Summer food benefits OK’d for 530K Alabama children
An estimated 530,000 Alabama children who get free or reduced-price school meals are now eligible for food benefits this summer after the school year ends, officials said Tuesday. The Alabama Department of Human Resources said qualifying households will get $120 for each participating student to buy food that is eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program at stores that accept Electronic Benefit Transfer cards. The Summer Pandemic EBT program benefits are expected to begin rolling out in mid-to-late summer. “Inflation has transformed each grocery trip into a balancing act for low-income families struggling to afford food for their children on top of other costs like housing and transportation,” said Alabama Department of Human Resources Commissioner Nancy Buckner in a news release. “Every dollar of support from programs like P-EBT strengthens their spending power and weakens the prospect of hunger while promoting nutritious meals for children.” Summer P-EBT benefits are limited to students who receive free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program. To become eligible, families may apply by contacting their schools. Applications must be approved by May 16 to qualify for summer benefits. Households with eligible students who received P-EBT benefits previously will access Summer P-EBT benefits on their existing EBT cards. Those who are new to the National School Lunch Program will get EBT cards in the mail. Republished with the permission of The Associated Press.
Alabama celebrates record-breaking number of adoptions
The Alabama Department of Human Resources (ADHR) is celebrating a record-breaking number of adoptions from foster care, with 719 children finding homes in fiscal year 2018. It’s an 41% increase from the 502 children that were adopted in 2017. “It sends a strong, wonderful message to all the foster care children in our state,” Gov. Kay Ivey said at a proclamation signing at the state capitol in Montgomery on Monday. “These children have found their favorite homes and lasting homes.” Ivey was joined by ADHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner and several families that have completed adoptions in the Yellowhammer State. November 2018 is National Adoption Month, and by signing the state proclamation, Ivey is encouraging all Alabamians to support adoptions and is bringing awareness to the importance of providing children with a permanent, safe and loving home. 2018’s record number of adoptions beats the previous record of 676 children adopted, which set in fiscal year 2009.
Alabama DHR increases subsidies to help low-income families afford child care
The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) has increased subsidies to help low-income families afford child care services thanks to the $40.7 million of additional Alabama child care funding authorized by the Omnibus Bill signed by President Donald Trump earlier this year. Rates will vary depending on the market rate in each region. For example, a center in Birmingham, located in the most costly region, will see the rate for toddlers and infants go from $118 a week to $142. In Fort Payne, located in the least costly region, will see the weekly rate for toddlers and infants go form $78 per week to $110 per week. The varying costs follow a market rate survey that was conducted by DHR in 2017 to determine child care costs in Alabama by region. “We are extremely pleased to be able to provide increased subsidy payments that should improve the quality of child care in Alabama,” stated DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner. “This will make it easier for low income working parents to find quality child care while they work to improve their family’s financial situation.” An additional bonus Also effective October 1, 2019 is an increase in the yearly Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) Bonus, as well as making the QRIS Star designation available to Group and Family Day Care Homes. All licensed child care providers in Alabama can participate in QRIS, earning from 1 Star to 5 Stars. The yearly bonus is higher for each Star in good standing. These bonuses are intended to encourage centers and homes to provide higher quality care for all children in child care throughout Alabama. “We believe that the QRIS will improve the quality of care in centers that participate in the program,” added Buckner “It is our hope that more centers across Alabama will see the value in participating in QRIS and that parents will want their children to attend centers that participate in this program. The children in Alabama deserve the very best in quality childcare.” Providers who receive a Star and also accept child care subsidy will receive a tiered rate for subsidy children. Each Star will make the provider eligible for 2 percent over the base subsidy rate 1 Star is 2 percent over base rate 2 Stars is 4 percent over base rate 3 Stars is 6 percent over base rate 4 Stars is 8 percent over base rate 5 Stars is 10 percent over base rate DHR spent $98 million for child care subsidy reimbursements to providers for Fiscal Year 2018 and plan to spend $112 in FY 2019.
