March 2010 Foster Roster Update by amy oliver

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VOLUME

09 MARCH 2010

A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR FOSTER & ADOPTIVE PARENTS IN UTAH

fosterroster STATEWIDE UPDATE in this issue

Utah Foster Care Foundation Ofﬁces

Answers About Haitian Orphans P.1

Murray 5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400 Murray, UT 84107 Phone: 801.994.5205 Fax: 801.994.5206 Toll Free: 877.505.KIDS Ogden 3340 S. Harrison Blvd. #200 Ogden, UT 84403 Phone: 801.392.1114 Orem 252 N. Orem Blvd. Orem, UT 84057 Phone: 801.373.3006 Price 475 W. Price River Dr. #152 Price, UT 84501 Phone: 435.636.0210 Roosevelt Phone: 435.724.0959 Vernal 1052 W. Market Dr. Vernal, UT 84078 Phone: 435.781.4224 Moab 180 S. 300 E., Ste. C Moab, UT 84532 Phone: 435.259.3345 St. George 321 N. Mall Dr. #B102 St. George, UT 84790 Phone: 435.656.8065 Richﬁeld 201 E. 500 N. Richﬁeld, UT 84701 Phone: 435.896.1232

1st Annual Foster Care Symposium P.2 UFAFA Update P.3 Illumination Contest P.4

Answers About Haitian Orphans 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 Hamblin Director Foster/Adoptive Family Recruitment Utah Foster Care Foundation

Above photo: Haitian children, photo from Living Water International; www.water.cc

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Please register via our web site www.utahfostercare.org and click on the purple symposium announcement.

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

Brief Description of Workshops:

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

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 Parents Liz Rivera, MS, SSW There is a signiﬁcant 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 difﬁculties and joys of taking on the task of substitute care giving.

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 signiﬁcant 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 Matters Nancy 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 ﬁnally, 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.

FOSTER /ADOPTIVE DAD OF THE 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 deborah.lindner @utahfostercare.org.

Understanding Discipline for the Traumatized Child Les 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

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

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Facilitating Healthy Attachment 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: Standard: At the door: Conference and Locations:

$125.00 $139.00 $150.00 Dates

Utah Foster/Adoptive Families Association Update (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!!!!! 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 beneﬁt you and other families. There is also a “Faces of UFAFA” page where we encourage you to post pictures of your families

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

Jennifer Gardner

UFAFA Statewide Presidency President: Jennifer Gardner 1st Vice President: Renee Calkins 2nd Vice President: Cayce Thill Secretary: OPEN Treasurer: Beth Hardman

Ogden Marriott Hotel Friday, May 14, 2010 8 : 3 0 a m - 5 p m Note: early bird registration ends April 30, 2010. Salt Lake City (Location TBA) Friday, September 10, 2010 8 : 3 0 a m - 5 p m Note: 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 ﬁve children.

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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 INFORMATION First 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.

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SALT LAKE VALLEY REGION UPDATE March 2010

in this issue Airmen Deployed P.5 Salt Lake Valley Ofﬁce Training Updates P.6

5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400 Murray, UT 84107 Phone: 801.994.5205 Fax: 801.994.5206 Toll Free: 877.505.KIDS

Cluster Concepts P.8 Training Updates P.9

Area Representative

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.”

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 nikki.mackay@utahfostercare.org. Tina Porter Foster Family Retention Specialist, Salt Lake Valley Region

Kirsten Fuller Foster/Adoptive Family Recruiters Amy Boyack Christina LeCluyse Dan Webster Trainer Liz Rivera Retention Specialist Tina Porter

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 Above photos: Airmen delivering gifts to children.

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To Register For Classes:

Salt Lake Valley Training

Contact: Liz Rivera Salt Lake Valley Region Trainer

Monthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents

First Placement Meeting/PMT

Phone: 801.994.5205 Email: liz.rivera@utahfostercare.org 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 be applied to re-licensing requirements • Primary caregivers are required 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 otherwise speciﬁed

unless

• Classes start on time • You must attend the entire class to receive credit Director of Education Mick Woolsey, LCSW Phone: 435.229.8808 Email: mick.woolsey @utahfostercare.org 6

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 speciﬁc 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 ﬁrst year of licensure.

Foundations for Youth Session 1: April 7th; 6-10pm Session 2: May 6th; 6-10pm Session 3: June 7th; 6-10pm Session 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.

