PULSE
YOUTH SERVICES
ANNUAL REPORT 2015-2016
Clockwise from top: Cultivating "Waves of Kindness" during Pink Shirt Day at Diamond View Elementary, encouraging artistic expression during the Summer Program at Highridge Family Center, and fostering Leadership with our Youth Leadership Council.
YOUTH SERVICES' MISSION IS TO ENSURE THE HEALTHY GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT, EDUCATION, AND TRANSITION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH TO YOUNG ADULTHOOD AND THE WORKFORCE.
Table of Contents
03 04 05 06 07 08
Palm Beach County Board of Commissioners The Mission of Youth Services Organizational Chart Letter from Tammy Fields: Youth Services Director Youth Master Plan Spotlight on Staff Achievements
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Letter from Dr. Tony Spaniol: RTFC Director
10 11 12
Highridge Family Center
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Youth and Family Counseling
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Letter from James Green: OCP Director
22 23
07
10
Education Center Spotlight on Community Education
My Brother's Keeper Community Based Agencies
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Spotlight on Community Engagement Community Education & Engagement Efforts
Summer Programs Youth Empowerment Program Spotlight on Youth Awareness Events Letter from Michelle Liska: FCA Director Spotlight on Youth Services Staff
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Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners
Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners Paulette Burdick, Mayor Melissa McKinlay, Vice Mayor Hal R. Valeche Dave Kerner
Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners and County Administrator
Steven L. Abrams Mary Lou Berger Mack Bernard
County Administrator Verdenia C. Baker
Assistant County Administrator Todd J. Bonlarron
County Administrator Youth Services Department Tammy K. Fields
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The Mission of Youth Services
"To administer programs and initiatives of the Board of County Commissioners to ensure the healthy growth, development, education, and transition of children and youth to young adulthood and the workforce."
Tammy K. Fields Youth Services Director Dr. Tony Spaniol Residential Treatment and Family Counseling Division Director
Youth Services Department 50 S. Military Trail, Suite 203 West Palm Beach, Florida 33415 (561) 242-5700
James E. Green Outreach and Community Programming Division Director Michelle Liska Finance, Contracting and Administrative Services Division Director
YOUTH SERVICES 2016 ANNUAL REPORT
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Letter from Tammy Fields: Youth Services Director
BE in the know follow us
ONLINE for updates pbcgov.org/youthservices
Dual Status Youth Grant Palm Beach County has been selected as one of six jurisdictions in the United States (and the only one in Florida) to participate in the Dual Status Youth Training Initiative by the Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) Children's Action Corps. Dual Status Youth are those who come in contact with both the dependency and delinquency court systems. We were selected through a competitive application process coordinated by Aline Jesus Rafi and Geeta Loach-Jacobson with the support and cooperation of the juvenile courts, the Florida Department of Children and Families, the Department of Juvenile Justice, Childnet, Children’s Services Council, the Public Defender's Office, and the Palm Beach County School District.
OUR YOUTH OUR FUTURE It is hard for me to believe that I am already writing the Director’s Message for the Youth Services Department’s second annual report. It feels like we just started. When FY 2016 started, I had two primary goals for the Department – complete the Youth Master Plan, and move the Department towards TraumaInformed Care. I am thrilled to report that both goals were met. Much of the year was devoted to the development of the Youth Master Plan (see pages 7 and 14). This task was undertaken in conjunction with the many partners of “Birth to 22: United for Brighter Futures.” We have spent considerable time listening to the community, particularly our youth. This input and a review of data and existing programs, resulted in the development of a countywide framework for moving forward as a community to ensure that all Palm Beach County youth realize their full potential. Significant steps were taken to incorporate Trauma-Informed Care into the services delivered by the Youth Services Department. Most importantly, staff went through an extensive training on the sanctuary approach (see page 12), and we are implementing an internal shift in programming. We recognize that trauma can have long-lasting effects well into adulthood. Our goal is to build resilience in the children we serve by providing a supportive system of care. Of course, Youth Services Department had many other accomplishments throughout the year – many of which are highlighted in this annual report. I am so proud of our staff and the great work they are doing to serve our youth – our future.