Mother sues DHR, caseworkers in death of her daughter, a Montgomery foster mom
The mother of a beloved Montgomery, Ala. teacher filed a lawsuit against Alabama foster care administrators at the Alabama Department of Human Resources (ADHR) and case workers on Wednesday. Valetta Robinson filed the suit Montgomery County over what she considers the wrongful death of her daughter, Porscha Echols, who was reportedly strangled to death last year by her 14 year old foster son. The suit alleges administrators at ADHR were negligent in placing the boy in her 30 year old daughter’s home despite multiple, previous complaints of violent behavior in prior foster homes. “He should have never been placed in Porscha’s home,” said attorney Tommy James. “My client is dead because the people at DHR did not do their jobs and it is appalling that this was allowed to happen. This child should have received the mental health treatment they knew he needed. He easily could have been placed him in a home for troubled teens. These facilities are located throughout the state and DHR knows this. The foster care system completely broke down and failed Porscha Echols and her family,” Robinson is demanding a trial by jury.
Women of influence: Alabama State Rep. Pebblin Warren
Tuskegee Democrat, State Rep. Pebblin Warren has a whole lot of irons in the fire. On top of being an Alabama state representative, she serves on the Tuskegee University Board of Trustees and holds top positions in numerous professional organizations and aid groups. Last week, she was appointed vice-chair of the Lee County Delegation, and she is a member of several House committees, including: Rules, Ways and Means General Fund, Health, and the Lee County Legislation committees. Warren is also a member of the Central Alabama Works board. Needless to say, Warren is a very busy woman. Her success in serving the state has been built upon a foundation of education. She graduated from Tuskegee University in 1974 with a B.S. Degree in Business Administration and she also holds a M.Ed. degree in Personnel Administration from Tuskegee University along with a certificate of Business from the University of Notre Dame Graduate Division. She took her look of education to the workplace and started working in higher education in 1974 in the School of Veterinary Medicine at Tuskegee. She made her way up the food chain to the Director of Financial Aid at the University, until she transitioned to the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education as the Director of Student Services, Trenholm State Technical College, and as director of Economic Development/Internal Financial Aid Auditor. She spent the majority of her, long distinguished career in higher education at the Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT) where she focused on the job readiness program in Macon County and getting Macon County involved in the Regional 5 Workforce Development. She retired in November 2015 to focus on her work in the state legislature. “I have been blessed to have worked consecutively for 40 years and six months,” Warren told the Tuskegee News ahead of her retirement. “I have not been laid off since I started working. And I thank God for my blessings.” In her spare time, Warren gives back to her community. She serves as an Elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church, is Vice-President of Democrats of the 82nd District Macon County Chapter, and a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Aid To Inmate Mothers; a non-profit organization whose mission is to “provide services to Alabama’s incarcerated women with emphasis on enhancing personal growth and strengthening the bonds between inmate mothers and their child” just to name a few. One of Warren’s most recent accomplishments was the House approval of her day care bill, HB76. The bill, which died in the Senate last year, would make background checks and yearly inspections by the Alabama Department of Human Resources a requirement for faith-based day car centers in Alabama for the protection and benefit of the children. It’s no wonder Warren received a plethora of awards and accolades including throughout her life such as: Outstanding Volunteer Service Award, Aid to Inmate Mothers, John H. Buchanan, Jr. Distinguished Service Award, Judge and Banquet Speaker, 1998 Buffalo Rock, James C. Lee Student of the Year Scholarship Program, Outstanding Service Award, Alabama College System Deans of Student Affairs Association, Montgomery Advertiser Community Volunteer Profile, Macon County Cancer Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity, and Tutwiler Prison Volunteer. Warren is a woman of great ambition, she has worked her way through the ranks to become a key player in higher education, economic development and an impressive member of the Alabama legislature. She is an excellent asset to the state of Alabama, and a true woman of influence.
