march 2010 foster roster update

Answers About Haitian Orphans

09V O L U M E

M A R C H2 0 1 0

A M O N T H L Y

N E W S L E T T E R F O R

F O S T E R & A D O P T I V E

P A R E N T S I N U T A H

In January the world focused its attention on the small island nation of Haiti. We watched in disbelief as the people struggled and continue to struggle as a result of a powerful earthquake. Some of that attention was focused on children who had been living in orphanages destroyed in the disaster. At the Utah Foster Care Foundation, we received dozens of calls from concerned citizens offering to help as rumors surfaced that Utah may be one of the destinations for these children. While children from Haiti were never sent to Utah and there currently are no plans to do so, it was heartwarming to hear the concern from so many.

Perhaps you heard friends or neighbors express similar sentiments: “My heart goes out to those children” or “I wish there was something I could do.” In an editorial published in the Deseret News on January 27th, the Director of the Utah Department

of Human Services, Lisa-Michele Church, asked: “If you have that impulse to help while watching the faces of international disaster, don’t hesitate to ask yourself – could I do something in my hometown?”

There continues to be a need for foster parents statewide in Utah to care for children who have experienced their own traumatic event. You know their stories. You’ve heard of the need and responded yourselves. When you hear someone express a desire to help others in need, please share with them what you know. I certainly would not stop anyone from doing whatever they can to help children and others in any part of the world. I would ask that they also consider what they might do to help children right here.

Mike HamblinDirector Foster/Adoptive Family RecruitmentUtah Foster Care Foundation

in this issueAnswers About Haitian Orphans P.1

1st Annual Foster Care Symposium P.2

UFAFA Update P.3

Illumination Contest P.4

fosterroster

STATEWIDE UPDATEUtah Foster Care

Foundation Offi ces

Murray5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400Murray, UT 84107Phone: 801.994.5205Fax: 801.994.5206Toll Free: 877.505.KIDS

Ogden3340 S. Harrison Blvd. #200Ogden, UT 84403Phone: 801.392.1114

Orem252 N. Orem Blvd. Orem, UT 84057Phone: 801.373.3006

Price475 W. Price River Dr. #152Price, UT 84501Phone: 435.636.0210

RooseveltPhone: 435.724.0959

Vernal1052 W. Market Dr. Vernal, UT 84078Phone: 435.781.4224

Moab180 S. 300 E., Ste. CMoab, UT 84532Phone: 435.259.3345

St. George321 N. Mall Dr. #B102St. George, UT 84790Phone: 435.656.8065

Richfi eld201 E. 500 N.Richfi eld, UT 84701Phone: 435.896.1232 Above photo: Haitian children, photo from Living Water International; www.water.cc

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FOSTER/ADOPTIVED A D O F T H E YEAR AWARDS“My Dad is...”

The Foster/Adoptive Dad of the Year Awards for 2010 are almost here!UFCF will accept online nominations on March 1, 2010 at http://www.utahfostercare.org/resources/fosterdadoftheyear.

This year’s theme is “My Dad is...” so think about what your Dad is to you and let us and the world know.

Calling All Artists

Online registration is up and running for student and adult artists for the 2010 Chalk Art Festival June 18-19th. Go to www.chalkartfestival.org to register. Students grades 6-12 chalk for free!

Dedicate a chalk art square to your favorite dad, individual or business! For details on sponsorships, contact [email protected].

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Please register via our web site w w w . u t a h f o s t e r c a r e . o r g and click on the purple symposium announcement.

Brief Description of Workshops:

Attachment Perspective: Keeping the Big Picture in View (Keynote)Dr. Doug Goldsmith, Ph.d

Dr. Goldsmith will share his perspectives on children, trauma and the attachment spectrum. His years of research and treatment of children will be presented to increase awareness and hope among those living with vulnerable children. Clinicians and others will be able to hear Dr. Goldsmith explain how to bridge the gap between recent research in attachment and the implications of application to clinical practice. Evidence of Secondary Trauma in Foster and Adoptive ParentsLiz Rivera, MS, SSW

There is a signifi cant body of work that examines the legacy of the traumatic experience of children, but less work considers how the caregivers of such children contain or are consumed by the child’s history. This presentation of a qualitative study examines possible effects of trauma on the caregivers of children in foster care and adoptive situations. Foster and adoptive parents own narratives of their experiences will be highlighted to explore the diffi culties and joys of taking on the task of substitute care giving.

Understanding Discipline for the Traumatized ChildLes Harris, MS, LCSW

Considering the impact of trauma on the developing child is critical to understanding the context in which behaviors occur and why traditional methods of discipline are

often ineffective. This course will provide insight into the nature of the parent/child relationship as the cornerstone for managing behaviors.

Reactive Attachment Disorder: A Look in the Rear View MirrorMick Woolsey, LCSW, Foster/Adoptive Parent

Studies have shown over the years that this is often a mis-diagnosis in children who have been traumatized. Symptomatically, RAD may mask deep trauma. However, this rare disorder has signifi cant impact on families as they try to help children heal. With case studies, evidence-based research and reviewed information, foster and adoptive families will be able to choose healthy relationship skills to enhance nurturing and security in the home.

Family MattersNancy Zelenak, SSW, MSC, Foster Parent

Things that matter to children who fall into the world of foster care and adoption will be discussed through vignettes of experiences in the home of the presenter. Experiences surrounding transitions, sibling connections, fault, yearning, loss and fi nally, permanency will be shared to emphasize the importance of the success of child welfare services in Utah today. Statistics of current research on transitions, sibling connections and permanency will be included. Punctuating this presentation will be a 15-minute video shared each month with prospective foster parents during pre-service Trainings throughout the state.

To make a hotel room reservation call: 1.877.498.3232 & mention Utah Foster Care Foundation.

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Utah Foster/Adoptive Families Association Update

UFAFA (Utah Foster/Adoptive Families Association) would like to announce a new arrival! We have launched a website for the Kinship, Foster and Adoptive families of the state of Utah. While a few pages of the site are still “under construction,” overall it is up and going!

