Southwest June 2010 Foster Roster by Utah Foster Care Foundation

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VOLUME

09 JUNE 2010

A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR FOSTER & ADOPTIVE PARENTS IN UTAH

fosterroster STATEWIDE UPDATE in this issue

Utah Foster Care Foundation Offices

Chalk Art Festival P.1 Successful Symposium 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

Fostering Healthy Children P.3 UFAFA Update P.4 Southwest Region Update Begins P.5

Don’t miss it! ster Care F Utah Fo oun dat io n ’s

June 18-19 The Gateway Visit the Kids’ Korner and join in on the fun! Watch as artists create beautiful, temporary works of art. We are still looking for general and foster parent volunteers. If you are interested, please visit the Chalk Art Festival web site to register.

http://www.chalkartfestival.org/ http://www.facebook.com/ChalkArtFestival

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Successful Symposium

Greetings! We wanted to thank everyone who contributed to the success of our very 1st Annual Utah Foster Care Foundation Symposium held April 21st and 22nd in Midway. We had a great turnout and enjoyed several presenters’ views on trauma and attachment. Foster parents attending were eligible for three hours on Wednesday afternoon and six hours on Thursday to be credited towards licensure renewal. Clinicians were also able to obtain 9 CEU’s toward their licensure renewals.

speaker. His presentation, “Attachment in Perspective: Keeping the Big Picture in View,” included case studies as well as grounded ideas of how to help families struggling with attachment and trauma issues. We want to thank him for his time and expertise and received numerous evaluations thanking him for all he shared. Foundation trainers Liz Rivera, MS, Les Harris, LCSW, Mick Woolsey, LCSW, and Nancy Zelenak, MSC explored other areas of attachment. Topics included Discipline with Traumatized Children, Reactive Attachment Disorder, Secondary Trauma & Foster Parents and Matters of the Heart from Children in Care.

Dr. Doug Goldsmith from the Children’s Center was the keynote

We look forward to next year’s Symposium and hope you can join us!

By Mick Woolsey, LCSW Director of Education Utah Foster Care Foundation

Joseph V. Birthday: 10/2000 Grade in School: 3rd Heritage: Native American ALL BOY, is the best way to describe this friendly kid. Joseph is a very athletic child who loves football but enjoys anything played with a ball. He would do very well and is looking forward to someday playing on a sports team. An intelligent guy, Joseph likes to tinker, draw, figure things out, learn new things, and play with LEGOS. When Joseph feels relaxed and comfortable in a situation, his silly side seems to come out. When this happens Joseph very much enjoys this “hang-out” time. He is a very observant kid who happens to notice little details in things. Some of Joseph’s current interests are animals and Transformers.

For more information, please contact: The Adoption Exchange 801.265.0444 www.utdcfsadopt.org

Dr. Goldsmith presenting at the Symposium.

Special thanks to: 2

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Jasmine M.

Fostering Healthy Children By Chris Chytraus, R.N., BSN, CPM Program Manager Fostering Healthy Children Program As a foster parent, you should have received a letter from the Utah Dept. of Heath about the national recall of many “over the counter” medications. Below is a list of the brand names of the medicines on the recall list. If you have any of these medications, you should check the NDC code on the packaging. A complete listing of these codes can be found at https:// www.utahfostercare.org. If you have any of the medications with the NDC code listed, you should return it to the pharmacy where you purchased it.

If you have been giving a child any of the medications listed and they have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea PLEASE CONTACT THE CHILD’S MEDICAL PROVIDER and let them know.

Medications recalled May 3, 2010: • Tylenol Infants’ Drops • Children’s Tylenol Suspensions • Children’s Tylenol Plus Suspensions • Motrin Infants’ Drops • Childrens’ Motrin Suspensions • Childrens’ Motrin Cold Suspensions • Childrens’ Zyrtec Liquids in Bottles • Childrens’ Benadryl Allergy

Birthday: 10/97 Grade in School: 5th Heritage: Caucasian

This bright young lady enjoys singing, acting, sewing, drawing, reading, and gymnastics. Jasmine likes animals. She relishes in being physically active and busy. Like many other girls her age, Jasmine is interested in cosmetology, especially make-up and hairstyling. As a fifth grader, Jasmine is above grade level, has higher than average intelligence, and loves to learn!

Recall on Children’s OTC Medications If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the nurse assigned to the child’s case or the Fostering Healthy Children Program at 801.584.8598 or toll-free 800.829.2900 ext. #4.

For more information, please contact: The Adoption Exchange 801.265.0444 www.utdcfsadopt.org

Visit our web site for the whole list

Special thanks to: 3

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Announcing Foster/Adoptive Dads of the Year 2010 Utah Foster Care Foundation would like to announce the five Foster/ Adoptive Dads of the Year for 2010: Eastern Region: Jeff Edwards Northern Region: Chris Erickson SLV Region: Mike Millgate Southwest Region: Gerardo Reyes Western Region: Mark Broderick If you know these dads and would like to support them, an awards ceremony will be held in their honor on Saturday, June 19th at noon. The ceremony will be held at the Gateway in downtown Salt Lake City. Come join the fun!

