Children's Services Advisory Board

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

 Name Current Term Ends Seat
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.

2020 Meeting Document

December 2020

November 2020

October 2020

September 2020

June 2020

May 2020

February 2020

January 2020