Please take a few minutes to become a member and use this web site as a resource. It contains a “Connect to Others” forum that is a place for you to post questions, share ideas and experiences that will benefi t you and other families. There is also a “Faces of UFAFA” page where we encourage you to post pictures of your families

(no pictures of children in foster care however). The site also contains contact information for the members of the UFAFA presidency. Bookmark http://www.myufafa.com and come visit often!!!!!

Thank you and I am so excited to serve you as the president of UFAFA!Jennifer Gardner

UFAFA Statewide Presidency

President: Jennifer Gardner1st Vice President: Renee Calkins2nd Vice President: Cayce ThillSecretary: OPENTreasurer: Beth Hardman

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Facilitating HealthyAttachment with Foster/Adoptive Children

Touchstone Therapy Center invites you to attend a conference on facilitating healthy attachment in foster and adoptive children.

This conference is approved for foster parents and can be used for training hours toward relicensure. For more information, contact your region trainer.

Prices for this conference are as follows:

Early Bird: $125.00Standard: $139.00At the door: $150.00

Conference Dates and Locations:

Ogden Marriott HotelFriday, May 14, 20108 : 3 0 a m - 5 p mNote: early bird registration

ends April 30, 2010.

Salt Lake City (Location TBA)Friday, September 10, 20108 : 3 0 a m - 5 p mNote: early bird registration

ends April 30, 2010

For more information and to register for the above conferences, please visit the Touchstone Therapy Center web site at:touchstonetherapyinc.com

Above photo: Keith and Jennifer Gardner and their fi ve children.


Lives Touched by Foster Care

2010 Art & Writing Contest

Foster care touches the lives of many people--foster parents, adoptive parents, children and

teens in foster care, caseworkers, judges, biological families, neighbors, friends, loved

ones--the list goes on and on. If your life has been touched by foster care, now is your

chance to share your experience with the world. Use the entry form or enter online at

http://www.utahfostercare.org/resources/illumination

DEADLINE EXTENDED: MARCH 31, 2010

ENTRANT INFORMATIONFirst Name:Last Name:Address:City/State/Zip:Phone:Age:How are you associated with foster care?:

ENTRANT’S SIGNATURE:

By signing above you warrant that you understand that your work will not be returned and that you allow Utah Foster Care Foundation

to use your work now and in the future for its marketing purposes and to further the mission of the Foundation.

ENTRY INFORMATION:Type of Entry (circle one):

Artwork Writing

FOR CHILDREN IN CARE ONLY:Name of Primary Caregiver (Foster/Adoptive Parent):Name of Caseworker:Region (circle one):

Eastern Western Salt Lake Valley Northern Southwest

SIGNATURE OF THE PRIMARY CAREGIVER:

By signing above you warrant that you understand that the child’s work will not be returned and that you allow Utah Foster Care

Foundation to use the child’s work now and in the future for its marketing purposes and to further the mission of the Foundation.

Disclaimer: Utah Foster Care Foundation is not responsible for the originality, or lack thereof, of any work submitted to this contest. Please see

our web site at http://www.utahfostercare.org/resources/illumination for full details and rules.

4


in this issueAirmen Deployed P.5

Training Updates P.6

Cluster Concepts P.8


SALT LAKE VALLEY REGION UPDATE

Salt Lake Valley Offi ce

5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400Murray, UT 84107

Phone: 801.994.5205Fax: 801.994.5206

Toll Free: 877.505.KIDS

Area Representative

Kirsten Fuller

Foster/Adoptive Family Recruiters

Amy BoyackChristina LeCluyse

Dan Webster

Trainer

Liz Rivera

Retention Specialist

Tina Porter

Airmen Deployed

Do you remember all of the excitement surrounding our Giving Tree project in December, when 60 Hill Air Force base service men and women delivered Christmas gifts to your door? Now we are asking you to keep them in your prayers.

We found out some of them have been deployed to Afghanistan in support of “Operation Enduring Freedom.”

The airmen, from the active-duty 388th Fighter Wing and reserve 419th Fighter Wing, make up the 34th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, according to a news release from Hill AFB.

Pilots, maintenance, and support personnel, will use the F-16 Fighting Falcon in close-air support missions to protect coalition ground forces.

About twenty Air Force reservists from the 419th Fighter Wing volunteered to deploy alongside their active-duty counterparts and will continue to do

so during future 388th Fighter Wing rotations in support of overseas contingency operations.

If you are interested in sending them a note of thanks and good luck, contact [email protected].

Tina PorterFoster Family Retention Specialist,Salt Lake Valley Region

March 2010

5

Above photos: Airmen delivering gifts to children.


Salt Lake Valley TrainingMonthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents

First Placement Meeting/PMT

Foundations for Youth

Understanding “Legal Risk”

Date: Tuesday, April 27th OR

Monday, June 28th Time: 6pm - 10pm

Location: Utah Foster Care Foundation 5296 S. Commerce

Dr. #400

Presented by:DCFS/Liz Rivera

This training is a pre-service refresher as well as a chance to address specifi c issues with your current placement. Principles from the Practice Model will also be reviewed. We offer this class every other month in the Salt Lake Valley.

Required in the fi rst year of licensure.

Session 1: April 7th; 6-10pmSession 2: May 6th; 6-10pmSession 3: June 7th; 6-10pmSession 4: July 1st; 6-10pm

Location: Utah Foster Care Foundation 5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400

Presented by:Liz Rivera

It is essential to help youth build a solid foundation upon which they can more easily make the transition to living as adults and building life-long connections for greater stability.

Required for all foster parents of youth 14 and older.

Date: March 3rdTime: 6pm-8pm

Location: UFCF Offi ce 5296 Commerce Dr. #400

Presented by:Panel

To Register For Classes:

Contact: Liz Rivera

Salt Lake Valley Region Trainer

Phone: 801.994.5205

Email: [email protected]

Toll Free:

877.505.5437

Please be ready with your name, phone number & the title of the class you would like to be registered for.

Notes on In-service Trainings:

• Classes are for licensed foster parents

• Training hours will beapplied to re-licensing requirements

• Primary caregivers arerequired to attend 12 hours of In-service training per year

• Secondary caregivers are required to attend 4 hours of in-service training per year

• ADULTS ONLY unlessotherwise specifi ed

• Classes start on time

• You must attend the entire class to receive credit

Director of Education Mick Woolsey, LCSW

Phone: 435.229.8808Email: mick.woolsey @utahfostercare.org

We will discuss the legal process and the emotional Implications of legal risk placements.

