Shanna-Mae Cullen-Oden

The meeting included a strategic planning overview presented by the Deputy Director of Community Engagement for the DCYF, outlining the process, phases, and goals for the 2027-2031 strategic plan. Participants engaged in discussions regarding the definition of success for the committee. Additionally, the committee reviewed survey results from a previous meeting and held a membership discussion.

The Early Learning Advisory Council discussed several key initiatives, including updates from regional coalitions regarding partner mapping and resource coordination platforms. The council confirmed the appointment of a new executive committee member. Additionally, the meeting addressed the upcoming 2026 FSKA report for the legislature, which is intended to be a brief memo emphasizing early care and education workforce compensation. Revisions to the council's charter were also introduced, with members proposing the formation of a small group to review and provide recommendations on updated language.

The meeting included an update on Family Assessment Response (FAR) services, covering the implementation of new case types, training plans for staff, and the transition of cases to Family Voluntary Services units. Discussion also touched on a new dashboard for monitoring re-referral and placement rates, the introduction of a new family team decision-making model, and recruitment strategies for the panel, with an emphasis on including lived experts and kinship care providers. The meeting concluded with planning for upcoming topics regarding the intake process.

The meeting focused on several key topics, including systemic improvements to the FamLink case management system and updates regarding the transition to the Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System. Discussions included the continuation and expansion of Concrete Goods funding, efforts toward a statewide guaranteed basic income program in collaboration with community partners, and challenges regarding compensation for lived experts in advisory roles. Additionally, the group addressed the need for further contract discussions related to MedCon and reviewed legislative reporting on relational permanence and child well-being.

The agenda focuses on providing updates regarding recommendations and the annual report, refreshing expectations and bylaws for the panel, and planning for recruitment. Additionally, it aims to center on the area of focus for the year regarding families experiencing incarceration, while identifying subcommittees to advance the panel's social impact oversight work.