As recipients, we will receive two days of onsite training for our multisystem collaborative partners on the key elements of the RFK National Resource Center's Dual Status Youth Framework, detailed in the seminal publication Guidebook for Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare System Coordination and Integration: A Framework for Improved Outcomes, 3rd Edition. Youth Services is looking forward to this opportunity to improve supports for dual status children in our community.
Community Conversation | Belle Glade | August 2016
Sanctuary Training | August 2016
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Birth to 22 and PBC Youth Master Plan
COLLECTIVE IMPACT IN ACTION Palm Beach County is a multi-cultural community with a history of established good intentions, willingness, and excellence in serving its youth, while also grappling with service gaps, silos, and disparities. The main goal of Birth to 22 is to support the healthy growth, development, and education of our youth, pre-natal through young adulthood, so that they graduate from high school and succeed in life. To this end, a Youth Master Plan, a collaborative document that sets long-term, community-wide goals for young people, and identifies specific action steps for reaching
Follow‐up Community Conversation in West Palm Beach August 2016
those goals will be the central piece in providing further guidance and direction on youth-centric strategies. The final Youth Master plan was completed in October 2016, and is available online at www.pbcbirthto22.com
Community
Champions Session & Big Picture Approach Institute The Palm Beach County Youth Master plan process was officially launched in January 2016 with the Champions Session and the Big Picture Approach Institute with an informational session for local leaders and a two-day intensive training respectively.
1250+ Participants
Big Picture Approach | January 2016
Survey
616+
These two events, along with the participation of leaders and service providers, set the tone for the current Youth Master Plan collective impact effort through the work of five workgroups and public engagement with eleven community conversations
Participants
Contributing
116+ Organizations
Big Picture Approach | January 2016
Community Conversation Calendar
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Spotlight on Staff Achievements
Dr. Velazquez became a Mental Health First Aid Instructor | January 2016
Tammy Fields is featured in one of the PBC Leaders Fighting ACES videos produced by the Center for Child Counseling | August 2016
Dr. Amanda Terrell is featured on the the podcast "Poverty, Growth, and Mental Illness" released by the Florida Psychiatric Society | October 2016
Natalie Macon, LCSW was promoted to Services Coordinator in May 2016, and was recognized for 35 years of service to the county in June 2016
Geeta Loach‐Jacobson received a certificate of appreciation for her work with the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board | February 2016
YSD Staff participated in the Green Dot Training | July 2016
James Green received the Men of Excellence Award | June 2016
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Letter from Dr. Tony Spaniol: Director of Residential Treatment & Family Counseling Statistics 52,444
Direct Service Hours
4446
Family Sessions
2863
Individual Sessions
1476
Families Served
1406
Group Sessions
Internships The Youth Services Department has been a clinical training facility for doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s level students seeking various mental health degrees for over fifteen years. These students provide a variety of services and obtain the necessary training and experience to earn their respective degrees. During the last fiscal year, 2 postdoctoral residents, 2 doctoral interns, 3 psychology practicum students, and 4 social work interns successfully completed clinical placements at YSD. An additional 2 postdoctoral residents, 2 doctoral interns, 2 social work interns, 3 psychology practicum students, and 2 marriage and family therapy students are actively engaged in placements this year. The student work force helps us reach our goals by providing high-quality services to the community.