Sponsored by the WVC/Magna

and Kearns Clusters

Parenting Tip of the Month

6

“Always: be BIGGER, STRONGER, WISER, and KIND. Whenever possible: follow your child’s need. Whenever necessary: take charge.” - Circle of Security.



Upcoming In-service Trainings

7pm-9pm1784 Aaron Dr., Tooele

Disorgnaized Attachment

Presented by Liz Rivera

How does attachment “go wrong”? How does healing occur? We will delve into these and other attachment issues.

Sponsored by the

Tooele Cluster

6pm-8pmUtah Foster Care

Foundation 5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400

Domestic Violence & Children

Presented by Del Bircher, DCFS DV

Specialist

This presentation will help us to understand the dynamics of violence in the home and the effect on children’s development.

Sponsored by the

SVW Cluster

March 10th



Supporting Families Living with Mental Illness

Presented by Allies w/Families

The third class in a 6-part series to provide support to families who have a member with a mental illness.

Sponsored by the

Murray Cluster





The fourth class in a 6-part series to provide support to families who have a member with a mental illness.

Sponsored by the

SVW Cluster

6pm-8pmSandy Fire Station 8186 S. 1300 E.

Planning Effective Transitions

Presented by Cinda Morgan, LCSW

This night will be dedicated to helping us plan and advocate for more gentle transitions.

Sponsored by the

Sandy Cluster

6pm-8pmSandy Fire Station8186 S. 1300 E.

Juvenile Justice

Presented by Division of Juvenile

Justice Services

DJJS will present info about their program which aims to divert youth at risk from entering the juvenile justice system.

Sponsored by the

Sandy Cluster

March 17th March 18th

April 6th April 14th April 22nd

Training Tips:

• Approved Trainings-In-service trainings provided and approved by Utah Foster Care Foundation.

• Foundations for Youth-FFY is required for families caring for youth 14 and up.

• Community & Partner Trainings- Call your regional trainer (found on page 8) for approval prior to attending a class or conference that is held within the community and is not a pre-approved training.

• Approved On-line Training- Families may visit the web site: www.fosterclub.com for up to 2 hours of online training per year.

• 1st Placement/PMT- 4 Hours of Practice Model Training must be completed within the fi rst year of licensure.

• Peer Parent Training and Resource Family Consultant (RFC) Training- 6 hours each per year may be used toward licensure. RFC Training must be provided by DCFS RFCs.

REMINDER: Family team meetings do

not count toward In-service training hours.

REMINDER:

START YOUR RENEWAL HOURS EARLY. A YEAR GOES BY QUICKLY!

7

continued on page 9...


Salt Lake Valley Cluster ConceptsMonthly Cluster announcements for currently licensed foster parents

Clusters are groups of foster, adoptive and kinship families that meet together on a monthly basis.

Clusters can help you:

• Obtain on-going training hours

• Meet other foster, adoptive and kinship families

• By providing support

• Arrange respite care

• By providing fun family activities

Call the Cluster facilitator nearest you our contact Tina Porter at 801.994.5205 for more information.

For more information on upcoming Cluster trainings, see “Upcoming In-service Trainings”.

What are

Clusters?

Salt Lake Metro

South Valley West/West Jordan

No Cluster meeting this month.Please register for and/or attend another In-service training to receive credits.

Facilitator: Suzi801.487.4985

[email protected]

March 10th; 6-8pm @ Utah Foster Care Foundation Murray Offi ce. Domestic

Violence and Children In-service.

Facilitator: Valerie801.608.1871

[email protected]

Murray/Midvale/East Salt Lake

March 17th; 6-8pm @ Utah Foster Care Foundation Murray Offi ce. Supporting

Families Living w/ Mental Illness In-service.

Facilitator: Terumi801.699.9769

[email protected]

Kearns

March 3rd; 6-8pm @ Utah Foster Care Foundation Murray Offi ce. Understanding

“Legal Risk” In-service.

Facilitator: Michelle801.755.4766

[email protected]

Magna/West Valley

March 3rd; 6-8pm @ Utah Foster Care Foundation Murray Offi ce. Understanding

“Legal Risk” In-service.

Facilitator: Linda801.690.6490

[email protected]

Sandy/Draper

March 18th; 6-8pm @ Sandy Fire Station. Planning Effective Transitions In-service.

Facilitator: Naomi801.619.8069

[email protected]

Tooele/Adoptive Parents

April 6th; 7-9pm @ 1784 Aaron Drive, Tooele. Disorganized Attachment In-service.

Facilitator: Maia435.843.1090

[email protected]

8

Facilitator: Cami435.882.1250

[email protected]

Spanish/Cluster en Español

sábado, 20 de marzo; 10am-12n 5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400. Instrucciones de CPR.

Vamos a ofrecer cuidado de niños.

Facilitator: Jessica801.577.7161

[email protected]


Helpful Tax Tidbits for Foster/Adoptive Families

Do I have to declare foster care payments as income?

According to the new IRS Publication 525, “payments you receive from a state, political subdivision, or a qualifi ed foster care placement agency for providing care to qualifi ed foster individuals in your home generally are not included in your income.” See: http://www.irs.gov/publications/p525/ar02.html#d0e8383 for more information.

Can I claim an exemption for my adopted child or for the children in care in my home?

According to IRS Publication 17, an eligible foster child or adopted child may be claimed as a dependent if the child meets the rules of a “qualifying child.”

Please note: Utah Foster Care

Foundation is providing this

information as a courtesy. We

cannot guarantee the accuracy

of this information. Please check

the IRS web site prior to fi ling

your taxes.

9


Upcoming In-service Trainings, cont.



House Rules

Presented by TBD

We’ll have a discussion on how to choose and implement effective house rules.

Sponsored by the

Kearns Cluster

April 28th



Post-Adoption

Presented by Panel Discussion

This panel will present ideas and resources to help once the adoption is fi nalized.

