In this issue:

Foster Parent Blog……….….2

Updates………………………3

Upcoming Events…………..4,5

Trainings ……………...……..6,7

Heart Gallery Kids…....…….8

Anniversaries …………..…...9

May 2021

National Foster Care Month is observed each May and provides an opportunity for people all across the nation to focus attention on the year-round needs of American children and youth in foster care. National Foster Care Month raises awareness about foster care and encourages many more citizens to get involved in the lives of these youth – whether as their foster parents, volunteers, mentors, employers or in other ways. National Foster Care Month goals are to: Raise awareness about the magnitude of the issue, and the urgent and sustaining needs of children and older youth in foster care and their families; issue a national call to action that motivates, inspires and facilitates more Americans to come forward and help change a lifetime for a young person in foster care; and develop a positive framework for maintaining visibility and interest in the foster care issue to support the year-round efforts of the National Foster Care Month Partner organizations and other child welfare agencies. National Foster Care Month also provides an opportunity for acknowledging the thousands of dedicated foster families and other caring individuals and organizations who are already supporting these young people.

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Being a foster parent takes a certain kind of personality, yes. The one that is willing to love another unconditionally with-out question and without answers. One that is willing to cast judgment aside and basically roll with anything that is thrown at you. And one that is willing to let go if or when it’s

needed. It’s not easy, but just about anyone with those qualifications could do it. However, there were two things that helped me through an almost-three-year plan that I am so thank-ful for, and I wanted to share for any of you struggling in your situations. First, I always remembered I was caring for someone else’s child. The second thing that helped me was PRAYER. As much as I love our boys, we did not come into this process to adopt. Our main purpose was reunifying. As time passed and that plan was changing, we still always kept that in mind. I never wanted to hold on too tight to a child who may have to leave, for my own sanity. That also brought us closer to the biological parent and gave us the chance to get to know what we could from them. In the end, we did adopt our two young boys and they have literally changed our lives. I am thankful for the most wonderful team at Children’s Wisconsin and for a biological Mom that was open to a relationship with us, not only through fostering but after adoption. I realize every situation is individual and not all outcomes can be successful, but it is in the best interest of all these children that we do our best to make the effort to get along and grow as best we can together. Take a little time to pray for your children and give it to God for guidance.

Kelly Hanson, Foster and Adoptive Parent

Prayer got me through our process

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A COVID-19 update for our foster families:

We continue to closely monitor how COVID-19 is impacting our staff and families, and we are pleased to see that our masking and PPE policy is working to keep everyone safe. As more people continue to be vaccinated and positive cases decline, we will be moving to our next phase of offering more in-person interactions during the licensing and relicensing processes. Staff will continue to follow our guidelines, which include using a screening tool for all individuals who would be present during an in-person visit, wearing isolation masks and eye protection, social distancing, good hygiene and only working when well. We continue to ask for families to wear masks during in-person contact. Families and staff, at this time, will also continue to have the choice of doing these visits virtually, and we encourage you to have ongoing conversations with your licensing worker about your comfort related to in-person contact.

CALLING ALL FOSTER PARENTS

We would love for you to do a blog about your fostering journey

What if I’m not an experienced writer? You do not need to be an experienced writer, just someone willing to share their story and perspective. We will edit and polish the text. We will get your approval before it is pub-lished. Listed below are some ideas for your blogs.

Why you started fostering

How fostering has changed your perspective on different things

Partnering with the birth family

Adoption story

Hard times as a foster parent

Rewards of fostering

Grieving a foster child going home

Opportunities to help foster children/birth parents

Your foster care journey

Being a single foster parent

Why you want a relationship with the birth family

10 ways to help bio families

Fostering during COVID-19

If you are interested in writing a blog please contact:

Gwen Doyle

Email: gdoyle@chw.org Phone: 414-292-4107

Blogs will be published on the Children’s Wis-consin website in the NewsHub section along with

other media forms. Blogs that are published will be rewarded

$25.

https://childrenswi.org/newshub/stories?category=Adoption%20and%20Foster%20Care//c1filpws02/users/AA307/Documents/Custom%20Office%20Templates

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“It’s in the Bag” Drive-Thru Event

Celebrating National Foster Care Month Join us as we celebrate and thank YOU!

