Minutes of Lowndes County
Children’s Policy Council 

February 3, 2010

District Judge Terri Bozeman Lovell called the Lowndes County Children’s Policy Council meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. on February 3, 2010, at the Lowndes County Law Library.

The meeting was attended by Valencia Aaron, ABC Enforcement Agent; Jennifer Anderson, The Link of Easter Seals; Judge Terri Bozeman Lovell, District Judge; Debra Caldwell-Bush, Chief Juvenile Probation Officer; LaSaundra Chappell, Mental Health; Angela Daniel, All Kids; Renee Goodwin, Family Sunshine Center; Adrian Johnson, Attorney at Law; Shirley Jones, Director, Lowndes Helping Families Initiative; LaShawn Long, Lowndes Mental Health; Mary Anne Martin, Alabama Character Initiative; Audrey Peterson, DHR; Gloria Simmons, Family Service Center; and Shakirah Tajuddin, DHR; Gus Townes, The Link of Easter Seals; Rachel Waters, Director, Lowndes DHR.

Judge Bozeman Lovell welcomed Council members and introduction of members and guests followed.  The members approved the minutes of the December 2, 2009, meeting. 

Shirley Jones gave an update on the Helping Lowndes Families Initiative and invited those interested to contact her about being involved or accepting referrals. 

Judge Lovell encouraged our members to take part in the Regional CPC Conferences.  Registration forms were distributed at the meeting. Some of the topics to be covered at the conference will be Kids Count, Juvenile Court Programs and the Annual Needs Assessment. 

Gus Townes of Easter Seals gave a presentation on “The Link” transportation program.  Mr. Townes sought partnerships to expand their services from the Montgomery area to Lowndes County. 

Melanie Bridgeforth of Voices for Alabama’s Children gave a presentation on the Kid’s Count Data Information.  Her presentation was extensive and gave insight into how the rankings are determined.  She encouraged our council to be diligent in our efforts and to focus on one or two areas that could significantly impact the indicators used for the annual rankings. 

Members and guests made announcements regarding upcoming events and activities in the community. 

The meeting concluded at 4:45 p.m.