Sponsored by the

SVW Cluster



Allegation PreventionPresented by

Liz Rivera

We will talk about how to prevent allegations as well as how to respond when one occurs.

Sponsored by the

Kearns Cluster

May 4th May 6th

May 12th May 19th May 27th

7pm-9pm1784 Aaron Dr., Tooele

Anger Management

Presented by Brian Young

We all get mad. Brian will talk about what angry feelings are and how to best manage them.

Sponsored by the

Tooele Cluster





The fi fth class in a 6-part series to provide support to families who have a member with a mental illness.

Sponsored by the

Murray Cluster



Positive Discipline

Presented by Les Harris

Focusing on what our children are doing right is so much more effective than focusing on what is wrong.

Sponsored by the

Sandy & Magna Clusters


10

Two of the most common issues that children in care bring is a history of trauma and compromised attachment. These two series of three classes each will be offered on an ongoing basis. Attachment Series Class One: Introduction to Attachment July 19th; 6-9pmClass one is a basic overview of attachment theory and its application to children in foster care.

Class Two: Disorganized Attachment August 30th; 6-9pmOf all the attachment outcomes, disorganized attachment is the most problematic, and probably the most common, for children in care. We’ll discuss what it is and how to best support children with a compromised attachment history.

Class Three: Adult Attachment March 30th; 6-9pmAttachment is not just for children. This class of the series will discuss how our own attachment history can interact with our children’s.

Trauma and Development Series

Class One:Trauma’s Effect on the Developing Brain

April 27th; 6-9pmHow trauma affects the developing brain of a child and the consequences.

Class Two: Healing Trauma’s Effects

May 25th; 6-9pmHow we can best support children who have a history of trauma.

Class Three: Preventing Secondary Trauma June 29th; 6-9pmLiving with a traumatized child can affect other members of the family. We’ll discuss how this occurs and how to minimize it. ALL CLASSES HELD AT: UTAH FOSTER CARE FOUNDATION OFFICES 5296 COMMERCE DRIVE #400

Attachment and Trauma Series

Utah Foster Care Foundation has funds available to meet the special needs of children in foster care when DCFS is unable to meet these needs for any reason. Funds are limited.

Requests MUST include the following:• Child’s fi rst name, last initial and age• Foster parent’s name and home address• Caseworker’s name and contact information• The item being requested and the associated costs• Brief description of how the child will benefi t

Request should come in writing by a foster parent, the child in care or the caseworker.

PLEASE NOTE:• Dispersal of funds can take up to 4 weeks.• Checks are mailed to the foster parent’s home address.• Funds are for children in foster care ONLY. • Items covered by the foster care reimbursement or by Medicaid are not eligible.• Only requests previously denied by DCFS are eligible.

VACATIONS:• A child in care can receive vacation funds only ONCE in their lifetime.• Vacations are restricted monetarily & may not cover all costs.

SUBMIT REQUESTS TO:Tina PorterUtah Foster Care Foundation5296 So. Commerce Dr. #400Murray, UT 84107

[email protected]

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Wishing Well Funds


11

•

•

•

•

195 North 1950 West Salt Lake City 84116

195 North 1950 West Salt Lake City 84116


in this issueSanta’s Helpers Deployed P.12



NORTHERN REGION UPDATE

Northern Region Offi ce

3340 S. Harrison Blvd. #200Ogden, UT 84403

Phone: 801.392.1114Fax: 801.392.1112

Toll Free: 877.392.1114

Area Representative

Brenda Durtschi

Foster/Adoptive Family Recruiter

Maryanne McFarland

Trainer

Brian Young


Mindy Lundgreen

Santa’s Helpers Deployed

Our adored service men and women, who so graciously used their time and resources to bring Christmas to children in care from Draper to the Utah-Idaho border, have just answered another call to serve.

About 260 airmen and women from Hill Air Force Base deployed at the end of January. They were sent to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The airmen, from the active-duty 388th Fighter Wing and reserve 419th Fighter Wing, will make up the 34th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, according to a news release from Hill. Some of those deployed are

our own Christmas delivery personnel. Please remember them and their families in your prayers at this time. Without their gracious service our Christmas project would not come delivered straight to your homes. Without their courageous service and commitment to our country, we would remain vulnerable at home.

It truly is our honor to be associated with and served by these men and women. If you would like to forward words of gratitude and support along to them please email your message to [email protected].

March 2010

12

by Mindy Lundgreen, Northern Region Retention Services Specialist

New Digs for UFCF’s Northern Team

Brenda, Maryanne and Mindy have a new offi ce! The Utah Foster Care Foundation’s Northern region team is now located at 3340 S. Harrison Blvd. #200 in Ogden. Contact information has NOT changed. Phone numbers are still 801.392.1114 or toll-free 877.392.1114. Brian can still be reached at 801.475.5537.

Above photo: Msgt. Bruce Titensor with Oslo Hudson Burke and Tigran Burke.


Northern Region Cluster ConceptsMonthly Cluster announcements for currently licensed foster parents



• Obtain In-service training hours


• Get support


• Attend fun family activities

Call the Cluster facilitator nearest you our contact Mindy Lundgreen at 801.392.1114 for more information.


What are

Clusters?

Foster/Adoption

North Davis

March 17th; 7-9pm @ Marilyn’s home (215 W. 3450 N.) Narcotics, Internet &

Cell Phone Safety In-service training.

Facilitator: Janette801.546.9465

[email protected]

March 17th; 6:30-8:30pm @ Clearfi eld DCFS Offi ce The Challenge of Parenting

Teenagers In-service training.

Facilitator: Patty801.544.7925

[email protected]

Cache Valley

March 19th; 6:30-8:30 pm @ Logan DCFS Offi ce

Dealing with Loss and Grief In-service training.

Facilitator: Lara435.735.7232

[email protected]

Box Elder

April 7th; 6:30-8:30pm @ Brigham DCFS Offi ce Post Adoption Services In-service

training.

Facilitator: Jennifer435.723.3369

[email protected]

North Ogden

March 17th; 7-9pm @ Marilyn’s home (215 W. 3450 N.) Narcotics, Internet &

Cell Phone Safety In-service training.

