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VOLUME
09 OCTOBER 2010
A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR FOSTER & ADOPTIVE PARENTS IN UTAH
fosterroster STATEWIDE UPDATE in this issue
Utah Foster Care Foundation Offices
Important Information P.1 Preventing the Flu P.2
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
Celebrate Adoption P.3 UFAFA Update P.4 Eastern Region Update Begins P.5
Resource Parent ID Card Changes The Utah Foster Care Foundation is implementing a change that will make it easier for families to shop and save at our Partners in Parenting (PIP) businesses across Utah. For many years, the foundation has issued a Resource Parent ID Card to each currently licensed foster/adoptive family.
DI Vouchers If you have a child in foster care in your home who has not yet received DI vouchers, there are still some available. Please e-mail: darcey.hirst@utahfostercare.org or call 877.505.KIDS. Please note that all DI Vouchers expire December 31, 2010 and no exceptions are made.
Sometimes families would not receive these cards for a variety of reasons. This caused difficulties in getting PIP discounts. You will simply need to show your current Foster Care License (issued by the state) at the business to receive your discount. This change is effective immediately.
OSW TAL Scholarship The Olene S. Walker Transition to Adult Living Scholarship is accepting applications for Spring Semester 2011. Youth who were in DCFS foster care after age 14 or adopted after age 16, may be eligible. Check the Just For Youth web site for more information, applications and deadlines - www.justforyouth.utah.gov/ education. For help contact Patti VanWagoner @801.652.2173 or Jode Littlepage at 801.707.9734.
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Preventing the Flu Information from the Health Care Nurses
It is FLU shot time again. Please remember to send in the HVR for documentation to the Health Care Nurse.
Trevor J. Birthday: 07/1993 Grade in School: 12th Heritage: Caucasian Trevor dreams of becoming a veterinarian someday. This young man loves animals and has often wished that he lived on a farm or in a home with pets. He also has a passion for photography. Playing football, being involved in a good game of basketball or enjoying a challenging video game are also ways in which Trevor enjoys spending his time. A great sense of humor and an appreciation for those around him make this kid a joy to be around. If your family can provide Trevor with the love and support she needs, we urge you to inquire.
For more information, please contact: The Adoption Exchange 801.265.0444 www.utdcfsadopt.org
On the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website (www.cdc.gov) they have listed some “Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine.” There are two types of vaccines: • The “flu shot” — an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The flu shot is approved for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions. • The nasal-spray flu vaccine —a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu (sometimes called LAIV for “live attenuated influenza vaccine” or FluMist®). LAIV (FluMist®) is approved for use in healthy* people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant. The seasonal flu vaccine protects against three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. The 2010-2011 flu vaccine will protect against 2009 H1N1, and two other influenza viruses (an H3N2 virus and an influenza B virus). The viruses in the vaccine change each year based on international surveillance and scientists’ estimations about which types and strains of viruses will circulate in a given year. About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection against influenza virus infection develop in the body.
When to Get Vaccinated Yearly flu vaccination should begin in September or as soon as vaccine is available and continue throughout the influenza season, into December, January, and beyond. This is because the timing and duration of influenza seasons vary. While influenza outbreaks can happen as early as October, most of the time influenza activity peaks in January or later. Who Should Get Vaccinated While everyone should get a flu vaccine each flu season, it’s especially important that the following groups get vaccinated either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications: 1. Pregnant women. 2. Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old. 3. People 50 years of age and older. 4. People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions. 5. People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. 6. People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including: a. Health care workers. b. Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu. c. Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated).
