The AFAPA Board of Directors support the needs of foster, adoptive, & kinship/guardian parents throughout the state of Alabama.  

The mission of the AFAPA is to provide education and support to foster and adoptive parents all across the state. Our vision is to see that you as foster and adoptive parents are successful in your endeavors. Toward that end, we continuously search for educational activities along with other resources to make available to you. 

Our Goals:

  • Advocate on behalf of foster and adoptive parents
  • Provide and promote quality training and education, ensuring the highest level of excellence in foster and adoptive care
  • Promote the development of local foster and/or adoptive parent associations throughout the state
  • Develop partnerships with other child advocacy agencies and organizations
  • Actively participate in the recruitment and retention of foster and adoptive parents
  • Inform membership of this association and others of the general public of current information pertaining to the well-being of children in care and their families
  • Develop ways to track and increase membership
  • Maintain a secure financial base to support association goals
  • Develop a resource network for foster and adoptive parents

Regions & Representatives



Buddy Hooper – Board President
Mary Smith – Vice President, Foster Care
Heather Branam – Vice President, Adoptions
Keith Lowhorne – Vice President, Kinship
Darla Works-Nelson – Treasurer
Stacy Justice -Secretary
Shirley Merrills – Region 1 Representative
Victoria Davidson – Region 1 Representative
Amanda Foster – Region 2 Representative
John King – Region 2 Representative
Gerald Nelson – Region 3 Representative
Jennifer Lee – Region 4 Representative
Martha Hooper – Region 4 Representative
Brandon Bishop – Region 5 Representative
Kristy Bryant – Region 5 Representative
Linda Hayes – Region 5 Representative