Understanding “Legal Risk” Date: March 3rd Time: 6pm-8pm Location: UFCF Ofﬁce 5296 Commerce Dr. #400 Presented by: Panel

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

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Salt Lake Valley Training Monthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents

Upcoming In-service Trainings

March 10th

March 17th

March 18th

6pm-8pm Utah Foster Care Foundation 5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400

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

Domestic Violence & Children

Supporting Families Living with Mental Illness

Presented by Del Bircher, DCFS DV Specialist

Presented by Allies w/Families

Planning Effective Transitions Presented by Cinda Morgan, LCSW

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

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

Sponsored by the Sandy & Magna Clusters

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Wishing Well Funds 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 ﬁrst 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 beneﬁt 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 Porter Utah Foster Care Foundation 5296 So. Commerce Dr. #400 Murray, UT 84107 OR tina.porter@utahfostercare.org

10 10

Attachment and Trauma Series 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; 6-9pm Class one is a basic overview of attachment theory and its application to children in foster care. Class Two: Disorganized Attachment August 30th; 6-9pm Of 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; 6-9pm Attachment 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; 6-9pm How trauma affects the developing brain of a child and the consequences. Class Two: Healing Trauma’s Effects May 25th; 6-9pm How we can best support children who have a history of trauma. Class Three: Preventing Secondary Trauma June 29th; 6-9pm Living 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

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NORTHERN REGION UPDATE March 2010

in this issue Santa’s Helpers Deployed P.12 Northern Region Ofﬁce Cluster Concepts P.13

3340 S. Harrison Blvd. #200 Ogden, UT 84403 Phone: 801.392.1114 Fax: 801.392.1112 Toll Free: 877.392.1114

Training Updates P.14

Area Representative

Santa’s Helpers Deployed by Mindy Lundgreen, Northern Region Retention Services Specialist 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.

Brenda Durtschi Foster/Adoptive Family Recruiter Maryanne McFarland Trainer Brian Young Retention Specialist Mindy Lundgreen

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 mindy.lundgreen@utahfostercare.org.

New Digs for UFCF’s Northern Team Brenda, Maryanne and Mindy have a new ofﬁce! 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.

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Northern Region Cluster Concepts Monthly Cluster announcements for currently licensed foster parents

Cache Valley Facilitator: Lara 435.735.7232 lara.nelson@digis.net

March 19th; 6:30-8:30 pm @ Logan DCFS Ofﬁce Dealing with Loss and Grief In-service training.

Box Elder

Foster/Adoption

Facilitator: Jennifer 435.723.3369 kjgkids@gmail.com

Facilitator: Janette 801.546.9465 janette@belnap.org

April 7th; 6:30-8:30pm @ Brigham DCFS Ofﬁce Post Adoption Services In-service training.

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

• Get support • Arrange respite care • Attend fun family activities Call the Cluster facilitator nearest you our contact Mindy Lundgreen at 801.392.1114 for more information. For more information on upcoming Cluster trainings, see “Upcoming In-service Trainings”.

Facilitator: Jenn 435.787.2858 jjllewellyn@yahoo.com

North Ogden

Weber West

Facilitator: Marilyn 801.782.9080 bobandmarilyn2@msn.com

Facilitator: Rebekah 801.773.7268 houhi43@yahoo.com

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

March 17th; 6:30-8:30pm @ Clearﬁeld DCFS Ofﬁce The Challenge of Parenting Teenagers In-service training.

North Davis

South Central Davis

Facilitator: Patty 801.544.7925 pattymom2@msn.com

Facilitator: Amanda 801.298.6381 david@davidburkemusic.com

March 17th; 6:30-8:30pm @ Clearﬁeld DCFS Ofﬁce The Challenge of Parenting Teenagers In-service training.

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

Structured Facilitator: Maryanne 801.392.1114 maryanne.mcfarland@utahfostercare.org March 11th; 10:00am-Noon Peaceful Parenting In-service training.

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To Register For Classes: Contact: Brian Young Northern Region Trainer Phone: 801.475.5537 Email: brian.young @utahfostercare.org

Northern Region Training Monthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents

Foundations for Youth Super Saturdays

Toll Free: 877.392.1114 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 ONLY • Training hours will be applied to re-licensing requirements • Primary caregivers are required 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 otherwise speciﬁed

unless

• Classes start on time • You must attend the entire class to receive credit Director of Education Mick Woolsey, LCSW Phone: 435.229.8808 Email: mick.woolsey @utahfostercare.org 14

We encourage families with chlidren as young as 8-years-old to participate in FFY training. April 24th: Module 1, 8a-12n Module 2, 1-5pm May 8th: Module 3, 8a-12n Module 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.

