Legal Services asks for short extension after withdrawing expansion proposal; board approves two-month funding extension

Representatives of Legal Services of North Florida told the Escambia Children's Trust that an expansion grant request would be withdrawn because of uncertain collections and insufficient participation, but they asked the board to extend their existing agreement so attorneys can finish work on active cases.

Rebecca Shernitzki, who said she runs the education component of the grant, described the program's work in truancy and delinquency court. She said the team has reactivated statutory procedures, helped triage civil legal needs that keep children in school and reported that in year three they served 163 children for educational purposes.

"In year three of our contract, we've served over 163 children strictly for educational purposes," Shernitzki said, and she warned about the consequences if the program ceases.

Carrie Crommy, assistant director of litigation, gave examples of casework and described outcomes in dependency cases where attorney involvement facilitated reunification or reduced time to permanency. Executive Director Leslie Paludro said the organization assisted more than 300 children over three years and that some of the proposed expansion funding is being withdrawn for now.

"The extension request will allow us to fully plan for the cases we're currently handling including case closure where possible," Paludro told the board.

After the speakers' remarks and discussion, the board moved and approved Resolution 2617 to authorize the executive director to extend the funding agreement through June 30 to complete representation for currently enrolled children. The withdrawal of the separate expansion request will stand as information.

The board recorded approval by voice vote; no roll-call tallies were given in the meeting transcript.