Arizona Foster Care Review Board: sunset review

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Courtney Riddle
Legislative Research Analyst
(602) 926-3860
Arizona House of Representatives
House Majority Research
MEMORANDUM
1700 West Washington
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
FAX (602) 417-3099
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To: JOINT LEGISLATIVE AUDIT COMMITTEE
Representative Laura Knaperek,Co-'Chair
Senator Robert Blendu, Co-Chair
HE: ARIZONA FOSTER CARE REVIEW BOARD - SUNSET REVIEW
Date: December2005
Attached is the final report of the sunset review of the Arizona Foster Care Review.Board, which
was conducted by the House of Representatives Human Services and the Senate Family Services
Committee of Reference. This report has been distributed to the following individuals and
agencies:
Governor of the State of Arizona
The Honorable Janet Napolitano
President of the Senate
Senator Ken Bennett
Senate Members
Senator Karen Johnson, Co-Chair
Senator Linda Gray
Senator Rebecca Rios
Senator Victor Soltero
Senator Thayer Verschoor
Speaker of the House of Representatives
Representative James.P. Weiers
House Members
Representative Pete Hershberger, Co-Chair
Representative Manuel Alvarez
Representative Mark Anderson
Representative David Bradley
Representative Warde Nichols
Miscellaneous
Administrative Office of the ColJrts, Division of Dependent Children
Office of the Auditor General
Department of Library, Archives & Public Records
Office of the Chief Clerk and Secretary of the Senate
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Senate Republican Staff
Senate Research Staff
Senate Democratic Staff
House Majority Staff
House Research Staff
House Democratic Staff
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COMMITTEE OF REFERENCE REPORT
House 0/Representatives Committee on Human Services
Senate Committee on Family Services
ARIZONA FOSTER CARE REVIEW BOARD
To: JOINT LEGISLATIVE AUDIT COMMITTEE
Senator Robert Blendu, Co-Chair
Representative Laura Knaperek, Co-Chair
Date: December 2005
Pursuant to Title 41, Chapter 27, Arizona Revised Statutes, the Committee of Reference, after
performing a sunset review and conducting a public hearing, recommends the following:
1. The Arizona Foster Care Review Board be continued/or ten years.
COMMITTEE OF REFERENCE
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Representative Peter Hershberger, Co-Chair
Representative Manuel Alvarez
RepresentativeMark Anderson
Representative David Bradley
Representative Warde Nichols
Senator Karen Johnson, Co-Chair
Senator Linda Gray
Senator Rebecca Rios
Senator Victor Soltero
Senator Thayer Verschoor
• COMMITTEE OF REFERENCE
House ofRepresentatives Committee on Human Services
Senate Committee on Family Services
Arizona Foster Care Review Board
Final Report
I. Background
Pursuant to §41-2953, Arizona Revised Statutes, the Joint Legislative Audit Committee (JLAC)
assigned the sunset review of the Arizona Foster Care Review Board (FCRB) to the House of
Representatives Human Services and the Senate Family Services Committee of Reference.
[Attachment A]
II. Committee of Reference Sunset Review Procedure
The Committee ofReference held one public hearing on Monday, November 28, 2005, to review the
performance audit of the FCRB by the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) and to receive public
testimony. [Attachment B]
At the public hearing, the Committee heard testimony from the following: • x
X
X
X
Jessica Tucker, Senior Performance Auditor, OAG
William Stanton, Director of Dependent Children Services Division, Supreme Court
Bruce Brannon, Chairman, State Foster Care Review Board
Tracy Candelaria, Foster Care Review Board, Apache County; Member, FCRB
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Stafffrom the OAG provided a power point computer presentation outlining information regarding
the FCRB, including the Board's statutory responsibilities. The presentation summarized the
Auditor General's findings as follows:
);> Finding One:
• The FCRB adds value to the foster care review process; however, the FCRB can improve
its effectiveness by ensuring timely reporting.
• The FCRB should improve the reporting of service gaps in the child welfare system by
providing training and obtaining access to CPS data and obtaining input from
stakeholders and revising its services gap report.
);> Finding Two:
• The FCRB has key elements to manage volunteers, but can enhance training compliance.
• The FCRB should continue to ensure training is met by the volunteers and establish a
diversity plan to help ensure recruiting efforts are effective.
);> Sunset Factors:
• FCRB should notify the JLBC of its retention of Title IV-E Monies in order to satisfy the
Sunset Factor number 3.
Final Report
Page 2
The Director ofDependent Services Division ofthe Arizona Supreme Court noted that the FCRB is
in the process of implementing all of the Auditor General's recommendations.
The Foster Care Review Board was first established in 1978 to address concerns that Arizona's
foster children were being "lost" in the system and as a result, were staying too long in care; that they
were not receiving appropriate medical care; and that foster parents were not receiving adequate pay
to ensure the daily needs of the children were being met. The FCRB is responsible for conducting
citizen reviews ofchildren who have been placed in out ofhome care. Volunteer review boards are
located throughout the state to conduct reviews of children in out of home care and make
recommendations to the juvenile court, the Department of Economic Security (DES), and other
interested parties. . §8-515.01 requires the establishment ofone local citizen review board for every
100 children in out ofhome care. Currently, there are approximately 426 volunteers and 95 boards
statewide. FCRB local boards are required to conduct these reviews at least once every six months
and submit findings and recommendations to the juvenile court. As ofJune 2005, FCRB's caseload
included 5,263 cases representing 9,054 children. In addition to the local boards, statute provides for
the FCRB State Board. The State Board serves as an oversight body for the FCRB and is composed
of 7 at-large member positions appointed by the Supreme Court and 35 volunteer representatives
from the local boards. The State Board is responsible for establishing the policies and procedures
that govern the local boards, including training requirements for the local board members. The State
Board also advocates for child and family needs through interaction with legislators and collaborates
with entities and stakeholders involved with foster care.
The FCRB receives the majority of their funding through the State General Fund. In FY 2005, the
FCRB received $1.9 million from the General Fund. Additionally, the Board received $366,465
from the Juvenile Crime Reduction Fund, $761,429 from Federal Title IV-E monies, and $232,966
through CASA monies, which is funded through unclaimed lottery prizes.
III. Committee Recommendations
The Committee of Reference recommends that the Foster Care Review Board be continued for 10
years.
IV. Statutory Report Pursuant to Section 41-2954, Arizona Revised Statutes
[Attachment C]
V. Attachments
A. Meeting Notice
B. Minutes of Committee of Reference Hearing
C. Foster Care Review Board Report to Committee of Reference
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• Attachment A
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• Interim agendas can be obtained via the Internet at http://www.azleg.state.az.us/lnterimCommittees.asp
ARIZONA STATE LEGISLATURE
INTERIM MEETING NOTICE
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
SENATE FAMILY SERVICES AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HUMAN SERVICES
COMMITTEE OF REFERENCE FOR THE SUNSET REVIEW OF:
FOSTER CARE REVIEW BOARD
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY
Date:
Time:
Place:
Monday, November 28,2005
9:30 a.m.
House Hearing Room 4
AGENDA
• 1. Call to order
2. Opening Remarks
3. Foster Care Review Board
• Presentation by the Office of the Auditor General
• Response by the Foster Care Review Board
• Public Testimony
• Discussion and Recommendation by the Committee of Reference
4. Department of Economic Security
• Presentation by the Office of the Auditor General
• Response by the Department of Economic Security
• Public Testimony
• Discussion and Recommendation by the Committee of Reference
5. Adjourn
Members:
Senator Karen Johnson, Co-Chair
Senator Linda Gray
Senator Rebecca Rios
Senator Victor Soltero
Senator Thayer Verschoor
Representative Pete Hershberger, Co-Chair
Representative Manuel Alvarez
Representative Mark Anderson
Representative David Bradley
Representative Warde Nichols
• 11/15/05
jmb
People with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations such as interpreters,
alternative formats, or assistance with physical accessibility. If you require accommodations,
please contact the Chief Clerk's Office at (602) 926-3032, TOO (602) 926-3241.
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• Attachment B
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ARIZONA STATE LEGISLATURE
Forty-seventh Legislature - First Regular Session
ragc 1 Ul 1't
SENATE FAMILY SERVICES AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE OF REFERENCE FOR THE SUNSET REVIEW OF
FOSTER CARE REVIEW BOARD
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY
Minutes of Meeting
Monday, November 28,2005
House Hearing Room 4 -- 9:30 a.m.
Chairman Hershberger called the meeting to order at 9:42 a.m. and attendance was noted by the
secretary.
• Senator Gray
Senator Soltero
Senator Verschoor
Senator Johnson, Cochair
Senator Rios
Members Present
Representative Alvarez
Representative Anderson
Representative Bradley
Representative Hershberger, Cochair
Members Absent
Representative Nichols
Speakers Present
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Jessica Tucker, Senior Performance Auditor, Office ofthe Auditor General
Bill Stanton, Division Director, Dependent Children's Services Division, Administrative Office of the
Courts, Supreme Court
Bruce Brannon, Chairman, State Foster Care Review Board
Tracy Candelaria, Foster Care Review Board, Apache County; Member, State Foster Care Review
Board
Melanie Chesney, Director, Performance Audit Division, Office of the Auditor General
David Berns, Director, Arizona Department of Economic Security
Lynne Smith, Assistant Director, Division of Business and Finance, Arizona Department of Economic
Security
Vince Wood, Assistant Director, Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility, Arizona Department of
Economic Security
Tracy Wareing, Acting Deputy Director, Division of Children, Youth and Families, Arizona Department
of Economic Security
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Mary Gill, Deputy Director, Operations, Arizona Department of Economic Security
Mikayla Bailey-Null, Family Advocate, Family Advocacy in Reunification
Robin Scoins, Director, Arizona Family Rights Advocacy Institute
Debbie Davenport, Auditor General
OPENING REMARKS
Chairman Hershberger remarked that oversight of the agencies that deal with children and keep children
safe is very important.
FOSTER CARE REVIEW BOARD
Presentation by the Office of the Auditor General
Jessica Tucker, Senior Performance Auditor, Office of the Auditor General, related that the Foster Care
Review Board (FCRB) reviews cases of children in out-of-home care and advises the juvenile court on
safety of the children and appropriateness of placements. FCRB also reports information regarding
needed improvements in the child welfare system. In FY 2005, FCRB received approximately $1.9
million from the State General Fund, and beginning in FY 2004, began receiving additional state monies
from the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Fund, as well as grant monies from the Juvenile
Crime Reduction Fund (JCRF). Federal Title IV-E monies are also received from the Arizona
Department of Economic Security (DES).
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She said state statute requires one local citizen review board for every 100 children in
out-of-home care. As of June 2005, there were approximately 417 local board volunteers on
94 local boards in Arizona. It is mandated that there be at least one local review board in each county. •
The local boards are required to conduct case reviews of children in out-of-home care at least once every
six months and provide reports to the juvenile court within 30 days detailing the results of the review
and making recommendations for permanent placement. Volunteers are appointed to the local boards by
the juvenile court after completion of FCRB's application and selection process. FCRB board members
serve a three-year term and must complete initial and ongoing training.
Ms. Tucker related that in addition to the local boards, statute also provides for the FCRB State Board,
which serves as an oversight body for the FCRB. The FCRB State Board is composed of seven at-large
members appointed by the Arizona Supreme Court and one local board representative from each
county. As of June 2005, there were 35 local board representatives. In relation to the audit, she
conveyed the following:
Finding 1: To assess FCRB's value, juvenile court judges and commissioners throughout the
State were surveyed, and most respondents reported that FCRB adds value to the foster care
review process; however, the survey responses and auditors indicate that the FCRB can become
more effective with timely reporting to the courts within 30 days of reviews by developing a
comprehensive report tracking system. Also, the FCRB should improve reporting of service gaps
in the child welfare system by providing training to volunteers on how to identify service gaps,
obtaining access to Child Protective Services (CPS) data, and obtaining input from stakeholders
to revise the Service Gap Report.
Finding 2: The FCRB has the components of an effective volunteer management system as
recommended by experts (selection process, defined responsibilities, initial and ongoing training, •
periodic evaluation, and recruiting); however, volunteer training compliance and diversity can be
further enhanced by ensuring that volunteers meet training requirements and establishing a
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diversity plan for volunteers.
Sunset Factors: With regard to Sunset Factor #3 (the extent to which the FCRB has operated
within the public interest), the FCRB generally operates in the public interest by providing an
independent review of cases of children in out-of-home care; however, the FCRB is required to
provide annual written notice to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) regarding
retention of Title IV-E monies and should notify JLBC of $1.2 million in unused Title IV-E
momes.
Ms. Tucker added that the FCRB agreed with the findings and indicated that the recommendations will
be implemented (Presentation, Attachment 1; Report to the Arizona Legislature, Attachment 2).
She advised Senator Johnson that the FCRB had been collecting information regarding service gaps for
about a year at the time of the audit, and a copy of a Service Gap Report can be found on Page 13 of the
Report (Attachment 2). She clarified for Senator Soltero that the FCRB's budget request included
information about Title IV-E monies; however, the recommendation was that JLBC provide written
documentation.
Response by the Foster Care Review Board
Bill Stanton, Division Director, Dependent Children's Services Division, Administrative Office of the
Courts, Supreme Court, stated that the number of children in out-of-home care increased over the last
few years. As of November 2,2005,9,388 children were reviewed by the FCRB, which involved 5,463
cases as some relate to more than one child. As the numbers increase, additional boards are added, and
as of November 2, 2005, there are 95 boards. Four additional boards will be added for a total of 99
boards by January 2006.