U F A F A Executive Committee President: Jennifer Gardner 1st VP: Renee Calkins 2nd VP: Cayce Thill Secretary: Michelle Ostmark Treasurer: Beth Hardman www.myufafa.com

Utah Foster/Adoptive Families Association Update UFAFA is coming to a region near you! Correction: UFAFA is coming to YOUR region! We want all regions of the state to feel that they are represented by Utah Foster/Adoptive Families Association (UFAFA) and their needs are addressed. We felt that creating regional committees that are modeled after and report to the executive committee would be the best way to accomplish this goal. These committees would coordinate various endeavors in each region that would help fulfill the purposes of UFAFA. We need volunteers to staff these regional committees! We are also looking for volunteers to create and staff “resource centers” throughout the state! Northern Region has a great one that is supervised by the Utah Foster Care Foundation. It has been such a success that we would like to spread it to all other regions. Basically, it is a place

where donated clothes and other items are sorted, stored and distributed (by appointment) to foster/adoptive families in need of the items. Please check out our website (www. myufafa.com) to get more details on these Volunteer Opportunities. ALSO – we have emailed questionnaires about child welfare to all candidates that are running for state legislative positions. To see how the candidates in YOUR district responded, please email Jenn @ ufafa1@gmail.com with your voting district (found on your voter registration card – there will be two, a house and a senate) as the subject line. Thanks for all you do every day to make the world a better place! Jennifer Gardner UFAFA President

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SOUTHWEST REGION UPDATE JUNE 2010

in this issue New RFC P.5 St. George Office Support Workers who Help Children P.6

321 N. Mall Dr # B102 St. George, UT 84790 Phone: 435.656.8065 Fax: 435.656.8071 Toll Free: 877.656.8065

Partners in Parenting P.7 Training Updates P.9

Area Representative

Southwest Region has a New RFC Southwest Region welcomes Ben Ashcraft as the newest Resource Family Consultant (RFC) and Adoption Specialist for the Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS). Ben’s job is to “be there” to help foster families as they navigate DCFS and the courts. Another major goal is get to know the families, so they can make the best possible placement that not only meets the children’s needs, but also utilizes foster parent’s strengths in dealing with trauma based behaviors. The RFC team also wants to provide education and support for families as they learn about the behaviors of the children in care and the culture of DCFS.

parents to develop effective parenting strategies. In addition, he has worked with couples struggling with marital issues and with individuals dealing with a variety of personal and relationship challenges. He grew up on a farm in southeastern Idaho with his parents and 8 siblings. He loves spending quality time with his beautiful wife of 17 years and their 4 children. He enjoys running marathons and spending time hiking, camping, and 4-wheeling. One of his favorite quotes is by Ralph Waldo Emerson: “That which we persist in doing becomes easy to do; not that the nature of the thing has changed, but that our ability to do has increased.”

Debbie Hofhines Trainer Cliff Farnsworth Retention Specialist Diane Callister Richfield Office 201 E. 500 N. Phone: 435.896.1232 Toll Free: 877.656.8065

Foster/Adoptive Family Recruiter/ Retention Specialist Marissa Douglas

Ben will spend time getting to know the families in his area and asking their opinions on how DCFS can better serve children in care. He will visit families in their homes as well as at Cluster meetings and activities. Ben is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, graduating with a Masters Degree from Utah State University in 1997. He has worked with troubled youth in residential care on the development of positive living skills along with helping

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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: Diane Callister Utah Foster Care Foundation 321 N. Mall Dr. #B102 St. George, UT 84790 OR diane.callister @utahfostercare.org

10 Ways to Unplug Your Weekend Reprinted from USA Weekend March 12-14, 2010 Take a deep breath. Now, tell the kids to unplug from all electronic entertainment Friday evening to Monday morning. It may seem like an impossible feat for everyone in your family to ditch video games, email and TV for 48 hours. But with some of these enticing activities, it just might be possible, so give it a try. We think you’ll enjoy it! 1. Before Friday, explain that each family member must suggest a game or activity. Tell spooky stories, take a hike in a nature reserve, go ice-skating, play a card game. 2. Enjoy a fun, easy breakfast. Kick off the weekend with a special family breakfast on Saturday morning. Set up a sundae bar: Fill parfait glasses with fresh fruit, with a

few spoonfuls of yogurt and sprinkle of granola. 3. Liven up dinner conversation. Take some small pieces of paper and write questions on them, such as, “If you could have a superpower, which one would you want?” “What does it mean to be a best friend?” “What is your favorite movie?” Put in a large jar. Each family member takes a turn picking a question to answer while eating dinner. 4. Play a family trivia game. Before the weekend, come up with 20-25 questions about your extended family. Example: “What was greatgrandfather Thompson’s profession? (If children in foster care are in your home, have some questions they could answer about them, or their family) 5. Go on a tiny treasure hunt hike. Give each family member a