HEALTHY FUNCTIONING FAMILIES ARE THE KEY TO HEALTHY FUNCTIONING CHILDREN The Youth Service Department’s Residential Treatment and Family Counseling Division experienced continued growth and development in Fiscal Year 2015-2016. Our collaboration with other agencies has increased and broadened in scope. We continue to work very closely with the School District and are developing a strong relationship with the Juvenile Courts. We have been asked to offer our expertise in developing training seminars and conferences for professionals throughout the area. We provide direct care in the form of Family, Individual, and Group Therapy to our clients. We have been responsive to the families asking for our help by providing services in the schools, our satellite offices, and at the Highridge Family Center. We provide several levels of care. These include parent training, education, therapy, and residential behavioral programming. We strive to stay on top of current approaches and expect nothing but the best from our staff. We have stayed true to our philosophy of treating the whole family and remain resolute in our belief that healthy functioning families are the key to healthy functioning children. We try very hard to create a balance in families which allows for more direct communication and a sense of true connection. Our staff is committed to helping families heal from past hurts. We have learned a great deal this year about the powerful impact which trauma has in the development of children and the structure of families. This heightened awareness has helped us focus on learning new ways to create a safe and healing environment for the families we serve. We feel a responsibility to share what we learn with our partners in providing care to Palm Beach County. We are dedicated to continue this involvement and strive to help prevent trauma from occurring. We will work diligently to learn even more than we now know and to find new ways to help the youth of our community live happy and healthy lives.
Treating
The Whole Family
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RTFC Division: Highridge Family Center Commitment to Trauma Informed Care THE SANCTUARY MODEL Highridge Family Center (HRFC) entered into a three-year contract with the Sanctuary Institute to assist with Youth Services Department’s organizational shift to becoming Trauma Informed.
HRFC Summer Program | Norton Art Class | July 2016
The Sanctuary Model was created by Dr. Sandra Bloom and colleagues, and research has shown that the Model is an effective trauma-informed approach for working with youth in residential treatment settings. HRFC staff completed a week-long intensive training conducted by the Sanctuary Institute. The training was hosted by Highridge Family Center and all levels of staff were represented at the training: from Department Director through support and kitchen staff. The week-long staff training launched the Youth Services Department’s implementation of the Sanctuary Model.
CRISIS PREVENTION INSTITUTE The Youth Services Department (YSD) hosted an advanced Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Trauma Informed Care training for certified CPI instructors at Highridge Family Center from August 9th to the 11th of 2016. CPI Master Level Instructor, John Harre, BSW, who is responsible for training all YSD staff in the CPI model, attended this advanced CPI training. The crisis prevention model through CPI has been utilized within Highridge Family Center since 2005 to verbally deescalate volatile situations. Youth Services Department’s commitment to become trauma informed coincided with CPI’s movement to view their crisis prevention model through a “trauma-informed lens.” This new traumainformed model will give our direct care staff greater flexibility and a more appropriate level of intervention needed during the times when our youth are having difficulty regulating and managing their emotions. The CPI Trauma Informed Care model is complimentary to the Sanctuary Institute’s Trauma Informed Care model that was adopted by the Department.
Sanctuary Training | August 2016
HRFC SUMMER PROGRAM HRFC Center ran its own annual Summer Program from July 25 to July 28, 2016. Throughout the week, all of the 45 Highridge residents participated in fun activities such as a Tie Dye project, Norton Museum of Art Afterschool Arts Outreach (previously known as PACE) Program Art Class, Spirit Week (each day had a theme: crazy socks, hat day, team spirityour favorite jersey and tie-dye shirts), arts/crafts and indoor/outdoor activities. This exciting week ended with a Talent Show (1st, 2nd & 3rd places received gift cards), and with the Graduation Ceremony where Highridge residents who successfully completed the program, were recognized in the presence of their peers & families.
Trauma Informed Lens
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RTFC Division: Education and Training Community Education & Staff Development APA SELF-STUDY GRANT Since January 2015, the YSD Education and Training Center has been working on completing a Self-Study for accreditation of its Doctoral Internship Program by the American Psychological Association (APA). The internship program has been a member of the American Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) since 2002. A grant for $14,900 was awarded by APA’s Board of Educational Affairs to assist with costs related to accreditation. After diligent efforts working with the Western Interstate Commission of Higher Education (WICHE) as well as with a consultant from Clover Educational Consulting Group, the Mayor signed off, and the Self-Study was finally submitted on March 14, 2016. The self-study was approved on June 16, 2016, and a Site Visit took place on November 28th & 29th, 2016. Each individual in the photo above was involved in the development of the self-study and deserves recognition for this significant accomplishment. Pictured from left to right are Giselle Badillo, Senior Clerk Typist; Amanda Terrell, PsyD, Psychologist; Shayna Ginsburg, PsyD, Chief of Clinical Services: Education and Training; Laura Levin, Ph.D., Psychologist; and Loren Berry, PsyD, Postdoctoral Resident. Many thanks to the Education and Training Center team as well as other RTFC team members who provided input, FCA team members who assisted in the utilization of the grant money, Helene Hvizd, Assistant County Attorney, and Tammy Fields, Department Director, in helping us achieve this considerable task.
