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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 Salt Lake Valley 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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SALT LAKE VALLEY REGION UPDATE OCTOBER 2010
in this issue Giving Tree P.5 Salt Lake Valley Office Welcome! P.6
5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400 Murray, UT 84107 Phone: 801.994.5205 Fax: 801.994.5206 Toll Free: 877.505.KIDS
Pumpkin Festival P.7 Training Updates P.9
Area Representative
The Giving Tree 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 that 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. 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 Trees 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 parents must fill out the form that will be mailed to your home and return it to Tina Porter 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. 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!
Dan Webster Foster/Adoptive Family Recruiters Amy Boyack Christina LeCluyse Jordan Ames Trainer Liz Rivera Retention Specialist Tina Porter
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, Tina Porter SL Valley Region Retention Specialist
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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
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New Employees in the Salt Lake Valley Region Jordan Ames Foster Family Recruiter, UFCF Salt Lake Valley Region We are so excited to announce that we have hired Jordan Ames as the new fulltime recruiter for the Salt Lake Valley Region! Dan Webster Area Representative, UFCF Salt Lake Valley Region We are excited to announce that we have hired Dan Webster as the new Area Representative for the Salt Lake Valley Region. Dan has had a range of experience in his time at UFCF, beginning as an intern for the recruitment department, spending a stint as an intern for the Chalk Art Festival, and finally coming on as a full-time employee. Dan has worked in two different regions giving him a wide range of experience with DCFS and our other partners from one region to the next. This has also given Dan the unique experience of seeing firsthand the effectiveness of a variety of recruitment efforts across a variety of communities and populations. We are excited to see what the future holds for the Salt Lake Valley region recruitment team, and confident that they will not only continue to be successful but continue to advance, under Dan’s capable leadership.
Graduating from the University of Utah with a Bachelors degree in Sociology, minoring in Anthropology and having concentrated on Diversity and Social Welfare, her formal education will be a great asset as she furthers the recruitment efforts of finding and orienting families for children in care of every background and circumstance. Jordan has been the SLV Region intern for the Foundation since January and has been an enormous help during our time of transition. Jordan is bringing a lot of passion and enthusiasm to this position and we are excited to have her join the team.
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Welcome Christian! Please join us in welcoming Christian Harrison as the new Marketing Coordinator for the Utah Foster Care Foundation. He will be responsible for creating the look and feel of materials and tools such as brochures, billboards, the web site and social media. He studied political science and languages at BYU. With 10+ years experience, Christian loves to help organizations and companies communicate their message to audiences in a clear, concise manner. He is a talented communicator in many areas, including graphic design, social media and web sites.
Dan and Jordan, ready to recruit families.
Christian is also active in his community, serving as Salt Lake City Downtown Community Council
Paint a Pumpkin, Meet a Foster Parent
President & Board Chair. We believe that he will continue to enhance our efforts to find, educate and nurture families to make a difference in the lives of children in foster care.
Parents Can Learn about Foster Care and College Savings Bring the whole family to the annual Meet a Foster Parent Pumpkin Festival on Friday, October 15th at The Gateway. While the kids decorate pumpkins, it’s the perfect time for parents to learn how they can help Utah children in foster care AND the importance of planning for their children’s higher education expenses with Utah’s 529 college savings plans. Additional information available at www. uesp.org or 800-418-2551. Pumpkins, paint and decorating materials will be supplied by the sponsors of the festival, the Utah Foster Care Foundation and the Utah Educational Savings Plan. “Meet a Foster Parent” Pumpkin Festival Friday, October 15 1:00pm – 4:00pm The Gateway, 100 South 400 West North end, near the fountains Pumpkins available while supplies last. (In case of rain, the festival will take place in the Union Pacific Depot Grand Hall)
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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. 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 Tina at 801.994.5205 for more information. For more information on upcoming Cluster trainings, see “Upcoming In-service Trainings.”
Salt Lake Valley Cluster Information Monthly Cluster announcements for currently licensed foster parents For in-service training details, see the training pages.
Murray/Midvale/E. Salt Lake Facilitator: Terumi Phone: 801.699.9769
Coming Up: No Cluster scheduled for October. You are welcome to attend another scheduled Cluser meeting.
Kearns Facilitator: Michelle Phone: 801.755.4766 mostmark12@aol.com
Coming Up: October 7th; 6-8pm. Not necessary to attend part 1 before hand.