He stated that the audit report addressed the issue of diversity within the FCRB. The demographics of
the FCRB are very similar to programs throughout the U.S. Generally people who volunteer are Anglo­American
females over the age of 50 who are retired. The volunteers spend one full day per month
reviewing cases and six to seven hours preparing for reviews, so it is difficult for people with full-time
jobs to make that kind of commitment. He stated that all of the recommendations will be implemented
as follows:
Finding l/Recommendation 1 (develop a comprehensive tracking system): By January
2006, the current tracking system will be modified and posted in the Tucson and Phoenix offices
so staff know when court hearings occur. Reports are generally submitted 30 days after a
review; however, a court hearing may occur before the 30 days, so attempts will be made to
court-synchronize so the FCRB report is submitted. This has been difficult with the increasing
number of cases, making court calendars much more crowded, and periodically, the court
changes the date without notifying the FCRB, but efforts are underway to address the issue.
Finding l/Recommendation 2a (ensure that local boards identify service gapM: The Service
Gap Report has been in existence since August 2004 and was developed as a first draft with the
intent to meet with stakeholders and modify the report one year later. A meeting was held in
August 2005 with stakeholders and the report was modified.
Finding l/Recommendation 2b (continue efforts to obtain access to CPS' case management
system): The FCRB worked with CPS and purchased the appropriate software to access CPS'
case management system, which is being installed and should be operational in about one
month.
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Finding l/Recommendation 3 (revise the Service Gap Report and obtain input from
stakeholders): The stakeholders met in August 2005 to discuss modifications and the report •
will be modified.
Finding l/Recommendation 4 (Service Gan Report): With the new modifications, the report
will differentiate between service gaps and system problems.
Finding 2/Recommendation 1 (continue efforts to ensure volunteers meet training
requirements): The FCRB surveyed volunteers to determine the best method of training,
developed new on-line training curriculum, surveyed volunteers for input on training topics, and
is sending out quarterly reports on hours of training accumulated and needed for compliance by
the end ofthe year.
Finding 2/Recommendation 2 (diversity plan): Of 23 states in the U.S. with a similar FCRB
program, only Oregon has a diversity plan. A copy of that plan was requested, and after it is
received, staff will meet with volunteers to implement the plan.
Sunset Factor: The FCRB developed a reporting method and process of further compliance to
advise JLBC about Title IV-E funds.
In conclusion, Mr. Stanton noted that a few initiatives currently in place include enhanced training
opportunities, Service Gaps and System Problems Finding and Report, data reports to stakeholders, and
an educational finding to address the educational needs of the children. He said the FCRB volunteers
are extremely dedicated individuals who give up numerous hours of personal time per month to conduct
reviews and are dedicated to improving the lives of the children (Presentation, Attachment 3). •
Mr. Stanton advised Senator Verschoor that the FCRB reviews every child in out-of-home care for six
months or longer to address any issues. Information is provided by CPS, foster parents, and CASAs
regarding the status of the child moving toward permanency, education, and whether or not appropriate
services are being provided. The children and parents have attorneys who are invited to attend and
present information. Each case lasts from 15 minutes to 2 hours. If, for example, a child is abused and
the child's needs are not being met, that information is included in the report to the judge with
recommendations on what should happen. There have been cases where foster placement is perhaps not
the best placement, so a change in placement was recommended. The judges take the reports seriously.
Mr. Stanton related to Senator Gray that the volunteers are from all walks of life. Obtaining volunteers
involves recruitment, observation of the FCRB by the volunteer, and then the person is processed to be
selected to sit on the FCRB. Within 90 days, the person must attend orientation training and receive six
to eight hours of additional training per year.
Senator Gray surmised that the FCRB is one of the largest volunteer groups in the state other than
school board members and expressed appreciation for their service to the community.
Mr. Stanton indicated to Mr. Bradley that the process for providing input to the FCRB has been
simplified in that one person every day receives phone calls from people who want to leave statements,
which are read to the FCRB. Input can also be provided through teleconference calls. He related that
staff in the offices in Tucson and Phoenix is almost to the breaking point. A much better job could be
done and more information could be provided to the Legislature and others with more resources. Mr.
Bradley said he hopes that will be looked at during the upcoming Legislative Session in order to utilize
the board to the fullest extent.
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Mr. Stanton indicated to Mr. Anderson that CPS provides a case plan and other information to the
FCRB. The FCRB also has access to psychological testing, reports from the CASA, etc., all of which
are sent to the volunteers prior to the review. During the review, the bulk of information regarding what
is happening with the particular child is provided. In running statistics on the data system two or three
years ago, only about 20 percent of foster parents attended reviews, so the FCRB focused on
encouraging foster parents to attend because they know what is happening with the child. Reviews are
held during the day, so whether or not to take the child out of school is something the FCRB goes back
and forth on. Some children attend the review, and the volunteers especially enjoy seeing the faces of
children affected by their recommendations. More children attend in the summer.
Mr. Stanton advised Senator Soltero that the volunteers do not receive monetary compensation and are
only reimbursed for travel during training. Many participate because of concern for the children and do
not want to be compensated.
In relation to providing reports to the court in a timely manner, Mr. Stanton advised
Senator Verschoor that CPS caseworkers do not provide information prior to the review, which makes it
difficult to report a service gap. He believes one reason is the large turnover at CPS. Numerous
conversations were held with CPS on the issue and a report was developed that is sent to CPS
supervisors noting cases in which information has not been received.
Senator Verschoor noted that there were 121 cases in which a child was not visited by a case manager
on a monthly basis, which is a concern since children are dying. He wondered how the FCRB can make
a proper recommendation without CPS information. Also, in 617 cases, CPS case managers did not
appear before the FCRB in person or by telephone. To top it off, there are problems getting the reports
to the court on time, which is being improved. Mr. Stanton replied that the FCRB does not have
jurisdiction over DES about providing information, but CPS management is working with staff. The
foster parent is present at the hearing, so some information can be gathered, and when the report goes to
the court, that is provided to the judge. He added that the 17 percent of reports to the court outside the
30-day window were mostly due to inefficient staff. He believes the statistics would be significantly
improved today.
Mr. Stanton related to Senator Johnson that the biological parents are invited to the hearings and show
up 15 to 20 percent of the time. CPS provides an address and a notice is sent advising of the hearing
with a phone number to call to participate. If the parent is not present, the FCRB asks if there is a
change of address so the parents can be notified in the future.
Senator Johnson said she is concerned that not many parents are attending. From the perspective of
hearing from parents, she is afraid the parents are not receiving notices. She stated that she and Senator
Verschoor are concerned about the fact that CPS caseworkers are not present, which is vital. She
questioned how long reports from CPS have not been received in a timely manner. Mr. Stanton
answered that it has been an ongoing battle since the beginning of the program, and the FCRB is
constantly working with CPS to obtain the reports.
Mr. Stanton advised Senator Johnson that after Oregon's diversity plan is received, it will be reviewed
by staff, and a subcommittee will probably be formed to develop the plan. The intent is to have a board
that reflects the population of the children that are reviewed.
Senator Johnson expressed concern about children moved from one placement to another, which means
the children must change school each time. She wondered if a voucher program could be instituted so
the children could remain in the same school. Mr. Stanton responded that a CPS subcommittee is
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working on the issue. Often children moved from placement to placement end up not only falling
behind, but sometimes do not attend school for weeks or months, which is a concern. He believes the
FCRB will be able to provide suggestions in the future. •
Senator Johnson commended the FCRB volunteers and courts for their work. She said she hopes the
process can be streamlined so accurate information is provided to the courts and proper decisions
involving these very vulnerable children can be made.
Public Testimony
Bruce Brannon, Chairman, State Foster Care Review Board, stated that the composition of the FCRB he
currently sits on in Mesa has changed over 26 years. Some of the people he serves with include a
clinical psychologist, a woman who sells nutritional supplements to health food stores, a retired woman
who is about 76 years old and works full-time as an aide at a Mesa high school who is allowed time off
to serve, and a woman who owns an auto body shop. There have been policemen, restaurateurs, and
retired teachers, so their backgrounds are very diverse.
He indicated that the packets the volunteers receive on each case should include a case plan from CPS,
an update from the court from CPS, and any other ancillary information such as results of drug testing,
psychological evaluations, reports from school, and report cards. Each time a case is heard, the
information is reviewed, and fortunately, notes can be made on a sheet of paper that goes with the case
so the progress that has been made can be reviewed six months later. The purpose is permanency for the
children, either with the parents who remediated whatever situation brought the child into care,
guardianship, adoption, or relative placement.
Regarding the educational feature, Mr. Brannon noted that discussions were held with the Arizona •
Department of Education (ADE) about having a thumbnail sketch that travels with the child through the
system so the ultimate provider of educational services knows the needs and background of the child in
order to best serve the child. Part of the concern and one of the findings on education is if the child has
an individual educational plan (IEP). In changing schools, some things get lost in the shuffle, so maybe
the child needs tutoring and perhaps that is something the FCRB can help provide. The power the Board
has is to listen to all interested parties and make a recommendation to the court. Each case is heard by
the court at least once per year, more than likely twice, and in some counties, three or four times, but the
FCRBs do research for the courts. If there is a very serious situation that needs immediate attention, the
program specialist and administrators are asked to move the case forward in front of a judge quickly so
action can be taken.
Senator Johnson noted that hearings were held for the last six to seven months where many families
talked about different issues, but it appears there has been some embellishment, lying, sometimes bias,
and power plays by a small percentage of CPS caseworkers, investigators, and supervisors. She
wondered how the FCRB knows the information from CPS is truthful and accurate. Mr. Brannon
responded that is a matter of judgment. The volunteers get to know caseworkers who stay around long
enough. It is like any other business where a small percentage is not fitted to the job, but the majority
does as accurate a job as possible with a heavy workload and growing population. When the FCRB was
established, DES/CPS did not want to have anything to do with it, but there is a much more cooperative
attitude now with everyone working together for the betterment and permanent placement of the child.
He believes the CPS workers are honest and earnest in their efforts and try to do their best. There are
exceptions, but his experience has been very positive.
Senator Johnson related a case in which a child was removed from the grandparents because CPS
thought the grandparents were aware of but did not report abuse that occurred in a different home
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setting. A few months later, a note was made in the CPS file that the grandparents did not know about
the abuse and desperately wanted the child; however, the child was not returned to the grandparents and
is now out of state with a paternal grandmother who had never been around the child. If the FCRB saw
a mistake was made that was not brought to the judge's attention during adjudication by CPS, even
though the Legislature asked that it be brought to the judge's attention, she wondered if the FCRB could
do anything about it. Mr. Brannon answered that he is not sure the FCRB would have been able to
detect interplay between whether someone knew something at some time or did not and what the
reaction and action would have been by CPS.
Tracy Candelaria, Foster Care Review Board, Apache County; Member, State Foster Care Review
Board, relayed to Senator Johnson that she believes parents who attend the meetings are complying,
want their children back, and attend the required programs. Parents who do not attend were notified and
choose not to attend because they are not complying. She believes the FCRB is very important and a lot
of work, but the volunteers participate because they care.
DiscussionlRecommendation
Senator Soltero moved that the Committee of Reference recommend to the
Legislature that the Arizona Foster Care Review Board be continued for
10 years.
Senator Johnson moved a substitute motion that the Committee of Reference
recommend to the Legislature that the Arizona Foster Care Review Board be
continued for five years.
Senator Johnson said the legislators only serve an eight-year term limit ifthey are fortunate enough to be
elected during that time, so to give 10-year recommendations to agencies and boards is not wise. There
should be some semblance of continuity, and with a five-year continuation some people who
experienced this review would still be around when the next hearing takes place.
Senator Soltero acknowledged that there may be some problems, but he did not see strong evidence that
the FCRBs are having major problems. He is concerned about the Auditor General and others having to
go through this process again in five years.
Senator Johnson responded that it is not that she believes there are major problems, but it is incumbent
upon the legislators as watchdogs for the citizens of Arizona to oversee programs properly, which is
very difficult when brand new people are not aware of issues brought up in the previous review.
Question was called on the substitute motion that the Committee of Reference
recommend to the Legislature that the Arizona Foster Care Review Board be
continued for five years. The motion failed.
Question was called on the original motion that the Committee of Reference
recommend to the Legislature that the Foster Care Review Board be continued for
10 years. The motion carried by a roll call vote of 4-3-1-2 (Attachment 4).
ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY
• Presentation---.hy Office of the Auditor General
Melanie Chesney, Director, Performance Audit Division, Office of the Auditor General, stated that
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Ruth V. McGregor
Chief Justice
September 19, 2005
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STATE OF ARIZONA
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS
David K. Byers
Administrative Director
Of the Courts
•
Courtney Riddle
Arizona House of Representatives
1700 West Washington
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
MsRiddle:
Per Representative Hershberger's request in his letter dated September 8, 2005, please
find enclosed the Foster Care Review Board's response to the four factors, pursuant to
A.RS. § 41-2954 F. Als9 enclosed, per the request, are copies ofthe state board's
minutes from the past year.
Should you need additional information, please contact me at 602-542-9409 or Caroline
Lautt-Owens at 602-542-9408.
Sincerely,
William Stanton
Director ofDependent Children Services
Enclosure
• cc: David K. Byers, Administrative Director, Administrative Office of the Courts
Caroline Lautt-Owens, Program Manager, FCRB
1501 WESTWASHINTON STREET PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85007-3231 • 602-542-9300 (TOO) 602-542-9545
1. An identification of the problem or the needs that the agency is intended to
address.
