Medicaid

medicaidMedicaid is provided for all children in foster care. It’s possible that while application is being made by the county that bills will be sent to the county. HOWEVER you should still only use medicaid providers.

Medicaid will pay for:

I. your foster child’s physicals and doctors visits

II. All of the child’s prescription

III. Vision appointments, 1-2 pairs of glasses for your child (if needed).

IV. Dental appointments and services.

V. Additional specialist/ services recommended by your doctor.

Our suggestion to you would be to use as many of these services as soon as possible once children come into your care. They may have required visits within 7 days of placement, so make sure that you know what your social worker is needing from you. 

Remember that you MUST use providers that accept Alabama Medicaid.

 

Renewal training opportunities

shoccoThe BEST way to get all 15 of your required hours in one quick shot is to come to OUR YEARLY AMAZING CONVENTION! The convention is traditionally held the 2 days before Mothers Day which means you should pencil in May 11, 12, 13 of 2017! 

The convention is held at Shocco Springs in Talladega, Alabama. For our 2016  the cost was $35 per person and includes 2 nights and 3 days including meals. You can stay Wednesday and Thursday night, or Thursday night and Friday night. If you choose to stay 3 nights you are responsible for the extra night. The rooms can hold up to 4 people and are hotel style. If you the soul traveler and want a private name the charge is extra $20 per night . Childcare is not provided due to liability costs at the camp, however we would love to assist you with finding respite care! It’s a GREAT convention, a great way to meet foster parents from all over the state, and a wonderful way to get all your required renewal hours quickly.  You can see the past 2016 schedule of events by clicking HERE.

 

apacAnother great free resource is APAC’s webinars!!! 

APAC offers free educational trainings on adoption related topics via webinar approximately 12 times a year. Webinars can be accessed by anyone throughout the state with access to the internet. Currently, we have the capacity to serve up to 1000 individuals/computers during a live webinar presentation.

Get webinars here: http://www.childrensaid.org/apac/webinars.html

Get training here: http://www.childrensaid.org/apac/services_/trainings.html

 

You can also find online resources at foster parent college. 

http://www.fosterparentcollege.com/

Day Care (aka CMA)

If you care a foster child, and have a child under public school age,

then you are eligible to receive CMA unless there is a parent who works in the home. 

STEP 1: When you first receive your placement you should tell your social worker that you will need care and tell them WHICH daycare you are interested in your foster child attending.

In order to be eligible for CMA payment the Day care MUST ACCEPT CMA                                   payments, so be sure you call and ask ahead of time. Click here to go to the State                     DHR  providers list. If the provider you’re interested in isn’t on this list just call                       them directly.

STEP 2: Find out if there is any parent fee. It is usually no more than a $50.00/week. Be sure to ask about this before you tell your social worker what the provider is.

STEP 3: Usually even before your card is actually sent they will allow you to bring your children, but be SURE TO ASK your provider when you can begin bringing the child.

STEP 4: A card like this one will be sent to you. This is how the state pays the provider.

CMA card

STEP 5: You will activate your card and choose your own 4 digit pin.

STEP 6: Daily, when you check your child in and out of daycare, you will swipe your card at the CMA reader. This will allow the state to know exactly how much to pay.

swiper

 

Adoption Subsidy

Did you know that if you adopt out of foster care you may qualify to continue receiving state subsidy? This was put into place by the Commissioner  to incentivize families to adopt children and allow them to find forever families even faster.

Who is Eligible for Adoption Assistance or Subsidy?

1. How does Alabama define special needs to determine eligibility?

A child with special needs is defined as a child who has at least one of the following needs or circumstances that may be a barrier to adoption without financial assistance:

  • A child who has certain documented physical, mental, or emotional issues
  • A child at risk of physical, mental or emotional difficulties in the future, due to high risk factors document in the background information
  • Children five years of age or older (prior to April 28, 2015 it was children eight years of age or older)
  • Sibling group of two or more children being placed for adoption in the same home at the same time (prior to April 28, 2015 it was a sibling group of three or more placed for adoption in the same home at the same time).