THE BENCH BAR CONFERENCE Youth Services Department's Education & Training Center helped coordinate a panel discussion on the topic of “Working With Youth in Court Who Have Been Exposed to Trauma” at the Bench Bar Conference on February 19, 2016. Commissioner Melissa McKinlay and Judge Samantha Feuer served as welcoming hosts.
APA Self‐Study April 2016
APA Self‐Study | March 2016
THIRD ANNUAL STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS CONFERENCE The Youth Services Department was well represented at the Third Annual Student Mental Health and Wellness Conference on June 8, 2016. The Education & Training Center team presented on Creating TraumaSensitive School Environments and on Poverty’s Impact on Behavior and Academic Performance, provided Continuing Education Units to Psychologists and School Psychologists, and represented the Department at the conference's Community Resource Fair. Other YSD presentations at this event included Youth and Family Counseling’s “Multicultural Aspects to Mental Health Services,” and Outreach and Community Programming’s “Mental Health Through the Lens of Cultural Diversity” (See picture on page 12).
GUIDANCE COUNSELOR TRAINING Amanda Terrell, PsyD’s presentation “Your Brain on Poverty: The Psychological Effects of Living with Financial Scarcity” was requested at a countywide guidance counselor meeting with an audience of over 300 people, at multiple teacher in-service days at various schools throughout the county, and is featured in a podcast released by the Florida Psychiatric Society (see photo on page 8).
See page 18
for a full list of educational events 11
Spotlight on Community Education
Aspira Conference | March 2016
Resilience Screening | September 2016 | Photo by Leonard Bryant
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Teambuilding at Edna Runner Tutorial Center on Career Day | June 2016
Mental Health and Wellness Conference June 2016
S.T.A.R.S. Conference for students with Special Needs | April 2016
Results Oriented Management and Accountability Training | November 2015
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RTFC Division: Youth and Family Counseling Youth and Family Counseling (YFC) is a three-month community-based program that provides Family Therapy, Individual Therapy, Group Therapy, Psycho-Educational School Based Groups, and Onsite School-based services for families with children and youth up to 22 years of age. Additionally, YFC provides Parent Education classes based on S.T.E.P. (Systematic Training for Effective Parenting) and Community Presentations. YFC collaborates with community agencies such as the Palm Beach County-Family Violence Intervention Program (FVIP), the School District of Palm Beach County Youth Court and the 15th Judicial Circuit Courts.
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID Marangeli "Mara" Velazquez, PhD, became one of only thirteen others in Palm Beach County to be certified as a Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) Instructor (see photo on page 8). Since earning this certification, Dr. Velazquez has provided 4 presentations throughout the county. Over the next three-years, through the PROJECT AWARE grant with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Dr. Velazquez and thirteen other community instructors will be training over 2200 adults throughout Palm Beach County on the evidenced based Youth Mental Health First Aid curriculum.
In addition to our youth and family counseling services, we are also committed to educating our community. We have participated in several educational and outreach events such as the NCBW 100 Initiative against violence, and many others. Page 18 of this report includes a full list of Youth Services Department's educational and outreach events. Our goal is to collaborate within and outside our department to ensure our youth success and wellbeing.
