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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 Northern 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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NORTHERN REGION UPDATE OCTOBER 2010
in this issue Bag Project P.5 Northern Region Office Exciting Opportunity P.6
3340 S. Harrison Blvd. #200 Ogden, UT 84403 Phone: 801.392.1114 Fax: 801.392.1112 Toll Free: 877.392.1114
Region Happenings P.7 Training Updates P.8
Area Representative
Foster Care Bags Made with Love & Hope The Bountiful Val Verda Stake Relief Society has worked diligently for the past 9 months preparing 900 foster care bags. Each bag contains a blanket, teddy bear, age appropriate toy, pillow case, tooth brush and other hygiene items, as well as goodies and additional surprises. The hand-sewn back packs and all items were donated from many members of our community. Hundreds of people joined together to prepare each bag and take part in making this project happen. A
large semi truck pulled into the Christmas Box House, where children from the shelter joined with project participants to unload the boxes of bags. We express appreciation to all who contributed to this project! If a newly placed child comes to your home without his or her foster care bag, please remind the caseworker that you did not receive it. We wish to thank all those who participated in this tremendous service to children in care!
Brenda Durtschi Foster/Adoptive Family Recruiter Maryanne McFarland Trainer Brian Young Retention Specialist Mindy Lundgreen
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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: Mindy Lundgreen Utah Foster Care Foundation 3340 S. Harrison Blvd. #200 Ogden, UT 84403 OR mindy.lundgreen @utahfostercare.org
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A Life Changing Gift By: Jennifer Gardner UFAFA President
When foster parent Ben Rowley first contacted the Ogden Rotary Club, he never dreamed that together they could come up with a project so exciting and inspiring, that it could change the lives of many Northern Region foster care children. Partnering with the Trapper Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Ogden Rotary Club invites us to participate in the first-ever “Reaching New Heights” on Saturday, October 16th (in case of bad weather, it will be held on 23rd). This amazing day will include the opportunity to participate in the COPE (ropes) course that is owned by the Boy Scouts (1200 E 5400 S South Ogden). COPE is an acronym for Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience and is a course designed to build team and personal skills, communication and confidence. All foster children, youth adopted from the foster care system, as well as their foster/ adoptive families are able to attend (at least one parent from each family needs to attend). There is no fee and AGES 12 AND UP can fully participate in both the
high and low activities of the course. If heights and ropes are not your thing, there are many chances to be involved while keeping your feet on solid ground! A rock wall will be available for youth 7–11. Please arrange child care for children under 7. The course takes approximately four hours to complete. Lunch will be provided. There are a total of two hundred spots available with teams of 20 starting every half hour beginning at 8:30am. To schedule your time, please email Jane Elwell at ogdenrotary@gmail.com or call her at 801-628-9779. She will send you release forms that must be completed and brought with you to the event. For foster children, the biological parent must sign the form. If bio parents are not available, check with their caseworker for protocol. I know from personal experience the positive effect of participating in COPE. Please take advantage of the generosity of those in our community who want to help our kids and our families!
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Northern Region Happenings
Giving Tree Christmas 2010 Fall is just upon us and although it seems early to be thinking about Christmas, it is time for the Utah Foster Care Foundation to begin our 4th annual Giving Tree Program. The U.S. Air Force will be joining with us and Santa for Christmas 2010, bringing their personal military delivery to each of your homes on Wednesday, December 15th. Please be prepared with a note of thanks for the military members who arrive with your delivery. This is a perfect time to recognize their dedication to serving our country and us individually. They will be using their personal vacation time and gas to keep you from the cold weather and having to run out on one more December errand. They are amazing people and deserve our gratitude! The Giving Tree Program allows children in foster care to request gifts they would like to receive. Wishes will be written on ornaments and placed on Giving Tree’s for sponsors to purchase. Due to the increasing number of children in care, The Giving Tree will be serving only those children that are in foster care. Proctor agency placements do not qualify. Foster parent must fill out the form that will be mailed to your home the first week in October. It must be returned to Mindy Lundgreen before October 25th. Please make a copy of the form and complete a separate form for each child. Each participant may make three wishes up to $25.00 per wish. Unreasonable wishes and those that do not stay within the price parameters will not be considered. Please notify us promptly of any changes in placement. Unfortunately information received after October 25th for children who are currently placed will not be accepted, no exceptions! If you are in need of further assistance for Christmas, please contact your caseworker and let her know of your needs. Thank you for being a part of our Christmas endeavors! Now that having been said, grab your ghost and ghoul costumes, jump in a pile of raked leaves and enjoy the beauty of fall! Thank You, Mindy Lundgreen, CSW Northern Region Retention Specialist
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. 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 Mindy at 801.392.1114 for more information. For more information on upcoming Cluster trainings, see pages 8-10.
Thank You Marilyn and Patty We wish to thank Marilyn and Patty for their dedication! For many years both of these women have served as Cluster facilitators in North Ogden and North Davis County. Marilyn and Patty have opened her hearts to all foster families as they worked to encourage and mentor them through challenging moments. You both are greatly appreciated by foster parents and the UFCF staff. You will certainly be missed by all. New Facilitator Info: Danyelle 801.510.1960
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Weber West
Rebekah 801.773.7268 houhi43@yahoo.com
North Davis
Cluster Trainings and Activities October 21st
November 8th
December
Attachment 101
Cluster Family Movie Night
Happy Holidays. Enjoy your families. No meeting this month.