Children’s Wisconsin foster families will receive gifts at all four drive-thru stations:

Bag of Tricks Station ~ Kohl’s Activity Bags with name brand entertaining items Grab Bag Station ~ *Amazing name brand family GAMES & TOYS for ALL ages Mixed Bag Station ~ Choose from duffels, totes, coolers, or trunk organizers

Breakfast-in-a-Bag Station ~ Food items for a delicious family meal

RSVP required to Ashley Argall at aargall@chw.org Please provide the following: - Foster parent full name - Age of each child. Household members only.

For event safety, we ask the following:

- Mask up inside cars

- Follow the one-way traffic pattern -

Enter on Main Street /

Exit on 76th Street

*Gift options will vary

Saturday, May 22

12-3 p.m.

620 S. 76th Street (At Robyn’s Nest in back Southeast parking lot)

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May

Local

Activities

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Training for Foster Families

Milwaukee Child Welfare Partnership Trainings

In alignment with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s policy surrounding COVID-19 precautions and in partnership with the WCWPDS-UW-Madison of-fice, we have decided to postpone all face-to-face instruction and training at this

time—effective March 14, 2020 until further notice. This includes training at the Milwaukee Child Welfare Partnership in Glendale and all training provided by our staff statewide. We will continue to monitor the changes as the situation continues to unfold. Any new updates will be posted on our website or included in an automated response to the mcwp@uwm.edu email.

You can now register online for classes at pdsonline.csod.com

Brain Architecture and Relational Skills (BARS) Workshop

A child’s experiences impact brain development. Toxic stress or harmful experiences impact everything from learning to develop-ment, to health, and to behaviors.

A responsive, supportive, and reliable caregiver can reduce the negative impacts of those experiences and help build resilience

through executive functioning development.

This workshop will help participants understand the powerful role these experiences on early brain development: what promotes it, what derails it, and the larger impacts across the lifespan. Participants then learn evidenced-based interaction skills for how to

improve relationships with children in a variety of settings. This workshop promotes a focus on resilience and actively builds your skills through discussion, demonstrations, practice, and live coaching.

Part 1: Wednesday May 19, 5:30-7 p.m. Part 2: Wednesday June 2, 5:30-7 p.m.

Via Zoom

Presenters:

Kate Bennett, MSW LCSW, Well-Being Lead Clinician Meghan Christian, MSW LCSW, Child and Family Therapist

Reserve your spot today!

RSVP to Angie Fairbank at:

afairbank@chw.org

CONTACT MCWP: On the web: www.uwm.edu/mcwp

E-mail: faptpreg@uwm.edu

Joe Franklin, Registrar: (414) 964-7397

Patti Baker, Training Manager : (414) 659-

4351

Email: bakerp@uwm.edu

mailto:mcwp@uwm.edumailto:afairbank@chw.org

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Mindfulness Meditation

Come together to bring your attention to the present moment without judgment

Available to caregivers and staff

40 minute sessions:

Wednesday, May 5 at 7 p.m. Friday, May 7 at 9 a.m.

Foster Parents - Receive one hour training credits per visit

Staff - Receive Healthy Rewards points Via the Zoom Room

Presenter

Sara Perkins, Experienced Meditator

Reserve your spot today! The zoom invite will be sent to you the day of the training so it is not lost.

RSVP to Angie Fairbank at: afairbank@chw.org

Training opportunities

Maintaining Connections for Children in Care!

Children lose many connections when they come into foster care. Do you have place-ment and want ideas to help identify and maintain these connections? Do you not have placement and want this information to prepare for a future child that could be placed in your home? Then this training is for you!

Thursday June 3, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Via Zoom

(Zoom link will be sent the day of the training)

Please contact afairbank@chw.org or 414-231-4832

(Please provide your name, email, and phone number to register)

mailto:afairbank@chw.orgmailto:afairbank@chw.orghttps://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=FaiWJdS4&id=39EE94F34C169E6C1D697D396AFD1D5D3F405D58&thid=OIP.FaiWJdS4ZXkMPrARN4UxfQHaHa&mediaurl=https://th.bing.com/th/id/R15a89625d4b865790c3eb0113785317d?rik%3dWF1AP10d%2fWo5fQ%26riu%3dhttp%3a%2f%2fcli

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Mic check . . . testing . . . . one-two, one-two! Listen up, because this talented performer has

something to say! Chani loves to create his own beats and the rap lyrics to go along with

them. His artistic side is also expressed through drawing, creating and editing videos, and

fashion. “I like to make myself look good in public,” he stated. Chani also has an interest in

sports, especially football. His favorite team to watch is the New York Giants. Although some

people think you must claim allegiance to either the Marvel or DC franchises, that doesn’t

define Chani. He enjoys all the superheroes! A shy, charming and easy-going youth, when

asked what makes him laugh, his answer was “awkward moments!”

