Family Advisory Council
What is the Family 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 regulaitons 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 reporrts for CYFS programs
- annually reviews and comments on CYFS consumer complaints
When does the FAC meet?
The FAC meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 6:30 - 8:00 P.M.
Location: Varies. See flyer.
Transportation and child care support are available as needed.
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.
For more information, contact:
Catherine Simonson, CYFS Director
802.488.6700, catherines@howardcenter.org
Deb Sullivan, Administrative Services Manager
802.488.6704, debs@howardcenter.org
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Email us with your question.
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What is 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 shape policy:
We testified about the need for emergency residential care other than hospitalization before the House Human ServicesCommittee in Montpelier. They asked good questions and really listened. -Gillian Eaton, Parent and FAC member
Family Advisory Council Minutes
To read minutes from previous FAC Meetings, click here.
