Citizen Foster Care Review Board

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Thousands of Kentucky children enter foster care each year due to dependency, neglect and abuse. Citizen Foster Care Review Board volunteers play an important role in protecting these children by reviewing the case of each child in the custody of the Department for Community Based Services in the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.​​​

​These cases include children placed for adoptions that have not been finalized, children who have been returned home but remain committed and young adults whose out-of-home commitments have been extended for educational purposes. CFCRB volunteers provide recommendations to judges who make decisions about placing children in safe, permanent homes. Volunteers help ensure that permanency for at-risk children remains the central objective of the courts and the cabinet.

The Kentucky General Assembly created the CFCRB in 1982 in response to federal legislation requiring regular administrative reviews of children in foster care. The CFCRB utilizes an interactive review known as Interested Party Review (IPR) that focuses on case for the parents and their children and the progress being made to secure permanence for the child. Those involved in IPRs include CFCRB volunteers, parents, care providers, service providers, Department for Community Based Services personnel, Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers​ and the attorneys for the children and their parents. Once the mandatory IPR has been completed, the local CFCRB submits a comprehensive report with findings and rec​ommendations to the judge. The AOC's Division of Family Services oversees the program by providing support and education to CFCRB volunteers. 

There are review boards in all 120​ counties and more than 700 dedicated volunteers statewide. Volunteers come from a variety of educational and professional backgrounds, but they all share a sincere concern for the welfare of children. The average length of service is six years, which demonstrates a long-term commitment to the children they serve.​​​

As active partners in prevention with Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky and Thriving Families, Safer Children Kentucky, we are committed to rethinking child welfare by creating conditions for strong, healthy communities where families are supported and children are free from harm. ​​​

​​​Appointing & Training Volunteers​

Individuals interested in volunteering with CFCRB must consent to criminal record and Central Registry checks and complete an initial six-hour training session. They are trained on these topics:

  • CHFS and Department for Community Based Services procedures
  • Court processes                                         
  • Dependency, neglect and abuse case forms  
  • Process for conducting a review​
  • Motivational inte​rviewing techniques
  • Mental health issues of children in out-of-home care

Once an individual has completed the background checks and training, a recommendation is made to the chief judge of the local Family Court or District Court for the volunteer to be appointed to the local board. Judges appoint volunteers for three-year terms.

After being appointed, volunteers are kept apprised of opportunities to earn the required six hours of annual continuing education.

Review boards typically meet once a month for at least four hours. Some boards meet all day. Each board has at least three members, with some boards having as many as 10 members.​​

April Spotlight​

Official portrait of Kathie Harris.​Meet Kathie Harris

Since April 1986, Kathie Harris has been a dedicated member of the Harlan County Citizen Foster Care Review Board.  
 
She first joined while working in the Harlan County school system, after a colleague recognized her passion for supporting children and families in southeastern Kentucky.  
 
With a background in clinical psychology, the mission was a natural fit and it quickly became a lifelong commitment. 
 
“It seems impossible I have volunteered 40 years on the CFCRB in Harlan County, but it has truly been an absolute honor to serve as an advocate for children and families in our area,” Harris said. 
 
We are deeply grateful for her compassion, leadership and the countless hours she has given in service to others. 🔗 Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gPYxBGZZ. Publication date: April 22, 2026 ​
​

June Spotlight​

Official portrait of Cindy Payne. ​​​Meet Cindy Payne

Her years of service have been filled with both challenges and hope. One moment that left a lasting impression on her was when a foster child bravely shared her story at a board meeting, describing how much she loved her foster family. Though she didn’t want to be adopted, the child told the board she just wanted to stay with people who made her feel safe and loved. 

“It brought us all to tears,” Cindy recalled. 
 
With deep compassion, Cindy has reviewed countless cases, some difficult, others uplifting. 
 
“Your emotions will be all over the place,” she said, “but as a volunteer, you have the power to influence a child’s future.” 
 
Join Cindy and help create better outcomes for Kentucky's children and families by volunteering with the CFCRB. 🔗 Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gPYxBGZZ. Publication date: June 15, 2026


July Spotlight

Official portrait of Sheila Nukols. ​Meet Sheila

When she first signed up to be a Citizen Foster Care Review Board volunteer nearly 20 years ago, she already had a heart for children in care. Whether through fostering or volunteering, she knew she wanted to be part of the solution for kids stuck in limbo. 
 
“It was a learning curve,” she admitted. “But I saw early on how many cases were stuck because there wasn’t a clear direction. I wanted to help change that—not just for the kids in my care, but for others too.” She believes that every volunteer plays an important role in helping the system work. 
 
“Sometimes, you’re just one piece of the pie and that piece matters,” she said. Over the years, she’s seen those small pieces add up to real progress. What once took five years can now happen in two. “That stability makes a big difference in a child’s life.” Reflecting on her years of service, she added, “It’s not for everyone, but if you try it, you might find that you’re exactly the piece that helps a child find stability and a home.” 
 
For Shelia, the most meaningful moments aren’t tied to one case, but to seeing children find permanency, whether through adoption, reunification, or kinship placement. Join Shelia and help create better outcomes for Kentucky's children and families by volunteering with the CFCRB. 🔗 Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gPYxBGZZ. Publication date: July 21, 2026


August Spotlight

Official portrait of Kathy Peck.​Meet Kathy Peck

When Kathy heard a radio commercial about the Citizen Foster Care Review Board, it sparked something in her.  