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Letter from James Green: Director of Outreach & Community Programming Division Master Plan Community Conversations The Birth to 22 initiative hosted eleven (11) community conversations in the following locations: Riviera Beach, Delray Beach, Lake Worth, Florida Atlantic University, Belle Glade, Forest Hill High School, Greenacres, Compass, Jupiter and South County Civic Center with 725 community members in attendance. Of those participants, 276 were students under the age of 22. In addition to the community conversations, the Birth to 22 Initiative, through the work of the project's consultant, the Forum for Youth Investment from Washington, DC, compiled and analyzed the data, and generated a report to guide an organized and focused response to the needs of the youth in Palm Beach County. The final Youth Master Plan document was finalized in October 2016. Follow-up community conversations were held in: West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Pahokee, and Riviera Beach.
Future Leaders United for Change The Youth lead group Future Leaders United for Change was another outcome of the Birth to 22 initiative. Its mission is to be the voice for the youth of Palm Beach County and create leaders through self-motivation, determination and education. Its purpose is to inform the work of Birth to 22, to raise awareness about youth concerns, and to help develop solutions to address identified issues. Future Leaders had its inaugural meeting on August 30, 2016, and in addition to choosing the group's name, they have elected and swore in new officers, and developed the group's mission statement.
STRENGTHENING FAMILIES, TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES AND CHANGING LIVES We are excited to share the Outreach and Community Programming Division’s (OCP) accomplishments over the past year. Not only have we increased the number of programs and services to families, but we have also improved our ability to target, measure and achieve results. This past year, OCP employed over 70 youth, increased the number of summer camp providers and scholarships awarded, and worked with agencies to enhance enrichment activities offered during the summer months. OCP also worked with additional community-based agencies to expand the number of services offered to youth and families. OCP established new partnerships with public and private entities across Palm Beach County to provide academic assistance, mentorship, and life skills to teenagers and young adults. As we look to the future, OCP will continue to assess the needs of our youth and work with community partners to strategically “fill the gaps.” We invite you to find ways to connect to this work as we continue to strengthen families, transform communities and change lives.
Community Conversation in Greenacres | April 2016
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OCP Division: My Brother's Keeper Creating opportunities for boys and young men of color In 2015-2016, the MBK program focused on mentor recruitment and on implementing a comprehensive policy review. More than 150 people attended MBK's anniversary summit | November 2015
MENTOR RECRUITMENT MBK helped recruit more than 120 mentors for United Way Mentor Center Included participation from more than 200 public and private sector representatives Over 20 youth participated in reading initiative Provided leadership, entrepreneurship and life skills to 19 youth
MBK POLICY REVIEW This fiscal year, the MBK program hosted the initial policy review discussion with its partners, and made the following recommendations: Remove testing barriers by recognizing, creating and implementing culturally sensitive/ appropriate assessment tools. Develop a community and school policy that promotes a holistic approach to education and well-being wherein parents are involved in the social-emotional and mental health of their children. Develop policies to assess teacher absenteeism and its potential relationship with negative education outcomes, and to collect and analyze data on successful intervention and engagement of both students and teachers. Create a policy to refine the process for regular diagnoses and periodic reevaluation of Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students. This process should include frequent data analysis, assessment, and quality improvement of referral processes.
MBK Policy Review | July 2016
Create a policy that encourages the development of more after-school and out of school time activities for middle and high school students, thereby enabling mentors and coaches the opportunity to support social emotional learning, and that builds positive relationships with law enforcement. Create and enforce a policy that allows boys and men of color to reconnect to school in a way that allows them to have a fresh start without bias and repercussions. Implement policies that will improve school district staff's ability to train and educate youth on current and relevant social issues. Develop a mechanism to track youth who attempt to transition back into school in order to determine the number of youth who are denied reentry, as well as the length of time it takes for them to fully transition back into the formal school setting. Encourage fair civil citation policy for all local law-enforcement, and champion the decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana possession for all municipalities. 15
OCP Division: Community Based Agencies Community-Based Agencies (CBA) are organizations that are partially funded by PBC Board of County Commissioners. The funding and monitoring are administered by the Outreach and Community Programming Division of the Youth Services Department.
