believe that we are now over half way through the year. It has been a busy six months in recruitment. We have been participating in monthly recruitment calls and getting lots of great ideas from other circuits. Here is a brief rundown on some of the things we are currently working on in Pinellas.
On July 5th at 11 AM we will be a guest on 88.5 WMNF's Public Affairs . We hope you can tune in and let your friends know too!
We will be at the Largo Library on Saturday, July 8th for Largo Connects Volunteer Fair from 10-2. We are also holding Information Sessions from 10-11 AM on the following Wednesdays August 2nd, September 6th, October 4th or November 8th in addition to the ones held weekly.
Again, if you have an idea or would like us to come speak to a group you are involved in please contact Karen Malo at 727-464-6147 or karen.malo@gal.fl.gov and in Pasco contact Larnelle Scott at 727-834-3493 or larnelle.scott@gal.fl.gov
Karen Malo,
Pinellas Community Outreach Coordinator
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Terenycia (Teri) Little
East Pasco's GAL of the month is Ms. Terenycia (Teri) Little. Teri is a native Floridian who grew up in the
cala area, but has a special love for the town of Apalachicola, where she learned how to go crabbing
and how to shuck oysters. Teri has been a GAL since April 15, 2015. She has a degree from Florida
State University in Family and Child Services. She stated in her short autobiography, "From the time I
was a child, I knew I would make a career of helping others. I originally began as a psychology major,
ut changed course after attending my first family and child sciences class. I realized I would like to
work with children and families in a social services setting instead of a strictly therapeutic or clinical
setting." When Teri first joined the GAL program, she was working with young children in a daycare.
Later, she trained and worked as a CPI, and is now employed full time for a community based care
agency. Our office has worked around her very demanding schedule. One year, she picked up her
Christmas gifts after office hours to deliver to her children in Hillsborough County. A fe
she made a first visit to see the same children in their new relative placement in Babson Park - about
an 1 ½ drive from Pasco County.
Teri writes excellent visitation reports. She stays in contact with her foster parents and addresses their concerns. She is always on top of her case and continually checks with the case manager about the status of referrals and staffing notes. Not too long ago, on her current case, the date of the JR was moved up about two weeks. When I caught the date change, she stayed up very late and got the report to me - shortly after midnight! Teri is a joy to work with and any child who has her as their Guardian ad Litem is very fortunate.
Jean McNary, Volunteer Team Leader East Pasco
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Pinellas
GAL of the Month
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Jeff Shelton
Jeff Shelton is a committed Guardian. He has been a volunteer since 2008. During that time he has visited approximately 44 children. Jeff takes visiting cases and also works full cases. Jeff took his latest case after making an assessment visit and seeing the child. After the visit he offered to take on the full case.
He often visits more than once a month, taking note of what changes are needed in the home and keeping the CAM informed.
He also keeps in contact with his child's school, including attending conferences when necessary. Jeff is receptive to the caregiver's and child's needs, bringing them a bicycle and new bed as soon as needed.
Jeff is an involved and caring Guardian, often going the extra mile!
Kim Auito, Child Advocacy Manager Pinellas
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Seek Support From Others
I recently attended one of the Brown Bag Lunches and was reminded of the value of this type of Self Care. We say Collective Advocacy for a reason-no one person can have all of the answers so why not get together in a supportive setting and brainstorm solutions! In your role as a GAL it can be easy to get frustrated and feel that there is no solution. At the end of this particular session, there were several guardians who walked out with some really great insights into some barriers they were encountering with their cases. They even commented that they were glad they came and it was a very positive and supportive atmosphere. Sometimes we don't have the answers but we can draw on the experiences of others who may have had similar experiences. It is also great to meet fellow volunteers in a less formal setting to see that we are all together in this. So, whether you are a new Guardian or you have been with us for a while I hope you can add attending an upcoming Brown Bag lunch to your schedule and who knows you may end make a new friend while getting some fresh ideas for your case!