It has often been said that the Government's ability to take away a person's child
is a power second only to the death penalty. Such power requires systems of
checks and balances to ensure that these types of decisions are made soundly with
as much information and input as possible.
The Foster Care Review Board was established by the Legislature in 1978 to
address concerns that Arizona's foster children were being "lost" in the system
and as a result, were staying too long in care; that they were not receiving
appropriate medical care; and that foster parents were not receiving adequate pay
to ensure the daily needs of the children were being met.
The Foster Care Review Board was created as an independent reviewer that
serves in an oversight capacity and reviews, at least once every six months, the
case of each child in foster care. The purpose of these reviews is to:
determine and advise the juvenile court ofthe adequacy of efforts and
progress toward placement of the child in a permanent home;
encourage and facilitate the return of each dependent child to hislher family
whenever appropriate and possible;
And assist in informing parents and others of their rights and responsibilities
regarding a dependent child in foster care.
2. A statement, the extent practicable, in quantitative and qualitative terms, of
the objectives of such agency and its anticipated accomplishments.
A.R.S. 8-515.03 establishes the objectives/purposes of the local FCRB as follows:
1. "Review within six months ofplacement and at least once every six months
thereafter the case of each child who remains in out-of-home placement and who
is the subject of a dependency action to determine what efforts have been made by
the division and the agency with which the child has been placed to carry out the
case plan for the permanent placement of such child "
2. "Allow a child's parents and grandparents to attend the local foster care review
board's review of the case. The parent or grandparent may be accompanied at the
review by an advocate ofthe parent or grandparent's choice."
3. "Review any case assigned by the juvenile court for early review of the case
plan within sixty days after the removal of a child from that child's home."
4. "Submit to the juvenile court within thirty days following the review its
findings and recommendations regarding the efforts and progress made by the
•
•
•
•
•
•
division and agency to carry out the case plan, together with any other
recommendations it chooses to make regarding the child "
5. "Encourage and facilitate the timely return of children to their natural parents
or, if the board finds that one or more of the grounds listed in section 8-533 may
exist, encourage the appropriate agency to initiate such procedures as would make
the child eligible for adoption, followed by a maximum effort by the agency to
place the child for adoption."
6. "Encourage the division and all agencies involved in placing children in out-of­home
placement to exert all possible efforts to make arrangements for permanent
plans for children for whom return to natural parents or adoption is determined to
be infeasible or impossible."
7. "Promote and encourage the division and all agencies involved in placing
children in foster care to maximize stability and family continuity for children in
foster care by discouraging unnecessary changes in the placement of foster
children and by recruiting foster parents who may be suitable and eligible as
adoptive parents."
8. "Assist the division and agencies in informing natural parents, foster parents
and other interested parties of their rights and responsibilities with respect to any
child in out-of-home placement. Natural parents, foster parents and other
interested parties may be involved in the review process when appropriate."
9. "Make recommendations to the state board regarding foster care policies and
procedures as they relate to the children assigned for their review. "
A.R.S. 8-515.04 establishes the objectives/purposes ofthe state board as follows:
1. The state board should meet no less than twice annually;
2. Review and coordinate the activities of the local boards;
3. Establish training programs for local board members, including periodic in­service
training
3. An identification of any other agencies having similar,conflicting or
duplicate objectives, and an explanation of the manner in which the agency
avoids duplication or conflict with other such agencies.
No other agency has been identified that has similar, conflicting or duplicative
objectives. There may be several agencies/programs that work and advocate for
the best interests of children in care, however, none ofthem serve in an
"oversight" capacity.
4. An assessment of the consequences of eliminating the agency or of
consolidating it with another agency.
The Foster Care Review Board is the sole "independent reviewer" ofchild
welfare cases. Because it assists Arizona in meeting the requirements ofPL96­272,
DES is able to claim federal dollars each year. The programs termination or
consolidation with another agency would result in DES losing its additional
funding as well as the elimination of the program's legislative intent; the
elimination of an independent review system; and the elimination of a strong child
welfare reform advocacy effort. For the public, the elimination of the Foster Care
Review Board would mean the exclusion, to a great extent, of citizen participation
in child welfare reform and the elimination of a non-threatening forum at which to
provide information and share various perspectives ofthose involved in a
dependency action. For the children who are the subject ofthese actions, it would
mean fewer people tracking the progress of their case, fewer people advocating
for their permanency, and the elimination ofthe only constant in the child's life.
The specific effects of eliminating the program are outlined below.
• Because the Foster Care Review Board assists Arizona in meeting
the requirements ofPL96-272, DES is able to claim federal dollars
each year. Elimination ofthe program would result in DES losing its
additional funding.
• Eliminating the one constant in a child's life. Traditionally, FCRB
members have had the longest involvement with each case and the
elimination of the program would eliminate that important contact
and continuity.
• Eliminating an external independent review system that keeps all
parties (including DES) accountable to fulfill the case plan
objectives.
• Without the citizen review system, this type of case review would
fall either to the agency, thus creating a system in which the agency
who creates the case plan is responsible for monitoring its own
plan, or to courts, thus causing more expense and work to the
already over burdened court system; and again, eliminating the
independent review.
•
•
•
•
Charles E. Jones
Chief Justice
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
RE:
~upr.eltl£ QInurt
STATE OF ARIZONA
ADMINISTRATIVE OffiCE OF THE COURTS
FCRB State Board Members .~
Caroline Lautt-Owens, Program Manager()"
Foster Care Review Board Program
August 6, 2004
September 11, 2004 State Board Meeting
David K Byers
Administrative Director
of the Courts
•
STATE BOARD MEETING:
The State Foster Care Review Board will be meeting on Saturday, September 11, 2004 at the State Courts
Building, 150I West Washington, in Conference Rooms 119A and B, at 11 :00 a.m. and will conclude by
3:30 p.m. Enclosed are the minutes of the May 21, 2004 meeting.
LUNCH
A luncheon has been arrangedfor September 11, 2004. The speaker willpresent at 11:00 a.m.
and lunch will be served at noon.
Since we will be ordering lunch, it is imperative thatyou RS. v.P. your attendance by September
2,2004.
LOCAL BOARD MEMBERS
You have been provided this State Board information for the following reasons:
•
I.
2.
3.
As a mechanism to inform you of State Board meetings and activities. Local board members
are always welcome to attend. As a local board member, you only need to R.S.V.P. ifyou
wish to attend.
Local board members are encouraged to participate in State Board meetings,-however, local
board members do not have voting privileges.
If you are interested in a committee project, please contact Caroline Lautt-Owens at (602) 542­9408.
(See Volunteer Manual, Page IT-I 0 for further information
about Local Board Member involvementin the State Board.)
( Over)
1 t;n1 WF~TWASHINGTON STREET • PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85007-3231 602·542-9300 rroD> 602-542-9545
State Board Members, Please submit the attached R.S. v.P. form by September 2, 2004 or R.S. v.P. by
phone to Cathy Metrick (602) 542-9402. You may also e-mail cmetrick@supreme.sp.state.az.us.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS: All committee agendas and meeting materials will be distributed at the
meeting.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
The Executive Committee will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in Suite 128 FCRB Main Conference
Room (roundtable).
COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITTEE:
The Community Outreach Committee will be meeting from 9:30 a.m to 11:00 a.m. in Suite 128, FCRB 2.
CONTINUING EDUCATION COMMITTEE:
The Contiiming Education Committee will be meeting from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in Conference Room
230.
ADVOCACY COMMITTEE:
The Advocacy Committee will meet from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in Suite 128, FCRB Main Conference
Room.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS:
Enclosed is a list ofHote1/Motel Accommodations located near the State Courts Building. Since the rates are
subject to change, please check all rates when making reservations. The current state allowance for
lodging in the Phoenix area is $90.00 per night. Also remember to ask for state government rate when
making reservations.
The following overnight allowances for participation at the State Board meeting will be made, when necessary:
•
One Night Stay
Coconino
Gila
Pima
Pinal
Yavapai
Two Night Stay
Apache Mohave
CochiseNavajo
Graham Santa Cruz
Greenlee
LaPaz
Yuma
•
• STATE FOSTER CARE REVIEW BOARD
September 11, 2004
STATE COURTS BUILDING
Training Room 119 A & B
AGENDA
•
11 :00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. -1: 15 p.m.
1: 15 p.m. - 1:55 p.m.
I.
II.
Lunch/Speaker
Call to Order Bruce Brannan
Approval ofMinutes - May 21, 2004
Introductions/Announcements
Committee Reports
A. Executive Committee
B. Advocacy Committee
C. Community Outreach Committee Report
D. Continuing Education Committee
1:55 p.m.- 2: 15 p.m.
2: 15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
2:45 p.m. - 3:05 p.m.
IV. Old Business
V. New Business
VI. Program Manager's Report Caroline Lautt-Owens
3:05 p.m.- 3:25 p.m. . VII. Division/AOC Report :.Bill Stanton
3:25 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. VIII. Call to Public ; Chairperson
•
3:30p.m. IX. Adjournment. Chairperson
•
•
•
R. S. V. P.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
(8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.)
ADVOCACY COMMITTEE MEETING
(9:30 a.m. -11:00 a.m.)
Yes, I will attend
No, I will be unable to attend
COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITTEE MEETING
(9:30 a.m. -11:00 a.m.)
Yes, I will attend
No, I will be unable to attend
CONTINUING EDUCATION COMMITTEE MEETING
(9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.)
Yes, I will attend
No, I will be unable to attend
SPEAKER, LUNCHEONAND STATE BOARD MEETING
(11 :00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.)
Yes, I will attend
No, I will be unable to attend
Board Member: _--..; _
County:. Board #: _
Day Telephone Number: --..; _
PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE BY
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2,2004
• STATE FOSTER CARE REVIEW BOARD
MAY 21, 2004
SAN MARCOS HOTEL, CHANDLER, AZ
AfINUTES
Present: Maricopa Coconino Graham .Cochise
Ellen Altman Carole Cohen Ann Johnson Gene Manring
Bruce Brannan
George Bressler Yuma LaPaz Gila
John Cannon
Anne Donahoe Vacant Position Vacant Position
Barbara Hanigsberg
NancyHarrell Apache Greenlee Santa Cruz
Connie Koch
Marilyn Miller Sarah O'Brien Tom Tellez
Mitzi Pinsly • Sandra Robertson Pinal Yavapai At-Large
Linda Smith
Jim Treece Toni Carlton Pamela Frye
Sylvia Van Arsdale Donald Groth
Navajo Mohave Joe Jacober
Pima Rachel Oesterle
Thelma Gray Beth Rosenberg
Paul Hanson Allyn Watson
Shirlee Haines
Barbara Nelson
Theresa Ryan
Staff: Christopher Corman, Caroline Lautt-Owens, Connie Lopez, Bill Stanton
Local Board Members: William Shlensky
•
Public Members: Representative Bradley, Denise Barker, Pat Briggs, Nancy Miller, Vernon McCurry,
Mike Krasner
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
TOM TELLEZ MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES. CAROLE COHEN
SECONDED. MOTION PASSED (0405).
.- II. INTRODUCTIONS AND ANNOUCEMENTS:
Bruce welcomed the members of the National Association of Foster Care Reviewers, Pat
Briggs, Denise Barker, and Nancy Miller
III. OLD BUSINESS:
There was no old business to address.
IV. NEW BUSINESS:
A. State Board Goals:
Bruce explained that the Executive Committee met on April 24, 2004 and developed
five State Board Goals for 2004. The goals were discussed and presented for approval.
1. Consistent with the Governor's Child Refonn Action Plan, create a lOth Finding
with supporting elements that reports identified service gaps or system problems so
that they can be provided to CPS administrators on a quarterly basis.
2. Focus on Substance Abuse training as a two-year CEC committee goal and develo.
a training delivery method that is conducive to rural boards.
3. Build upon last year's efforts of connecting with the community by increasing the
involvement of volunteers in this charge.
4. Develop a board member recruitment and implementation plan to assist in
decreasing the current vacancy rate and continue recruiting at an increased level.
5. Conduct a program wide review ofthe Finding and Elements Guidebook as
established.
LINDA SMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE 2004 STATE BOARD GOALS AS
STATED. CAROLE COHEN SECONDED. MOTION PASSED (0406).
B. Finding 10:
Bruce explained that Finding 10 was developed in accordance with the Governor's
Action Plan 6.0, which "directs CPS to contact the State Foster Care Review Board
about how the Board, consistent with its oversight functions, can advise through its
quarterly meetings, CPS administrators regarding service gaps or system problems it or
the local review boards identify. as part of their review ofCPS cases, particularly as tOe
areas where CPS does not currently meet federal standards."
2
•
•
•
Bruce and Carole have been appointed to serve on the oversight committee established
by the Governor's Office. In order to provide the necessary feedback to this committee
about the service gaps or system problems, an Ad Hoc Committee developed a finding
10 to gather the infonnation. CPS staff participated in this Ad Hoc Committee.
The group discussed elements and made some revisions.
Beth suggested that a statement be included that states: "The child is dually adjudicated
and required services are not being provided and/or coordinated."
The committee agreed to the following elements under Finding #10 and acknowledged
that all Findings and Elements will be reviewed as part of the State Board goal.:
FINDING 10:
The Board makes a determination that there are no significant service gaps or
system problems in this case.