Facilitator: Marilyn801.782.9080

[email protected]

Weber West

March 17th; 6:30-8:30pm @ Clearfi eld DCFS Offi ce The Challenge of Parenting

Teenagers In-service training.

Facilitator: Rebekah801.773.7268

[email protected]

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South Central Davis

March 16th; 6-8pm @ Bountiful DCFS Offi ce Lifebooks In-service training.

Facilitator: Amanda801.298.6381

[email protected]

Structured

March 11th; 10:00am-NoonPeaceful Parenting In-service training.

Facilitator: Maryanne801.392.1114

[email protected]

Facilitator: Jenn435.787.2858

[email protected]


Northern Region TrainingMonthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents

Foundations for Youth Super

Saturdays

Level III

Level III and Foundations for Youth

Level III Advanced Foster Parent Training (formerly structured training).

May 22nd:Module 1, 8a-12nModule 2, 1-5pm

All FFY and Level III trainings will be held at the Ogden DCFS Offi ce (950 E. 25th Street).

Please contact Sally Webster by April 19th to register via phone 801.395.5990 or email [email protected].

We encourage families with chlidren as young as 8-years-old to participate in FFY training.

April 24th: Module 1, 8a-12nModule 2, 1-5pm

May 8th:Module 3, 8a-12nModule 4, 1-5pm

If you have a child in your home placed at Level III, you will need to take both FFY and Level III trainings.


Contact: Brian Young

Northern Region Trainer

Phone: 801.475.5537

Email: brian.young

@utahfostercare.org

Toll Free:

877.392.1114



• Classes are for licensed foster parents ONLY


• Primary caregivers arerequired to attend 12+ hours of In-service training per year

• Secondary caregivers are required to attend 4+ hours of in-service training per year






14

DCFS and Utah Foster Care Foundation have recently made revisions to Level III Structured training, making Level III an extension of Foundations for Youth (FFY), which is currently required for all families caring for youth age 14 and older. Those caring for youth age 8 and older are encouraged to attend.

If a child is placed in your home at Level III, you will be required to attend both FFY and Level III.

This 6-week series will be comprised of 4 FFY classes and 2 Level III classes. You must attend all 6 classes in order to maintain licensure.

All classes will be held at the Ogden DCFS Offi ce (Employee Training Room)Please contact Sally Webster by April 19th to register via phone 801.395.5990 or email [email protected].


in this issueFoster Care Rate Reductions P.15

Encouraging Resiliency in Children P.16

Partners in Parenting P.17


WESTERN REGION UPDATE

Western Region Offi ce

252 N. Orem Blvd.Orem, UT

Phone: 801.373.3006Fax: 801.373.3004

Toll Free: 877.373.3006

Area Representative

Wendy Bunnell

Foster/Adoptive Family Recruiter

John Thill

Trainer

Nancy Zelenak


Jessica Hanneman

Foster Care Rate Reductions

Being a foster parent is hard. Foster parents face an increase in household expenses; they support therapy sessions and family visits, and spend time dealing with negative behaviors. For all of this, a foster parent receives no “income.” And the Utah legislature is considering reducing the daily rate at which foster families are reimbursed.

I am a foster parent because I care what happens to children in less than desirable circumstances. I am thrilled to show children in foster care what a family can become.

A common misconception about foster care is that families do it for the money. This couldn’t be farther from the truth! We spend out of our own pockets so that children can be properly clothed, have their own bedding and toys, as well as other necessities because some children arrive with little or no personal belongings.

Children will need quality foster families for years to come. Reimbursement rates in Utah are already 40% lower than the national average. Further cuts will limit the number of new families who can provide for these children and make it diffi cult for current foster families to continue to perform this much-needed service.

I understand these are tough times. If you want to know tough times, try being a child in foster care! Further rate cuts make this image more depressing. Children need us to be their voices. They didn’t ask for this life they are forced to live. I am not asking for increased rates, just no more cuts. I am urging my legislators to allow us to continue to be able to provide for these children. They are our future and it is our duty to make that future the brightest one it can possibly be.

If you’d like to help me get the message out, contact me at [email protected].

March 2010

15

by Cayce Thill, Utah Foster/Adoptive Family Association Secretary

Above photo: Cayce and John Thill with their children.


Western Region TrainingMonthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents

Practice Model & Your First Placement

Date: April 2nd; 10am-2pmLocation: Utah Foster Care Foundation 252 N. Orem Blvd.

ORDate: July 30th; 10am-2pmLocation: Utah Foster Care Foundation 252 N. Orem Blvd.

This training is required ONCE for all foster parents duringtheir fi rst year of licensure.

RSVP to Nancy Zelenak for these two trainings,

[email protected]

One Day OverviewWednesday, March 10th

9am-4pm (Noon-1pm lunch break, on your own)

Provo DCFS Offi ce, 5th fl oor

Presented by Les Harris

This training is a special training open to DCFS workers and foster parents.


Contact: Nancy Zelenak

Western Region Trainer

Phone: 801.373.3006

Email: nancy.zelenak

@utahfostercare.org

Toll Free:

877.373.3006





• Primary caregivers arerequired to attend 12+ hours of in-service training per year







FFY #1: Building Trusting RelationshipsThursday, March 4th; 5:30pm

FFY #2: Adolescent BehaviorThursday, March 11th; 5:30pm

FFY #3: Assessing, Planning & TeamingFriday, March 19th; 5:30pm

FFY #4: The Goals of Transition to Adult LivingWednesday, March 31st; 5:30pm

Presented by:Nancy Zelenak

Parenting Tip of the Month

16

Don’t forget about this great website: https://www.utdcfsadopt.org . Included in the Adoptive Family Resources section is the Lending Library for an easy to use, free resource of educational material. NOT JUST FOR ADOPTIVE FAMILIES!


DCFS has asked that all families who have or plan to have youth in their home, age 14+, to take this training. This is a 4-part series. To be considered ‘graduated’, both spouses need to take all 4 classes.


For locations RSVP to Nancy.




Upcoming In-service Trainings

March 9th

6:30-8:30pmAmerican Fork DCFS

578 E. 300 S.

HELP!