To be eligible for adoption assistance, a child must first be in the care and custody of the Department of Human Resources or an Alabama licensed child-placing agency or be eligible to receive SSI at the time of placement.

** SO THIS MEANS THAT IF YOU ADOPT ANY SIBLING GROUP OUT OF FOSTER CARE YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THE SUBSIDY AND IF YOU’RE ADOPTING ANY CHILD FIVE OR OVER  THEN YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THE SUBSIDY!!!!! 

2. Does the state-only funded adoption assistance program differ in any way from the Title IV-E program?

To be eligible for state-funded adoption assistance, a child must have special needs child as defined above and be in the permanent custody of the Alabama Department of Human Resources.

3. Are children adopted from private agencies in Alabama eligible for adoption assistance?

Only if the children are eligible for federal (title IV-E) adoption assistance.

What Supports and Services Are Available?

Monthly Payments

4. What is the maximum basic monthly adoption assistance maintenance payment in Alabama?

Age Rate base on date of finalization

Before 1/1/16

Beginning 1/1/16

0-2

$432.50

$462.78

3-5

$445.50

$476.69

6-12

$456.50

$488.46

13+

$468.50

$501.30

5. Does Alabama provide specialized rates (based on the extraordinary needs of the child or the additional parenting skill needed to raise the child)?

Therapeutic rate (negotiated):

Age

Rate

0-2

not to exceed $1,055

3-5

not to exceed $1,068

6-12

not to exceed $1,079

13-18

not to exceed $1,091

Difficulty of care rates may be provided to:

  • children who have exceptional physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral needs
  • children with extreme illness or disabilities requiring nursing care (excluding children in residential treatment facilities)
  • emotionally disturbed children requiring more restrictive therapeutic care
  • medically fragile children

6. When do adoption assistance payments begin?

Adoption assistance benefits may begin at adoption placement.

7. When a child turns 18, which benefits, if any, continue?

State-funded adoption assistance typically terminates when a child reaches age 19, but may continue until 21, provided the child is in high school or in a specialized training program for the intellectually impaired, which is designed to aid in becoming self-supporting.

Federally funded (IV-E) adoption assistance can be extended to the age of 21 if the child has a documented disability that warrants continuation of assistance.

8. Does Alabama offer deferred adoption assistance agreements (agreements where initial monthly maintenance amount is $0 for children at risk of developing special needs later)?

Yes. Evidence of disability is not necessary at the time of placement, but professional documentation of a high risk of developing a physical, emotional or psychological disability is necessary. The high-risk background is based on the documented emotional or psychological history of the child’s biological family

YOU CAN FIND OUT EVEN MORE BY CLICKING HERE AND GOING TO THE NACAC WEBSITE.

Minimum Standards for Foster Parenting

Find out if you meet all of the official the Foster Parent Minimum Standards by clicking HERE.

– Age: 19 or older (if one spouse is younger and they’re related to the child an  exception may be made.

– Marital Status: Foster parents may be single (single includes never married or legally divorced) or married. If living together in a relationship, foster parents shall have been married in a legal ceremony or by common law, as defined by law, and have been in this relationship for at least one year. If married applicants are living together, either at the time of application or at any later time, both married spouses must be approved as foster parents.

– Foster parents shall be able to: Read and write;  Demonstrate an understanding of the needs of children; Give time and attention to the needs of children; and Provide opportunities for the physical, mental, emotional, and social development of children in care. Responsive to the changing needs of children; Flexible in expectations and attitudes toward children, including those from other cultures.Participants in any planning and delivery of services required for children in care.

– Religious beliefs: Foster parents shall respect the religious beliefs and cultural heritage of foster children, and shall not interfere with the reasonable practice of a foster child’s religious beliefs. Foster parents shall not coerce a foster child into participating in religious or ethnic events against the child’s will.

– Income:  Maintain income or resources to meet the needs of the foster family, basic household needs, and the additional needs of the foster children (See Financial Statement for Foster and/or Adoptive Applicants, DHR-FCS-705).