The elements to be considered when making this determination are:
FOR THE AGENCY:
The Agency has not submitted the referral to the RBHA.
Agency staffing problems are impeding service provisions.
Changes in case manager(s) is impeding service provisions.
The Agency is not in compliance with submitting its required progress reports and/or
case plans to the FCRB.
The child has not been visited by the case manager on at least a monthly basis.
Visits between the child(ren) and parents/siblings have not been facilitated by the case
manager.
The case manager did not appear either in-person or telephonically at the FCRB.
The child is age 14 and there are no tasks/services in the case plan which will facilitate
hislher transition into a case plan goal of independent living.
The youth's independent living needs are not being adequately met.
The child(ren)'s medical and/or dental care/coverage has not been adequately arranged.
3
FOR OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS:
The RBHA has denied the requested service(s).
The RHBA is not proving the required services.
The child's therapeutic needs are not being met through the services the RBHA is
providing..
The recommended treatment service(s) is not adequately available.
A waiting list for counseling is inhibiting service delivery.
Residential Substance Abuse treatment is not adequately available.
Out-Patient Substance Abuse treatment is not adequately available.
The parent is incarcerated and the recommended services are not being provided.
e·
The child is in detention or in the custody ofthe ADJC, and the recommended services
are not being provided
The child is dually adjudicated and the services are not be coordinated and/or provided.
A waiting list is inhibiting an appropriate placement. e
Bill stated that the information gathered through finding 10 will go directly to the
Governor's office.
Bruce reminded the board that it is not the intention to micromanage CPS but to gather
the information to let them know how things stand.
A MOTION WAS MADE TO APPROVE FINDING #10 WITH THE ADDITIONS AND
REVISIONS. MOTION WAS SECONDED. MOTION PASSED. (0407).
Bruce stated that it will be important for the Advocacy Committee to watch for the
changes that will occur and please report back to the state board.
V. PROGRAM MANAGER'S REPORT:
Caroline delivered the following report:
The program is involved in a strong recruitment effort. Currently the vacancy rate is 13%.
PSAs have been sent out to various counties. Recently Bill appeared on a local cable TV show
in Pinal County. Caroline requested anyone with recruitment suggestions please contactsta.
4
•
•
•
VI.
The FCRB and the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation worked together in Pima
County on a Sibling Reunion Day on May 15. About 72 children attended. Maricopa County
will hold a second annual Sibling Day in October.
Maricopa CPS reports are being emailed to the FCRB. Coconino is alsoemailing their reports.
Mohave is beginning the process. Cochise and Pima Counties are next. Once this is running
smoothly, the plan is to begin Phase 2, ernailing FCRB recommendation reports to CPS. Phase
3 will entail mailing the FCRB recommendation reports to the courts. This will require more
work since they are on another server.
A new Maricopa Board opened recently in the east valley, as well as another new board in
Phoenix.
The comment card and survey form has been reinstituted. Elizabeth Jacobs, a board member in
Maricopa County developed the form. She and her students also developed the instructions that
are read to the interested parties during the board. This was done so there would be consistency·
throughout the survey process. Elizabeth and her students will gather the infonnation for
analysis and provide the results to the program. The surveys are copied before they are
forwarded to Elizabeth. These copies will be available for the auditors if they are interested.
We believe the Sunset Audit will to begin within the next 90 days. The FCRB Program is due
to expire in 2006. The Auditor Generals' Office completes an audit ofthe program to
determine if it is performing effectively and delivers this report to the legislature. The
legislature then decides whether or not to extend the program.
DIVISION DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Bill Stanton delivered the fonowing report:
The division staffhave worked on numerous projects this past month. During May, the CASA
Program sponsored an Older Youth Conference held at the San Marcos. This CASA training
focused on working with older youth. There is a strong focus in CASA to mentoring older
youth and connecting them with people in the community so when they leave the system, they
succeed.
A Judges' Training on jury trials was held in Tucson the second week ofMay. A prosecutor, a
judge, an attorney who represents parents and children, and a Guardian ad Litem from Texas
presented. Currently jury trials for termination of parental rights are held in Texas.
The first division databook has been completed and will be available on the website. It contains
information on CASA, Court Improvement, and the Foster Care Review Board.
There have been 10 jury trials in Arizona. Nine ofthe juries terminated parental rights and only
one jury did not. The division plans to track the data on "bench trials" where a judge hears the
case and "jury trials" where the jury makes the decision. Last month statewide there were 100
bench trials on termination of parental rights; 97 went to termination and 3 were dismissed
5
. "
before the trial occurred. The jury trials are causing problems in the system since they last thr.
to five days,and case worker and attorneys must be in court. There have been no appeals yet. '
The Juvenile On-Line Tracking System (JOLTS) is about 20 years old, and there is a project to
rewrite this program. When this occurs, Dependent Children Automated Tracking System
(DCATS) will be merged with JOLTS. The data willbe on one system and readily available
for dually adjudicated children. It will be a three to four year project. Rob Shelley from Court
Improvement has been assigned to work on this project.
The house passed the budget and it has gone to the senate. There was no additional funding for
CASA or FCRB. This is a problem since the numbers are increasing. Staffwill work and
make the necessary adjustments to handle the increase. The budget for fy '06 is being
developed and a request will be made for additional staff
The Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) project is in the planning stages. This
would allow all documents to be scanned and stored on a server. In the future this would make
it possible to receive packets electronically and thereby save on postage costs. This is about
two or three years away.
The FCRB and Children' Action Alliance have partnered in the Fostering Results Project.
Funding has been received to provide training for judges. Presenters from out of state will
provide training at the Judicial Conference in June. They will address the Pew Commission
recommendations, and a panel offive judges will respond to these recommendations and give.
their feedback.
Bill introduced Representative Bradley who attended a portion of the state board.
VII. CALL TO THE PUBLIC:
No public attendee wished to address the board.
VII. ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting adjourned at 3:07 P.M.
•
6
•
Charles E. Jones
Chief Justice
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
RE:
~upr.e1tt£ ([ourf
STATE OF ARIZONA
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS
FCRB State Board Members
r,,tO
Caroline Lautt-Owens, Program Manager~
Foster Care Review Board Program
November 1,2004
December 4, 2004 State Board Meeting
David K. Byers
Administrative Director
of the Courts
STATE BOARD MEETING:
The State Foster Care Review Board will be meeting on Saturday, December 4, 2004 at the State Courts
Building, 1501 West Washington, in Conference Rooms 1"19 A and B, at 11:00 a.m. and will conclude by
3:30 p.m. Enclosed are the minutes ofthe September 11,2004 meeting.
• LUNCH
~ A luncheon has been arrangedfor December 4,2004. Katherine Guffey andLinda Johnson will
. ... present on the DES safety and risk assessmentprocess. The speakers wlUpresent at J J :00 a.m.
and lunch will be served at noon. . .
Since we will be ordering lunch, it is imperative thatyou R.S. v.~ your attendance by November
22,2004
LOCAL BOARD MEMBERS
You have been provided this State Board information for the following reasons:
•
1.
2.
3.
As a mechanism to inform you of State Board meetings and activities. Local board members
are always welcome to attend. As a local board member, you only need to R.S.V.P. if you
wish to attend. .
Local board members are encouraged to participate in State Board meetings, however, local
board members do not have voting privileges.
If you are interested in a committee project, please contact Caroline Lautt-Owens at (602) 542­9408.
(See Volunteer Manual, Page 11-10 for further information
about Local Board Member involvement iIi the State Board.)
( Over)
1501 WEST WASHINGTON STREET PHOENIX. ARIZONA 85007·3231 • 602·542-9300 CTDDl 602·542-9545
State Board Members, Please submit the attached R.s. v.P. form by November 22, 2004 or R.S. v.P. by
phone to Cathy Metrick (602) 542-9402. You may also e-mail cmetrick(ii)supreme.sp.state.az.us.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS: All committee agendas and meeting materials will be distributed at the
meeting.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
The Executive Committee will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in Suite 128 FCRB Main Conference
Room (roundtable).
COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITTEE:
The Community Outreach Committee will be meeting from 9:30 a.m to 11:00 a.m. in Suite 128, FCRB 2.
CONTINUING EDUCATION COMMITTEE:
The Continuing Education Committee will be meeting from 9:30 a.m. to 11 :00 a.m. in Conference Room
230.
ADVOCACY COMMITTEE:
The Advocacy Committee will meet from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in Suite 128, FCRB Main Conference
Room.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS:
Enclosed is a list ofHotellMotel Accommodations located near the State Courts Building. Since the rates are
subject to change, please check all rates when ma.king reservations. The current state allowance for
lodging in the Phoenix area is $90.00 per night. Also remember to ask for state government rate when
making reservations.
The following overnight allowances for participation at the State Board meeting will be made, when necessary:
•
•
One Night Stay
Coconino
Gila
Pima
Pinal
Yavapai
Two Night Stay
Apache
Cochise
Graham
Greenlee
LaPaz
Yuma
Mohave
Navajo
Santa Cruz
•
• STATE FOSTER CARE REVIEW BOARD
December 4, 2004
STATE COURTS BUILDING
Training Room 119 A & B
AGENDA
11 :00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. . Lunch/Speaker
I: 15 p.m. - 1:55 p.m. II. Committee Reports
1:00 p.m. - 1: 15 p.m. I. . Call to Order ~ ~ Bruce Brannan
Approval ofMinutes - September 11,2004
Introductions/Announcements
• A.
B.
C.
D.
Executive Committee
Advocacy Committee
Community Outreach Committee Report
Continuing Education Committee
•
1:55 p.rn, - 2:15 p.m.
2: 15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
2:45 p.m. - 3:05 p.m.
3:05 p.m. - 3:25 p.m.
3:25 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
3:30p.m.
IV. Old Business
V. New Business
• Comments on ChiefJustice's Proposed Strategic Plan
VI. Program Manager's Report Caroline Lautt-Owens
• United Way Video Clip
VII. Division/AOC Report Bill Stanton
VIII. Call to Public Chairperson
IX. Adjournment : ; Chairperson
•
•
•
STATE FOSTER CARE REVIEW BOARD
SEPTEMBER 11 2004
MINUTES
Present: Maricopa Coconino La Paz Gila
Bruce Brannan Yuma Vacant Position Vacant Position
George Bressler
John Cannon Thelma Lundy Greenlee Santa Cruz
Nancy Harrell
Elizabeth Jacobs Apache Tom Tellez
Connie Koch Yavapai
Mitzi Pinsly At-Large
Linda Smith Gladys Alten de Costa
Jim Treece Pinal C. Eileen Bond
Sylvia VanArsdale Mohave Pamela Frye
Donald Groth
Pima Navajo Charles Flagge Joe Jacober
Beth Rosenberg
Gary Gustafson Thelma Gray Cochise Rachel Oesterle
Shirlee Haines Allyn Watson
Paul Hanson Graham Gene Manring
Jan Mumford
Barbara Nelson Ann Johnson
Theresa Ryan
Staff: Caroline Lautt-Owens, Carissa Moore, Charles Gray, Sandy Guizzetti, Connie Lopez,
Linda Bednarek, Sarah Goodman
Local Board Members: Earl Haines, Peter Chavez, Barbara Parham, Jim Williams, Robert
Carter
I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:
The State Board Minutes ofMay 21,2004 are amended to read Eileen Bond, At-Large
member from Yavapai County, present.
II. COMMITTEEREPORTS:
A. Executive Committee:
Bruce Brannan deliv~red the following report:
The committee granted attendance waivers to the following local board members:
Deborah Lana, MC 30; Adelia Sommer, Pima 12; Yvonne Morris, Pima 20. A six­month
leave of absence was granted to Barbara Hanigsberg, MC 32.
A card to Barbara Hanigsberg was circulated for board members to sign.
Finding #10 was approved by the Committee ofJuvenile Court Judges in June. The
FCRB began using Finding lOin July 2004. The statistics for the initial six week
period, July 1 through August 20, 2004, have been collected. The statistics are not
ready for publication, but a meeting has been scheduled with DES and DHS for
September 29,2004 to present the statistics to them. The Governor's Oversight
Committee met on August 27, but the statistics were not presented at that time. They
will be presented at the October meeting.
Bruce delivered the following statistics:
• Out of about 500 cases, the FCRB answered that there were service gaps or
system problems in 397 instances. In 96 ofthe cases, the agency was not in
compliance with submitting the required progress reports or case plans to the
FCRB.
The Executive Committee felt that in an effort to refine this finding another
element should be added to reflect that the board sometimes receives the
reports the day ofthe review. It was agreed that after meeting withDES and
DHS, the staff will discuss a possible element and bring it to the State Board
in December for discussion and possible approval. It will also need to be
approved by the COJC.
• In 58 instances, the case manager did not appear in person or telephonically at
the FCRB.
• In 29 instances, the RHBA did not provide the required services.
• In 39 instances, therapeutic needs were not met by the services provided by
theRHBA.
• In 36 instances, the recommended treatment service(s) were not adequately
available.
Gary Gustafson asked that a revision be made to the Finding 10 since it is clumsy in
the way it appears with the underline. Caroline asked that he call her, and they will
discuss this minor revision. Bruce reminded everyone that State Board Goal #5 for
this year is to review all ofthe findings and revise those that need work. He asked
anyone with questions to contact staff
An ad hoc committee volunteered to work on the FCRB Volunteer Recruitment plan.
They met at the AOC on August 7 and developed an action plan to address
improvement of the program's outreach efforts. Copies of the plan were distributed
to the State Board members. Bruce asked everyone to look it over and see him or
staff if they wish to discuss it further.