Special p thanks to: 2
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Celebrate National Adoption Awareness Month With
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2010 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
75 South Fork Drive Draper Utah
525 South Deseret Drive Kaysville, Utah W
Cost: $5.00 per family Any size family - Cash Only Please y db e d i rov dy’s p n ili Ch We
Enjoy unlimited miniature golf 10 arcade tokens and 1 pass valid to choose from the following attractions Go Karts, Slick Track, Rookie Go-Karts, Rock Wall, Laser Tag or Maxflight Roller Coaster Simulator.
e ’v new e adde loca d a tion
Karen M. Birthday: 03/2002 Grade in School: N/A Heritage: Hispanic Little Miss Karen’s beautiful smile will melt your heart! This sweet girl loves the color pink, princesses, music, soft things, and anything in Spanish. Karen is responsive to positive people in her life. She’ll often share with them her great smile and will reach out toward them. She is typically a very happy child. If your family can provide for Karen with the love and support she needs, we urge you to inquire.
For more information, please contact: The Adoption Exchange 801.265.0444 www.utdcfsadopt.org
Special thanks to: 3
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Utah Foster/Adoptive Families Association Update UFAFA Executive Committee President: Jennifer Gardner 1st VP: Renee Calkins 2nd VP: Cayce Thill Secretary: Michelle Ostmark Treasurer: Beth Hardman www.myufafa.com
Get Involved! By Cayce Thill 2nd Vice-President Utah Foster/Adoptive Families Assn. (UFAFA) Email Your Legislator What if every candidate running for legislative office this year had their email boxes flooded with the message below during the month of October? We think it would make a difference in how they view child welfare. We are asking you to simply fill in the blanks and email this to the legislative candidates in your districts. If you need to know their contact information, please email ufafa1@ gmail.com. Sample email: SUBJECT: District (fill in) Dear (fill in candidate’s name), Congratulations on making it this far in the campaign this election year. I just wanted to let you know that ____(number of children in foster care in your home) in my home, along with 2800+ children just like them, are waiting to see who wins the upcoming election. You see, if you win in November, you and your legislative partners become the custodial “parents” of these children. They are depending on YOU to make sure all of their physical needs are provided for. They depend on me, as their foster parent, to provide them with love, acceptance, nurturing and stability. It’s a big responsibility for both of us. Sincerely, (YOUR NAME)
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Need Support? Working through difficult situations as a foster parent is often easier when we can do so with another parent who has already “been there.” Being able to talk through these tough times can validate us and lighten many of our burdens. But finding the right person to talk with can almost be as hard as working through the issue at hand. To provide our families with additional support, UFAFA is starting a mentoring program for foster/ adoptive/kinship parents and we need you! You understand the challenges our parents face daily because you have already worked through them. You can help nurture and support those families during their rough times, help preserve placements, and provide stability for our children. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, or would like more information, please email ufafa2vp@gmail.com. We do not have access to all families’ email addresses. Please register on our website and send us your email address so we can update you.
www.myufafa.com or ufafa1@gmail.com
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EASTERN REGION UPDATE OCTOBER 2010
in this issue Roster Revisions P.5 Eastern Region Office A Baby Sifter? P.6
475 W. Price River Dr. #152 Price, UT 84501 Phone: 435.636.0210 Fax: 435. 637.9702 Toll Free: 877.636.0210
Partners in Parenting P.7 Training Updates P.8
Area Representative
Roster Revisions By: Faith Spencer Eastern Region Retention Specialist, Utah Foster Care Foundation
contact your Cluster facilitator, register for trainings, and access donations and other resources unique to your area.
Happy Autumn! I hope you are enjoying cooler weather and the structure and routine that goes with having your kids back in school. It will soon be time for raking leaves, pulling on sweaters, and helping your kids figure out what to be for Halloween.
If you’re wondering what a Cluster is, just turn to page 11 for a great explanation. If you’re interested in knowing what is happening in your Cluster group, check out page 8 if you live in the Moab/Blanding area, page 9 for Price and Castledale, and page 10 for the Uintah Basin. Happy reading!
With the changing leaves and temperatures, our Foster Roster is undergoing changes as well. In an effort to make your Roster more user-friendly and informative, we are combining all Cluster and training information onto one easy to locate page. Each of the three area of our region—the Uintah Basin; Carbon and Emery Counties; and Grand and San Juan Counties—will have its own page. Your Cluster page will contain all information you will need to plan for your required training hours,
Any feedback? I’d love to hear from you! faith.spencer@utahfostercare.org.