Coming Up: Corn Maze activity planned. Please contact your facilitator for more information. Coming Up: Salt Lake Metro Facilitator: Suzi No Cluster scheduled for OctoPhone: 801.487.4985 ber. You are welcome to attend suziramos@hotmail.com another scheduled Cluser meeting. Coming Up: Sandy/Draper Facilitator: Naomi No Cluster scheduled for OctoPhone: 801.619.8069 ber. You are welcome to attend naomimartinsen@hotmail.com another scheduled Cluser meeting. Coming Up: South Valley West/West Jordan Facilitator: Valerie Working with birth families. OctoPhone: 801.608.1871 ber 20th; 6-8pm. valerie.bangert@yahoo.com Coming Up: Tooele/Adoptive Parents October 6th meeting. Facilitator: Maia Facilitator: Cami Phone: 435.843.1090 Phone: 435.830.6195 Watch for more info! jmblaamc@juno.com camimead@hotmail.com Coming Up: Spanish/Cluster en Español Facilitator: Jessica Corn Maze activity planned. Phone: 801.577.7161 Please contact your facilitator for steadmanjessica@aol.com more information. Magna/West Valley Facilitator: Linda Phone: 801.690.6490 peerparenting@gmail.com
Join us for “Meet a Foster Parent” Pumpkin Festival on Friday, October 15th from 1:00 - 4:00 pm at The Gateway (100 South 400 West), North end, near the fountains.
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To Register For Classes:
Salt Lake Valley Region Training Monthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents
First Placement
Foundations for Youth
Contact: Liz Rivera Salt Lake Valley Region Trainer Phone: 801.994.5205
Next Series will begin in February 2010 Date: December 22nd Time: 6pm - 8pm 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. We offer this class quarterly in the Salt Lake Valley.
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.
Email: liz.rivera @utahfostercare.org Toll Free: 877.505.KIDS Please be ready with your name, phone number & the title of the class you would like to be registered for.
Director of Education Mick Woolsey, LCSW Phone: 435.229.8808 Email: mick.woolsey @utahfostercare.org
Art and Science of Love; Strengthening Marriage Classes one & two November 20th; 10 am - 4 pm Classes three & four December 4th; 10 am - 4 pm Presented by: Bruce Parsons, PhD
The goal of this workshop is to begin by focusing on the couple’s relationship and then translating what we learn to all relationships within the family. *All classes taught at UFCF Murray office 5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400.
Did You Know? As of July 1, 2010 there are 2,800 children and youth in foster care in Utah and 1,427 licensed foster homes.
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Salt Lake Valley Region Training Monthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents
Upcoming Trainings, Etc.
Kearns
Murray
SVW & W. Jordan
SVW & W. Jordan
Positive Discipline
FASD
Working with Birth Families
Enuresis & Encopresis
Presented by Les Harris
Presented by Lynn Tanner
This is the 2nd Part of the class on Positive Discipline that Les did in May. Come for more great discussion on discipline.
Lynn will offer tips on parenting children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
Panel Discussion
Presented by Liz Rivera
October 12th
Whether fostering and/or adopting, birth families are important in the lives of our children. This panel will address this issue.
Toileting issues are a common childhood issue. We’ll discuss causes & interventions to assist children to attain more regular habits.
October 7th
6pm - 8pm
October 20th
November 8th
6pm-8pm
Utah Foster Care Foundation
6pm-8pm
6pm-8pm
Utah Foster Care Foundation
Utah Foster Care Foundation
5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400
5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400
Utah Foster Care Foundation
5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400
5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400
Murray & WVC
Sandy
Kearns
UFCF
Working with Your Child’s Therapist
Understanding Lying
Strengthening Marriage
Art & Science of Love Parts 1 & 2
Presented by Amanda Wiseman
Presented by Darin Griffith
Lying is part of normal child development. Amanda will discuss how to deal with normal lying and how to address problematic lying.
This evening is dedicated to strengthening marriages and families.
November 10th
7pm-9pm
6pm-8pm
Utah Foster Care Foundation
Presented by Jeff Tesch Jeff, is a therapist and an adoptive parent. He will offer practical tips to best work with your child’s therapist. November 10th 6pm-8pm Utah Foster Care Foundation 5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400
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Sandy Fire Station 8186 S 1300 E
November 17th
5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400
Presented by Dr. Bruce Parsons The goal of this workshop is to begin by focusing on the couple’s relationship and then translating what we learn to all relationships within the family. November 20th 10am-4pm Utah Foster Care Foundation 5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400
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Salt Lake Valley Region Training Monthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents
Attachment and Trauma Series
Attachment Class 1 Attachment Class 2 Attachment Class 3
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.
Introduction to Attachment
Disorganized Attachment
Adult Attachment
January 2011
February 2011
March 2011
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.
Attachment is not just for children. This class of the series will discuss how our own attachment history can interact with our children’s.
Class one is a basic overview of attachment theory and its application to children in foster care.
Trauma Class 1
Trauma Class 2
Trauma Class 3
Trauma’s Effect on the Developing Brain
Healing Trauma’s Effects
Preventing Secondary Trauma
November 22nd; 6-9pm December 16th; 6-9pm
October 25th; 6-9pm How trauma affects the developing brain of a child and the consequences.
How we can best support children who have a history of trauma.
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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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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Jean Nielsen, Secretary Human Services, Salt Lake County
Jayne Wolfe, Ph.D. Psychologist Bruce Olson, Board Attorney Ray, Quinney & Nebeker