Vol. 15, No. 1 • November 2010

Message from the President of the NC Foster and Adoptive Parent Association

by Stacey Darbee

Meet the 2010/2011 Board of Directors!

Officers: President, Stacey Darbee; Secretary, Aaryn Fazakerly; Treasurer, Paul Roodhuyzen; Historian, Angel Myers

Region 1: VP, Wanda Douglas; members: Co-Wefa Lyda, Terry Cross, Crystal Merritt

Region 2: VP, Joanne Light; members: Julia McInnis, Paul Roodhuyzen, Angel Myers

Region 3: VP, [vacant]; members: Stacey Darbee, Tammy Mitchell, Sandra Williams-Ayers

Region 4: VP, Chris Powers; members: Aaryn Fazakerly, Chip Thompson

NCFAPA and Region 2 extend a warm welcome to Angel Myers, the newest member of the Board. Angel has jumped in with both feet! And we are happy to welcome back Crystal Merritt. She just couldn’t stay away! Sincere thanks to outgoing board member Kim Stewart for her years of service. We wish you luck in your future endeavors. Board elections will be held at the next NCFAPA Education Conference in April 2011. Each region of the state will have opportunities to vote. If you are interested in becoming a member of this working board please go to www.ncfapa.org and fill out a board application.

2010 Awards (Presented at 2010 Conference)
Parents recognized by NCFAPA for their Magical Moments in Outstanding Parenting are Johnny & Dujana Bostick (nominated by Richmond County DSS), Sammie & Lawanda Clemmons (nominated by Easter Seals UCP) and John & Dixie Painter (nominated by Grandfather Homes). We’re proud to have them as members!

The Karen Taylor McLeod Advocacy Award is awarded only when NCFAPA feels there is someone who has been an extraordinary support and advocate for our families. In 2010 this award was given to Ms. Karen LeClair for her unwavering dedication to NC’s foster and adoptive families. Karen is the consummate professional with a passion for NCFAPA and its families. We are honored to have her in our corner!

Every person reading this knows some amazing parents. Don’t wait: submit a nomination for foster parent(s) of the year and adoptive parent(s) of the year. ACT NOW! Just go to www.ncfapa.org and fill out the nomination form. No stamps necessary.

2011 Conference Announced!
Can you dig it?! April 15–17, 2011 NCFAPA will present the 13th Annual Education Conference: Peace, Love & Family…Growing Groovy Families. This cool scene will be happening at the Renaissance Suites Charlotte. Come crash at our pad. We have some FAB workshops, way cool entertainment, and even some time to chill. So drag out your funky threads and trip on down to Charlotte. Buzz on over to www.ncfapa.org to get the scoop and register. We promise you’ll be blown away! Peace out.

Legislative News
In July 2010 Governor Perdue signed HB 1682 which states that corporal punishment shall not be administered on a student with a disability if that child’s parent has stated in writing that corporal punishment shall not be used on that child. After this bill was signed several more counties banned the use of corporal punishment in their schools.

Information of Note
When a child is adopted from the NC foster care system they are eligible to receive Medicaid. This Medicaid is tied to funding that is available along with adoption subsidy (assistance).

At this time NC ends all adoption assistance at age 18. This effectively also ends Medicaid coverage even if the child is still in high school. Families are left with the task of applying for SSI or finding other insurance for the child.

NCFAPA is advocating for a change in this policy and investigating the ramifications. If you have a child nearing their 18th birthday, be proactive about continuing their insurance coverage. We will advocate for change but can only effect that change with your help. Look for more information from us on our website and via e-mail.

Copyright � 2010 Jordan Institute for Families