Children's Services Advisory Board

About the Program

Category: Children and Youth (Best in Category)

Year: 2019

The Children’s Services Advisory Board (CSAB) was established by the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) on April 26, 2016 to make recommendations regarding programs impacting children prenatal to five years old. The mission of the CSAB is to “evaluate the needs of the community and propose initiatives to benefit Alachua County's families and children, prenatal to age five, to ensure their health, safety, well-being, and preparedness for future success in school and life.” Their guiding principles are to ensure that all initiatives recommended incorporate universal access; coordinate systems of support and are collaborative; impact all children and their caregivers and educators; enhance community awareness and enhance early brain development. The CSAB was also charged with advising the BoCC regarding the creation of an Independent Children’s Services Council. During the course of their work, they reviewed a needs assessment commissioned for them and established goals, an evaluation framework and a strategic approach. The CSAB recommended and the BoCC approved funding for three initiatives:• NewboRN Home Visiting Program• Transformative Professional Development for Early Care and Education Providers• Healthy Social and Emotional Development and Family SupportsThe CSAB determined these innovative initiatives will help assure all Alachua County children are ready for success when entering kindergarten. All three initiatives are under contract, in full operation with strong performance. The CSAB also recommended to the BoCC that an Independent Children’s Service Council be formed. On February 27, 2018, at a public hearing, the BoCC adopted Ordinance 2018-08, putting the question regarding establishment of the Children’s Trust of Alachua County on the general election ballot. The most telling measure of program success is that on November 6, 2018, over 61% of the Alachua County voters approved the creation of the Children's Trust, which will build on the work of the CSAB for years to come.