Lisa Bayne

The meeting covered several key discussion points, including updates on community outreach activities, specifically the donation and distribution of bookmaking products from a company going out of business, valued at approximately six thousand dollars. A significant portion detailed the successful inter-agency partnership that provided emergency shelter and housing assistance to a homeless mother with two young children. Updates were provided on the promotion of FAFSA completions, noting that Broward County mitigated statewide declines, and a presentation highlighted the work being done to combat anti-human trafficking, including presentations by an expert and the creation of public service announcements by young people. Furthermore, the organization is celebrating its 20th anniversary of creation and nearing 20 years of funding operations, involving media outreach to various audiences. In COVID-19 response updates, reports were given on two funded programs: one distributing food and supplies to over 200 families in the Hollywood/Hallandale area, and a second pilot program delivering culturally sensitive meals to nearly 80 families, serving 175 children over the winter break. Challenges faced by Broward County Public Schools regarding the under-identification of homeless children were also noted.

The public hearing concerned the proposed millage rate and the tentative budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year for the Children's Services Council of Broward County. Key discussions included announcing the proposed millage rate details, including the rollback rate and the percentage increase over it, and the reading of Resolution Number 2020-01 regarding the tentative millage levy for the 2020 tax year. Subsequently, Resolution Number 2020-02 adopting the tentative budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year was read. Both the resolution for the millage rate and the tentative budget were adopted by the board members present.

The meeting agenda included a regular business session followed by a Budget Retreat focused on the FY 22/23 Program Budget Discussion. Key actions included approving several consent agenda items such as funding for the final Youth Summit Series Event, a Data Sharing Agreement with ChildNet pending legal approval, approving raters for the Capacity Building Mini-Grant RFA, and approving the purchase of books for the 2022 Broward: Read for the Record event. The Council also approved budget amendments and interim financial statements for the period ending April 30, 2022, and addressed contract adjustments and funding increases for various programs, including the MOST programs and the HEAL Trauma Program. Discussions during the Council Members' Roundtable focused on the upcoming Food Insecurity RFP, outlining proposed direct service and system infrastructure components for future procurement.

The session, identified as a Second TRIM Hearing, included discussions related to quorum requirements for board action, particularly concerning virtual attendance and the number of voting members present. Significant conversation focused on procedural matters, including changes to bylaws regarding significant action thresholds. Updates were provided on various initiatives, such as the federal Promise Grant secured by a large partnership, which aims to increase college access and workforce education. Personnel matters included welcoming a new member and noting the departure of a colleague who transitioned to St. Lucia. Positive recognition was given to staff members from Healthy Families Broward for excellence in supervision. Further discussion covered community partnership news regarding the Broward Up awarded grant. A major theme was the ongoing challenge of child care and after-school programming, including efforts to develop a marketing campaign to funnel qualified individuals into child care centers, addressing staffing shortages, and the potential impact of federal and state funding on increasing salaries and providing bonuses for child care workers. There was also mention of topics related to the 2021 Children's Movement Equity Report, child tax credits, and brain development in early childhood.

The Broward Partnerships for Kids (BPK), formerly known as the Broward Children's Strategic Plan, is a powerful collective initiative supported by the Children's Services Council of Broward County. It unites over 30 committees and numerous partners to improve the lives of children and families. The plan focuses on achieving five bold results: ensuring children live in stable, nurturing families; are mentally and physically healthy; are ready to succeed in school; reside in safe and supportive communities; and transition successfully into adulthood. The initiative employs a results-based accountability framework to drive action and ensure measurable impact for the community.