Alabama House approves day care oversight compromise bill
The Alabama House of Representatives on Thursday approved a day care compromise bill that intends to provide the most basic level of safety for children attending faith-based day care facilities throughout the state. A HB76, introduced by Tuskegee-Democrat state Rep. Pebblin Warren, advanced from the House Children and Senior Advocacy Committee on Tuesday. Under the legislation, the Alabama Department of Human Resources (ADHR) would be able to inspect the nearly 1,000 faith-based centers throughout Alabama once a year. “We are now one step closer to stopping another tragedy,” said Warren. “This bill would put in place the most basic safety standards for facilities that thousands and thousands of children across our state attend everyday.” The legislation would also require criminal background checks on the people whose care children are being placed into and proof of insurance. Under current law, Alabama is only one of seven states that still allows daycare centers to operate without regulation if they are a part of a church or ministry. Nearly half of the 1,914 day cares statewide claim the religious exemption, allowing them avoid background checks for workers and facility inspections. Warren had submitted the same bill last session. Despite being passed out of the House with bipartisan support, similar legislation was held up by a small number of Senators who voiced concerns about it being an attempt to regulate or influence curriculum and the like. In August, a young boy in Mobile, Kamden Johnson, died while in the care of an unlicensed daycare in Mobile, Ala. creating a bipartisan call for putting in place safeguards. Over the summer, Governor Kay Ivey said state laws need to change and that she believes all daycare centers operating in Alabama should be licensed through the state. “I strongly favor that if you’re going to be a daycare center for children you need to be licensed by the state,“ Ivey told reporters while attending the Association of County Commissions of Alabama Convention in Orange Beach in August. Warren agreed. “After the tragedy over the summer, I said this year would be different. It must be different,” added Warren. “We must put politics and special interests aside and do what is right and I hope with all my heart my colleagues in the Senate will do just that.”
Day care regulation bill unanimously passes House committee
Alabama faith-based day care facilities are one step closer to having to be annually inspected after a House committee approved a substitute version of HB76. HB76, as introduced by Tuskegee-Democrat state Rep. Pebblin Warren, would require all day care facilities statewide to be licensed and regulated by the Alabama Department of Human Resources (ADHR). Under the new substitute bill — which the House Children and Senior Advocacy Committee unanimously voted to advance to the House floor on Tuesday — the centers would remain exempt from needing to be licensed, but ADHR would be able to inspect the centers once annually. Faith-based day cares would also have to submit proof of insurance and the names of workers and their criminal histories. Alabama is only one of seven states that still allows daycare centers to operate without regulation if they are a part of a church or ministry. Nearly half of the 1,914 day cares statewide claim the religious exemption, allowing them avoid background checks for workers and facility inspections. The House overwhelmingly approved similar legislation last session, but the bill ultimately died in the Senate. Warren, a member of the House Rules Committee that has the ability to set the special order calendar, said she hopes the bill will quickly be considered by the full Alabama House. Watch a video excerpt of Tuesday’s hearing below:
Conservative group Eagle Forum weighs in on childcare bill
Conservative group Eagle Forum of Alabama is taking a stand for families across Alabama — opposing a bill that would require church day cares to be licensed and regulated by the Alabama Department of Human Resources, which they say encroaches on religious freedom. Currently, faith-based daycares are exempt from state regulations and standards. But HB277, the Child Care Safety Act, endeavors to change that. “HB 277 removes religious liberty protections and requires state regulation of religious institutions,” said Deborah Love, executive director of Eagle Forum of Alabama. “HB 277 will reduce positive options for Alabama’s families who rely on these institutions every day. “HB 277 at its core is government overreach into the most important private institutions in our state.” According to Eagle Forum, licensed exempt day care providers are not exempt from child safety laws and regulations. All child care providers in Alabama are either licensed exempt or licensed. To become licensed exempt the provider must file appropriate paperwork with DHR including immunization records. “Opposition to HB277 is about protecting children by protecting some of the best, safe, and positive child care options for children in Alabama,” said Eagle Forum Alabama. “If hard working Alabamians no longer have high quality and low cost options, it harms children. Many families will no longer have the opportunities and options they rely on for their families.” Under current law, DHR provides the following list of requirements for license exempt facilities: Notice that the child care program is an integral part of a local church Notice that intent to operate a child care program has been given to the appropriate health departments so that facilities will be inspected to meet standards Inspection by fire department at least once a year Inspection by the Alabama Department of Public Health at least twice a year Notice to the department certifying health inspection reports, immunizations, and medical forms for all staff and children. Notice to parents of staff qualifications, pupil-student ratio, discipline policies, type of curriculum, religious teachings, and type of lunch program. Parents required to sign affidavits about licensed-exempt status Church/facility must submit affidavits of notification to DHR Must follow all state and federal laws The bill’s bipartisan sponsors Tuskegee-Democrat Rep. Pebblin Warren and Jacksonville-Republican Rep. K.L. Brown, along with 18 republican and 14 democratic colleagues, think the bill is necessary saying some exempt childcare centers have violated legal standards of care. But Eagle Forum says rather than punishing everyone, the state should focus on punishing bad actors who are breaking current law. “The government has an interest in protecting safety of all Alabamians but that does not mean the government should control private religious institutions,” said Eagle Forum. “Reasonable regulations and criminal laws already punish bad actors. State agencies already retain the ability to regulate and inspect in needed situations.” Alabama is one of only seven states in the nation that has a religious exemption for childcare facilities.