Kobi Marchello 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 Retention Specialist Faith Spencer
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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: Faith Spencer Utah Foster Care Foundation RR Box 8008 Roosevelt, UT 84066 OR faith.spencer @utahfostercare.org
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A Baby Sifter? By: Janet Vierling, MA, LPC Fostering Families Today September/October 2010 When my older brother was nearly 3 years old, he loved to play in the sandbox. He had his prized large, yellow, plastic sand sifter that he loved to fill and watch the sand fall through in a fine mist. My mom used to say that he was entertained by this sifter more than any other toy. One day, my parents told my brother that he was going to have a baby sister soon. Boy was he excited—a baby sifter to go along with his large sand sifter—there couldn’t be anything better. Imagine his disappointment when he met me, his baby sister, and realized I was not a cool sandbox toy he had been excited about for months. This is where our sibling story started; we have been through the ups and downs of a brother –sister relationship and are close today. When we reminisce, we still laugh about the baby sifter misunderstanding. Have you ever stopped to really think about sibling connections? How has your sibling or siblings impacted your life? Whether you get along all the time or not, how has your relationship with your sibling or siblings helped shape who you are today? I remember talking with a set of brothers who were in the midst of a –let’s just call it a disagreement—about what it meant to them to be brothers. At first, they
were both still angry and had trouble saying anything positive. Once they let go of the anger, though, they spoke from the heart. One boy said that having a brother means that “you’re never alone” and that you “care for each other.” Despite having moments of frustration, he recognized that “deep down inside you know you love each other and will stand up for each other.” The younger brother shared similar sentiments and added that he watched his older brother as a role model so he could learn by watching his brother’s mistakes. They both agreed that they shared experiences from their upbringing that no one else could truly understand on the same level. This commonality created a special, unique bond that allowed these brothers to flourish, despite their unstable life experiences. Needless to say, these boys passed on some lasting wisdom to me that day. They made me truly stop and think about my own siblings and how they have changed who I am for the better. What wisdom will you take from this story? Do you have your own baby sifter story? If you do not have siblings of your own, take a look around and watch the interactions of the brothers and sisters around you. Do you have friends you consider to be as close as your sibling? No matter how you think about it, give it at least a moment’s focus.
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Eastern Region Partners in Parenting
All Scrapped Up Cold Stone Creamery Personal Reflections Photography KFC/A&W Restaurants Big B Equipment John Deere RC Fencing Northeastern Utah Office Supply
10% discount & free scrapbook class 10% off 10% off 10% off 10% off all toys in stock $1 off per foot materials and labor 10% off - see store for details
Rod’s Mini Lube
10% discount
Moab City Pool
Free swimming w/pass
Gravel Pit Lanes
2-for-1 bowling
Slick Rock Cinema K & A Chuck Wagon Blanding City Pool San Juan Theatre
Discount passes - call Geri Free dinner 1x per month w/reservation Free family pass— contact city offices $4.00/adult & $3.00/child tickets
150 S. 700 E. #B in Price 1191 E. Main in Price Jennifer 801.518.6368 130 N. Carbonville Road in Price 22245 W. Hwy 40 in Roosevelt Rhett 435-790-7681 11 N. 200 E. Roosevelt only 290 E. 200 S. in Roosevelt 181 W. 400 N. in Moab 1078 Millcreek Dr. in Moab 580 Kane Creek Blvd. in Moab 496 N. Main in Monticello 50 W. 100 S. in Blanding 120 W. Center Street in Blanding
Partners in Parenting are local businesses that want to show their appreciation for all you do by offering discounts and specials to foster families. Just present your Foster Care License to take advantage of these offers, and be sure to let these businesses know that you appreciate their support! While the Utah Foster Care Foundation is sincerely grateful to our Partners in Parenting, we cannot endorse any of the services or products offered. A statewide list and description of all Partners in Parenting is available at our website: www.utahfostercare.org. Your Foster Care License identifies you as one of our valued foster care providers and allows you to enjoy the benefits and savings from local merchants. You MUST have your Foster Care License to access discounts from these businesses. Please do not ask for exceptions. If you are aware of any business that would like to become a Partner in Parenting, please call Faith at 435.724.0959.