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Bruce gave the following dates for the 2005 State Board Meetings: March 5, 2005;
June 4,2005; September 10,2005; December 3,2005.
The committee discussed the recent article concerning the jury that found in favor of
the child and against the Agency. Bruce clarified these children were not in foster
care. Bruce stated the Executive Committee stressed the importance that if a child is
to be returned to the parents, and the FCRB members have concerns or reservations,
these must be expressed to the court in the report.
B. Advocacy Committee:
Beth Rosenberg presented the following report:
Beth provided an update on the highlights ofthe CPS Reform Watch. Printed copies
were also available. This is distributed electronically by DES monthly.
DES hired 104 CPS workers and additional support staffby the end of FY '04 and
the staffis in training. DES is currently working to house the new staff. CPS
allegedly received 75 new positions this year, but did not receive sufficient funding,
so they are on hold;
Stipend payments for bilingual staffand those with MSW degrees have been
implemented. They are working on a stipend for those caseworkers who do six or
more CPS investigations per month.
A number of the counties have developed joint investigation protocols. Training
needs to take place and hopefully FCRB can participate. As ofJuly I, 2004 CPS is
investigating all reports ofabuse and neglect. If cases need services in or out of
home, CPS is then referring them to Family Builders. These referral have been slow.
Implementation ofthe In-Home Intervention Program has not occurred. There is
confusion as to which cases would be appropriate for this program.
The CPS Central Registry which would be used to check ifthere is a history of abuse
and neglect, is being implemented by DES for their employees. There are monetary
and technical difficulties preventing them from spreading this to contract providers.
Behavioral Health assessments are now completed within 24 hours, but the services
are slow in coming.
CPS caseloads are high. DES stated there are anlOO additional kids in care each
month. Maricopa County caseworkers are carrying about 27 kids and the national
standard is 15 kids.
The increase in the foster care rate of $7.50 per child per day has been implemented.
DES did not request funds to increase the monthly maintenance payment if you are on
3
subsidized guardianship or move to subsidized guardianship, or if you move to •
adoption subsidy. This will be an issue. If you are a new adoptive family you can
receive the increased maintenance rate, but if you adopted prior to December 2003,
your rate remains the same. You do not get the cost ofliving increase.
Linda Bednarek shared a letter from a FCRB volunteer regarding children returning
to the system. DES implemented a safety assessment tool last year, and they have
recently implemented a risk assessment tool to help determine if the child is safe and
what are the risk factors in the home. Beth suggested that at the December State
Board Meeting someone from DES could present on the Safety Assessment and Risk
Assessment tools and also give an overview ofthe Child and Family Services Review
and their Program Improvement Plan.
The committee discussed the coming elections. They also discussed proposing
legislation regarding legal representation for foster families and relatives in court
hearings, and obtaining birth certificates when kids come into care without this. They
would like to possibly do some administrative advocacy with DES to determine if this
can be resolved.
Children's Action Alliance worked with Bill Stanton and Court Improvement staff to
develop a paper about the juvenile court process and the reforms that have occurred
during the past ten years to improve the process for dependent children. A copy was
distributed. The final copy will be distributed to legislators, court personnel and •
others.
C. Community Outreach Committee:
Allyn Watson delivered the following report:
The committee have developed a number of ideas and it is time to develop a
marketing plan to determine which ideas are most effective.
Adz Phoenix is an organization of young business men who pick one charitable
organization to support with funding. The Foster and Adoptive Parents Organization
has applied for a grant. If they receive the grant, it has been agreed they would assist
our program to recruit Foster Care Review Board volunteers and foster parents.
Recruitment efforts have been extended to the community churches and foster
parents.
Brandie Gray is working with bookstores. A bookmark has been developed that will
be distributed to the bookstores.
Carolyn Smith has been working with two school districts. The plan is that they
would send recruitment information home with the children.
4
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•
•
Stacy Molison is working with a variety of service organizations to recruit volunteers.
Gary Gustafson and Maeve Robertson have developed a PowerPoint presentation that
will be available for anyone who would like to use it.
Arizona Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents is having a Courage for the
Children Awards Dinner Night, Friday October 1, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the St.
Joan ofArc Church, 3801 East Greenway.
D. Continuing Education Committee:
Linda Smith delivered the following report:
New Board Member Orientation is scheduled for October 22 and 23,2004. This
training is held quarterly.
Yesenia Gutierrez shared information on the Removal Review Program. She dida
number oftrainings around the state this year. There is a need for removal review .
members in Maricopa and Pima counties.
Linda reminded everyone that the training requirement this year is 8 hours. There is
a standing column in the DCSD Newsletter devoted totraining. The group was asked
to please contact CarissaMoore if they have training ideas.
The first substance abuse training module is scheduled to be on line about September
18, 2004. Board members will be notified how to access it when it becomes
available.
The committee brainstormed and discussed new goals for 2005. The new goals will
be presented at the DeceInber State Board Meeting.
II. NEW BUSINESS:
Gary Gustafson stated that he is concerned that children do not often give input at the
FCRB hearing. They may be in school or too shy, etc. He would propose that a form be
developed for the child to complete and forward the FCRB. It was suggested that the
form be a simple design with space enough for children who can to write the comments,
concerns, etc. It should also include questions with check offboxes for those children
who have difficulty putting their concerns into writing. Itmay also provide an
opportunity for the child to address a concern that has been overlooked during the review
and assist other interested parties to add their comments. Gary suggested that a group of
FCRB volunteers, staff, case managers, and teens who are in the system meet to
brainstorm ideas.
Sandy informed the committee that she has touched base with Gary and when
Christopher returns from vacation, she, Christopher, Gary and at least one other FCRB
5
volunteer will meet. The results of this meeting will be presented to the FCRB
supervisors.
Caroline stated that Sandy Guizzetti and Christopher Corman have agreed to work on this
project. It was suggested that this form could be made available on line. It was also
suggested that a simpler form could be developed for younger children.
Eileen Bond suggested that the FCRB may want to work with CASA as a way to get the
forms to the children.
Gary also informed the State Board that the Virginia Department ofHealth has a
billboard campaign around that state. It is entitled, "Isn't she a little young?" It concerns
30 year old men taking advantage of 13, 14 or 15 year old girls and impregnating them.
Virginia is concentrating on the peer pressure aspect and education programs in schools.
Gary proposed that the State Board endorse this as a concern ofthe FCRB because it
impacts our children. He suggested that the State Board write to the Arizona Department
of Health and inform them that this is a problem that the FCRB encounters frequently,
and they should take a look at it.
The State Board discussed the issue and felt that this is a social issue not directly dealing
with foster children. Linda Smith suggested asking CPS to spread the message.
•
Bruce felt that we may want to contact the Department of Health to see if they are •
addressing the issue. Possibly they keep some statistics and information. Caroline
agreed to assign someone to research this information and report at the December State
Board.
The group discussed the difference between in-home interventions and in-home
dependencies. In-home interventions are a result of new legislation. Children stay in the
home and CPS actively monitors the family according to a schedule that is set out in the
original plan to which the parent agrees. The in-home intervention does not involve
adjudication of dependency and there is no review because the child is not in care. CPS
may, though, at any time during the intervention remove the children ifthey deem this is ~
appropriate, and amend it to be a dependency.
Gladys was concerned about children involved in in-home dependencies where the child
is returned home but the case is not dismissed. The FCRB board requests that these cases
be monitored for six to eight months. What happens in these cases? Beth Rosenberg
stated that it is important that we have a presentation about the CPS Risk Assessment
tool. Beth stated that DES and the caseworker should be making this assessment, and
they should be going into the home to monitor that the child is safe. Eileen Bond
suggested that when CPS returns the child home and the plan is to monitor, it is important
that the written plan explain what monitoring means. This would provide a written plan
for the Court to review. •
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Beth explained that not every case has access to a family reunification team, a team that
comes into the home to monitor. The reunification team is used in more intensive
circumstances.
Gladys asked if it would be possible to ask the judge not to dismiss a case until he has
received a final review and recommendation report from the FCRB no older than one or
two months. Eileen stated many times the child has been returned home for three to six
months and after this period, the case is dismissed. When the child is returned horne the
FCRB does not review the case. Eileen suggested that the FCRB recommendation state
that the case should not be dismissed in less than ....months, or until these goals are met.
Caroline reminded everyone that if the board has concerns, it is important that they be
stated in the recommendation so that it is documented.
III. PROGRAM MANAGER'S REPORT:
Caroline delivered the following report:
The last child count was 7,893 children. It is an 1,100 child increase since September
2003. There is a need for additional boards and volunteers, specifically Pinal County.
Sibling Reunion Day will be held October 2. This event is a joint effort between the
FCRB and Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation. This event brings children
who are in foster care and who are in different placements together for one day. It is a
day to enjoy with their siblings. There is a need for volunteers to assist with this
function.
The Sunset Audit has not begun. The Auditor General's Office is backlogged~ A manual
with information on the program, including the improvements over the past ten years, has
been forwarded to the Auditor General's Office.
The latest statistics on training hours for volunteers indicate that 42% have no training
credits on record. Training records have been distributed to volunteers. Caroline asked
that state board members remind their board members that it is important to fulfill the
training requirement of 8 hours this year. Credits can be obtained through reading
materials in the resource library, videos, on-line training, conferences or workshops.
CASA training is also counted. She explained that according to a procedure approved by
the Committee on Juvenile Courts, a letter will be sent to the judge in the volunteers'
counties if they are out ofcompliance.
The survey comment cards are being distributed to interested parties during the boards.
The six-month survey will continue until the end of September. Elizabeth Jacobs will
collect and analyze the data. Caroline has made copies ofthe surveys for the auditors if
they wish to review them.
The East Valley FCRB boards will remain at the Gilbert Municipal Court through 2005.
7
The Pew Commission on Foster Care was launched in May 2003. Its mission was to •
develop recommendations to improve outcomes for children in the foster care system.
Earlier this year they released their report to the courts. The group watched a video about
the Pew Commission recommendations.
IV. CALL TO THE PUBLIC:
No one responded.
V. ADJOURNMENT:
Meeting adjourned at 2:45 P.M.
ACTION ITEMS:
Staff will research information concerning older men impregnating younger girls, and
will contact the agency to determine if they keep data and statistics on this. A report will
be presented to the State Board in Decem,ber.
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Charles E. Jones
Chief Justice
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
RE:
~upr.eme QIourt
STATE OF ARIZONA
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICI' OF THE COURTS
FCRB State Board Members
Caroline Lautt-Owens, Program Manager y;:...r.:....J.~.02--r.
Foster Care Review Board Program .
February 1, 2005
March 5, 2005 State Board Meeting
David K. Byers
AdministratNe Director
of the Courts
•
STATE BOARD MEETING:
The State Foster Care Review Board will be meeting on Saturday, March 5, 2005 at the State Courts Building,
1501 West Washington, in Conference:Rooms 119 A and B, at 11:00 a.m. and will conclude by 3:30 p.m.
Enclosed are the minutes ofthe December 4,2004 meeting.
LUNCH
r;-7 A luncheon has bee~ .arranged!OrMarch 5, 2005. There willbe a presentation 11:00 a.m. and
~ lunch will be served at noon.
Since we will be ordering lunch, it is imperative that you R.S. v.P. youratte,ndance byFebruary
24,2005
LOCAL BOARD MEMBERS
You have been provided this State Board information for the following reasons:
•
1.
2.
3.
As a mechanism to inform you.of State Board meetings and activities. Local board members
are always welcome to attend. As a local board member, you only need to R.S.V:P. ifyou
wish to attend.
Local board members are encouraged to participate in State Board meetings, however, local
board members do not have voting privileges.
Ifyou are interested in a committee project, please contact Caroline Lautt-Owens at (602) 542­9408.
(See Volunteer Manual, Page II-I 0 for further information
about Local Board Member involvement in the State Board.)
(Over)
1501 WEST WASHINGTON STREET PHOENIX. ARIZONA 85007-3231 • 602-542-9300 CTDD> 602-542-9545
State Board Members, Please submit the attached R.S. v.P. form by February 24, 2005 or R.S.l':P. by • ~
phone to Cathy Metrick (602) 542-9402. You may also e-mail cmetrick@supreme.sp.state.az.us.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS: All committee agendas and meeting materials will he distributed at the
meeting.
NEW STATE BOARD MEMBER ORIENTATION: Orientation training for new members will beheld
8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in Room 119. You will receive an overview ofthe state board and a short presentation
on the three standing committees.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
The Executive Committee will meet from 8:30 a~m. to 9:30 a.m. in Suite 128 FCRB Main Conference
Room (roundtable).
COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITTEE:
The Community Outreach Committee will be meeting from 9:30 a.m to 11:00 a.m. in Suite 128, FCRB 2.
CONTINUING EDUCATION COMMITTEE:
The Continuing Education Committ~_will be meeting from 9-=~0 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in Conference Room
230.
ADVOCACY COMMITTEE:
The Advocacy Committee will meet from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in Suite 128, FCRB Main Conference
Room.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS:
Enclosed is a Jist ofHotel/Motel Accommodations located near the State Courts Building. Since the rates are
subject to change, please check all rates when making reservations. The current state allowance for
lodging in the Phoenix area is $107.00 per night. Also remember to ask for state govemment rate when
making reservations.