Karen Malo
Community Outreach Coordinator
Pinellas Guardian ad Litem Program
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HEAR YEA, HEAR YEA
Dear Guardians, we are sending out this message, especially for you!
We extend our gratitude for your ongoing dedication, ever so true.
Please take a moment; listen to the GAL Office Crier as he shouts.
"Appreciation", "Admiration", "Recognition", we have no doubts!
Hear Yea, Hear Yea, GALS; we know what you do every single day.
The Crier spreads the word, you can be so sure, come what may.
His horn is filled with thankfulness for GALS so skilled, on the mark.
Your children are well represented and you do so with such spark!
submitted by Diana Aboussir, Child Advocacy Manager
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For the Children
T
hresher's tickets are available for MANY
up
coming games for Guardians, their GAL children, and/or caregivers! Tickets include the promotion of the day!
To check dates see
GALF Calendar
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Case Managers of the Month
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The Guardian ad Litem Program nominates a Case Manager of the Month from ECA each month. We will be nominating a Case Manager from Directions one month and one from Lutheran Services alternating months in Pinellas County. A case manager from Youth and Family Alternatives will also be nominate from Pasco County. These staff are being recognized for their outstanding service and their work with community partners.
Our Case Manager from Pinellas County is
Sara Velez from Directions.
Sara Velez is an exceptional Case Manager. She consistently remains in good communication with my Guardians and with me. Sara is prompt to reply and when necessary, Sara will go to her Supervisor herself to get the needed assistance. Sara is outstanding in every way!
Our Case Manager from Pasco County is Maria James from YFA.
Maria James has a gentle heart and she always comes through for the kids. She's also very quick to get back with us when we leave her a message. Maria is always on top of things, works well with all parties, and has great communication.
Thank you for being such a wonderful advocate for children!
Thank you Sara and Maria for your outstanding service for children and families!
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Special Recognition for GALS from Eckerd!
Direction nominations:
Judy Geier,
n
ominated by: Victoria Oxendine
Judy has an unceasing devotion for our children no matter what obstacle may be in the way.
Denise Reilly,
nominated by: Nadine Strasser
Denise is so supportive and caring for the children on her cases.
Ronald Haddad,
nominated by: Blair Kateara
Ronald is always willing to help, he
has a great attitude and works well with all case managers.
Lilli Taskin, nominated by: Nicole Stallworth Lilli is excellent at keeping in touch. Great quality!
Sam Dulberg, nominated by: Kersten Weaver
Sam goes above and beyond for our children and has been a constant support and mentor.
Susan Rice, Nominated by: Chas Chase
Susan is excellent at what she does; she is very thorough and communicative.
Carol Allen, nominated by: Mary Newmen
Carol is always available when you need her and if she does not know the answer to something she will go and seek out the answer. In addition, she is very supportive of all parties to the case.
Lutheran Services
recognizes John Tarrant
as their GAL of the Month. John is working a high profile case and has been available for meetings and also has lunch regularly with the kids. John is a joy to work with, no matter how stressful a case may become.
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One Year
Leverenz, Cynthia
Dimaio, AnnMarie
Fishbourne, June
Newsom, Timmra
Accola, Tara
Two Years
Badgley, Gala
McConnell, David
Reilly, Denise
Bois, Simon
Three Years
Hohlfeld, Tina
Lutrzykowski, Michele
Whitehead, Audrey
Four Years
Paul, Linda
Hegseth, Elizabeth
Five Years
Alcocer, Paul
Nichols, Ann "Christy"
Hill, Jim
Wells, Janice
Coughlin, Wendy
Davis, Stephen
Liddy, Amanda
Depeppe, Gyda
Swango, Cali
Edwards, Curtis
Nine Years
Hakim, Ralph
Taskin, Liliane
Ten Years
Worthley, Ann
Worthley, Gary
Cuevas, Vicki
Eleven Years
Joan Harris
Elyse McGuire
Whitaker, Phyllis
Fourteen Years
Miliotes, Louise
Eighteen Years
Collette Burgess
Twenty Nine Years
Al Ferraro
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