Level III Level III Advanced Foster Parent Training (formerly structured training). May 22nd: Module 1, 8a-12n Module 2, 1-5pm All FFY and Level III trainings will be held at the Ogden DCFS Ofﬁce (950 E. 25th Street). Please contact Sally Webster by April 19th to register via phone 801.395.5990 or email swebster@utah.gov.

Level III and Foundations for Youth 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 Ofﬁce (Employee Training Room) Please contact Sally Webster by April 19th to register via phone 801.395.5990 or email swebster@utah.gov.

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WESTERN REGION UPDATE March 2010

in this issue Foster Care Rate Reductions P.15 Western Region Ofﬁce Encouraging Resiliency in Children P.16

252 N. Orem Blvd. Orem, UT Phone: 801.373.3006 Fax: 801.373.3004 Toll Free: 877.373.3006

Partners in Parenting P.17 Training Updates P.18

Area Representative

Foster Care Rate Reductions by Cayce Thill, Utah Foster/Adoptive Family Association Secretary 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 difﬁcult for current foster families to continue to perform this much-needed service.

Wendy Bunnell Foster/Adoptive Family Recruiter John Thill Trainer Nancy Zelenak Retention Specialist Jessica Hanneman

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 thilltribe@gmail.com.

Above photo: Cayce and John Thill with their children.

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To Register For Classes: Contact: Nancy Zelenak Western Region Trainer Phone: 801.373.3006

Practice Model & Your First Placement

Email: nancy.zelenak @utahfostercare.org Toll Free: 877.373.3006 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 ONLY • Training hours will be applied to re-licensing requirements • Primary caregivers are required 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 otherwise speciﬁed

unless

• Classes start on time • You must attend the entire class to receive credit Director of Education Mick Woolsey, LCSW Phone: 435.229.8808 Email: mick.woolsey @utahfostercare.org 16

Western Region Training Monthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents

Date: April 2nd; 10am-2pm Location: Utah Foster Care Foundation 252 N. Orem Blvd. OR Date: July 30th; 10am-2pm Location: Utah Foster Care Foundation 252 N. Orem Blvd. This training is required ONCE for all foster parents during their ﬁrst year of licensure. RSVP to Nancy Zelenak for these two trainings, nancy.zelenak@utahfostercare.org 801.373.3006x11

Foundations for Youth One Day Overview Wednesday, March 10th 9am-4pm (Noon-1pm lunch break, on your own) Provo DCFS Ofﬁce, 5th ﬂoor Presented by Les Harris This training is a special training open to DCFS workers and foster parents.

Foundations for Youth FFY #1: Building Trusting Relationships Thursday, March 4th; 5:30pm FFY #2: Adolescent Behavior Thursday, March 11th; 5:30pm FFY #3: Assessing, Planning & Teaming Friday, March 19th; 5:30pm FFY #4: The Goals of Transition to Adult Living Wednesday, March 31st; 5:30pm

Presented by: Nancy Zelenak

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. Required for all foster parents of youth 14 and older. For locations RSVP to Nancy.

Parenting Tip of the Month 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!

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Western Region Training Monthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents

Upcoming In-service Trainings

March 9th

March 10th

March 16th

6:30-8:30pm American Fork DCFS 578 E. 300 S.

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

HELP!

Brain Trauma and Child Development

A Walk Through the System

Presented by Liz Rivera

Presented by Chad McDonald

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

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

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

Sponsored by the Richﬁeld Cluster

Positive Time Out Basic Principles of Human Behavior 1. 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 longrange 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 ﬁrst make them feel worse?” The truth is that children do better when they feel better--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. From: “Positive Time Out: Over 50 Ways to Avoid Power Struggle in Homes and Classrooms.” By: Jane Nelsen

Training Tips: • Approved TrainingsIn-service trainings provided and approved by Utah Foster Care Foundation. • Foundations for YouthFFY 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. • BRMT- You must attend the entire session of Behavioral Replacement Model Training.

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

REMINDER: Family team meetings do not count toward in-service training hours.

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e r a at s? h W er t s Clu Clusters are groups of foster, adoptive and kinship families that meet together on a monthly basis.