– Transportation: Maintain a valid driver’s license and motor vehicle insurance, as required by law, on vehicles transporting children and provide proof of insurance and a valid driver’s license to the Department.  Maintain reliable transportation when transporting foster children that is readily available, in safe condition, and has the required safety features.

– Complete Training: Complete thirty (30) hours of preparation/training as provided by the approving agency prior to being approved. Complete and maintain current CPR certification. If approved for infants and young children, the training must include Pediatric and Infant First Aid/CPR

– Housing: The home and grounds shall be maintained in a clean and safe condition. A) A play space for indoor and outdoor activities will be provided. This area shall be free from hazardous conditions that may cause injury. B) The residence shall have a working telephone. Temporary disruptions of service shall be reported to the approving agency within 24 hours. C) Electrical service. D) Water. E) Gas (if used for cooking/heating). F) A waste disposal system (city sewage or septic tank). G) Ventilation. If fans are used for ventilation, blades within reach of children shall be clean and enclosed for safety. H) Comfortably regulated cooling and heating. I) Lighting that provides for necessary activities and safety.

– Bedrooms and Bathrooms: A) Beds and mattresses shall be of size and quality to allow good sleeping posture. In addition, if infants will be placed in the home, additional guidelines shall be followed related to baby cribs. They are: (1) Slats on babies’ cribs shall be no further apart than 2 3/8 inches. (2) Mattresses must be waterproof and fit tightly inside cribs, no more than two finger widths between mattress and each end of the bed. (3) Cribs and mattresses shall be kept clean and disinfected. (4) There shall be a distance of (3) three feet between babies’ cribs. B) Separate sleeping rooms shall be provided for children over age 6 who are of the opposite sex. C)  An adequate number of bedrooms shall be provided for all persons residing in the home. D) Bedrooms for foster children shall be used only for the child’s sleeping, personal time, and study. E) Bedrooms for foster children shall have adequate space for the child’s personal belongings. F) Sanitary bathroom facilities that provide privacy shall be available for use by family members and foster children. G) Accommodations shall be available for the special care of sick members of the family and foster children.

– Cleanliness: Home Dwelling A) The house shall be clean overall. B) The house shall be maintained so as to prevent and/or eliminate rodent and insect infestation. This includes the presence of screens on doors and windows if used for ventilation. C) Outside garbage and trash shall be stored in containers with lids. D) Garbage and trash shall be removed at intervals to avoid creating a nuisance or menace to health.

– Animals in the Home:  A)  An animal shall not be kept if the animal has shown aggressive behavior. B) Animals shall have an annual certificate of rabies vaccination on file in the home if required by law to be vaccinated. C) An animal that is not aggressive but could pose a threat to the health and safety

of children such as, but not limited to lizards, snakes and turtles, shall be routinely confined (e.g. a cage or an aquarium) in an appropriate container.

– Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs: A) Pools shall be maintained in clean and safe condition. B) Foster parents shall develop rules governing pool, hot tub and/or spa use. Rules shall be posted and reviewed with each child. (See Appendix for “Suggested Pool/Spa Safety Rules”) C)  Pools exceeding two (2) feet in depth (above or in ground):  Shall be enclosed by a fence or a solid wall. Where there are windows or door openings into this area, said openings shall be made inaccessible to young children. The sides of an above ground pool shall not be considered a fence or wall. D) The fence shall be at least four (4) feet in height, with a locking gate. The gate and all areas of access shall remain locked at all times the pool is not in use.

– Firearms: Firearms and ammunition must be kept in a locked approved container.

– Meet required physical health standards, an approved home study/ character review, background checks.

If you meet all of these requirements (or can make improvements to your home to fit them) move on to the next step of the application.

Getting Started Fostering

We are so excited that you’re interested in beginning the journey toward becoming a foster parents. Let us walk you through the steps!

STEP ONE:  Find out if you meet the Foster Parent Minimum Standards by clicking HERE.

