March 19th, 2008, a meeting of the Child Protection and family Advocacy Board was called to order at 12:00 noon by Diane Beagle, Chairman. A quorum of members; one guest, Matt Herdon of Blanco; and two CPS professionals were in attendance. During open session, minutes for the February meeting were approved by the members present.

The Treasurer’s Report was presented to the Board by Treasurer Wendy Smith. Her excellent documentation was publicly acknowledged. Additional donations were presented by Bill Swiss, in the amount of $4885.77, $2885.77 from the First Methodist Church, Johnson City, $1000.00 from the Lion’s Club, and $1000.00 from the Johnson City Garden Club. After appreciative discussion regarding these donations and how these funds will be used in specific ways to benefit underprivileged Blanco County children, the guest was asked to step out of the room while the meeting continued in closed session.

During closed session, CPS professionals reported on conservatorship children within Blanco County. After discussion, the meeting returned to open session at 12:32 p.m. and the guest was invited to return. Additional requests for monies, services, clothing, classes, chaperones, and reimbursements were discussed as well as tabled requests from the prior meeting. CPS Service Awards certificates and a sample letter detailing summer/ongoing services for children were presented by Bill Swiss for consideration by the Board. Additional committee reports were discussed.

A National Day of Prayer for the Victims of Child Abuse will be held on April 27th. Board members will be asking churches in the county if they will mention the Day of Prayer in each of their bulletins. April will be Child Abuse Awareness month in Blanco County for 2008. Bill Swiss has arranged for signage.

The next meeting was scheduled for April 17th at 6:00 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 1:15 p.m.