Urban League Mentoring Program
Boys and Girls Club Teen Employability Initiative
The number of Palm Beach County Youth who were served through YSD funded Community Based Agencies 16
Spotlight on Community Engagement Commitment to community engagement and support 2016 Back to School Bash
West Palm Beach | Photo by Leonard Bryant
Delray Beach
Belle Glade
All hands were on deck for the Back to School Bash in August 2016. The event provided free school supplies for pre-registered youth. This year the event was held in 4 locations: Belle Glade, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, and Delray. YSD registered 119 kids to participate in the event.
Youth Summit Debbie Sandler, Mara Velazquez PhD, and Nohemi Medrano, MS represented YSD at the Youth Summit at Palm Beach Lakes High School. | April 2016
Orlando Strong Volunteers
Gratitude for Law Enforcement Highridge Family Center staff and residents made “Survival Kits” expressing their gratitude to our West Palm Beach Police Officers and Community Response Team. The bags were filled with candy such as Gum “to help everyone stick together,” Peppermints “to help you keep your cool” and Kit Kats “because you deserve a break.”
Youth Empowerment Program Site Revovation
Amanda Terrell (Psychologist at the Education Center) and Lauren Steele (Licensed Family Therapist at Highridge Family Center) had the opportunity to provide mental health assistance in the downtown Orlando area in response to the tragedy that occurred at Pulse Nightclub. training, among other services.
YSD co-funded the renovation of the Riviera Beach Youth Empowerment Center. Geeta LoachJacobson attended the building dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony in January of 2016. The YEC in Riviera Beach serves youth ages 13-18 providing after school programs, tutoring/mentoring, and job 17
Community Education and Engagement Efforts Reaching Far and Wide in Palm Beach County
C ommun i ty Ed u ca t i on , E n gage m e nt , P ro fe ss i on al De v el opm e nt , a n d O utr each
S upport i n g
our C ommun i ty
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OCP Division: Summer Programs Ensuring food, safety, and education for PBC Youth
SUMMER CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS The Summer Camp Scholarship Program provides full-tuition and fees for summer camp for children residing in families with income at or below 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines. The program allows parents to work with the knowledge that their children are safe. It gives children educational and recreational opportunities for growth. Parents may choose from a list of participating camps throughout Palm Beach County.
SUMMER FOOD PROGRAM Summer Break Spot, better known as Summer Food Program, is a federal nutrition program to prevent youth from experiencing hunger during the summer. It provides free nutritious meals to kids and teens 18 and under, or to certain people with disabilities of all ages. Each supervised location offers breakfast, lunch or snacks. This year, Palm Beach County had 82 supervised sites and hired 10 seasonal food monitor employees to facilitate the function of this program. Meals Served 47,246 Breakfasts
Spelling Bee Participants | July 2016
115,840 Lunches
67,127 Snacks
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OCP Division: Youth Empowerment Program
A solution for our youth Preventing youth violence, empowering youth, and promoting their education, health, leadership, and community involvement.
VIOLENCE PREVENTION PROJECT Palm Beach County's Youth Violence Prevention Project provides programs for youth with the aim to decrease violent crime and to deter delinquency. Prevention strategies include activities and services for youth ages 1318, after school programs, tutoring/mentoring, job training, information on resources, gang prevention outreach, parenting classes, employment services, Safe Schools Programs, transportation, and employment opportunities.
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT CENTERS Palm Beach County currently co-funds three Youth Empowerment Centers (YEC) located in Lake Worth, Riviera Beach and Belle Glade. Some of the services offered within the year were focused on prevention of youth violence, youth empowerment, and promoting education, health, and leadership within the community.
"Life would be very different if I were not part of YEP; I was on a very dark road, but now I am on the path of success." Trenda M.
YEC TEEN ADVISORY COUNCIL Youth are empowered to be leaders within their community through the Teen Advisory Council. The students are elected by peers to hold the positions of President, VicePresident, Treasurer, Secretary and Historian for the academic year. The Council meets monthly to make decisions about the YEC programming schedules, rules, budget, and activities. Along with leadership roles, the students are empowered through financial literacy, education in the arts, public speaking, performances and community service.