Southwest Region Cluster Concepts Monthly Cluster announcements for currently licensed foster parents

Cedar City/Beaver Facilitator: Amy 435.586.7403 bates4ever@hotmail.com

Facilitator: Lisa 435.438.2651

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

Clusters can help you: • Obtain In-service training hours • Meet other foster, adoptive and kinship families

St. George

Richﬁeld

Facilitator: Brandee 435.652.3979 brandeestahlei@msn.com

Facilitator: Coylene 435.896.2023 donandcoylene@msn.com

No meeting in March.

• Get support • Arrange respite care Manti • Attend fun family activities 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”.

Facilitator: Nancy 435.283.5020 njbean11@yahoo.com March 30th; 6-9pm @ Manti DCFS Ofﬁce. PMT In-service, presented by Cliff Farnsworth.

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, ﬁnd out about upcoming trainings and activities. You need to be invited to join, so send your request to diane.callister @utahfostercare.org. There is also an “open” Facebook page for Utah Foster Care Foundation where you can communicate with families statewide.

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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) .

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

We will be staying Saturday night (free) Yes

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

We will need a spot for a Tent

Trailer

We will attend Saturday’s event ONLY (free) Yes No I am... Resource Parent Kinship/Specific

Adoptive Parent 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

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EASTERN REGION UPDATE MARCH 2010

in this issue Trauma and ADHD P.24 Eastern Region Ofﬁce Cluster Concepts P.25

475 W. Price River Dr. #152 Price, UT 84501 Phone: 435.636.0210 Fax: 435. 637.9702 Toll Free: 877.636.0210

Training Updates P.26

Area Representative Kobi Marchello

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 deﬁcit 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.”

Moab Office 180 S. 300 E. Suite C Moab, Utah 84532 Phone: 435.259.3345 Fax: 435.259.2691 Foster/Adoptive Family Recruiter & Retention Specialist Geri Winkler Vernal Office 1052 W. Market Drive Vernal, Utah 84078 Phone: 435.790.4225 Fax: 435.781.1539 Trainer Les Harris Roosevelt Office RR 3 Box 8008 Roosevelt, Utah 84066 Phone: 435.724.0959 Fax: 435.722.6566 Retention Specialist

The main consequence for misdiagnosed trauma is that treatment for ADHD

Faith Spencer

Continued on page 26...

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e r a at s? h W er t s Clu Clusters are groups of foster, adoptive and kinship families that meet together on a monthly basis.

Eastern Region Cluster Concepts Monthly Cluster announcements for currently licensed foster parents

Grand/San Juan Grand Facilitator: Kim 435.259.0665 kima_35@yahoo.com

San Juan Facilitator: Jackie 435.678.3019 jb_squared@yahoo.com

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

Clusters can help you:

Carbon/Emery/Adoption • Obtain In-service training hours • Meet other foster, adoptive and kinship families • Get support

Facilitator: Glenna 435.748.2626 ldsgjs@etv.net March11th; 6-8pm @ 575 E. 100 S. Evening with 4 Corners Mental Health In-service training.

• Arrange respite care • Attend fun family activities Call the Cluster facilitator nearest you our contact Faith Spencer at 435.724.0959 for more information. For more information on upcoming Cluster trainings, see “Upcoming In-service Trainings”.

Uintah Basin Facilitator: Shanna 435.722.6885 sandngoodrich@gmail.com

Facilitator: Debbie 435.724.6746 kdmyers@ubtanet.com

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

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To Register For Classes: Contact: Les Harris Eastern Region Trainer

Eastern Region Training Monthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents

First Placement Meeting/PMT

Phone: 435.781.4224 Email: les.harris@utahfostercare.org Toll Free:

Date: April 15, 2010 Time: 1pm-5pm Location: Price DCFS Ofﬁce

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 ONLY • Training hours will be applied to re-licensing requirements • Primary caregivers are required 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 otherwise speciﬁed

unless

Presented by: Les Harris This training is a Pre-service refresher as well as a chance to address speciﬁc issues with your current placement. Principles from the Practice Model will also be reviewed. Required in the ﬁrst year of licensure.

Foundations for Youth 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. Required for all foster parents of youth 14 and older.

Trauma and ADHD, continued 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.

• Classes start on time • You must attend the entire class to receive credit Director of Education Mick Woolsey, LCSW Phone: 435.229.8808 Email: mick.woolsey @utahfostercare.org 26

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 ofﬁce from 1 – 3p.m. Please contact him to register for this class if you are interested.