Family Advisory Council

Did you know?

HowardCenter's Child, Youth & Family Services (CYFS) has a Family Advisory Council.

What is the Familiy Advisory Council?

The Family Advisory Council (FAC) is a group of
current and former CYFS family members and other
interested individuals that meets monthly. Family
members lead the meetings and HowardCenter
staff also participate.

The FAC is a forum for families to share needs and concerns with CYFS on its programs and services. It is a link among families, CYFS, and HowardCenter's Board of Trustees. The FAC serves as the Board's Local Standing Committee, as required by regulations of the Department of Mental Health.

What does the FAC do?
The FAC provides a link between families and CYFS. It advocates for family-friendly CYFS programs and services. Throughout the year, the group

shares views and concerns about CYFS programs, services, planning, and evaluation
receives timely updates about CYFS programs and services
offers advice and advocates on matters of public policy that affect families and clients
educates members of the HowardCenter Board and community at large
about children's and families' needs
participates on hiring committees for key CYFS staff
reviews quarterly outcome reports for CYFS programs
annually reviews and comments on CYFS consumer complaints

Download minutes from past meetings:
2010: March, February, January
2009: December, November, September, July, June, May, April,
2008: November, October, September, July, June, April, March, February, January

Be part of a group that makes a difference! The FAC welcomes new members and values your views on current programs and future directions of CYFS. Visit a meeting and try us out. Remember, you are not alone.

Why be part of the FAC?
It's a place where you can share your concerns:
I want to be able to give a voice to all those parents and children who do not get the opportunity to speak for themselves. -Nancy Bigelow, Parent and former FAC member
It's a way to affect programs:
We invited legislators, the governor, and state leaders to our meetings to discuss our children's needs. We advocated at the state house for funding for emergency beds, respite money, and more case managers. We felt like we had a voice in shaping programs and legislators learned first-hand about the challenges we faced. -Katherine Connolly, Parent and HowardCenter Board member
It's a way to help shape policy:
We testified about the need for emergency residential care other than hospitalization before the House Human Services Committee in Montpelier. They asked good questions and really listened. -Gillian Eaton, Parent and FAC member

When does the FAC meet?

The FAC meets on the third Wednesday of each month, from 12:30-2:00 P.M.
Location: 1138 Pine St., Burlington, VT (former Baird Building)
Lunch is provided, and transportation and child care support are available as needed.

Want to learn more?
For more information about the Family Advisory Council, contact:
- Catherine Simonson, CYFS Director
  802-488-6700, catherines@howardCenter.org
- Deb Sullivan, Administrative Services Manager
  802-488-6704, debs@howardcenter.org
- Gillian Eaton, Parent and Family Advisory Chair
  FAC@howardCenter.org
  
  Click here to visit or join our group on Facebook.

Family Advisory Council

Did you know?

What is the Familiy Advisory Council?

What does the FAC do?

Be part of a group that makes a difference! The FAC welcomes new members and values your views on current programs and future directions of CYFS. Visit a meeting and try us out. Remember, you are not alone.

Why be part of the FAC?

When does the FAC meet?

Want to learn more?