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Spotlight on Youth Awareness Events
YFC observing Red Nose Day | May 2016
HRFC staff wearing green for Mental Health Awareness Month | May 2016
Ed. Center staff observing Pink Shirt Day for Bullying Awareness | February 2016
More green for Mental Health Awareness Month | May 2016
FCA staff supporting Red Nose Day May 2016
The Administrative Office staff also wore pink for bullying awareness| February 2016
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Letter from Michelle Liska: Director of Finance, Contracting & Administrative Services Division Policy and Procedure Manual On October 1, 2015, the Department’s PPM’s were made effective and published to the department's common drive. Hard copy manuals were provided to each of our locations and liaisons appointed to maintain updates and revisions to keep them current.
Contract Insurance Compliance In May 2016, FCA completed the upload of required documents for YSD's applicable contracts into the ITS system for tracking. FCA is very proud to announce that in August we attained the goal of 100% compliance! FCA shared the news with Risk Management and received a “Well done!” response. As insurance purchase and effective dates vary, compliance with insurance contractual requirements can fluctuate day-to-day. Reaching 100% compliance is not often seen. Through teamwork, we are pleased to report that into September, YSD’s compliance remained at 100%.
Suits for Seniors YSD employees brought in gently used clothing and accessories that will be made available to clients and their families as they receive services through our youth programs. FCA staff member, Tamika Kramer, worked with representatives of the Suits for Seniors Initiative founded by Jervontae Edmonds to donate some of the clothes . The goal of Suits for Seniors is to give 100 suits to underprivileged boys at Atlantic High School.
SUPPORTING THE ADMINISTRATIVE NEEDS OF THE YOUTH SERVICES DEPARTMENT
The Finance, Contracting & Administrative Services Division (FCA) of the Youth Services Department is a central services division handling budget, procurement, payroll, human
resources, payables, agenda items, records management, contract management, grant administration, communications & fixed assets for the Department. When the YSD opened its administrative offices on January 5, 2015, no staffing had been hired for FCA. During this reporting period, YSD added its last approved position to its employee complement. FCA is excited to move forward with the recruitment of a Communications Specialist providing additional support to the Department. The Departments FY17 budget and Objectives and Performance Measures were submitted timely. FY16 actual expenditures were 94.57% of our budget of $12,167,808.21 (see chart below). Among this amount, our Headstart Reallocation funding supported the following programs that benefit our youth: Back to a Future, United Way Mini-Mentoring Grants, the Youth Master Plan, Boys Town Florida Data Collection System, the Community Foundation Strategic Plan, Boys and Girls Club Teen Employability Initiative, the Urban League Mentoring Services, Riviera Beach YEC Summer Teen Employment Program, the Lake Worth and Belle Glade YEC Summer Youth Apprenticeship programs, the Sanctuary Institute training, and the Crisis Prevention Institute.
Community Volunteers 246 Volunteers 724 Total Volunteer Hours 711 Youth Volunteer Hours
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Spotlight on Youth Services Staff
Our interns provide invaluable service to the community
Back to School Bash | August 2016 | Photo by Leonard Bryant
Follow‐up community conversation in Pahokee | August 2016
Tie Die Day at Highridge | July 2016
Administrative Staff Day | April 2016
RTFC Clerical Team Appreciation Breakfast July 2016
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PULSE
Administration
50 S. Military Trail West Palm Beach, FL 33415 (561) 242-5714
Education and Training 100 Australia Ave, Ste. 210 West Palm Beach, FL 33406 (561) 233-4460
@pbcyouthservices
Highridge Family Center 4200 N. Australia Ave West Palm Beach, FL 33407 (561) 625-2540
http://discover.pbcgov.org/youthservices
South County
345 S. Congress Ave Delray Beach, FL 33445 (561) 276-1340
@pbcysd
West County
2976 State Rd. 15 Belle Glade, FL 33430 (561) 992-1233