MELBOURNE, FL – March 16, 2016 –Brevard Family Partnership’s Senior Director of Programs, Ashley Carraro, received Eckerd Kids’ “Children’s Hero” award at the organization’s Brevard Walk of Fame event on March 12. The award recognizes the unsung heroes that have selflessly dedicated their time, talent, and treasure to the youth of Brevard County.

Ashley has worked with Brevard Family Partnership (BFP), Brevard County’s lead agency for child welfare for the past 10 years, and has worked in child welfare for 18 years. She has served in several positions within the agency. Starting as the Utilization Program Manager Director of Child and Family Services, Director of Clinical Services, and currently Senior Director of Programs. Ashley has provided leadership and oversight of the Intake and Placement Division, responsible for clinical management and support of case management agencies within the system of care, and is currently the Behavioral Health Coordinator for the Sunshine Health Child Welfare Specialty Plan and a liaison with the five other HMOs contracted to provide insurance coverage for children in out-of-home care.

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Ashley holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Central Florida and Master of Social Work from Florida State University.

In October of 2012, BFP began the development of a system transformation project which entailed establishing a framework for the incorporation of trauma informed care (TIC) across the community of practice. The goal of this transformation initiative was to develop and foster broad community awareness and knowledge regarding the impact of trauma on children and families; and upon those who serve and care for them. Ashley was instrumental in the development of this program, “Brevard Youth Thrive”.

Under Ashley’s leadership, “Brevard Youth Thrive” has grown substantially and has achieved many impressive accomplishments including:

  • The convening of an annual community wide Summit with over 120 community members in attendance
  • Being selected by the Center for the Study of Social Policy to become a pilot Youth Thrive site
  • Brevard Youth Thrive Youth Advisory Council (YAC) has partnered with Florida Eastern State College as a Service Learning partner which will allow for students to receive credit towards with the YAC
  • 5 Trauma Informed Care Trainings have been conducted with Brevard County Early Learning Coalition Staff, Local Daycare Providers, Brevard County Schools. and Head Start Staff
  • Presentation of YAC to DCF IL State Director
  • Presentation of YAC to Pete Digre, DCF Deputy SecretaryAshley is an innovative and creative leader who truly cares for and serves our children, youth and families with excellence. She has worked diligently to engage and include families in decision making and to implement and attain high fidelity wraparound.