Tallahassee Prepares for Children’s Services Council Meeting

News Summary

The upcoming Children’s Services Council meeting in Tallahassee is set for March 20, 2025. This event will review financial reports and introduce new appointments, emphasizing community involvement and transparency in children’s services funding.

Tallahassee Gears Up for Children’s Services Council Meeting and New Appointments

Parents and community members in Tallahassee will have a chance to catch up with the latest happenings regarding children’s services at the upcoming Finance & Budget Committee Meeting of the Children’s Services Council of Leon County (CSC Leon). This important gathering is scheduled for Thursday, March 20, 2025, starting at 5:00 p.m. and will be held at the Florida Alliance of Children’s Councils and Trusts, located at 1203 Governors Square Blvd, Suite 102, Tallahassee, FL 32301.

What can attendees expect? The agenda for the meeting includes a thorough review of financial reports, such as a balance sheet as of February 28, 2025, alongside income statements stretching from October 2024 to February 2025. Anyone interested can access these financial documents beforehand on the CSC Leon website. As a bonus, members of the public are encouraged to join either in-person or tune in via a livestream on their YouTube channel for those who prefer to watch from home!

New Faces at the Council

Exciting news is in the air as Governor Ron DeSantis recently announced key appointments to the Children’s Services Council, adding fresh perspectives to its mission. Allison Richards, who previously served as a Commission Aide to Leon County Commissioner Christian Caban, has officially joined the Council. With degrees in special education and curriculum from Florida State University, she brings valuable experience to the table.

Meanwhile, Richard “Paul” Mitchell returns to the Council, bringing his expertise as a Partner at The Southern Group and treasurer of the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend. Paul holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University, making him well-acquainted with the local community.

Lastly, the Council will also welcome back George “Mark” O’Bryant, the President and CEO of Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, Inc. He has extensive experience serving on various community boards, with degrees earned from both Brigham Young University and Georgia State University.

Current Challenges and Community Support

2020, CSC Leon allocates funds via ad valorem taxation to support various organizations that promote child and youth development. In its financial year 2024, the budget reached about $8.2 million, setting aside $1 million for administration and around $6.7 million specifically for programs.

In previous meetings, the Council has tackled several key issues, such as the executive director’s contract, the approval of financial reports, and discussions regarding settlements with vendors. During these talks, they reaffirmed ongoing funding for initiatives, including youth mentoring programs, which will continue through May 2025.

In a notable move, the Council has also committed to collaborating with other local entities like the Community Human Services Program (CHSP) to better align funding and services to serve our children and youth effectively. A concern was voiced regarding the need for clear metrics to evaluate the success of funded programs, emphasizing a shared desire for transparency and accountability to taxpayers.

Remarkable Investments for Youth Development

$2.5 million aimed at funding 13 youth development programs for underserved families in areas like Frenchtown and Fort Braden. This funding endeavors to expand access to quality childcare and other essential services, ultimately promoting community engagement and reducing juvenile justice encounters. Family and Youth Services Expo for Saturday, March 22, at the FAMU Developmental Research School. This event will serve as a platform to promote various programs and help connect families in need with the resources available to them.

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Additional Resources

• Tallahassee.com: Gov. Desantis Fills Final Seat on Leon Children’s Services Council
• WTXL: CSC Leon Approves $2.5M Investment Towards Youth Development Programs
• Tallahassee.com: Leon Children’s Services Council Could File First Lawsuit
• WTXL: New Family Resource Center Provides Support for Families Across Leon County
• Wikipedia: Child Services in the United States