Chani will thrive in a “no matter what” family who will love him unconditionally. He needs

warm, nurturing adults who will encourage him with positive reinforcement, in addition to

helping him with his homework. A “no matter what” family who shows enthusiasm for his ar-

tistic side would be a great fit. Although out-of-state homes will be considered, it is important that Chani

can stay in touch with siblings and other relatives. Chani is passionate about his musical aspirations for the

future. Could you be the family who helps him achieve his dreams?

Chani

Fire Trucks! Airplanes! Trains! If it’s big, has lots of lights, and is about helping others, Don-

trell is sure to enjoy everything about it! This curious boy has fun exploring the world

around him and enjoys learning new things. He LOVES school, even if he must attend vir-

tually now. Dontrell thrives off having a routine and always follows his schedule diligently.

He enjoys going bowling, horseback riding, having water balloon fights, and watching

sports. Dontrell has participated in equine therapy and does very well with animals in gen-

eral.

An affectionate child, Dontrell likes to give hugs and likes spending time with others while

eating meals and watching television. He responds well to calm, dependable caregivers

who practice positive reinforcement. It is important for him to please the adults in his life.

His “no matter what” family will need to support and maintain his relationships with some

of his biological siblings. Dontrell will be sure to melt your heart with his warm smile and

kindness!

Dontrell

To learn more about Chani or Dontrell

go to wiadopt.org.

Children’s Wisconsin Kids from the

Heart Gallery of Wisconsin

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APRIL AND MAY ANNIVERSARIES Thank you for your commitment and support to the children and families in our community!

If you do not want to be included in this monthly recognition, please contact Gwen Doyle at gdoyle@chw.org to opt out.

One Year: Janite Roberson Cathy and Fletcher Richmond Shacoda Erby Monise Smith Coshelle Tatum and Patrick Riley Kenneth White Sarah Witte Yvette Patrick Akilah Coleman Dominique Delane and Marquis Williams TaNesha Harris Latoya Olds Ellen and Jeffrey Teague Nicole Albright Andrew and Angela Schwingle Megan and John Dirks Zuleima Vargas Kim Linwood Two Years: Jennifer Crnkovich and Craig Voigt Shenisha Davis Melissa and David Peil Trisha and Seth Gee Sarah and Gabriella Metz Kara and Joseph Bennier Grace and Justin Bethany Joanne Lane Sara and Nick Miller Nelson and Pamela Rodriguez Stephanie and Daniel Romeis Kianna Taylor Unique Davis Ericka Garcia Mark and Katelyn Goers Reyna Velazquez and Jesus Ramirez

Three Years: Tiffany Robertson and Melvin Finkley Aaron and Christina Katsma Aimee and Jason Brunner Matt and Christine Chmielewski Chanel Gauthier-Franklin and Dezjorn Gauthier Reyna Velazquez and Jesus Ramirez

Four Years: Cecelia Brown Elizabeth and Travis Mueller Stephanie Mercado and Rodolfo Aleman Beltran Ms. Giese and Ms. Landvatter Monica and John Dess Stef and Jared Stieglbauer

Five Years: Ken and Maggie Oelke Tami and Aaron Alcorn Katie and Nereus Dooley Ms. Carroll and Mr. Price Ms. Fedenia

Six Years: Jeffrey Berens and Michael Endter Ashley Skipper Kenya Martinez-Bello and Crystal Martinez Heather Ascoff and Kristoffer Puddicombe

Seven Years: Cynthia Wendt

Caitlin Hendrickson and Christian Moen Delores Mitchell

Ten Years: Carrie Krassman

Eleven Years: Eileen Kosanke

Twenty Years: Tim and Toni Schlosser

If you do not want to be included in this monthly recognition, please contact Gwen Doyle at gdoyle@chw.org to opt out.

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