A Cluster help group to answer questions, exchange respite info. & support one another.

Sponsored by the

Timpanogos Cluster

7-9pmSpanish Fork DCFS607 E. Kirby Lane

Family Problem Solving

Presented by Irl Carlson

Foundational information about how to discipline with love and how to encourage the people who live in your home to work together.

Sponsored by the

Mt. Nebo and

Millard/Juab Clusters

6:30-8:30pmEagle Mountain Fire Station #2, 3785 E. Ranches Parkway

A Walk Through the System

Presented byChad McDonald

This is the training new caseworkers receive when they are fi rst hired at DCFS in Western Region. Come learn the in’s and out’s of ‘the system’.

Sponsored by the

Crossroads Cluster

7-9pmUtah Foster Care

Foundation252 N. Orem Blvd.

EmergencyPreparednessPresented by

Nancy Zelenak

An overview of some possible emergencies along the Wasatch Front; resources & information to help prepare your family and to stay in touch with DCFS.

Sponsored by the

Adoption/Kinship Cluster

March 10th March 16th

March 17th March 17th March 18th

Training Tips:




• BRMT- You must attend the entire session of Behavioral Replacement Model Training.





not count toward In-service training hours.

IMPORTANT:TO REGISTER FOR A TRAINING THAT IS CLUSTER-SPONSORED, YOU MUST CALL YOUR AREA CLUSTER FACILITATOR, FOUND ON PAGE 17.

17

continued on page 19...


578 E. 300 S.

Brain Trauma and Child Development

Presented by Liz Rivera

An introduction as to how abused/neglected children process, build and maintain relationships.

Sponsored by the

North Star Cluster

10am-NoonOrem DCFS

1106 N. 1200 W.

Level 3 Updates

Presented by Keena Gallop

This training will review with you how DCFS is bringing the Structured Program into 21st Century best practice standards.

Sponsored by the

Structured Cluster


Western Region Cluster ConceptsMonthly Cluster announcements for currently licensed foster parents





• Get support



Call the Cluster facilitator nearest you our contact Jessica at 801.373.3006 for more information.


What are

Clusters?

Central Cluster

Timpanogos

April 7th, 6:30-8:30pm @ UFCF Orem offi ce (252 N. Orem Blvd.) Birth Parent

Panel In-service training.

Facilitator: Beth801.426.8782

[email protected]

March 9th, 6:30-8:30pm @ American Fork DCFS (578. E 300 S.) Help! In-service training. No meeting scheduled for April at this time.

Facilitator: Jennie801.756.1845

[email protected]

Millard/Juab

March 17th, 7-9pm @ Spanish Fork DCFS (607 E. Kirby Ln.) Family Problem Solving

In-service training. With Mt. Nebo Cluster

Facilitator: Jilean435.623.4049

[email protected]

Mt. Nebo

March 17th, 7-9pm @ Spanish Fork DCFS (607 E. Kirby Ln.) Family Problem Solving

In-service training. W/ Millard/Juab Cluster

Facilitator: No facilitatorcall Utah Foster Care Foundation

@ 801.373.3006

Kinship/Adoption

March 18, 7-9pm @ UFCF Orem offi ce (252 N. Orem Blvd.) Emergency Preparedness

In-service training.

Facilitator: Cayce801.426.4880

[email protected]

Structured

March 10th,10am-12n @ Orem DCFS (1106 N. 1200 W.) Level 3 Updates

In-service.

Facilitator: Cindy801.785.1014

[email protected]

18

Wasatch/Summit

No meetings for Mar. or April, next meeting is May 19th; 7-9pm @ Heber City DCFS (69 N. 600 W.) topic TBA.

Facilitator: No facilitatorcall Utah Foster Care Foundation

@ 801.373.3006

North Star

March10th, 6:30-8:30pm @ American Fork DCFS (578 E. 300 S.)Brain Trauma and Child Development In-service training.

No meeting scheduled for April at this time.

Facilitator: Shanna801.360.2011

[email protected]

Crossroads

March 16; 6:30-8:30pm @ Eagle Mountain Fire Station #2 (3785 E. Ranches Parkway). A

Walk Through the System In-service training.

Facilitator: Stephanie801.789.7753

[email protected]

Facilitator: Amanda801.319.3678

[email protected]


Helpful Tax Tidbits for Foster/Adoptive Families

Do I have to declare foster care payments as income?

According to the new IRS Publication 525, “payments you receive from a state, political subdivision, or a qualifi ed foster care placement agency for providing care to qualifi ed foster individuals in your home generally are not included in your income.” See: http://www.irs.gov/publications/p525/ar02.html#d0e8383 for more information.

Can I claim an exemption for my adopted child or for the children in care in my home?

According to IRS Publication 17, an eligible foster child or adopted child may be claimed as a dependent if the child meets the rules of a “qualifying child.”

Please note: Utah Foster Care

Foundation is providing this

information as a courtesy. We

cannot guarantee the accuracy

of this information. Please check

the IRS web site prior to fi ling

your taxes.

19


Upcoming In-service Trainings, cont.

6:30-8:30pmUtah Foster Care

Foundation 252 N. Orem Blvd.

Birth Parent Panel

Meet birth parents who have successfully overcome personal issues to have continued strengthening relationships with their children.

Sponsored by the

Central Cluster

April 7th

10am-NoonUtah Foster Care


TAL Skill Building

Presented by Troy Gasser

A review of Transition to Adult Living services, including: WIA, Basic Life Skills class, Education Vouchers, Drivers Ed. & Licensing issues, leaving state custody, etc.

Sponsored by the

Structured Cluster

April 13th April 14th


578 E. 300 S.

Addictions (part 1)

Presented by Martin Roundy

This four part training will teach you what you never knew or understood about addiction. Your attendance is highly encouraged.

Sponsored by the

Timpanogos Cluster

7-9pmUtah Foster Care


Family Problem Solving

Presented by Joy O’banion

Foundational information about how to encourage the people who live in your home to work together.

Sponsored by the

Adoption/Kinship Cluster

April 22nd

6:30pm-8:30pmAmerican Fork DCFS

578 E. 300 S.

AddictionsPart 1: April 13thPart 2: May 11th Part 3: June 15th

This four part training will teach you what you never knew or understood about addiction. Your attendence is highly encouraged.