May is National Foster Care Month; foster parents needed in Alabama
May is National Foster Care Month, a month set aside to acknowledge foster parents, family members and other members of the community who help children and youth in foster care find permanent homes and connections. In 2014, there were more than 400,000 children and youth in foster care in the U.S. That’s more than double the number of kids who were in the system in the mid-1980s. In Alabama alone there are approximately 5,450 children of all ages in foster care, all of whom cannot currently live with their birth families due to the risk of neglect, physical or sexual abuse. These children are in desperate need of a safe haven, a caring and loving environment. Foster care provides them just that until they can either return home, to relatives or achieve permanency through adoption. Nearly every community across the state is seeking more foster parents to meet the needs of children and youth of all ages. Foster homes allow displaced youth to live together with their siblings, remain in their own neighborhoods and stay in their same schools. Often times perspective foster parents have the desire to help, but worry about the financial costs associated with taking on a child. In the Yellowhammer State there are many programs designed to help make foster care more feasible for qualified parents. This begins with a monthly subsidy, or “board payment,” to go toward housing, utilities, clothing, food and extra-curricular activities. According to Alabama Foster and Adoptive Parent Association, the 2016 monthly board payment rate for the State of Alabama is below: Ages Beginning 1/1/16 0-2 $462.78 3-5 $476.69 6-12 $488.46 13+ $501.30 Additionally, all children who are in foster care receive Medicaid through the state. Meaning, you will not pay for health, vision, prescription or dental costs. Foster parents also have access to daycare for children under five years old while they’re at work, funded by the state’s Child Care Management Agencies (CMA). Of course there are some basic requirements for all foster parents. According to the Alabama Department of Human Resources website, you could be a foster parent if: You are at least 19 years of age; You can provide a safe, comfortable atmosphere for the child; Your home conforms to Alabama Minimum Standards for Foster Family Homes; Your home has enough space for the child and his or her belongings; All members of your family are willing to share their home with a child who needs care; All members of your family are in good health; All adults in the home are willing to undergo a thorough background check, including criminal history. Here are the steps to take if you’re interested in fostering a child: Check and make sure that your home meets Alabama Minimum Standards (link above). Download and complete the Application. Find the mailing address of your County DHR. A Social Worker should contact you within a week. If you do not hear from someone, call weekly to check in. Foster parenting is a rewarding opportunity that helps shape brighter futures for displaced children. But there is a variety of other meaningful ways for individuals, organizations and communities to get involved and make a lasting difference in the lives of young people in foster care. Call 1-866-4AL-Kids to get more information about becoming a foster parent or learn about other ways you can help.
Robert Bentley signs bill to help protect vulnerable adults from financial exploitation into law
Gov. Robert Bentley has signed a bill to help protect vulnerable adults from financial exploitation into law Monday. Drafted by the Alabama Securities Commission (ASC), SB 220, entitled Protection of Vulnerable Adults from Financial Exploitation Act, will provide an important added layer of legal protection for Alabama adults who may be susceptible to financial abuse and exploitation. Under the new law, both the Alabama Securities Commission and the Alabama Department of Human Resources would be promptly notified by broker-dealers, investment advisers, agents and other qualified individuals who service the financial needs of adults when those financial professionals have a reasonable belief that financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult may have occurred, has been attempted or is being attempted. “We should do everything we can to thwart any efforts of those who would seek to prey upon the elderly and steal their hard earned savings,” said State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) one of the bill’s co-sponsors. I thank the Alabama Securities Commission for its vigilance to protect all Alabamians from theft and squander from nefarious actors.” SB 220 passed the Alabama Senate on April 12, 2016 and was then forwarded to the Alabama House, where it’s companion bill HB 211 passed upon presentation on the floor of the House by State Representative Paul Beckman (R-Prattville) “This is a very important tool to protect the life savings and assets of our senior Alabamians; especially those seniors who may eventually suffer from a diminished capacity to make wise and informed financial decisions,” House co-sponsor Beckman weighed-in. “A special thanks to the Alabama Securities Commission for its continued and successful efforts to protect our valued senior citizens.” ASC Director Joseph Borg cheered on the legislation. “This significant legislation will be a powerful mechanism to help ensure that the investment community of stockbrokers, investment advisors and financial professionals will report suspicious financial activity involving any vulnerable Alabama adult who is exposed to dishonest or illegal actions that could jeopardize their long-term financial well-being,” said Borg.