The following overnight allowances for participation at the State Board meeting will be made, when necessary:
•
One Night Stay
Coconino
Gila
Pima
Pinal
Yavapai
Two Night Stay
Apache
Cochise
Graham
Greenlee
LaPaz
Yuma
Mohave
Navajo
Santa Cruz
•
• STATE FOSTER CARE REVIEW BOARD
MARCH 5, 2005
STATE COURTS BUILDING
Training Room 119 A & B
- . .__.~~ AGENDA _
11 :00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Lunch/Speaker
12:30 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. I. Call to Order Bruce Brannan
Approval of Minutes - December 4,2004
Introductions/Ar.nouncements
A sign-up sheet is circulated for state board members to select a
committee. Chair selects the committee chairperson after this has
been circulated
12:45 p.m.-=.l:OO p..rn.. IL ..Executive Comrnittee__Elections . _
First Ballot - District I, District II, any District but I and II. • 1:00 p.m. - 1:40 p.m. III. Committee Reports
A. Executive Committee
B. Advocacy Committee
C. Community Outreach Committee Report
D. Continuing Education Committee
Second Ballot - Any District
1:45 p.m. - 2:00 p.rn. Break (Staff rearrange head table)
Election for Chair and Vice Chair
2:00 p.m. - 2: 15 p.m. IV. Nomination taken for State Board Vice Chair (Voting)
2: 15 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. V. Old Business
2:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. V. New Business
2:45 p.m. - 3:05 p.m. VI. Program Manager's Report Caroline Lautt-Owens
• 3:05 p.m. - 3:25 p.m.
3:25 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
VII. Division!AOC Report Bill Stanton
VIII. Call to Public Chairperson
IX. Adjournment Chairperson
• STATE FOSTER CARE REVIEW BOARD
DECEMBER 4, 2004
MINUTES
Ellen Altman Carole Cohen
Bruce Brannan
George Bressler Yuma
Anne Donahoe
Barbara Hanigsberg
Nancy Harrell --
Elizabeth Jacobs Apache
Marilyn Miller
Mitzi Pinsly -Tracy Candelaria
Sandra Robertson
---- -- Linda Smith----Pinal------­Jim
Treece
Sylvia Van Arsdale •
Present: Maricopa
Pima
Gary Gustafson
Paul Hanson
Jan Mumford
Barbara Nelson
Coconino
Navajo
Thelma Gray
Graham Cochise
Ann Johnson Gene Manring
La Paz Gila
Vacant Position Vacant Position
Greenlee Santa Cruz
Sarah O'Brien Tom Tellez
Yavapai At-Large
Gladys Alten de Costa C. Eileen Bond
Donald Groth
Mohave Joe Jacober
Rachel Oesterle
Chuck Flagee Beth Rosenberg
Allyn Watson
Staff: Bill Stanton, Caroline Lautt-Owens, Christopher Corman, Carissa Moore,Charles
Gray, Sandy Guizzetti, Linda Bednarek, Connie Lopez, Maria Lewis, Cathy Metrick
Local Board Members: Robert Carter, Jim Williams, Cheryl Shelley, Karen Bower, Jay
Fallar, Betty Davies, Jennifer Stephens-Cortum
Public Members: Bruce Coleman, Shan Hays and JessicaTucker (Auditor General's Office)
I. Approval of the Minutes:
• II.
A MOTION WAS MADE TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS PUBLISHED.
MOTION PASSED. (0408)
Introductions:
Caroline introduced the staff from the Auditor General's Office, Shan Hays, Bruce
Coleman and Jessica Tucker.
Bruce introduced Tracy Candelaria, the new state board representative from Apache
County.
III. Committee Reports:
A. Executive Committee;
Bruce delivered the following report:
An attendance waivers were granted to Connie Koch (Me 13), Nancy Smith (MC
17), Melissa Barringer (Pima 15).
Attendance waiver for David Hannon Navajo County was denied. A letter will be
forwarded to the judge for final detennination.
A waiver for training credits for Jean Thachyk was tabled. She currently has an
attendance waiver, and Christopher will contact her regarding increasing her credits
to four credits.
•
Bruce reviewed the handout on Finding 10 with the State Board. He explained that if
you read the chart and compare the number ofcases to the number ofinstances of
service gaps, it is obvious that many ofthe cases had more than one service gap. The •
information for July through November is now available, and there are trends
developing. This infonnation has been presented to the Governor's Commission on
CPS Oversight.
Bruce stated that there was a discussion about what is meant by appearing
telephonically, i.e., did the interested party phone in previous to the review, or did
they actually participate at the review telephonically. It is important that the board
have a number to reach the party during the review to obtain the most accurate
information for their recommendation to the court.
Christopher stated that a committee will be established within the next 90 days to
review all of the findings and elements.. At that time they will review moving some
ofthe elements from Finding 10 to Finding 4 and consider additional elements if
needed. Bruce reminded the board that information in Finding 10 goes directly to the
Governor, CPS Director and the DES Director.
Bruce stated that a letter has been sent to those volunteers who do not have their full
training credits. There were approximately 167 letters mailed. As a result a number
of volunteers have contacted the staff and forwarded training documentation to be
entered. Currently there are about26% not in compliance and a number of those are
short only by one hour or less. All training credits for 2004 must be accounted by •
December 31.
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Caroline stated that Carissa Moore researched the topic of adults engaging in sexual
misconduct with minors. This topic was introduced by Gary Gustafson at the September
11 State Board. Gary found that the State ofVirginia has a billboard campaign reminding
citizens this is a criminal offense. The staff found that the Arizona Department ofHealth
funds a project, ··Arizona Rape Prevention and Education Program." This is part of a state
effort in preventing and heightening the awareness of sexual violence at all1evels. They have
contracts in various counties to work directly with the school systems, community
organizations and with families to prevent this behavior. They do not support funding
billboards for this issue.
This issue was also discussed with the AGC Legal Services. Legal Services stated
that if a board learned of a case and knew that CPS was not aware of the case, it
would be necessary to report it. Caroline also cautioned that it is necessary to
consider the age of the parties, is it a 14 year-old girl with a 28 year-old man, or is it a
17 year-old girl dating a 19 year-old man? If such a relationship occurs and it
becomes a problem, the board needs to question if the child is receiving the
appropriate supervision in their placement.
B. Advocacy Committee:
Beth Rosenberg delivered the following report:
Beth stated that the legislature is more conservative than in the past. A number of
moderate legislators did not return this year. The focus will be on the budget.
The committee reviewed a tentative list ofbills thatmaybe introduced, e.g.,
Education ofChildren in Foster Care, Appointment of Surrogates for Special
Education Purposes, Allowing Foster Children to Stay in Same School When Moved
to Different Placements ifit is in hislher best interest; Clearance Cards for Foster
Parents and Adoptive Parents; Elimination ofthe Family Benefit Cap.
CPS presented their budget citing the requirements it would take to meet the Child
Welfare League ofAmerica Standards (479 new staffofthose, 292 would be case
managers).
FCRB is requesting three new staff positions. Model Court is requesting an
additional $300,000.
Pete Herschberger has been reappointed to the Human Services Committee. Karen
Johnson is Chair ofthe Senate Family Services Committee. Committee members
have not been appointed yet.
Beth asked that volunteers update their email information, and if they are not
interested in receiving emails (advocacy alerts), please let the program staffknow.
Beth encouraged board members to attend local meetings and speak with their
legislators.
3
A legislative training will be held on February 17. There is discussion about having
Bill and Bruce meet with the legislators at the beginning ofthe session to make them
aware ofthe FCRB and the CASA Programs.
Beth stated that the report, Educational Experiences ofChildren in Out ofHome
Care, will be emailed to board members.
The report, Beyond Kissing Babies, (Children's Action Alliance) discusses issue that ------ pubBc policy-rit-akers-shoul<n>e aware of concerning children and family services.
This will be made available to board members.
Sandy reported on the behavioral health issues. Department ofHealth Services
received a five-year grant totaling 3.25 million dollars to improve the behavioral
health system. They are looking at four areas: substance abuse, children birth to five,
transition of offenders to community, major life transitions.
C. Outreach Committee:
Ellen Altman deli\'ere~tth~Jb.ll()wingreport:.
•
The committee met in November to work on a strategic plan. The plan was presented
this morning and with some adoptions, it was approved. •
The following are the highlights:
Community Awards: Identify community program awards and nominate FCRB
volunteers for these awards.
Bring Organizations together to coordinate and maximize public awareness
campalgns.
Work with media organizations.
Prepare Press Kits. Connie has this under control.
Ellen explained that this May (Foster Care Month) the committee, in conjunction with
the Arizona Association of Foster and Adoptive Parents, would like to develop a blue
plastic bracelet (one for each foster child). They would like to go statewide with this.
The bands will be available through the Arizona Association ofFoster and Adoptive
Parents. A kit will be provided with the bands, and will explain about the FCRB,
CASA and the Arizona Association ofFoster and Adoptive Parents.
Joe Jacober and Connie Lopez met with United Way staff. This organization has
become interested in promoting foster care and recently published a supplement to the
local paper.
D. Continuing Education Committee:
Eileen Bond, on behalfof Carole Cohen, presented the following report:
4
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IV.
Christopher Corman informed the committee that the boards in Pima and Cochise
counties are receiving an excessive amount ofinformation. Christopher worked with
the courts and CPS to develop an outline of the materials that CPS should provide to
FCRB. Eileen suggested that it is important the boards statewide have a uniform
requirement about the information they require.
.- Carissa discussed the Finding and Elements Review subcommittee. Carole Cohen
will participate in this committee.
The committee discussed the training requirements and how this relates to volunteers
who are newly appointed. A concern was raised that new board members may not be
attending New Board Member Orientation within the first 90 days. A motion was
made to request that the Committee on Juvenile Courts (COlC) make it a requirement
for new board members to attend NBMO within 90 days of appointment unless they
receive a waiver. The motion was tabled until further research by staff to determine if
this concern really is valid. Caroline will research this concern, and the committee
will report back at the March meeting.
The committee discussed pro rating the number of required training credits.
Currently it stands at 6 hours for non-conference years and 8 hours for conference
years. A motion was passed that the requirement would be prorated as follows:
A New members appointed within the first six months are required to complete 6 or
8 credits;
A Appointed in months six through nine will be required to obtain 4 or 6 credits;
;. Appointed in the last three months will be required to obtain 2 credits.
A motion was passed that if an individual makes a presentation in the community
about FCRB, that presentation will count for training credits. The credits will be
determined by the length of the presentation.
OLD BUSINESS:
Caroline informed the committee that in reply to a suggestion made by Gary Gustafson, a
group ofvolunteers, including Gary, worked with Maeve ofthe Tucson Office, to
develop a form for use by the children who cannot attend the reviews. It would provide
an opportunity for them to make comments to the board about what is occurring in their
lives and placements. The first draft was distributed to the State Board for their review.
Caroline asked that the members review the form and give their feedback either by mail,
email or contacting Caroline. The input will be forwarded to the committee for the
. appropriate modifications..Gary suggested that the form be kept to one page. There has
been no concrete plan as to how to distribute this form. There has been discussion about
placing it on the website and instructing case managers and foster parents that it is there
and available. It would also be possible for the child to complete the form and return it
online.
5
v. NEW BUSINESS:
Bill delivered the following report:
During the coming month and the first week of January, the Arizona Republic will run an
article by Linda Valdez and a chart that will provide stats on the current number of
children out ofhome; children in foster care six months or longer; children removed from
home in the last 30 days; children returned home in the last 30 days; children free for
a~~ption;~nd,.c~ild~~~jn foster care adopted inth~ last30days.It ':ViII also include the
current number ofFCRB members; the number of FCRB volunteers needed; the current
number of CASAs; the number ofCASA volunteers needed. There will be information
about whom to contact if you are interested in becoming a volunteer or a foster or
adoptive parent. The stats will be updated weekly. The Arizona Republic staffwill meet
with program staff after January to determine if this chart should be published for a
longer period.
Bill presented this information at the COJC meeting on December 3. The judges
requested that these numbers be run for their individual counties, and they will attempt to
have their local papers do the same type of article.
The Court Improvement Project has worked on a Dually Adjudicated Study. Bill
distributed the Executive Summary. The AOC agreed to release the study to Pima on
December 2, and the local paper ran an article on it. Since then another article has been
published in the Mesa Tribune, and CBS and Channel 5 did reports on the study.
The study was conducted with children who had a dependency petition and a delinquency
during 2002. They reviewed over 290 files and also used the JOLTS system. Bill
delivered the following information from the study:
73 percent of youth (14-17) whose families are involved with CPS, end up in delinquency
court.
78 percent of the families have substance abuse issues;
79 percent ofthe families have domestic violence issues
61 percent ofthe families had housing or finance issues;
59 percent ofthe families had a history of incarceration.
80 percent ofthe youth had a substance abuse issue;
61 percent of the youth were diagnosed with emotional or mental health issues;
39 percent of the youth had been sexually abused;
25 percent ofthe youth were suicidal;
64 percent ofthe females had been sexually abused;
A majority ofthe youth had 6 placements or more.
Children who are dually adjudicated spend as much time in detention as they do with
their own families.
•
•
The study recommended revisiting the intake/assessment procedures that are in place. •
6
•
•
• VI.
Examine the potential benefits ofcreating court teams, e.g., caseworker, probation
officer, also mental health staff (RHBA).
Modify the diversion programs to address the issues ofthese populations.
Take steps to reduce delays in obtaining school records.
Provide services to address substance abuse issues
Improve prevention and early intervention methods.