Sponsored by the

Timpanogos Cluster

June 15th Addictions Series

6:30pm-8:30pmEagle Mountain Fire Station #2, 3785 E. Ranches Parkway

Summer Activities for Kids

Presented by Cayce Thill

Resources and unique ideas to keep all ages of children busy and happy!

Sponsored by the

Crossroads Cluster


in this issueSouthwest Campout P.20



Registraton Form P.23

SOUTHWEST REGION UPDATE

St. George Offi ce

321 N. Mall Dr # B102St. George, UT 84790Phone: 435.656.8065

Fax: 435.656.8071Toll Free: 877.656.8065

Area Representative

Debbie Hofhines

Trainer

Cliff Farnsworth


Diane Callister

Richfi eld Offi ce

201 E. 500 N.Phone: 435.896.1232

Toll Free: 877.656.8065

Foster/Adoptive Family Recruiter/

Retention SpecialistMarissa Douglas

Get Your Camping Gear Ready

We are now planning Southwest Region’s favorite annual event. Come hang out with people who love being foster families as much as you do!

Southwest Region Cluster Campout and Apperciation EventFriday, June 11th to Sunday, June 13thPine Lake Campground (near Bryce Canyon)

Bring your ATV, bike, fi sh, hike or just RELAX. Your entire family camps free for two nights. On Friday night around the campfi re, get to know other families and make s’mores! On Saturday, work as a family team and earn two hours of In-service training from 10:00am – noon. Enjoy a lunch of delicious Dutch oven chicken, salad, chips,

dessert and drinks. There will be a kids and adult drawing after lunch. Every child gets a prize!

Please mail or fax the registration form (on page 22) to:

Diane CallisterSW Retention Services SpecialistUtah Foster Care Foundation321 N Mall Drive #B102St George, Utah 84790Fax # 435-656-8071

March 2010

20

Above photo: Children enjoying the games at the campout last summer.


Positive Time Out

Southwest Region TrainingMonthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents

Upcoming In-Service Trainings

Basic Principles of Human Behavior1. All people (including children) deserve dignity and respect. A basic principle of Adlerian psychology--the philosophy of maintaining dignity and respect for all human beings--must be incorporated before time out can be used as an effective, encouraging experience that helps children, instead of an experience that creates humiliation and loss of dignity and respect.2. Misbehaving children are discouraged children. Misbehaving children are discouraged and need encouragement so they won’t feel the need to misbehave; not shame and humiliation to make them feel more discouraged and more motivated to misbehave. 3. Humiliation and shame are not effective motivators. Over the last decade, a number of professionals concerned with children (such as pediatricians, psychiatrists, and social workers) have formally adopted positions in opposition to spanking, paddling, or humiliating children in any way. These specialists have paid attention to the research demonstrating that the long-range damage to children far outweighs the immediate advantage of controlling behavior through punishment.Let it be stated again: “Where did we ever get the crazy idea that to make children do better, we must fi rst make them feel worse?” The truth is that children do better when they feel bet-ter--not when they are discouraged about themselves. Therefore, the number one criterion for positive time out is that it be used to help children feel better, not to make them feel worse.

7pm-9pmAmy’s Home

Legal Questions and AnswersPresented by

Katherine Holt, AAG &Karla Staheli, GAL

Come get answers to your general legal questions.

Sponsored by the

Cedar Cluster

March 17th

7pm-9pmAmy’s Home

Impact of Domestic Violence on Children

Presented by Penny Prodaniuk,

DCFS DV Specialist

Many children in foster care have witnessed DV in their lives. Learn about the impact it has on children.

Sponsored by the

Cedar Cluster

Time TBA

Cultural Awareness Breakfast

Presented by Guest Speaker

Celebrate the diversity in our community & enjoy a delicious breakfast. Learn more about other cultures.

Sponsored by the

Richfi eld Cluster

April 14th April 17th

Training Tips:




• BRMT- You must attend the entire session of Behavioral Replacement Model Training.





not count toward in-service training hours.

IMPORTANT:TO REGISTER FOR A TRAINING THAT IS CLUSTER-SPONSORED, YOU MUST CALL YOUR AREA CLUSTER FACILITATOR, FOUND ON PAGE 10.

21

From: “Positive Time Out: Over 50 Ways to Avoid Power Struggle in Homes and Classrooms.” By: Jane Nelsen


Southwest Region Cluster ConceptsMonthly Cluster announcements for currently licensed foster parents





• Get support



Call the Cluster facilitator nearest you our contact Diane Callister at 435.656.8065 for more information.

For more information on upcoming Cluster trainings, see “Upcoming In-Service Trainings”.

What are

Clusters?

Manti

March 30th; 6-9pm @ Manti DCFS Offi ce. PMT In-service, presented by Cliff Farnsworth.

Facilitator: Nancy435.283.5020

[email protected]

St. George

No meeting in March.

Facilitator: Brandee435.652.3979

[email protected]

Cedar City/Beaver

March 17th; 7-9pm @ Amy’s home. Legal Questions In-service, presented by Katherine Holt and Karla Stahli.

Facilitator: Amy435.586.7403

[email protected]

22

Facilitator: Lisa435.438.2651

Richfi eld

No meeting in March.

Facilitator: Coylene435.896.2023

[email protected]

Our Facebook Page!

Foster families in the Southwest Region can now connect with each other on a private Facebook page. No one will see this group, except for approved foster/adoptive/kinship parents. It’s a great way to communicate with other parents, fi nd out about upcoming trainings and activities.

You need to be invited to join, so send your request to [email protected].

There is also an “open” Facebook page for Utah Foster Care Foundation where you can communicate with families statewide.


23

Southwest Region Annual Cluster Campout

June 11 - June 13

Pine Lake Campground

Directions:Travel 13 miles east on

Utah State Highway 12

from the junction at Hwy

89. Then travel 11 miles

north on John’s Valley

Road (#22). Then head

east for 6 miles on Clay

Creek Road (#132) .