STEP TWO: Send application (or drop off by hand) at your county DHR. You can find your county DHR address by clicking here. 

STEP THREE: If you do not hear from a social worker within one week about your application then call the number for Family and Child services and ask about your application. Find that info by clicking here. 

STEP FOUR: In step four you need to complete the following:

a) Financial Statement for foster and/or adoptive applicants. 

b) Physical Exam for foster and/or adoptive applicants. 

Once these are completed you will turn them into whoever has been assigned as your licensing worker.

STEP FIVE: Complete the following background checks: (licensing worker will have this info for you)

a) Clearance of State Central Registry on Child Abuse/Neglect (this requires fingerprinting).

b) State of Alabama Criminal History Background Information Check

STEP SIX: Begin GPS training with your county DHR. Your licensing worker should be able to tell you when your local training classes will occur. You will need to complete 30 hours of training at your county DHR (or other approved location). Most classes are 3 hours, one night a week, for 10 weeks.

STEP SEVEN: Complete home study with your licensing worker. General requirements can be found by CLICKING HERE.

After all of this, and the approval of the State of Alabama, you will be licensed. You can begin receiving placements within 24 hours of your licensing/approval.

 

AFAPA By-laws

Alabama Foster and Adoptive Parent Association, Inc.

Constitution

Article I.  Name

The name by which the corporation shall be known is Alabama Foster and Adoptive Parent Association, Inc.

Article II.  Purpose

To act as a unified voice in serving, advocating, promoting and encouraging foster and adoptive parents as we serve Alabama’s children and their families.

Article III.  Nature of the Association

  1. This association shall be incorporated, self-governing, non-profit, non-partisan, and non-sectarian. The association shall solicit and receive funds for the accomplishment and furtherance of the constitution and by-laws.
  2. The association shall not engage in activities other than those that would be in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article II of the Constitution, and in no event shall any such activities be in contravention of law or of provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

Article IV. Officers

  1. The executive officers of the association shall be a president, two vice

presidents, secretary and treasurer.  The duties of the officers shall be set forth in the by-laws of the association.

  1. The board of directors shall consist of the five (5) elected officers and a minimum of six (6) regional representatives; the immediate past president; members-at-large chosen from throughout the state because of their interest in foster and/or adoptive care as set forth in the by-laws of the association; no more than two (2) designated liaisons from the Alabama Department of Human Resources.

Article V. Meetings 

The association shall meet at least one (1) time annually.  Said meeting is to be held at the call of the Board of Directors or as set forth in the by-laws.

Article VI. Amendments

Amendments to this Constitution may be made by a majority vote of the current membership present at the annual meeting.  A copy of said amendments to be mailed to the voting constituency at least thirty days (30) prior to the annual conference business meeting.

Alabama Foster and Adoptive Parent Association, Inc.

By-Laws

 

Article I.  Name

The name of the corporation shall be Alabama Foster and Adoptive Parent Association, Inc., referred to as the association in these by-laws.

Article II.  Membership

Section I.  Types of Membership

(A)   Regular Membership will be available to all individual foster parentsand kinship care foster parents approved and residing in the state of Alabama and adoptive parents residing in the state of Alabama. Regular members will have the right to vote on all matters brought to members of the association.

(B)   Supportive Membership shall be available to individuals and organizations wishing to support the purposes and efforts of this association.  The benefits of this membership include attending business meetings and receiving all mailings.  Supportive members do not have voting rights.  Individual supportive members providing care to related children in their homes who do not qualify for Regular Membership will not be required to pay dues.  The request for supportive membership must be submitted to the secretary of the Alabama Foster and Adoptive Parent Association.

(A)  Chapter Membership will be available to any foster and adoptive parent association in Alabama, approved by the Alabama Foster and Adoptive Parent Association board of directors.  An association receiving chapter membership must operate in a consistent manner with the by-laws and constitution of the state association.  Benefits to local associations receiving chapter membership include attending meetings, receiving all mailings, and the state association accepting tax-deductible contributions for the local association.  All monetary contributions will go through the state association treasurer and ninety percent (90%) of the funds returning to the local association.  The retained funds will be used for the purposes of the association as set forth in the by-laws and constitution of the Alabama Foster and Adoptive Parent Association, Inc.  Guidelines and procedures will be provided to any qualified local association chapter membership.  Chapter members do not have voting rights.