Conduct regular interagency case reviews.
The Court Improvement Advisory Committee will review the report and the
recommendations at their December meeting. They will begin work on a plan to
implement the recommendations. The Governor's Office and CPS also has a committee
that is working on the dually adjudicated issues. The Court has staffon both sides.
.TIierep~oiThaS-beendlsmbUte(rto-theGoverrloi;s·bffice, CPS, Attorney Generals Office,
all of the Juvenile Court Judges and Juvenile Court Directors. It is posted to the FCRB
website.
A copy ofthe ChiefJustice's Strategic Agenda was forwarded to State Board members in
September. Bill asked that members email him with any comments or concerns about the
Strategic Agenda before December 10. All comments and concerns will be brought
before the Arizona Judicial Council (AJC) on that date. The recommendations were
adopted by the COJC on December 3.
Beth Rosenberg stated thatChildren Action Alliance is offering a luncheon symposium,
"Connecting Disconnected Youth." It is scheduled for January 21,2005, 11:30 a.m. to
2:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Hotel. Patrick McCarthey ofthe Annie Casey Foundation will
present.
Caroline stated that the program would fund a limited number ofboard members who
may wish to participate. She asked that they contact her or the staff if they are interested.
Eileen Bond made the following motion:
"THE FCRB PRO RATE THE REQUIRED BOARD MEMBER TRAINING
REQUIREMENT FOR A NEWLY APPOINTED BOARD MEMBER. IF THEY
ARE APPOINTED IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THE YEAR, THEY WILL
BE REQUIRED 6 OR 8 HOURS OF TRAINING DEPENDING ON IF IT IS A
CONFERENCE YEAR. IF THEY ARE APPOINTED IN SEVENTH THROUGH
NINTH MONTH, THEY WILL BE REQUIRED 4 HOURS OF TRAINING. IF
THEY ARE APPOINTED IN THE TENTH THROUGH TWELFfH MONTH,
THEY WILL ONLY BE REQUIRED 2 HOURS OF TRAINING. EXCEPTIONS
MUST GO BEFORE THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. GENE MANRING
SECONDED. MOTION PASSED MOTION (0409)
PROGRAM MANAGER'S REPORT:
7
Caroline delivered the following report:
The "Prevent Child Abuse Conference" will be held on January 26 and 27. The FCRB
will sponsor a limited number ofboard members. Please contact the staff ifyou are
interested in attending.
The Sunset Audit ofthe FCRB has begun. The auditors will be looking to see ifwe are
following our mandate andas effectively as possible and will be providing
recommendations for improvement. A list ofstaffmembers has been provided to the
auditors. Names and numbers for board members will also be supplied since they will be
interviewing board members and will be observing boards. Interviews will not be case
specific, but relate to our business practices and our work within our mandates. The audit
report is required to be forwarded to legislature by October, 2005.
Legislative Day is scheduled for February 17. The morning session will consist of a trip
to the legislature. The afternoon session is a training on the pending bills in the
legislature and the impact on children and families.
Both Tucson and Phoenix Offices there have had some staff turnover.
••
The Phoenix Office is moving forward with the Electronic Document Management
Project (EDMS). They are piloting one board. Currently they are scanning the •
information into the management system. When the system is operating, staff will no
longer need to copy materials for distribution to the board members.
On October 2, the FCRB and the Arizona Friends of Foster Children hosted its third
Sibling Reunion Day. It was the second event in Maricopa. There were about 50
children in attendance, and Arizona Friends ofFoster Children Foundation received some
positive media coverage.
Comment cards were distributed over a six-month period to interested parties to learn
where we could improve our review system. Elizabeth Jacobs, through Glendale
Community College, collected the data. There were a total of2,041 surveys received and
entered into the system. Dr. Jacobs will now analyze the data. The information will be
shared when the report is compiled.
Caroline directed the group to the "Reports Received" handout. It contains information
for the period August 1 through December 3. The report is broken down by county and
provides information on the appropriate reports received from CPS.
To ensure the data was correctly interpreted, Caroline reviewed the Apache County
report. The report indicates that FCRB was able to capture information on 59 percent of
the cases. The 59 percent equals 13 cases in Apache and ofthose, 92 percent, or 12
cases, had all of the reports received by the board. Caroline stated the best number to
8
•
.•
•
•
look at was the second row "Reports Okay." This is 92 percent in Apache. It is not
always possible to capture data in 100 percent ofdata across the states.
Representative Bradley (Tucson) established a committee after last legislative season to
review ways to obtain tuition waivers for children in foster care to attend colleges and
universities. The committee transitioned into a committee that hosted an event for foster
children in Maricopa County who are high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors or
senior.5_wholJave_anjntere.51 in-.attending.col1ege._There.were representatives from the
three universities and staff to distribute infonnation about financial aid.. The universities
have a liaison who will work with foster youth to assist them through thisprocess. About
50 youth attended.
State Board Goals Update
1. Consistent with the Governor's Child Refonn Action create a tenth finding with
supporting elements that reports identified service gaps for system problems so they
can be reported to CPS administrators on a quarterly basis.· Status: Completed
2. Focus on substance abuse training as a two-year Continuing Education Committee
goal and develop a training delivery method that is conducive to rural boards.
Carissa Moore reported that the substance abuse training has been broken out into
five separate modules. The first module is online. The second module will be online
within a month. For 2005 two modules remain and will probably be online in March
and June. Status: In process
3. Build upon last year's efforts to connect with the community by increasing
involvement ofvolunteers in this charge.
Charlie Gray reported that a flyer will be mailed to foster parents encouraging them to
participate in the FCRB reviews. The mailing costs will be handled by the Fosterand
Adoptive Parents Organization.
A recruitment flyer designed to make people aware ofFCRB will also be distributed
to the seventh and eighth grade students in the Gilbert School District during
December. The children will be asked to bring the flyers home to their parents.
An FCRB bookmark has been developed and distributed to local libraries within
Maricopa County. Bookmarks are being developed for the Tucson Office to
distribute to their local libraries, etc.
Beth Rosenberg suggested that the Outreach Committee should contact the "Family
to Family Initiative" out ofDES' 20th Street Office. They are working to keep
children within their same communities. This group is working in their community to
recruit foster parents and adoptive families and working with churches and
community agencies, it may be an opportunity to work together. Deidre Ransom
9
from DES Central Office is in charge. Joe Jacober stated this group is aware of the
FCRB. Charlie will follow up. Caroline suggested that Connie may follow up on this
as well.
4. To develop a board member recruitment and implementation plan to assist in
decreasing the current vacancy rate and continue recruiting at an increased level.
Connie Lopez reported that an Ad Hoc Committee was established (Bruce Brannan,
Joe Jacober, Phil Lopez and Tom Tellez). On August 7 they met to brainstorm and
focus on tasks to increase the recruitment ofvolunteers statewide. A task list of21
items was developed, including developing a newsletter for corporations and
associations, recognition, developing spokespeople, working on the DES Reform
Committees. Committee members were assigned tasks and timelines were developed.
Connie infonned the group that the Mesa United Way has chosen Foster Care as their
topic for this year. The campaign began in September with a luncheon. They had
over 350 people who wished to attend this luncheon. Carol McCormick, CEO ofthe
Mesa United Way, contacted Connie to learn how they could assist the Foster Care
Review Board. Connie, Chris Jacober of the Arizona Association ofFoster and
Adoptive Parents met with Carol. As a result the Mesa United Way decided to adopt
Foster Care as their campaign topic for this next year. The FCRB now is receiving an
increased number ofrequests for information.
A video on Foster Care was shown. This is the video developed by United Way and
is shown to the corporations in Mesa. Connie thanked Chris Jacober who worked
with United Way to develop the video.
5. Conducting a program wide review ofthe findings and elements.
Christopher reported that between now and the beginning of March a committee will
meet to review all ofthe present findings and elements. Bruce Johnson, the
Computer Specialist, collected numbers to detennine the elements that are being used
and which are not. Christopher stated that there may be additional elements and
others may be deleted. Status: Meeting will be scheduled and review completed by
April 2005.
VII. DIVISION MANAGER'S REPORT:
Bill delivered the following report:
" ••
•
The CASA Administrative Code has been revised arid approved by COJC. It will be
presented at the Arizona Judicial Council (AJC) for their approval on December 10.
The CASA Program in Navajo County collaborated with a grower in that area to place •
5,000 plant stakes in the Christmas poinsettias that will be shipped throughout the valley
10
••
•
•
for the holiday season. The stakes contained recruitment infonnation for the CASA
Program.
Operational Reviews continue. The draft report for Yavapai County is completed.
Bill stated that he and Brucewill do a presentation for the House Human Services
Committee and the Senate Family Services Committee to familiarize them with the
Foster Care Review Board Program. This presentation will be scheduled for the first
week ofthe legislative session.
Dependent Children's Services is working with Children's Action Alliance on a study
about the effects ofjury trials on the child welfare system and the court system. Gene
Siegel is doing research and interviews with judges, attorneys and case workers. It . . .
should be completed by January 2005, and Bill will distribute to the state board when it is
available.
A dependency caseflow management curriculum was piloted with Maricopa, Yavapai
and Cochise Counties. The Yavapai group have been meeting and working together.
They began "stacking" hearings, i.e., if the party is there for a dependency hearing the
delinquency hearing will be held immediately after. Maricopa County has a number of
committees and they are working to establish a small committee composed ofmembers
ofthe different committees to work on the issues. Since Judge Irwin did not wintbe
election, Cochise County is temporarily on hold. The new judge begins in January.
A Sibling Day will be scheduled for the Tucson area.
VIII. CALL TO THE PUBLIC:
There were no respondents.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 2:25 P.M
ACTION ITEMS:
Program Staff to research the statistics for NBMO attendance.
Beth Rosenberg suggested that the Outreach Committee should contact the "Family to
Family Initiative" out of DES' 20th Street Office. Charles Gray and Connie Lopez will
follow up on this.
11
•
Charles E. Jones
Chief Justice
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
RE:
~upr£me QIourt
STATE OF ARIZONA
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS
FeRB State Board Members
Caroline Lautt':Owens, Prob'Tam Manager (;;~:~<:.. vf'I:-{!..rtr:j:2~._J.:
Foster Care Review Board Program
May 2,2005
June 4, 2005 State Board Meeting
David K. Byers
Administrative Director
of the Courts
•
STATE BOARD MEETING:
The State Foster Care Review Board will be meeting on Saturday, June 4, 2005 at the State Courts Building,
1501 West Washington, in Conference Rooms 119 A and B, at 11:00 a.m. and will conclude by 3:30 p.m.
Enclosed are the minutes oftheMarch 5, 2005 meeting.
LUNCH
~ A luncheon has been arrangedfor June 4,2005. There will be a presentation 11:00 a.nt. and
.~ lunch will be served at noon. Information on the presenter will be available on the website
. IVww.supreme.state.ll7.. us/(crh closer to the date ofthe meeting.
Since we will be ordering lunch, it is imperative thatyou R.S. v.P. your attendance byMay 26, 2005
LOCAL BOARD MEMBERS
You have been provided this State Board infom1ation for the following reasons:
•
I.
2.
3.
As a mechanism to infom1 you -of State Board meetings and activities. Local board members
are always welcome to attend.. As a local board member, you only need to R.S.V.P. if you
wish to attend.
Local board members are encouraged to p31ticipate in State Board meetings, however, local
board members do not have voting privileges.
If you are interested in a committee project, please contact Caroline Lautt-Owens at (602) 542­9408.
(See Volunteer Manual, Page II-I 0 for further intonnation
about Local Board Member involvement in the State Board.)
(Over)
1501 WESTWASHINGTQN STREET PHOENIX. ARIZONA 85007-3231 • 602·542-9300 (TOO) 602-542-9545
State Board Members, Please submit the attached R.S. v.P. form by May 26, 2005 or R.S. v.P. byphone to
Cathy Metrick (602) 542-9402. You may also e-mail cmetrick@mpreme.sp.state.az.us.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS: All committee agendas and meeting materials will be distributed at the
meeting.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
The Executive Committee will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in Suite 128 FCRB Main Conference
Room (roundtable).
COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITTEE:
The Community Outreach Committee will be meeting from 9:30 a.m to 11:00 a.m. in Suite 128, FCRB2.
CONTINUING EDUCATION COMMITTEE:
The Continuing Education Committee will be meeting from 9:30 a.m. to 11 :00 a.m. in Conference Room
230.
ADVOCACY COMMITTEE:
The Advocacy Committee will meet from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in Suite 128, FCRB Main Conference
Room.
AD HOC COMMITTEE - GARY GUSTAFSON:
This committee will meet from 9:30 a.m. to 11 :00 a.m. in Suite 128, FCRB 3 Conference Room.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS:
Enclosed is a list ofHotel/Motel Accommodations located near the State Courts Building. Since the rates are
subject to change, please check all rates when making reservations. The current state allowance for
lodging in the Phoenix area is $75.00 per night during June. Also remember to ask for state
government rate when making reservations.
The following ovemight allowances for participation at the State Board meeting will be made, when necessary:
•
•
One Night Stay
Coconino
Gila
Pima
Pinal
Yavapai
Two Night Stay
Apache
Cochise
Graham
Greenlee
La Paz
Yuma
Mohave
Navajo
Santa Cruz
•
• STATE FOSTER CARE REVIEW BOARD
JUNE 4,2005
STATE COURTS BUILDING
Training Room 119 A & B
AGENDA
1):00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch!Speaker
1:00 p.m. - ): 15 p.m. 1. Call to Order Bruce Brannan
Approval of Minutes - March 5,2005
Introductions!Announcements
):15 p.m. - I:55 p.m. II. Committee Reports
•
•
):55 p.m. - 2: 15 p.m.
