Notes from March 16th Foster Care Convening

Attendees

The following individuals attended the foster care convening at the Monte Carlo Hotel:

Welcome & Introductions

Chris Sutherland welcomed attendees, thanked them for attending and asked everyone to introduce themselves.

Background & Updates

Chris explained to everyone that at the last meeting, it was decided that there would be sub-groups/task forces created on specific issues and that we would be hearing back from those groups and determining next steps.

Independent Living

Erin Cornelius advised that the group had been in contact and was putting information together.

Family Resources & Support

A few people on the committee made comments. There has been 1 meeting to review the system of care across the county. The comment was made that they are trying to get a common focus.

Collaboration & 211

This group has met via e-mail and phone calls. There is a current AB328 that needs support. This group is also keeping abreast of the service array assessment being conducted by DFS. Tom Morton stated that the findings from this assessment include a snapshot and profile of the community. He thought that possibly, some of the findings could come to this group to be carried forward.

General Comments

There was some discussion about lobbying. Bret Bicoy advised that charities may educate and that is not considered lobbying. It was also stated that agencies can probably do some lobbying but that they should receive direction from their boards and be cautious.

Gard Jameson informed everyone that there is not a lobbyist for children’s issues in Nevada.

Tom Waite suggested that Nevada Youth Care Providers be included in some of the discussions.

Some discussions took place around the fact that while DFS is doing a service array analysis, UNLV is also doing some research (possibly for the Nevada Foundation for Education looking at the 0-24 age group) and the United Way is updating the needs assessment document. All of this information may prove helpful.

Chris Sutherland asked the group whether this group could have goals and objectives or whether it should be a neutral place to have an open forum.

Hilary wanted the group to give consideration as to whether the group wanted to be a coalition speaking with one voice, influencing legislation — a coalition versus a task force. Hilary indicated her willing to continue facilitating and convening meetings. Bret said that this group brings authority being that most people in the room work with the parents and families and know the issues. The biggest pool of funding is government and this group has the knowledge to know what works and what doesn’t. The agenda therefore needs to be driven by this group.

There was discussion about having a mission and reasons for and against this. There were various models of a coalition discussed and talk about what outcomes are being sought. There was also the question of broadening the scope to child welfare and possibly families.

The group agreed that the subcommittee chairs would convene and that there would be another meeting held late April or early May to take advantage of the legislative session. Stacey Wedding will be contacting the chairs and coordinate.