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.
Current Members
CHAIR:
Xtavia Bailey |
09/30/2026 |
Child Advocate |
VICE CHAIR:
Jannon Pierce |
09/30/2026 |
Child Advocate |
| Carolann Garafola |
09/30/2027 |
Child Advocate |
| Patricia Miner |
09/30/2025 |
Child Advocate |
| Barbara Byrne |
09/30/2027 |
Child Advocate |
| Ret. Major Connie Shingledecker |
09/30/2025 |
Criminal Justice Representative |
| Ret. Judge Scott Brownell |
09/30/2025 |
Judge |
| Emily Robertson |
09/30/2027 |
Licensed Mental Health Professional |
Chad Choate |
09/30/2026 |
Manatee County School Board Representative |
| Rita B. Smith |
09/30/2026 |
NAACP Representative |
Debbie Tapp
|
09/30/2027 |
United Way Representative
|
| Dr. Constance Logan |
09/30/2025 |
Physician, pediatrician preferred |
Vacant |
09/30/2027 |
FL Dept. of Children & Families Representative |
Meetings
FY24 Meeting Schedule (October 1, 2023 - September 30, 2024)
The meeting schedule for the Children's Services Advisory Board varies some throughout the year. During the months of June through January, meetings are held monthly on Wednesdays at 3:00 p.m. Beginning in February and through May, meetings are held weekly at 3:00 p.m. The two recommendation meetings in May are Monday and Wednesday of the same week, each beginning at 3:00 p.m. 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 and typically in October.
Membership Requirements
The Children's Services Advisory Board (CSAB) is comprised of volunteers who dedicate time to support children of Manatee County and the Children's Services Ordinance. The Board of County Commissioners considers the applicants and 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].