Please note:-No electricity hookups

-There is running water

and clean toilets

-Families are responsible

for their own food and

drinks, except for

Saturday’s lunch

-Pine Lake Campground

accommodates trailers

or RVs up to 45 feet

-Pets must be leashed

-No discharge of fire

arms or fireworks

-Unloading access for

OHV trails is available

-All terrain and OHV are

NOT allowed in the

campground

Deadline for Registration is June 1, 2010

Name:

Address:

City/State/Zip:

Phone:

# of people in your family:

We will be staying Friday night (free)

Yes No

We will be staying Saturday night (free)

Yes No

We will need a spot for a

Tent Trailer

We will attend Saturday’s event ONLY (free)

Yes No

I am...

Resource Parent Adoptive Parent

Kinship/Specific DCFS Licensing

Utah Foster Care Foundation would like to remind you that there is a small lake and all the little

hazards of camping at this outing. We would like to remind you to supervise and use all safety

precautions with the children in your care. The Foundation is not responsible and cannot be held

liable for any accidents that occur.

Signature:

Please send this form to Diane Callister, Southwest Region Retention Specialist

321 N. Mall Dr. #B102

St. George, UT 84790

OR fax to 435-656-8071


in this issueTrauma and ADHD P.24



EASTERN REGION UPDATE

Eastern Region Offi ce

475 W. Price River Dr. #152Price, UT 84501

Phone: 435.636.0210Fax: 435. 637.9702

Toll Free: 877.636.0210

Area Representative

Kobi Marchello

Moab Offi ce180 S. 300 E. Suite C

Moab, Utah 84532Phone: 435.259.3345

Fax: 435.259.2691

Foster/AdoptiveFamily Recruiter &

Retention SpecialistGeri Winkler

Vernal Offi ce1052 W. Market Drive

Vernal, Utah 84078Phone: 435.790.4225

Fax: 435.781.1539

Trainer

Les Harris

Roosevelt Offi ceRR 3 Box 8008

Roosevelt, Utah 84066Phone: 435.724.0959

Fax: 435.722.6566


Faith Spencer

Trauma and ADHD

Does a child you know have trouble paying attention in school and have a history of trauma stemming from abuse or neglect? Both examples could be the result of trauma—not ADHD.

ADHD is diagnosed at higher rates among fostered and adopted children, but until recently, it was not known why. As researchers learned more about the psychological trauma that results from abuse and neglect, misdiagnosis of trauma was revealed with similarity of symptoms as the cause.

Children who have experienced trauma act a lot like children with ADHD when they are at school. As Deborah D. Gray writes in “Attaching in Adoption,” “Traumatized children are hard to teach. They are hyper-vigilant and hyper-aroused. Often, they are misdiagnosed with attention defi cit disorder.”

Hyper-vigilance, a common characteristic

of traumatized children, means being on constant alert-- monitoring the body language of the teacher and fellow classmates, listening for sudden sounds, and paying attention to everything except schoolwork. The child appears to have problems paying attention when in reality, they are paying a lot of attention—but to the wrong things. The teacher does not realize what the child is doing and judges it at face value; it looks like the child is not paying attention.

“These children (traumatized children) are hyper-vigilant because they are looking for dangers or threats,” says Frank Putnam, M.D., professor of pediatrics and psychiatry at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. “They become exquisitely attuned to sights, sounds and especially facial expressions or tones of voice that might be linked with impending trouble.”

The main consequence for misdiagnosed trauma is that treatment for ADHD

MARCH 2010

24

Continued on page 26...


Eastern Region Cluster ConceptsMonthly Cluster announcements for currently licensed foster parents





• Get support



Call the Cluster facilitator nearest you our contact Faith Spencer at 435.724.0959 for more information.


What are

Clusters?Grand/San Juan

March 6th; 10am-12:30pm @ Moab Zion’s Bank. Lunch will be served.

Grand Facilitator: Kim435.259.0665

[email protected]

Carbon/Emery/Adoption

March11th; 6-8pm @ 575 E. 100 S. Evening with 4 Corners Mental Health

In-service training.

Facilitator: [email protected]

25

Uintah Basin

March 24th; 1-3pm @Vernal DCFS Offi ce Understanding ADHD In-service training. Lunch will be served.

Facilitator: Shanna435.722.6885

[email protected]

Facilitator: Debbie435.724.6746

[email protected]

San Juan Facilitator: Jackie435.678.3019

[email protected]


Eastern Region TrainingMonthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents

First Placement Meeting/PMT

Date: April 15, 2010Time: 1pm-5pm

Location: Price DCFS Offi ce

Presented by:Les Harris

This training is a Pre-service refresher as well as a chance to address specifi c issues with your current placement. Principles from the Practice Mod-el will also be reviewed.

Required in the fi rst year of licensure.

Watch for Dates/Locations in later updates. This class is not offered every month.

Presented by: Les Harris

It is essential to help youth build a solid foundation upon which they can more easily make the transition to living as adults and build connections for greater stability.



Contact: Les Harris

Eastern Region Trainer

Phone: 435.781.4224

Email: [email protected]

Toll Free:

877.505.5437





• Primary caregivers arerequired to attend 12+ hours of in-service training per year







Trauma and ADHD, continued

26

continued from page 24...

will not help a child suffering the effects of trauma. Dr. Putnam further explains, “Children suffering trauma symptoms actually have higher than normal levels of neurotransmitters like adrenaline and noradrenalin (norepinephrine). These same transmitters are raised even further by stimulants like Ritalin that are commonly prescribed for ADHD.”

Excerpted from: Foster Families Today July/August 2009.

Foster parents who are aware of the similarities in symptoms of trauma and ADHD will be better able to advocate for the needs of the children in their care. Become informed. Consider attending pre-service training to review the effects of trauma on growth and development. Your local Cluster is also a great place to access information and resources. Les Harris will offer training on understanding ADHD for the Uintah Basin Cluster on March 24 at the Vernal DCFS offi ce from 1 – 3p.m. Please contact him to register for this class if you are interested.


(1,1) -26- March Roster Update.indd 3/1/2010 2:03:05 PM(1,1) -26- March Roster Update.indd 3/1/2010 2:03:05 PM

march 2010 foster roster update

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