Purpose
The purpose of the Children's Services Advisory Board is to make recommendations to the County regarding the expenditure of dedicated funding, to consult with agencies dedicated to the welfare of children in an effort to minimize duplication of services, and to complete other duties assigned by the Board of County Commissioners.
Membership Requirements
The Board of County Commissioners appoints Manatee County residents for three year terms, representing the following areas:
- 1 Physician, preferably a Pediatrician
- 1 Licensed Mental Health Professional
- 1 Member of the NAACP
- 5 Child Advocates who are not affiliated with any agency receiving county funds
- 1 Criminal Justice Representative
- 1 Member of the Manatee County School Board
- 1 Representative of the Florida Department of Children & Families
- 1 Representative of the United Way of Manatee County
- 1 Judge/Representative of the Family Law Division
Application
Applications are only accepted when there are advertised vacancies on the board. Applicants for the Children's Services Advisory Board must complete the application, including the supplemental questions on page four, and provide a current and comprehensive resume or curriculum vitae. All documents must be completed and submitted for the applicant to be considered for appointment. The application form is available for downloading on the Apply for an Advisory Board page.
For questions, or additional information, contact Kristi Hagen, Children's Services Program Coordinator, at 941-748-4501 ext. 3485 or email [email protected].
Meetings
The meeting schedule for the Children's Services Advisory Board varies some throughout the year. During the months of June through March, meetings are held monthly on Wednesdays at 3:00 p.m. During early April through May, meetings are held weekly at 3:00 p.m., but days may vary. Meetings are usually held in the Manatee County Administrative Building, 1112 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, Florida, 34205, on the Fifth Floor (Manatee Room).
An Advisory Board retreat is held annually at various locations throughout the community.
Current Members
CHAIR:
Connie Shingledecker |
09/30/2025 |
Criminal Justice Representative |
VICE CHAIR:
Xtavia Bailey |
09/30/2023 |
Child Advocate |
Carolann Garafola |
09/30/2024 |
Child Advocate |
Janet Vestal |
09/30/2025 |
Child Advocate |
Susan Miller Kelly |
09/30/2024 |
Child Advocate |
Jannon Pierce |
09/30/2023 |
Child Advocate |
Debbie Tapp |
09/30/2024 |
United Way Representative |
Hon. Scott Brownell |
09/30/2025 |
Judge |
Kelly Hunt |
09/30/2024 |
Licensed Mental Health Professional |
Gina Messenger |
09/30/2023 |
Manatee County School Board Representative |
Rita B. Smith |
09/30/2023 |
NAACP Representative |
OPEN |
|
FL Dept. of Children & Families Representative |
OPEN |
|
Physician, pediatrician preferred |
Meeting Agendas and Minutes
To view the agenda or minutes, click on the date below.