Advokids

“Form 990 is prepared by an outside tax professional. The form is then reviewed by the Organization's management, a member of the Board of Directors, and the Executive Director. After a full review, the final version of the tax return is provided to all members of the Organization's voting body. A representative of management authorizes the final Form 990 which is then e-filed with the Internal Revenue Service.”

“Members of the Board of Directors review all potential conflicts of interest periodically. All personnel and board members are required to disclose potential conflicts and any related party affiliations. AdvoKids seeks full transparency on all relationships. Any potential conflicts (in fact or appearance) are discussed openly and resolved in accordance with the Organization's policies and procedures.”

“Members of the Board of Directors review the compensation of all high-level personnel periodically in accordance with IRS rules and regulations. Efforts are made to secure compensation data from industry sources in order to determine competitiveness and appropriateness of salaries. Every effort is made to ensure that the process is thorough and transparent in accordance with IRS guidelines and the Organization's policies and procedures.”

“Compensation of other personnel and key employees is reviewed periodically by members of management. Efforts are made to secure compensation data from industry sources in order to determine competitiveness and appropriateness of salaries and all related benefits. All decisions are then documented in personnel files.”

“Tax returns are available for download from several websites and by request from the organization's office in Corte Madera, California.”

“All of the organization's governing documents, financial statements and other legal filings are maintained in a secure environment and held available for inspection by tax authorities and the general public. Tax returns are posted annually to www.guidestar.org (where they are available for viewing as electronic copies) and are also available by request from the organization's office.”

“OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 4: Other Program Activities (continued from Form 990 Page 2):Statewide Child Welfare Reform------------------------------ Advokids' telephone hotline and legal trainings throughout the state inform our impact litigation, legislative proposals, and policy work. The data that we gather and analyze from our constituents in California counties allows us to identify trends and systemic problems at the state and local levels and propose solutions and pro-active reform on behalf of all children in foster care.Appellate and Amicus Project---------------------------- Advokids' staff attorneys and pro bono attorneys provide assistance in preparing appellate briefs and amicus curiae (friend-of-the-court) briefs in selected cases where our legal staff has identified a question of law that is critical to protecting the health, safety or well-being of foster children in California. Appeals and amicus briefs provide important safeguards for children under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court and serve as powerful catalysts for systemic change.Project K.E.E.P.---------------- Advokids Project K.E.E.P. is a local community based program serving foster children in Marin County where our Northern California office is located. We hope it will serve as a model for community volunteers throughout California and inspire community awareness about our children in foster care.”