Section 2.  Dues

(A) Dues of the association may be changed by a two-thirds vote of the Board of

Directors present.

(B) Supportive membership shall be a minimum of $10.00 per twelve (12)

consecutive months except for related caregivers as provided  in Article II, Section 1(B).

(C)  Chapter membership shall be a minimum of $150.00 per twelve (12)

consecutive months.

Section 3.  Membership Year

                 The membership year shall be for a period of twelve (12) months concurrent with the accounting year.

Article III.  Officers and Duties

Section 1.  Enumeration and Qualification

(A)  The elected officers of the association shall be a president, two vice

presidents, secretary, and treasurer.  Each officer

must be a member in good standing of the Alabama Foster and Adoptive Parent Association, Inc. during their term of office.

(B)   The immediate past president of the association will

serve on the board in an advisory capacity for the term immediately following his/her term of office, provided he/she has completed the full term of office as president.)

(C)   Regional representatives are chosen by the executive committee.  Each of the regional representatives must be a member in good standing of the Alabama Foster and Adoptive Parent Association during his/her term of office.

(D)  Members-at-large may be appointed to the board by the executive committee

for a minimum term of two (2) years.  Members-at-large will be individuals who have demonstrated an interest in the welfare of foster, adoptive and birth families and their children.  Each member-at-large will be a voting member of the board receiving one (1) vote.

(E)   Two (2) state liaisons, one (1) each from the fields of foster care and adoption, will be designated by the Alabama Department of Human Resources, with approval of the association’s board of directors.  The state liaisons will serve in an advisory capacity as a non-voting, ex officio member and will attend meetings and conferences as requested.

Section 2.  Duties of the Officers

All officers must forward all records of their office to the incoming officer   by the first day of the next accounting year.

(A)  The president shall be the chief executive officer whose duties and

responsibilities include:

  1. Preside at all meetings of the association, the board of directors and state conferences.
  2. Be responsible for the general management and supervision of the affairs and operations of the association.
  3. Have the authority to appoint the chairman of all standing committees and appoint committees as needed by the association.
  4. Be a member ex officio with one (1) vote on all contracts or obligations authorized by the board of directors.
  5. Sign all contracts on obligations authorized by the board of directors.
  6. Represent the state association officially and publicly.
  7. Perform other duties as provided by these by-laws or as designated by the board.
  8. Have one (1) vote in the event of a tie vote of the board of directors.

(B)   The 2 vice presidents shall:

One (1) Vice President of Foster Care Affairs shall be an approved foster parent.  One (1) Vice President of Adoption Affairs shall be an adoptive parent.

  1. Act in the stead of the president.Should the presidency be declared

vacant, the board of directors shall appoint one (1) vice president to complete the term of office.

  1. Serve as co-chairpersons of the annual training conference.
  2. The vice presidents shall co-ordinate works of all committees

and submit quarterly reports on their activities to all board members at each board meeting. Co-ordinate all activities concerning foster care and adoption.

  1. Perform other duties as designated by the president or the board.
  2.   Co-ordinate all training meetings with

regional representatives.

  1. Each vice president has one (1) vote

 

(C) The secretary shall:

  1. Keep all records of the executive board, board of directors and general membership meetings.
  2. Submit to the president and those others the president might designate, a copy of any and all minutes taken                            within four (4) weeks of said meeting.
  3. Be prepared to inform the president of the number of qualified members at any and all meetings.
  4. Update the constitution and by-laws of the association making necessary changes as directed by the      association.
  5. Be responsible for all official association correspondence.
  6. Serve a chairperson of the membership committee.
  7. Serve as the official liaison to local associations concerning Chapter Membership.
  8. Perform other duties as designated by the president or the executive board.
  9. Have one (1) vote.

