Partners for Harris County Children Inc

“Form 990 review process: the treasurer and executive director reviews the form 990. A copy of the form is provided to all board members prior to filing with the irs.”

“Explanation of monitoring and enforcement of conflicts: members of the board are required to file with the chairman a statement listing relationships that may constitute a conflict of interest. The conflict of interest policy outlines and elaborates issues regarding conflicts and what should be done if a conflict should occur. It is a detailed document and each board member reviews and signs the agreement every year.”

“Other organization documents publicly available: the governing documents, conflict of interest policy, financial statements and irs form 990 are available to the public upon written request.”

“The executive committee of the board of directors is comprised of officers who were nominated by a nominating committee and voted in favor of by a majority vote of the board of directors. The officers are chairman, vice chairman, treaurer and secretary. The executive committee has the authority to offer recommendations to the board of directors regarding implementing new initiatives.”

“Bear: be a resourse for cps kids develops and implements programs to provide emergency goods and services such as new clothing, shoes, hygene items to abused and neglected children who are removed from their homes and are under the care of child protective services (cps) in harris county, texas. Bear is a unique public/private partnership. Bear does not pay salaries and benefits to five full-time employees. Harris county and the texas department of family and protective services donate all salaries, benefits, telecommunication support, and employee travel costs. In addition, harris county also pays for the benefits for a sixth employee.”

“In addition to the three programs listed in form 990, part iii, lines 4a-c, in february 2020, bear initiated the heart gallery which utilizes the power of photography to capture the individuality and dignity of children living in foster care and is designed to find forever families for these children. The program has been delayed in 2020 due to covid-19. In june 2019, bear discontinued its bear graduation celebration program, which provided services and support for children in child protective services custody until they reach the age of majority, at age 18. Graduation from high school usually coincides with the aging out of the foster care system. The graduation celebration program was designed to help prepare these youths for the transition into adulthood. Bear celebrated the graduation from high school of the youth each year by having a party. Graduation gifts were purchased for the youth to assist with them living independently. Bear discontinued their program primarily because it duplicated other programs within harris county and related entities.”