The Other Side Issue 1

the OTHER S I D E

e TO THE FIRST CYFS m o c l e W NEWSLETTER FOR YOU!!

Why do adults have to be the only ones to get mail? They shouldn’t!! Your friends at CYFS want you to know how special you are, so we’ve started this CYFS Newsletter just for YOU! This is going to be a spot where you get to hear about other kids, learn about different people you might meet, and get some tips and activities for you and your family!

Watch for a newsletter to be mailed to your home every other month! There will be opportunities for you to ask questions, send us your thoughts, and take part in activities with CYFS. We are so excited to kick off this first edition and hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed putting it together!!!

YOU WIN!

A very big shout out to A.T. for the name of our Newsletter! It perfectly captures what we hope to show in this publication. An Amazon Gift Card is coming your way!

Youth in Care feature Belle Age 17

If you had to describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be?

Kind, caring, and funny What is something you have accomplished that made you proud of yourself?

Getting sober and getting back in to school, getting a job

What is your favorite memory or favorite thing about the family you are living with?

How they can take a stranger and think of them as family What are your favorite interests or hobbies?

Fishing, being outdoors, If you had to describe yourself as an animal, what would you choose and why?

Giraffe- because they’re cute and they can see over everything.

If you had the chance to provide advice or encouragement to other youth in care, what would you say to them?

It’s not as bad as it seems. It’s easier to go with it than go against it. No matter how hard the situation is.

If you would like to be featured in November’s edition of The Other Side, please reach out to us via our email address and we will be in touch!

Youth Bill of Rights

Did you know you have very specific rights as a youth in foster care in the state of Illinois? You do! They are called the Illinois Foster Child and Youth Bill of Rights and your worker should review them with you and your caregiver every six months. We will be highlighting one of your rights in each edition of the newsletter. The Youth Bill of Rights has four overarching themes: • To be and to feel safe.

• To achieve permanency and maintain lifelong connections.

• To be well and to have your well-being needs met.

• To be involved and informed.

So, why does CYFS care that you are aware of your rights outlined in the Youth Bill of Rights? It is important for you to know your rights and how to seek assistance if you feel your rights have been violated. Knowing your rights will help to educate you about the choices you have and support you to make informed decisions about your own life. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into your specific rights in upcoming issues.

Back to School Book Recommendations Check out these titles at your library: • First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg • I Will Be Fierce! by Bea Birdsong • Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova

When you are involved in the Child Welfare system, you see lots of faces and hear lots of names and titles. It can be very confusing! During each issue, we will be providing information about who is who and just what exactly they do.

First up is the Guardian Ad Litem or GAL. The best way to learn more about GALs is to hear from them!

Here are a few CYFS works with, sharing important information they want you to know.

Elisa Nelson Knox County

Having a role in the juvenile courtroom is one of my passions as an attorney. My job as GAL is to represent the best interests of all of the kids (younger and older) that I am assigned to. That does not necessarily mean that I tell the court to do whatever the minor wants, but rather it means that I ask the court to do what I think is best for the minor when considering everything that is going on in the case and with the minor.

I think one of THE most important pieces of information that I would like the kids on my docket (my assignment list) to know is that I love hearing from them, even when they are having a problem that they need help with. I always make time for anyone on my cases and I can make myself available in person, on the phone, on Zoom, Google Meets, or through emails.

I want to make sure that the minors that I represent know they can always reach out to me!

Have you ever wanted to try a new hobby? At CYFS, we have a special fund called “JUST LIKE ME” and it’s designed to help cover the costs for you to take part in things that you are interested in! We know that when you get involved in activities it helps build new skills, make new friendships, and gives you a chance to explore the world!

Maybe you have always wanted to take a cooking class, play soccer, attend summer camp or learn karate! Maybe you would love to spend your time swimming, skating or at dance lessons? We may be able to help with that!

DREAM BIG! Ask your Family Worker about JUST LIKE ME funds today.

here’s to a successful school year!

The new school year is in full swing! Perhaps you are excited, maybe a bit anxious, or a little of both. Many students are feeling the same way! Here are a few tips to help you achieve your goals this school year.

• Start your day with something that fuels you. It could be breakfast, a journal session, a walk around the block. Whatever you need to set yourself up for a productive day.

• Develop a daily routine. Wake up and go to bed at the same time each day. Follow your school schedule and attend all classes every day. Participate in extracurricular activities you have committed to (See the Just Like Me section for information on financial support for these programs!), set aside time each afternoon/evening to do homework and prepare for the next day. Let your family and friends know what your routine is, so they do not interrupt the time you have set aside.

• Participate in class. Stay focused; answer and ask questions.

• Manage your thoughts and emotions. This can be a tough one. Clearing your mind from negative self-talk will help you to focus on your goals. Are you feeling discouraged, overwhelmed, or unfocused? Ask yourself if your thoughts are true? Are they helpful? How can I be more kind to myself? What productive actions can you take to improve the situation?

• Communicate with teachers. Talk with teachers if you miss a class to see what make-up work you can do.

Ask how you can get the notes from that class. Let teachers know if you are struggling in the class or if you are not being challenged enough.

• Create a space that is comfortable and free of distractions to study. Do you get distracted easily? (I sure do!)

Keep your study space free of clutter or tempting objects such as your phone, games, pets, etc. Make sure you are comfortable, but not so comfortable you fall asleep. Sit in a comfortable chair instead of on your bed or sofa. Perhaps have a couple of different study spaces if you need a change of scenery or another household member needs to use the room.

• Take breaks. If you struggle to focus, set a timer for 30-45 minutes then take a 5–10-minute break. Go for a walk, have a snack, listen to some music-something to reward yourself for focusing on your studies.

• Ask for help as soon as possible. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to your teacher by yourself, talk to your caregiver or Family Worker for assistance. The sooner you get the help you need, the sooner you will be back on track. We can help you get the support you need to help you in areas you are struggling.

If you have ideas, questions or topics you would like to see covered in our upcoming editions, please submit them to our email box at TheOtherSide@cyfsolutions.org.