(D) The treasurer shall:

  1. Be responsible for collecting and safeguarding all the funds of the association.
  2. Be responsible for the timely disbursement of association funds as authorized by the president of the association and the board of directors.

 

  1. Submit all financial records to the board of directors for audit on call.
  2. Make regular reports to the general membership at the annual meeting.
  3. Be properly bonded at the discretion of the board of directors.
  4. Provide monthly financial reports to the executive board and quarterly reports to all board members.
  5. Be responsible for all personnel and tax records of any employees of the association.
  6. Have the financial records ready for an audit committee of no less than three (3) member of the association at the end of each membership year.
  7. Perform other duties as designated by the president or the executive board.
  8. Have one (1) vote.

 

(E) Regional Representatives shall:

  1. Plan and coordinate trainings with the vice presidents of the Association, chairpersons of the training committee, and the SDHR liaisons.
  2. Represent the interests of foster and adoptive parents within his/her region.
  3. Assist in the development and growth of local foster and/or adoptive parent associations with the region.
  4. Perform other duties as designated by the president or the executive board.
  5. Work in partnership with professional representative within the region.
  6. Have one (1) vote per region.

Section 3.  Nominations and Elections

The term of office for each officer shall be for a period of two (2) years.

(A)   Elections of the officers of this association will be held at the

annual training conference. The terms of the officers-elect will begin on the first day of the next accounting year.

(B)  A nominating committee, which shall be appointed by the president will be comprised of five (5) board members.  The committee shall present a

slate of officers to the voting constituency for consideration and proposed

election.

(C)  Any member nominated must be present to verify their eligibility and accept their nomination.

(D)    Any elected officer or committee member may be relieved of duties and

Removed from office because of misconduct of a nature that reflects discredit on her/himself or on the association by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the board of directors present. If for any reason an elected officer cannot complete a term, the board of directors shall appoint a person to complete the term.

Section 4.  Employment Positions

(A)  Upon approval of the board, employees may be hired at the discretion of the executive committee.  No active board of directors member may fill any paid employee position.

(B)   Employment is at will and as funds are available.

(C)   Employees may serve on the board of directors in an advisory capacity only.

(D) Have no vote.

Article IV.  Board of Directors and Committees

Section 1.

The executive authority of the association shall be vested in the board of directors, which shall be responsible for the management and property of the association.  The board of directors shall consist of the following members: president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, regional representatives, the immediate past president, members-at-large and designated liaisons of the SDHR.

Section 2.

All members of committees shall be members in good standing of the state association and local association where applicable.

(A)  Finance committee shall work to identify funding sources for the operation of

the association and in developing the annual budget.  The finance committee

shall consist of the treasurer and three (3) to five (5) additional board members.

(B)   Conference committee shall consist of the vice presidents and two (2) or more additional board members.  The committee will plan and implement

the annual conference of the association and other duties as designated by

the board of directors.

(C)   Training and education committee will coordinate with the conference

Committee and with regional representatives to assist in scheduling workshops and other training opportunities sponsored by the association.

(D)  Legislative committee shall promote and support favorable legislation, local,

state and national that pertains to children and/or foster and adoptive care issues.  The committee will advise all members of the association as to recommended action to be taken concerning such legislation.

(E)   Constitution and By-laws committee will propose any changes as needed in

the constitution or by-laws.  Any member may make proposals to the committee regarding changes.  Changes in the constitution and by-laws will first be submitted to the board of directors for its recommendation and then voted on by a majority of members present at the annual meeting.  Changes must be submitted to the entire membership of the association thirty(30) days prior to the annual meeting.

(F)    Membership committee will develop ways to track and increase the

membership of the association.  The committee will be responsible for sending membership forms to former members sixty (60) days before the beginning of a new membership year when applicable.

(G)  Executive committee shall consist of the executive board.  They shall be

responsible for appointing members-at-large and regional representatives.  With the board of director’s approval, they shall be responsible for the hiring and management of any employees.