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Southwest Region Partners in Parenting

MLB Studio

10% off any package

Community Mortgage Co. Shine’s Black Belt Academy Calvary Carpet, Upholstery & Tile Cleaning Big Scoop Café Hurricane Barber Shop

435.674.5211 Brent Hofhines: 435.229.3245

50% off program fee 20% off cleaning up to 20% off any menu item $2.00 off

435.688.7282, 435.656.2300, St. George 435.656.3440, St. George 435.635.8260

10 Ways to Unplug Your Weekend (con’t.) small container, challenge everyone to fill it with items from the great outdoors in a certain amount of time. Offer prizes for the most, or widest variety, etc. 6. Try prop charades. Choose a prop (like empty paper towel tube, take turns acting out zany ways to use it-spy glass, torch). Other family members guess what it is being used for. 7. Set up an activity center. Cover a table and get out the colored pencils, clay, watercolors, paper-and everyone get creative! 8. Have a blackout night. One night, keep the lights off in the house and light with candles!

9. Record memories. In a local spot in the house, place a blank notebook with a pen attached. Then encourage family members to write one entry each day about the unplugged weekend. 10. Reminisce. Before everyone goes to bed on Sunday, take time to reflect. Each family member shares 3 things that they liked about the weekend.

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 Resource Parent ID Card 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. The Resource Parent ID Card 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 Resource Parent ID Card to access discounts from these businesses. Please do not ask for exceptions. If you do not have a Resource Parent ID Card, please call Darcey at 877.505.KIDS. If you are aware of any business that would like to become a Partner in Parenting, please call Diane at 435.656.8065.

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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 For in-service training details, see the training pages

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

Facilitator: Lisa 435.438.2651

Family Cluster Campout - Pine Lake Campground (near Bryce Canyon) Registration required, see page 11

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

Experiences with Foster Care See training pages for details.

Family Cluster Campout - Pine Lake Campground (near Bryce Canyon) Registration required, see page 11

Manti

UFCF on Facebook

• Get support • Arrange respite care • Attend fun family activities Call the Cluster facilitator nearest you or contact Diane Callister at 435.656.8065 for more information. For more information on upcoming Cluster trainings, see “Upcoming In-Service Trainings” on page 9 .

Facilitator: Nancy 435.283.5020 njbean11@yahoo.com Family Cluster Campout - Pine Lake Campground (near Bryce Canyon) Registration required, see page 11

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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To Register For Classes:

Southwest Region Training Monthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents

Contact: Cliff Farnsworth Southwest Region Trainer Phone: 435.656.8065

Parenting Tip of the Month

Email: cliff.farnsworth @utahfostercare.org

Attachment is not just for children. Consider how your own attachment history impacts your reaction to children.

Toll Free:

Foundations for Youth Foster parents must help youth build a solid foundation upon which they can more easily make the transition to living independently.

*** When using www.fosterclub. com website to obtain up to 2 hrs of inservice training, please remember to put your trainers email (cliff.farnsworth @utahfostercare.org) as a second email (after you take the quiz)!

This is a four part series that is required for all foster parents serving youth fourteen years of age and older. Call Cliff if you are interested in this training. Division of Child and Family Services 359 E. Riverside Drive St. George, UT Sponsored by the St. George Cluster

Insight Training Insight Training is a panel of foster parents with their children & a panel of caseworkers. Dinner will be served at 5:00 pm that will have a small group discussion during dinner. You can earn 3-5 hours of in-service training by attending Insight! Childcare will be provided by the Family Support Center. • August 18th, 2010; 3:00pm - 8:00pm sponsored by the Cedar/Beaver Cluster. Location is TBA Please call the Family Support Center to RSVP for your children. • August 25th, 2010; 3:00pm - 8:00 pm sponsored by the St. George Cluster. Location is TBA

877.656.8065 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 9

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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 for approval prior to attending a class or conference that is held within the community and is not a pre-approved training.

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

• Approved On-line TrainingFamilies may visit the web site: www.fosterclub.com for up to 2 hours of online training per year.

• Peer Parent Training and Resource Family Consultant (RFC) Training- 6 hours each per year may be used toward licensure. RFC Training must be provided by DCFS RFCs.

Southwest Region Training Monthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents

Upcoming In-Service Trainings

June 12th

June 16th

July 13th

10am - Noon Clay Creek Rd. Escalante

7pm-9pm St. George DCFS 377 E. Riverside Dr.

7pm-9pm St. George DCFS Admin. 359 E. Riverside Dr.

Foster Parent Campout Presented by Cliff Farnsworth, CSW

Experiences with Foster Care

Allegation Prevention

Come have some fun and hang out with other foster families. Participate in Team Games for training hours.

Come listen to a birth parent, a foster parent, and a child previously in foster care describe their experiences in the Foster Care system.

Presented by Cliff Farnsworth, CSW We will talk about how to prevent allegations as well as how to respond when one occurs.