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Grand/San Juan Cluster & Training Information Monthly Cluster announcements for currently licensed foster parents
Cluster Facilitator Contact Information
Kim @ 435.259.0665 kima_35@yahoo.com “I have been a foster parent for a little over 2 years and have fostered children between the ages of 8 and 18 years. I am currently fostering 3 teenage girls.”
TBA
Motivating Teens
Christmas Party
Watch your mail for additional information.
Presented by Les Harris, LCSW
For the Family
One of the most difficult challenges parents face is motivating teens to perform daily tasks and fulfill their responsibilities at home and at school. This training will provide some helpful ideas related to helping teens to remain focused on their goals and objectives
Come join us for an evening of food, festivities and fun! Watch for more upcoming details.
November 10th 6:00pm-8:00pm Blanding DCFS
In October, we will be planning out our Cluster trainings and activities for 2011. We would like to know which training topics you are interested in. What would be most helpful to you as a resource parent?
Jackie 435.678.3019 jb_squared@yahoo.com “I have 3 wonderful children and I have been a foster parent for 5 years. Call me anytime!”
Your RFC is Al Young 435.678.1490 ayoung@utah.gov 8
December 11th
There are many trainings that can be offered. Here are a sampling: Success in School, Dealing with ADHD or FAS (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome), Preventing Burnout, Resolving Conflict in the Home, Healthy Parent-Child Attachment,
Interacting with the Biological Family, the Color Code, Parenting with Love and Logic, Lifebooks: A Lifeline to Identity, Navagating the Legal System, Adoptions, Licensing and Placements, Parenting Teens, Helps and Resources for Foster Parents, and many others. If you would like to request a particular training with Les Harris or another trainer, please contact Kim or Jackie.
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Carbon/Emery/Adoption Cluster & Training Information Monthly Cluster announcements for currently licensed foster parents
FFY
Programs/Resources
Support Group
Presented by Les Harris, LCSW
For Children with Special Needs
For Parents
Foster and adoptive parents are essential to helping youth in their care achieve success. This training will provide caregivers with strategies to assist youth making a transition into adulthood. October 6th & 20th 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Price DCFS Office
Presented by TBA This Cluster training will focus on the programs in our area for children with special needs and how to access them. Being informed allows parents to be better advocates for their children and more effective in helping them. October 13th 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm ffice Castle Dale DCFS Office
In October, we will be planning out our Cluster trainings and activities for 2011. We would like to know which training topics you are interested in. What would be most helpful to you as a resource parent? There are many trainings that can be offered. Here are a sampling: Success in School, Dealing with ADHD or FAS (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome), Preventing Burnout, Resolving Conflict in the Home, Healthy Parent-Child Attachment,
Presented by TBA
Cluster Facilitator Contact Information
This group session will allow parents to discuss issues they are facing and gain insight and ideas from a licensed counselor and other resource families. November 12th 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm Price Four Corners Mental Heath
Interacting with the Biological Family, the Color Code, Parenting with Love and Logic, Lifebooks: A Lifeline to Identity, Navigating the Legal System, Adoptions, Licensing and Placements, Parenting Teens, Helps and Resources for Foster Parents, and many others.
Glenna 435.748.2626 ldsgjs@etv.net “Leland & I have been foster parents for 15 1/2 years. We have four married children and 13 grandchildren. Feel free to contact me with questions or suggestions by phone or email.�
Your RFC is Tammy Ardohain 435.636.0212 tardohain@utah.gov
If you would like to request a particular training with Les Harris or another trainer, please contact Glenna.
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Uintah Basin Cluster Information Monthly Cluster announcements for currently licensed foster parents
Cluster Facilitator Contact Information
Resolving Conflict
Helping Youth
FFY
In the Home
Transition to Adult Living
Presented by Les Harris, LCSW
Presented by Faith Spencer Family life is full of ups and downs, blessings and challenges. There are, however, things we can do to help things go right. Join us for a fun, eyeopening adventure as we look to establish greater peace at home.
