Based on all that I know at this time regarding the implications for licensing, and having consulted with agency leaders from FRM, FCSA and Covenant House Alaska, I am recommending that at this time, we stop pursuing licensing of The Door. Primarily – this is about being more available to the youth in the community and being able to take in more than the 11. The following is a list of pros and cons:
+ We can take more than 11 youth as needed, occupancy would be set by city fire codes,
+ There is community support for this – from other organizations – to see availability meet demand,
+ We can create a uniquely designed program that works for us / Fairbanks,
+ AHFC (Our primary grantors) does not care – they just want to see us serve kids AND follow local city guidelines,
+ Less pressure to meet every RCCF standard,
– Not being licensed could create an accountability issue,
– Not being licensed could keep us from applying for some grants and could keep us from some OCS funds and the like,
We are looking into mitigating the accountability issue. Niki and I want to be accountable – but we want to be accountable REASONABLY . . . and not for silly reasons. We think that we can find an agency that would provide that technical support, encourage us as well as tell us when something needs to be tightened up a notch or two. The FRM provides some of that support, but they are not familiar with the regulations for children.
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I vote in favor of this (if we are voting)….I do think we need to have some sort of accountability partner agency- would Presbyterian Hospitality House be interested in helping? Or Family Centered Services? They are two agency’s with long histories working with vulnerable youth in Fairbanks.
It also seems like OCS would be a good partner, but they may not be supportive of us not being licensed. Or would they? Just thoughts.
Based on our discussion of licensing for The Door during the September 17 board meeting, and reviewing the summarized ED proposal on the issue here, I make a motion that we follow Marylee’s suggestion, and at this time elect not to pursue licensing for the Shelter.
I agree, we are responsible, upright people and we will always take the high road for the kids sake. Praise God.