With a long history of giving back through various organizations, she saw CFCRB as a meaningful way to continue volunteering, especially in a space that was deeply personal.  

“My mom was in foster care and I remember visiting her foster parents when I was a child,” Kathy shared. “I also have a cousin who was placed in foster care when we were children.” ​

Since joining CFCRB, Kathy has worked on a lot of cases. The most meaningful moments for her are when children are safely reunited with their families.  

“When parents use the resources available, make changes and are reunited with their children—those cases stay with me.”  

When asked what keeps her going, Kathy doesn’t hesitate. “The children. Someone has to fight for them.” 

 Join Kathy and help create better outcomes for Kentucky's children and families by volunteering with the CFCRB. 

🔗 Learn more at https://kcoj.info/CFCRBVolunteer.​ Publication date: Aug. 17, 2026​


September Spotlight

Official portrait of Lee Whalen.​Meet Lee Whalen

Before changing careers, she spent years on the front lines of child welfare as a social service clinician and supervisor for the Department for Community Based Services in Kenton County. 

That experience gave her a deep understanding for the child welfare system and lasting commitment to Kentucky's children. Today, she continues that commitment as a volunteer reviewing cases of children in out-of-home care. 

"I knew I could bring a unique experience and insight as well as understanding of the legal process," Lee said. 

When she and her husband decided to start a family, she stepped away from full-time child welfare work, but it didn't stop her from making a difference. 

​"It's something I can do from my desk without adding any more to my plate after work."

Lee finds the most inspiration in cases where older youth overcome difficult circumstances.

"Some of the best cases are the older youth, who a lot of the time are not adoptable, who come from some horrible situations but they fought through," she said. 

Their stories aren't easy - but they're powerful. And for Lee, being able to witness, support and advocate for those resilient older youth is a reminder that hope can still thrive in even the hardest places.​

🔗 Learn more at https://kcoj.info/CFCRBVolunteer.​ Publication date: Sept. 15, 2026​​


October Spotlight

Official portrait of Gwendolyn Ochoa.​Meet Gwendolyn Ochoa

A dedicated Citizen Foster Care Review Board volunteer, who first got involved with the program after being encouraged by a former colleague. 

What began a suggestion soon grew into a calling. 

"I began on a board knowing I was making a significant impact on a child's life who cannot speak up for themselves," she said. 

Gwendolyn brings a practical, compassionate perspective to each case, informed by her own experiences as a parent. She looks beyond the paperwork and focuses on what families really need. That might be support, understanding or simply asking the right questions. 

While the work can be challenging, it has also been deeply rewarding. For her, this work has never been about recognition; it's about showing up, speaking up and making sure no child is overlooked. 

"I cannot emphasize enough how just asking a basic question like 'Have we thought about this?' or 'What if we tried this?' has produced a positive outcome."

Join Gwendolyn and help created a better outcomes for Kentucky's children and families by volunteering with the CFCRB. 🔗 Learn more at https://kcoj.info/CFCRBVolunteer.​ Publication date: Oct. 13, 2026​​

​Rosalyn Patton-Pelt
Chair

Mika Tyler 
Vice Chair/ Legislative Committee Chair

Steven Farr
Past State Chair

Marti Dickerson
Secretary/ Treasurer

Asia Barrett
Lived Expert

Dr. Elizabeth Salt
Child Fataluity & Near Fatality, External Review Panel

Peggy Meriedeth
​Training and Development Committee Chair

Brenda Rice
Diversity Committee Chair

Samantha Stubbs
Public Relations Committee Chair​

Region 1​​

​
Michelle Jameson

Serves Counties: Ballard, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Crittenden, Fulton, Graves, Henderson, Hickman, Hopkins, Livingston, Logan, Lyon, Marshall, McCracken, McLean, Mulenberg, Todd, Trigg, Union and Webster.

​Region 2


Kathy Peck

Lacey Prouty

Serves Counties: Allen, Barren, Breckinridge, Butler, Daviess, Edmonson, Grayson, Hancock, Hardin, Hart, Larue, Meade, Metcalfe, Nelson, Ohio, Simpson and Warren.

​Region 3


Dudley Adle 

Serves Counties: Adair, Bell, Casey, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, Green, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Leslie, Marion, McCreary, Monroe, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell, Taylor, Washington, Wayne and Whitley.

​Region 4


Issac Horton

Kimberly Kauffman

Serves Counties: Bullitt and Jefferson.

​Region 5


Nina Begley

Serves Counties: Bourbon, Boyle, Clark, Estill, Franklin, Garrard, Jessamine, Lee, Lincoln, Madison, Mercer, Owsley, Scott and Woodford.

​Region 6


Kyle Nicholson

Julie Parker

Serves Counties: Anderson, Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Carroll, Fleming, Gallatin, Grant, Harrison, Henry, Kenton, Mason, Nicholas, Oldham, Owen, Pendleton, Robertson, Shelby, Spencer and Trimble.

​Region 7


Geraldine Molnar

Serves Counties: Bath,  Boyd, Breathitt, Carter, Elliott, Floyd, Greenup, Johnson, Knott, Lawrence, Letcher, Lewis, Magoffin, Martin, Menifee. Montgomery, Morgan, Perry, Pike, Powell, Rowan and Wolfe. 

​Region 8​


Barbara Ellerbrook

Serves Counties: Fayette.​​


Logo of the Citizen Foster Care Review Board featuring silhouettes of two children reaching for a star.