Bentley Administration announces creation of Children’s Cabinet
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley announced Tuesday afternoon the creation of the Alabama Children’s Cabinet. The Cabinet will include members of existing state agencies who will work together to “maximize efficiency in the use of state resources, reduce duplication of services and create a greater return of state tax dollars,” according to a press release from the governor’s office announcing the new body. “Alabama’s children are our future, and we must ensure that their needs are being met just as we do with adults,” said Bentley at the announcement of the Cabinet’s creation. “Whether it is education, health care, nutrition programs, or other needs, children need someone to advocate for what is best for them. We have put together a great group of individuals, already working hard on children’s issues, that has the knowledge and experience necessary to improve the lives of the children of Alabama. The Children’s Cabinet will be an important group dedicated to Alabama’s children” This group will work to develop measures of accountability to improve effectiveness in achieving positive outcomes for children. — Gov. Robert Bentley (@GovernorBentley) April 12, 2016 We’ve put together a great group of individuals that have the knowledge & experience necessary to improve the lives of Alabama children. — Gov. Robert Bentley (@GovernorBentley) April 12, 2016 The Cabinet will consist of the director, or an appointed delegate from the State Department of Education, Alabama Department of Human Resources, Alabama Medicaid Agency, Alabama Department of Public Health, Alabama Department of Mental Health, Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education, Alabama Department of Youth Services, Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention, and the Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs. The Cabinet, created by Executive Order 17, is created effective immediately, and must meet monthly, and is given authority to develop its own rules. According to the governor’s office, the members of the Children’s Cabinet will receive no additional compensation for the position.
Prison reform bill passes committee, moves forward to full Senate
On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on General Fund Taxation and Finance passed the long-debated Alabama Prison Transformation Initiative Act, clearing its path to go before the full Senate next week. SB287 from Sen. Trip Pittman (R-Daphne) provides an $800 million revenue bond for the demolition of 14 of Alabama’s 16 prisons and subsequent renovation of the remaining two. The bill further provides for the construction of four new prisons, three male and one female, which will pay off the bond through perceived savings. As collateral, the bill provides a 1-mill tax currently reserved for funding the Alabama Department of Human Resources (ADHR) and the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA). Proponents say that the tax would only be used if the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) defaults on its bond payments, which is not expected to happen. In previous committee meetings, opponents spoke out against the 1-mill tax commitment as well as the design/build method laid out in the bill, which state contractors have argued would stifle competition and have a negative effect on local companies. With the 1-mill tax concerns in mind, Sen. William Holtzclaw (R-Madison) offered an amendment which would protect the ADVA and ADHR. If forced to use the money because of an ADOC default, money would taken from each agency incrementally and, if funding became unsustainable, future legislatures would be forced to fully fund both departments. The amendment further imposes a sunset on the 1-mill tax commitment to alleviate concerns that it could be on the table for many years to come. The amendment was unanimously approved, with only Pittman abstaining from the vote. In regard to the design/build method, which repeatedly drew the ire of state engineers and architects, Pittman alleged that altering that language would be a nonstarter for Gov. Robert Bentley, who contends that the method is best for the state and the project. State Finance Director Bill Newton noted that design/build would shorten the time of construction by one year and save the state about $100 million. Many committee members spoke favorably of the legislation, despite the longstanding uproar and inner-concerns over the bill. “Don’t let this die in committee today and we lose the only vehicle we have for improving those facilities,” said Sen. Cam Ward (R-Alabaster). “That would be a terrible, terrible shame for all of us.” “If this is the only way we can make things better then we ought to do it,” said Sen. Priscilla Dunn (D-Bessemer). “I think it’s time that we try to do something about it. We need to do something about these prisons.” In the end, only Sen. Paul Sanford (R-Huntsville) voted against the bill.