Shanna 435.722.6885 sandngoodrich@gmail.com
October 21st 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm Roosevelt DCFS Office
Presented by Les Harris, LCSW Foster and adoptive parents are essential to helping youth in their care achieve success. This training will provide caregivers with strategies to assist youth making a transition into adulthood. November 16th 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Vernal DCFS Office
Foster and adoptive parents are essential to helping youth in their care achieve success. This training will provide caregivers with strategies to assist youth making a transition into adulthood.
December 1st & 15th 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Vernal DCFS Office
Debbie 435.724.6746 kndmyers@ubtanet.com
Your RFC is Jacina Barrett 435.722.6559 jbarrett@utah.gov
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Resource parents attended a four hour question and answer panel discussion with members of the child welfare legal team in the Uintah Basin. Panel members included the Attorney General, Guardian ad Litem, and defense counsel from Uintah and Duchesne Counties.
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e r a at s? h W r e t s Clu
In the Know... Information and terms for currently licensed foster parents
To register for classes contact your Cluster Facilitator.
Notes on In-Service Trainings:
If you have questions about trainings, you may contact UFCF Trainer:
• Classes are for licensed foster parents ONLY • Training hours will be applied to re-licensing requirements
Les Harris Eastern Region Trainer
• Primary caregivers are required to attend 12+ hours of in-service training per year
Phone: 435.781.4224
• Secondary caregivers are required to attend 4+ hours of in-service training per year
Email: les.harris@utahfostercare.org Toll Free:
• ADULTS specified
877.505.5437
ONLY
unless
otherwise
• Classes start on time
Please be ready with your name, phone number & a brieft message so that you may recive prompt attention.
• You must attend the entire class to receive credit
Terms to Know •
Approved TrainingsIn-service trainings provided and approved by Utah Foster Care Foundation.
• Approved On-line TrainingFamilies may visit the web site: www.fosterclub.com for up to 2 hours of online training per year.
• Foundations for FFY is required for caring for youth 14 and up.
• Peer Parent Training and Resource Family Consultant (RFC) Training6 hours each per year may be used toward licensure. RFC Training must be provided by DCFS RFCs.
Youthfamilies
• Community & Partner Trainings- Call your regional trainer for approval prior to attending a class or conference that is held within the community and is not a pre-approved training.
Clusters are groups of foster, adoptive and kinship families that meet together on a monthly basis. Clusters can help you: • Obtain in-service training hours • Meet other foster, adoptive and kinship families • Get support • Arrange respite care • Attend fun family activities Call the Cluster facilitator nearest you or contact Faith Spencer at 435.724.0959 for more information. For more information on upcoming Cluster trainings, see pages 8-10.
IMPORTANT: TO REGISTER FOR A TRAINING THAT IS CLUSTERSPONSORED, YOU MUST CALL YOUR AREA CLUSTER FACILITATOR.
REMINDER: Family team meetings do not count toward in-service
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NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID SALT LAKE CITY, UT PERMIT NO. 579
a private, non-profit organization 5296 So. Commerce Dr. #400 Murray, UT 84107 utahfostercare.org
fosterateen.org
In partnership with the Division of Child and Family Services
Utah Foster Care Foundation Board of Directors
Follow Us Online For Regular Updates:
UtahFosterCare
Utah Foster Care Foundation
UtahFosterCare
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LeRoy Franke Division of Child & Family Services
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Steve Goodrich, Vice Chair UPS
Lori Steele McCann Erickson
Kevin LaRue KSL Radio
Jeff Tesch, LMFT Foster/Adoptive Parent
Hank Liese, MSW, Ph.D., Chair University of Utah
Kate Toomey 3rd District Court
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Gloria Talley Wilkinson Zions Bank
Jean Nielsen, Secretary Human Services, Salt Lake County
Jayne Wolfe, Ph.D. Psychologist Bruce Olson, Board Attorney Ray, Quinney & Nebeker