Children's Services Advisory Board

January - December 2023 Meeting Documents

December 2023

November 2023

October 2023

September 2023

August 2023

July 2023

June 2023

May 2023

April 2023

March 2023

February 2023

January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the Children's Services Advisory Board is to make recommendations to the County regarding the expenditure of dedicated funding, to consult with agencies dedicated to the welfare of children in an effort to minimize duplication of services, and to complete other duties assigned by the Board of County Commissioners.

Current Members

 Name Current Term Ends Seat
CHAIR:
Ret. Major Connie Shingledecker
 

09/30/2025
 

Criminal Justice Representative
VICE CHAIR:
Xtavia Bailey
 
09/30/2026
 
Child Advocate
Carolann Garafola 09/30/2024 Child Advocate
Patricia Miner 09/30/2025 Child Advocate
Susan Miller Kelly 09/30/2024 Child Advocate
Jannon Pierce  09/30/2026 Child Advocate
Debbie Tapp 09/30/2024 United Way Representative
Retired Judge Scott Brownell   
09/30/2025

Judge
Kelly Hunt 09/30/2024 Licensed Mental Health Professional

Gina Messenger

09/30/2026
Manatee County School Board Representative
Rita B. Smith 09/30/2026 NAACP Representative

Melissa Leslie
   
   09/30/2024
FL Dept. of Children & Families Representative
Dr. Constance Logan    09/30/2025 Physician, pediatrician preferred

Meetings

FY24 Meeting Schedule (October 1, 2023 - September 30, 2024)

The meeting schedule for the Children's Services Advisory Board varies some throughout the year. During the months of June through January, meetings are held monthly on Wednesdays at 3:00 p.m. Beginning in February and through May, meetings are held weekly at 3:00 p.m. The two recommendation meetings in May are Monday and Wednesday of the same week, each beginning at 3:00 p.m. Meetings are usually held in the Manatee County Administrative Building, 1112 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, Florida, 34205, on the Fifth Floor (Manatee Room).

An Advisory Board retreat is held annually at various locations throughout the community and typically in October.

Membership Requirements

The Board of County Commissioners appoints Manatee County residents for three year terms, representing the following areas:

  • 1 Physician, preferably a Pediatrician
  • 1 Licensed Mental Health Professional
  • 1 Member of the NAACP
  • 5 Child Advocates who are not affiliated with any agency receiving county funds
  • 1 Criminal Justice Representative
  • 1 Member of the Manatee County School Board
  • 1 Representative of the Florida Department of Children & Families
  • 1 Representative of the United Way of Manatee County
  • 1 Judge/Representative of the Family Law Division

Application

Applications are only accepted when there are advertised vacancies on the board. Applicants for the Children's Services Advisory Board must complete the application, including the supplemental questions on page four, and provide a current and comprehensive resume or curriculum vitae. All documents must be completed and submitted for the applicant to be considered for appointment. The application form is available for downloading on the Apply for an Advisory Board page.

For questions, or additional information, contact Kristi Hagen, Children's Services Program Coordinator, at 941-748-4501 ext. 3485 or email [email protected].

2020 Meeting Document

December 2020

November 2020

October 2020

September 2020

June 2020

May 2020

February 2020

January 2020