2: 15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
2:45 p.m. - 3:05 p.m,
3:05 p.m. - 3:25 p.m.
3:25 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
3:30p.m.
A. Executive Committee
B. Advocacy Committee
C. Community Outreach Committee Report
D. Continuing Education Committee
III. Old Business
IV. New Business
V. Program Manager's Report Caroline Lautt-Owens
VI. Division!AOC Report ;.. Bill Stanton
VII. Call to Public Chairperson
VIII. Adjournment Chairperson
• STATE FOSTER CARE REVIEW BOARD
March 5,2005
MINUTES
Present: Maricopa Coconino Graham
Ellen Altman Carole Cohen Ann Johnson
Bmce Brannan
George Bressler Yuma La Paz
John Cannon
Anne Donahoe Thelma Lundy Vacant Position
Barbara Hanigsberg
Nancy Harrell Apache Greenlee
Connie Koch
Marilyn Miller Tracy Candelaria Sarah O'Brien
Linda Smith
Jim Treece Pinal Yavapai
Sylvia Van Arsdale
Toni Carlton Doris Haak • Pima Michael James
Gary Gustafson Navajo Cochise
Cece Hall
Paul Hanson Thelma Gray Gene Manring
Barbara Nelson Patricia Schloss
Jennifer Stephens-Cortum
Mohave
Chuck Flagee
Gila
Vacant Position
Santa Cruz
At-Large
Christa Drake
Joe Jacober
Rachel Oesterle
Beth Rosenberg
Allyn Watson
Staff: Bill Stanton, Caroline Lautt-Owens, Christopher Corman, Sandy Guizzetti, Linda
Bednarek, Connie Lopez, Amy Champeau, Carolyn Smith, Cathy Metrick
Local Board Members: Robert Carter, Gilda Czerwonka, Betty Davies, Barbara Davis, Jaye
Fallar, Earl Haines, Nancy Lawson, Sandra Miller, Mac Wharton
I. Approval of the Minutes:
A MOTION WAS MADE TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS PUBLISHED.
MOTION PASSED. (0408)
•
II. Introductions:
The following new state board members introduced themselves: Patricia Schloss,
Coconino County; Christa Drake, At-Large Pima County (not in attendance); Cece Hall,
Pima County; Jen Stephens-Cortum, Pima County; Toni Carlton, Pinal County; Mark
Lopez, Pinal County (not in attendance); Doris Haak, Yavapai County; Michael James, •
Yavapai County.
The candidates for the Executive Committee were introduced.
District I: Ellen Altman, Bruce Brannan, Joe Jacober, Rachel Oesterle, Beth
Rosenberg, Linda Smith;
District II: Barbara Nelson;
Other than J or 11: Tom Tellez, Allyn Watson, Chuck Flagge, Carole Cohen,
Tracy Candelaria.
Bruce explained that the Executive Committee is comprised of two representatives from
District I; one representative from District II; two representatives fromany District other
than J or II; two representatives from any District. In addition, the appointed chairs of
the three standing committees participate as ad hoc members.
Bruce asked for nominations from the floor for candidates for the Executive Committee.
There were no nominees.
A. Executive Committee
Bruce stated that the committee met and approved their minutes from December 4,
2004 as published.
The committee denied attendance waivers for Judy Rennels and Jane Shrum. A letter
will be forwarded to the presiding juvenile judge for his final decision.
The committee discussed the status of the 2004 training compliance for volunteers.
There was about an 80 percent compliance rate. A letter will be sent to the presiding
juvenile judge in each county including a short history of the volunteers not in
compliance. The judge will be asked to make a determination as to what should be
done.
Bruce explained that volunteers are notified in November concerning their training
status. The program specialist also follows up throughout the year.
The committee also discussed New Board Member Orientation (NBMO). They asked
that the staff bring a recommendation regarding the required timeframe for the •
completion ofNBMO to the Executive Committee in June. The timeline is currently
2
•
•
•
ninetydays after appointment, but this may not be realistic for those boards that meet
only twice a year. They suggested correlating the timeline to the number of meetings.
The committee discussed Finding # I0 which was initiated in response to Governor
Napolitano's CPS session in which she asked to know where the service gaps or
system delays existed. The FCRB now generates a quarterly repOli that presents this
infonnation. The quarterly report for 10/2/04 through 12/31/04 indicates that there is
a significant service gap in 17% ofthe cases.
The board reviewed the «Missing Reports" Report. This details reports that have not
been received by the review boards. The system has been refined now to respond to
the sender when a report is received. The case manager will be asked to bring this
confirmation to the review. This will be discussed further at the June meeting.
The vacancy rate statewide is about 12% (59 vacancies). The FCRB program is
expanding which accounts for many of the vacancies.
Bill reported that the legislature had not appropriated any new funding for the
program in FY'06.
The newly elected Executive Committee wjJ] hold a retreat in late April or early May
to develop goals for the coming year. The proposed meeting dates are April 23, April
30 or May 7.
B. Advocacy Committee:
Beth Rosenberg delivered the following report:
A Legislative Day was held on February 17. CASA and FCRBmembers attended.
Bill and Beth did the training piece. The group visited the legislature in the afternoon
. and attended a press conference on the meth lab bill.
The Advocacy Committee discussed doing a Beginning Advocacy Training and also
an Advanced Advocacy Training in the future.
Beth informed the board that there was a handout available. It details the child
welfare bills at the legislature. These bills were discussed by the committee and
especially the meth lab bill. This bill, HB2175, would limit the amount and access to
sudaphedrine drugs and increases the penalties for cooking meth in your home if
youth are housed there. It has passed the committee but wjJ] have a difficult time at
the legislature. There is opposition from phannacies and phannaceutical companies.
They also discussed the lottery bill. TIlis bill affects the CASA Program since the
unclaimed lottery funds support this program. The bill would limit the funds that go
to the CASA Program to 2 million dollars next year. The bill appears dead in the
house, however, it could be reborn again as a striker bill or associated with another
3
bill. Bill explained that the bill designates that CASA would now be funded out of •
the lottery profits. A meeting was held with the Govenor's Office to inform them that
the CASA appropriation must be increased. The current CASA budget is 2.7 million.
It was stated a budget of 4 million would allow the program to function and expand.
Beth infonned the committee about the Emancipation of Minors bill which will allow
youth who are 16 years and older and not in the custody ofthe DES or Juvenile
Corrections to petition the court for emancipation. The standard proof is clear and
convincing evidence that the youth could care for themselves financially, socially,
and have the ability to get health care and education, training or employment.
Beth also infOlmed the board a handout is available on the budgets before the
legislature. This infonnation is also available on the Children's Action Alliance
website. The legislature is not recommending budget increases to keep up with the
increased number of kids in the system.
c. Outreach Committee:
Ellen Altman delivered the following report:
Ellen explained that the Outreach Committee is an outgrowth of the Annual Report
Committee. The Outreach Committee's goal is to raise awareness about the FCRB
Program throughout the state. This included recruiting volunteers for CASA, FCRB •
as well as recruiting foster and adoptive parents. Linda Valdez of the Arizona
Republic ran a series of articles in December highlighting the need for volunteers.
The committee adopted a strategic plan at their December meeting. The plan called
for:
Identifying community program awards and nominating FCRB volunteers for
those awards;
Bringing organizations together to coordinate and maximize public awareness
campaigns;
Working with media organizations; and,
Preparing press kits.
The committee resolved to work on the community awards piece. They agreed to
work through the prot,'Tam specialist and have them check with board members to
leal1l if they or any family member works with an organization that sponsors awards.
It would then be detelminedif an FCRB member would be eligible for the
nomination for the award.
Ellen reminded everyone that the FCRB website address: www.supreme.state.az.us
contains statistics and pertinent infonnation about the program. •
4
•
•
•
Gary Gustafson wi)] work with Connie Lopez on recruitment for Pima County board
members.
Joe Jacober infornled the committee about the "Courage for Children" wristband
campaif,TJl. The wristbands are available to order and should be worn during the May
which is Foster Care Awareness Month in support of the nearly 10,000 children in
Arizona's foster care system. A11 profits will go into a scholarship fund for foster
children which wi)] be administered by the Arizona Friends of Foster Children
Foundation. Joe encouraged everyone to participate and increase awareness of the
children who are in f()ster care.
D. Continuing Education Committee:
Carole Cohen delivered the following report:
The committee received updates on the existing subcommittees.
The Training Comer, a column in the DCSD newsletter, contains infonnation as to
where volunteers can receive additional training credits. Committee members are
working to gather this infonnation and see it is published.
The Quality Review Subcommittee is working to gather infonnation on the financial
aspects pertaining to foster children and foster parents, e.g., the financial aid
associated with the ILS Program; howto qualify; how to receive this. What is
involved in licensing of foster parents; services to children and parents. The goal of
this subcommittee is to make more infonnation available to the volunteers doing the
reVIews.
A new Archive subcon~mitteehas been established. This committee will develop an
organized system to retrievethe program's fomler training materials. They are
assessing this now and will have further details in June.
The CEC also developed a list of potential training topics. The list will be compiled
and reviewed by the committee; and by next June, they will begin working in small
groups on the various subjects. The groups will look at the modality, the available
. resources (website, written, oral presentation), and the schedule production of training
materials.
The first two segments of the Substance Abuse Training are now onthe website. The
third se!,'1nent is in process.
There are 47 volunteers signed up for the New Board Member Orientation scheduled
in Tucson during April.
A committee to revise the Findings met in February, and there is another meeting
scheduled after the State Board. There has been good progress and the Findings
should be easier to use. There are additional notes and explanations.
5
IV. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ELECTIONS:
The State Board elected the following members for the Executive Committee:
Bruce Brannan, Joe Jacober, Barbara Nelson, Allyn Watson, Carole Cohen, Rachel
Oesterle and Beth Rosenberg.
The State Board unanimously elected Bruce Brannan as the Chairfor 2005 and 2006.
Rachel Oesterle, Carole Cohen, and Joe Jacober were nominated as vice chair candidates.
Rachel Oesterle was elected.
e·
V. OLD BUSINESS:
Children's Input to the Board Form: Gary Gustafson received the feedback on the draft
form from the state board members. Staff also interviewed children and those who care
for children for their input. They will move forwardto get this fonn online.
V. NEW BUSINESS:
Gary suggested that a committee be fonned to gather local board members' feedback. He
requested that the committee focus on how the state board interfaces with board e
members. This committee may also bridge the other three committees to develop ways to
communicate.
GARY GUSTAFSON MADE A MOTION THAT AN AD HOC COMMITTEE OF THE
STATE BOARD BE ESTABLISHED TO INCREASE THE DIALOGUE BETWEEN
STATE BOARD AND LOCAL BOARDS. MICHAEL JAMES SECONDED. MOTION
PASSED (0409).
The state board discussed including this as a goal for the Executive Committee in 2005
and developing methods to achieve better communication between the state board and
local boards.
Gary felt that it would be better to develop a committee devoted to the issue and
concentrate on it at first. After a time it may fit as a subcommittee under the other
committees. Bill asked that Gary take the lead to establish an ad hoc committee. A sign
up sheet of those who would be interested in joining should be circulated. It was also
suggested that it could be an ad hoc committee under the Outreach Committee.
CUlTently, board members are able to share infon11ation through the website. A web page
desi!,'lled as a bulletin board is available to volunteers. Also a fonn was developed for
volunteers to send their comments and suggestions to management through the program
specialists. e
6
•
•
BilI cautioned everyone to be aware of "local board issues" versus "statewide issues."
Some issues are relevant to specific areas and should be handled through staff and
management; while others such as behavioral health care are statewide and are handled
through the state board.
Tracy Candelaria suggested that there should be follow up investigations/visits with
children who were in the system and who have been adopted to be sure they are receiving
the proper care after adoption. Particular attention must be paid to those children who are
home schooled. Bruce cautioned everyone that adoptive parents have the same rights as
natural parents. Beth stated that the Governor promised to look into the issue ofhome
schooling after an incident in Tucson. Beth will check into this to determine iflegislation
has been proposed.
Gary suggested the Advocacy Committee might send a letter to a legislator asking that
they introduce a bill to require the testing of home schooled children as a protection for
them.
VI. PROGRAM MANAGER'S REPORT:
Maria Pastore Lewis, FCRB Training Specialist, has left the program for another position
and recruitment is under way.
A repmi on 2005 training indicates that 31 volunteers have complied with the 2005
training requirement and 77 volunteers have some training credits so far for 2005. This
report was generated bet()re February 17, Legislative Day.
Caroline asked that those who attended the Child Abuse Prevention Training or
Children's Action Alliance Luncheon in January to please contact Cathy Metrick with
their infonnation. She will enter the training credits.
The following are the CUlTent volunteer vacancies by county:
Apache 2
Mohave I
Pinal 6
Yuma I
Gila I
Navajo 3
SantaCruz 3
Maricopa 11
Pima 18
Yavapai 2
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Eighteen volunteer candidates are in the process of appointment.
Caroline reviewed the ··Missing Reports Report" with the board. She informed them that
Ellen Altman suggested FCRB should contact DES in those counties with the highest
compliance rate to learn if a short notice could be placed in their newsletter thanking
those caseworkers for sending their reports in a timely manner. It will al