FFTA Committees

Research Committee
The Research Committee enhances the exchange between research, practice and program administration. Regular activities include the publication of a series of Research Annotations, and coordination of a research track at the annual conference. Current activities include the release of a monograph reviewing Treatment Foster Care literature, the development of a comprehensive guide to resources concerning evidence-based practices applicable to treatment foster care settings, and the oversight of an on-going grant-funded benchmarking project integrating data from over 20 TFC agencies. Monthly conference calls and a meeting at the annual conference facilitate the work and play of this productive, supportive, and enjoyable collaboration.
Gail Biro, MSW, Committee Co-Chair
Phone: (386) 523-1440 x 127 ~ E-mail: Gail.Biro@neighbortofamily.org
Ben Kerman, Ph.D. Committee Co-Chair
Phone: (203) 401-6900 ~ E-mail: bkerman@caseyfamilyservices.org

Public Policy Committee
The Public Policy Committee monitors and strives to influence national public policy that best serves the interests of children and families. The committee informs members of policy issues that impact Treatment Foster Care and coordinates grassroots efforts through the FFTA membership to influence national trends and public policy. The committee hosts an annual Public Policy Institute in Washington, DC, and a Public Policy workshop at the Annual Conference. These programs highlight major policy issues and trends in foster care and other family-based services. The committee also commissions the writing of white papers on topics such as Performance-based Contracting and Levels of Care. Committee members are given the opportunity to shape and influence national trends in the public sector and in Federal policy. The committee meets by conference call on a monthly basis.
Ken Olson, Committee Chair
Phone: (207) 771-5712 ~ E-mail: ken.olson@kidspeace.org
Amelia Franck Meyer, Committee Vice Chair
Phone: (715) 386-1547 ~ E-mail: afranckmeyer@pathinc.org

Editorial Committee
The Editorial Committee conceptualizes themes and articles for FFTA’s quarterly newsletter, FOCUS. Committee members write articles, recommend and recruit authors, and conduct interviews with experts in the field. Committee members are given the opportunity to enhance their writing skills, contribute to a nationally disseminated field publication, and educate members on trends and best practices in Treatment Foster Care. The committee meets approximately 8 times a year by conference call.
Scott Hasselman, Committee Co-Chair
Phone: (216) 292-1525 ~ E-mail: shasselman@pressleyridge.org
Marianne Werth, Committee Co-Chair
Phone: (703) 425-9200 ~ E-mail: m.werth@afgcinc.com

Membership Committee
The Membership Committee stays in continuous contact with the FFTA membership to ensure that members utilize the services provided by the Association and are satisfied with the benefits of membership. Committee members also solicit ideas from members on ways in which FFTA can enhance its programs and services. The committee also supports all membership recruitment and retention activities undertaken by the Association. Committee members serve as the direct link between FFTA members and the association and play a very important role in ensuring member satisfaction. The committee meets by conference call on a monthly basis.
Jimmy Wilson , Committee Chair
Phone: (770) 387-9003 ~ E-mail: jimmy_wilson57@yahoo.com

Standards and Practices Committee
The Standards and Practices Committee oversees revisions to the FFTA Program Standards for Treatment Foster Care. The committee also receives comments and feedback on the Standards for consideration in future revisions. The committee will work in conjunction with the Research Committee to develop an Evidence-based Practice Resource Guide, which will supplement the FFTA Program Standards. The committee meets by conference call as needed.
Sally Buchanan, Committee Chair
Phone: (770) 469-6226 ~ E-mail: sbuchanan@ccsgeorgia.org

2008 Conference Committee
The Conference Committee oversees the development of the Annual Conference on Treatment Foster Care. Responsibilities include recommending keynote speakers, reviewing workshop proposals, recommending special educational tracks, and developing conference themes. Committee members have the opportunity to develop an extensive educational program and enhance the knowledge of more than 700 Treatment Foster Care professionals who attend the conference each year. The committee meets by conference call as needed and in person whenever possible.
Jeff Greene, Committee Chair
Phone: (740) 345-5437 ~ E-mail: ibshrink@houseofnewhope.org
Sally Buchanan, Committee Vice Chair
Phone: (770) 469-6226 ~ E-mail: sbuchanan@ccsgeorgia.org

Chapter Development Committee
The Chapter Development Committee is charged with creating new chapters and reactivating inactive chapters in every state where there are sufficient FFTA members. The committee also assists with identifying new chapter leaders and supporting new chapters in their early stages of development.
Gary Beckham, Committee Chair
Phone: (520) 721-1887, ext. 294 ~ E-mail: garybeckham@aol.com

Fund Development Committee
The Development Committee oversees the fund development activities of the Association. Committee members identify new sources of revenue for FFTA and work with other FFTA committees to identify TFC-related projects that have the potential for funding and works with the Conference Committee to promote conference sponsorships. The committee also serves as the liaison to the Association’s fund development consultant who is charged with researching funding opportunities and writing grants. Recent accomplishments include obtaining funding for the FFTA Benchmark TFC! Project.
Sally Buchanan , Committee Chair
Phone: (770) 469-6226 ~ E-mail: sbuchanan@ccsgeorgia.org

Marketing Committee
The Marketing Committee is charged with establishing internal and external communication programs to promote FFTA as a leader in Treatment Foster Care. Individuals with experience and interest in marketing, public relations, and communications are encouraged to join this exciting committee. The committee meets by conference call approximately every two months.
Doug Fellrath, Committee Chair
Phone: (405) 751-0800 ~ E-mail: dougfellrath@bridgeportholdings.com

Cultural Competency Committee
The committee will support the Board of Directors with promoting cultural sensitivity, membership involvement and advocacy; patience, understanding, cultural appreciation, and respect without biases and/or discrimination through advocacy, conflict resolution, and education.
Jorge Acosta, Committee Chair
Phone: (323) 720-9951 ~ E-mail: jorge@nalffa.org
Rose Lopez, Committee Vice Chair
Phone: (803) 791-5513 ~ E-mail: rlopez@growinghomese.com

Executive Committee
The Executive Committee is comprised of the President, Past President, President-elect, Secretary, Treasurer, Member of the Executive Committee, and the Chairperson Council of Chapter Chairs. It is responsible for the transaction of association business between meetings of the Board of Directors. The committee meets monthly by conference call and in-person prior to each quarterly meeting of the Board of Directors.

Board Development Committee
The Board Development Committee considers prospective members of the Board of Directors and recommends qualified candidates to the Board of Directors. The committee is responsible for issuing a Call for Nominations and ensuring the timely filling of board vacancies. The committee also takes on other assignments from time-to-time, as directed by the Board of Directors.

Shape the Future of Treatment Foster Care by Joining an FFTA Committee!

To join an FFTA committee, contact Melissa Cole at the FFTA office.
Call (800) 414-3382, ext. 113 or e-mail: mcole@ffta.org

Copyright © 2004 Foster Family-based Treatment Association
294 Union Street, Hackensack, New Jersey 07601
(800) 414-FFTA (3382)