(H)  Public relations committee shall be responsible for preparing and releasing

information to all media outlets on behalf of the association with the approval of the executive board.  They shall be responsible for the awards recipient process and the awards given at the annual training conference.

(I)     Scholarship committee will be responsible for securing grants and donations

to provide funds for academic and/or vocational scholarships for youth in foster care, adoptive or birth families.  Secure funds for scholarships for the professional development for members of the association and board of directors.

(J)     Historical committee will be responsible for gathering, updating and

organizing information pertaining to the association.  They will be responsible for presenting the information, in display form, at the annual training conference.

(K) Advocacy committee will be responsible for advocating on behalf of foster

and adoptive parents, the children in foster care and their families. They will

be responsible for empowering/training foster and adoptive parents, and empowering the age appropriate children in foster care and their families to advocate on their own behalf. They will be responsible for maintaining confidentiality at all times.

 

Other committees may be established as deemed necessary by the board of directors.

Section 3.

The board of directors shall hold regular quarterly meetings.  Newly elected officers will set the date of the first quarterly meeting within thirty (30) days of taking office.  At each quarterly meeting the date of the next quarterly meeting will be set.  An agenda will be mailed to each board member at least seven (7) days prior to the board meeting.  All board meetings are open to association members.

Any board member missing two (2) consecutive board meetings is subject to termination of his/her office upon the decision of the executive committee.  The board of directors will appoint a replacement for each office.

Section 4.

The board of directors may, without meeting together between quarterly meetings, transact business by mail, email or telephone by voting upon proposed resolutions with the approval of the president.

Section 5.

Duties of the board of directors shall be:

(A)  To interpret and enforce the provisions of the constitution and by-laws of the

association.

(B)   To promote by attitude and action constructive social action needed to bring

about changes and improvements in the child welfare systems and in legislation pertaining to all children and families.

(C)   To act as an information center and research body regarding constitutional

matters, finance, education, legislative actions and to disseminate such information.

(D)  To provide a vehicle for communication among foster and adoptive parents,

local foster and adoptive parents, or foster and/or adoptive associations and child welfare agencies.

(E)   To cooperate with other organizations which have similar objectives in whole

or part to those of this association.

Article V.  Meetings

Section 1.

The members of the association shall meet annually at the association training conference.  The board of directors shall determine the location. Members may hold a special meeting as deemed necessary by the board of directors or a group of fifty (50) members of the association may call for a special meeting of the association.  The president will set the location.

A special meeting or the board of directors may be called by any three (3) members of the board of directors.

Section 2.

Notice of special meetings of the association will be sent to all members at least

fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting.

Notice of special meetings of the board of directors will be sent to all members of the board at least fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting.

Section 3.

Roberts’ Rules of Order shall be the procedure in all meetings of the association.

Section 4.

Except as otherwise provided by the articles of incorporation, the constitution, or by-laws a simple majority of those members present and entitled to vote shall carry the question at any meeting of the members of the association. Members of the association shall not be permitted to vote by proxy at any meeting of the members.

Article VI.  Policy

Section 1.

The association shall be self-governing, non-profit, non-partisan, and non-sectarian and shall not discriminate against any person as a result of sex, race, creed, religion or national origin.

Section 2.

The association shall solicit and receive funds for the accomplishment and furtherance of these by-laws.

Section 3.

The association shall not engage in any activities or exercise any powers that are contrary to the law or to the primary purposes for which this association was formed.

Article VII.  Amendment

The by-laws of this association may be added to, amended, repealed or revised in whole or in part by majority vote of the members present at any regular or special meeting of the association, provided that written notice of intention to add, amend, repeal or to revise the by-laws in whole or in part has been given to each member at least thirty (30) days prior to scheduled meeting.

Article VIII. Dissolution

In the case of dissolution of the association, all assets and property of the association will be disbursed with payment being made to creditors and all remaining assets being distributed to other 501(c)(3) non-profit Foster, Kinship or Adoptive Parent organizations in the State of Alabama.

Revised May 2011