Presented by Brian Young, SSW Understanding the basics of Attachment Theory is helpful in knowing what to expect from, and how to respond to, the children in your care.
Sign in at 6:15, movie starts between 6:30 – 7:00. Come have a fun evening and it’s free!! Please RSVP. Cinepoint Theater 151 12th St. Ogden
Clearfield DCFS Office 1350 E. 1450 S. 6:30 – 8:30pm
Danyelle 801.510.1960 dany3113@comcast.net
South Central Davis
October 5th
November
December
The Effects of Trauma on the Developing Brain
Cluster Family Ice Skating Party
Happy Holidays. Enjoy your families. No meeting this month.
Presented by Liz Rivera, MS, SSW
Amanda 801.298.6381 david@ davidburkemusic.com
Understanding how trauma effects brain development is critical in knowing how to appropriately intervene. Bountiful DCFS Office 57 W. 200 N. 6:00 – 9:00 pm
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Please call Amanda for details.
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Cluster Trainings and Activities October 15th
November 19th
December
Cache Valley Grief & Loss... Theirs and Ours Presented by Brian Young, SSW Much time is spent helping children deal with their grief and losses… what about our own? Please RSVP. Logan DCFS Office 115 W. Golf Course Rd.
Fire Safety Presented by Logan Fire Dept.
Happy Holidays. Enjoy your families. No meeting this month.
Come make learning about fire safety fun. Please RSVP. Logan DCFS Office 115 W. Golf Course Rd.
Laura 435.753.7232 laura.nelson@digis.net
6:30 – 8:30pm
6:30 – 8:30pm
October 14th
November 8th
December
Attachment 101
Cluster Family Movie Night
Happy Holidays. Enjoy your families. No meeting this month.
Presented by Brian Young, SSW Understanding the basics of Attachment Theory is helpful in knowing what to expect from, and how to respond to, the children in your care. Brigham DCFS Office 1050 S. Medical Dr.
Box Elder
Sign in at 6:15, movie starts between 6:30 – 7:00. Come have a fun evening and it’s free!! Please RSVP. Cinepoint Theater 151 12th St. Ogden
Ann 435.723.3095 graymob@comcast.net
7:00 – 9:00pm
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North Ogden
No facilitator Contact Mindy @ 801.392.1114
Foster/Adoption
Cluster Trainings and Activities October 13th
November 8th
Insight: Allegations and the Role of DCFS
Cluster Family Movie Night
Presented by Dawn Hollingsworth, Mike Pomeroy, Maegan Bernardo No matter how you look at it, dealing with an allegation is extremely stressful! We will hear from DCFS administration on process that kicks in when an allegation is received.
Sign in at 6:15, movie starts between 6:30 – 7:00. Come have a fun evening and it’s free!! Please RSVP Cinepoint Theater 151 12th St. Ogden
Ogden DCFS Office 950 E. 25th St.
Janette @ 801.546.9465 janette@belnap.org
6:00 – 9:00 pm
October 21st
November 18th
December 16th
Level III Catch-up
Level III Catch-up
Christmas Party
Presented by Sherrin Weiss
Presented by Sherrin Weiss
Watch your mailbox for details!
Ogden DCFS 950 E. 25th St.
Ogden DCFS 950 E. 25th St.
10:00am – 12:30pm
10:00am – 12:30pm
Level III
Maryanne 801.392.1114 maryanne.mcfarland @utahfostercare.org
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Northern Region Training Monthly training announcements for foster parents
October 7th
Food for Thought
Insight: Legal Expectations for Foster Parents
While talking to a local gentleman on vacation recently, I was reminded of how important it is to make sure those you communicate with… understand what you’re talking about.
Presented by Laura Thompson, AG Section Chief Understanding the legal process, terms and guidelines, and how they pertain to foster parents will be discussed.
Me: (Frustrated w/no cell phone service) “Do you not have any bars around here?” Him: “Not much need for those in our little town…”
Logan DCFS Office 115 W. Golf Course Rd. 6:00 – 8:00pm
Me: “Really?? How do you survive?” Him: “A Coke now and then, but mostly water...” One question… two perspectives. Clear up the confusion before it happens. Make sure those you’re talking to, especially children, not only hear what you’re saying, but know what you mean.
Join the Peer Parent Team!
Peer parents teach parenting, home management, and life skills while providing a support system to families receiving DCFS intervention. Peer parents earn $9.50/hour and determine their own hours and schedules. It’s fun, interesting, and immensely rewarding! If you are interested, please plan on attending the next Basic Peer Parent Training: Saturday, November 13, 2010 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm in the Clearfield DCFS Office at 1350 E. 1450 S. (enter in the south side of building). Contact Pam Takos [801-397-1363 or grystone@burgoyne.com] to register for the training. This training also counts towards foster care on-going training hours.
*Are you more interested in working with youth? The Youth Advocate Program might be just what you’re looking for! Call Pam Takos for more information.
To register for trainings on this page ONLY contact Brian Young @ 801.475.5537 or brian.young@utahfostercare.org 11
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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
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