MISSION
The mission of the Child & Family Leadership Exchange (CFLE) is to promote excellence in leadership among Summit County professionals serving children and families. Participants in the Leadership Exchange will gain an in-depth understanding of the county's child/family services from point of discovery, through assessment and legal intervention to case management and treatment. The project will incorporate a detailed examination of the system's strengths and weaknesses and techniques for impacting and advocating for improved services. The hands-on approach to learning will facilitate communication among service providers and enhance the effectiveness of leadership committed to strengthening family life in this community.
PROJECT HISTORY
The Summit Forum, comprised of local chief executive officers and Summit County governmental and service agency officials, was created to improve inter-agency communications and coordination regarding critical issues in human service delivery. As a result, the concept of Close-Up was originated and ultimately incorporated as part of Child Abuse/Family Awareness Month. Close-Up illustrates the process of service delivery to children and families at risk through the interaction of area professionals bringing a case situation to life on stage. Close-Up was the springboard for the more in-depth training program known as Child & Family Leadership Exchange (CFLE) designed to strengthen leadership in local key organizations serving children and families. Through the leadership of Summit County Children Services, CFLE was conceived in 1994; the first class graduated in 1996.
TRAINING DESIGN
CFLE is a training program offered annually to a class of 20 to 30 professionals. Participants must commit one full day per month to class sessions and complete half-day, pre-class assignments. Leadership Exchange classes begin with an overnight retreat in September and conclude with graduation in May. Sessions familiarize participants with an array of community resources, how they operate, what services they offer, the effectiveness and scope of assistance, and gaps in service delivery.
SELECTION PROCESS
A committee composed of directors of Summit Forum organizations is responsible for candidate selection. Program participants are individuals committed to the well-being of the community who are assuming greater responsibility as community leaders. Applications may be initiated individually or by nomination. Participants are chosen from written applications submitted by the end of April each year. Nominees must provide written endorsement and have full support from the organization they represent. Completion of pre-class assignments and attendance at class sessions are required for graduation from the program.
TUITION
Tuition for the program is $1,000 and may be paid by the sponsoring organization. Thanks to the generouse support of the Charles C. and Dorathea S. Dilley Fund at the Akron Community Foundation, a limited number of partial scholarships may be granted to individuals who might be unable to attend because of financial limitations. To receive an application for participation in the Child & Family Leadership Exchange, download or print an application or send an email to proy@summitkids.org and the application will be mailed to you.
If you have additional questions, please call the number below or send e-mail to the SCCS staff.
Summit County Children Services
Telephone: 330.379.2055
Email: proy@summitkids.org
Fax: 330.379.1954