To: James Avery, Governmental Operations Committee
From: Rhonda Ihm, Family Division Administrator
title
RE: Approval of FY24 contract with Cole Williams, LLC in the amount of $58,770.13
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of entering a contract with Cole Williams to provide the Parent Support Network parenting series at the Genesee County Juvenile Justice Center for a period commencing November 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024, at a cost of $58,770.13 to be paid from account 2920-663.07.801.000. The services are a part of the approved childcare fund annual plan & budget.
BACKGROUND:
Cole Williams is a former foster parent and adoptive dad of eight sons. Cole knows the challenges that parents can face when trying to navigate the juvenile justice system. For the past 15 years, Cole has successfully walked alongside youth, families, and systems to achieve improved outcomes for all. He currently works directly with juvenile justice systems from across the State to provide parenting education and youth/family engagement strategies. Mr. Williams was appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2021 to serve on the Michigan Juvenile Justice Reform Task Force and was recently appointed to serve on the Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice.
DISCUSSION:
The Parent Support Network parent sessions are facilitated by a session leader that has prior experience conducting workshops with system-involved families. Sessions will focus on family communication skills, family management skills, teaching teens skills, and parent stress management. The Parent Support Network meets for a 90-minute session one day a week for a duration of 10 weeks. Families who complete the series will be invited to join a network of lived-experience parents who have successfully navigated the Juvenile Justice system through a virtual platform. The goal is to create a family-centered approach where parents across Michigan share their lived experiences and can be utilized as sy...
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