CAFCA Foster Care Committee Minutes

January 19, 2007

Present: Melissa Maile (Catholic Charities), Marianne Anderson (Adoption Options), Cindi Newkirk-Noah (Adoption Alliance), Libby Lennon (Adoption Alliance), and Katie Mason (CAFCA)

Establish Calendar of Meetings for 2007

The committee was hesitant to establish a calendar without an idea of how the committee would operate moving forward. Katie proposed to meet every other month (similar to CAFCA’s Adoption Committee). The committee felt that meeting every other month might be beneficial.

Discuss How to Choose Leadership for the FC Committee, Chairperson or Some Other Format

The committee did not choose new leadership. Katie reported that the Foster Care Committee would continue to meet. CAFCA staff will conduct all the administrative functions of the committee (i.e., take notes, compile agendas, etc.) but that staff would need help and direction from the committee members. The committee suggested that staff ask the Foster Care Committee list about the best times and location to meet.

Discussion of Potential FC Meeting Training Topics & Focus, e.g. rules discussions, audits

During a previous meeting, the committee suggested that they have 4 joint meetings with Children’s Treatment Services, 4 training meetings, and 4 regular meetings. Melissa commented that having rules discussions in both the Adoption Committee and Foster Care Committee might be difficult for speakers. She suggested that for a rules discussion session the Foster Care Committee and Adoption Committee meet together. The Adoption Committee could meet first and the Foster Care Committee would follow. The committee requested that CAFCA staff send a questionnaire to the Foster Care Committee list asking for training suggestions. 

Brainstorm Points to Share with Residential Providers during Next Meeting

Melissa would like to discuss the best ways to partner with residential providers for step-down services. Currently, Catholic Charities has been in discussions with Mount Saint Vincent Home about partnering in this manner. Melissa commented on the difficulties with caseworker communication. CAFCA will send minutes from this meeting to the Foster Care and Children’s Treatment Services Committees.

Other Old or New Business

Melissa asked if any committee members had logged in to the CBI website to review electronic CBI checks. Starting December 12^th, CBI started scanning the fingerprint cards into their system. They can then send the electronic card to the FBI. When the FBI has completed their check, they send an email to the agency notifying them that the information is posted to the secure website. Melissa informed everyone that her agency was given login information specific to the agency. The electronic system costs the same amount as the previous system. CBI stated that when they are current, it should take five to seven days to get the results. Melissa has contact information that she will send to Katie. Katie will forward the information to the committee.

Agencies are still having trouble getting onto Trails. Melissa suggested that they speak to Dana. Marianne is still having trouble getting a roster of families.

Next Meeting: March 29, 2007, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM at Adoption Alliance, 2121 S. Oneida St., Suite 420, Denver, CO 80224.

Respectfully Submitted,

Katie Mason