May 2010 Roster Update

Why do we Celebrate National Foster Care Month?

09V O L U M E

M A Y2 0 1 0

A M O N T H L Y

N E W S L E T T E R F O R

F O S T E R & A D O P T I V E

P A R E N T S I N U T A H

Former Governor Olene Walker calls Utah’s foster care community one of the best in the United States. We would like to thank Gov. Walker for helping kick off Foster Care Month activities.

As Lt. Governor, she was one of the primary forces behind the formation of the Utah Foster Care Foundation ten years ago.

“It is great to see the partnership among the Foundation, foster families and

the Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) as it has matured,” says Governor Walker. “Great foster families mean many abused or neglected children will reunite with their parents, be cared for by relatives or be adopted by loving families.”

As we enjoy the springtime days of May, look for Foster Care Month activities in your area, and celebrate what a difference you are making in the lives of children in your community.

in this issueFoster Care Month P.1

Statewide Happenings P.2

UFAFA Update P.3

fosterroster

STATEWIDE UPDATEUtah Foster Care

Foundation Offi ces

Murray5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400Murray, UT 84107Phone: 801.994.5205Fax: 801.994.5206Toll Free: 877.505.KIDS

Ogden3340 S. Harrison Blvd. #200Ogden, UT 84403Phone: 801.392.1114

Orem252 N. Orem Blvd. Orem, UT 84057Phone: 801.373.3006

Price475 W. Price River Dr. #152Price, UT 84501Phone: 435.636.0210

RooseveltPhone: 435.724.0959

Vernal1052 W. Market Dr. Vernal, UT 84078Phone: 435.781.4224

Moab180 S. 300 E., Ste. CMoab, UT 84532Phone: 435.259.3345

St. George321 N. Mall Dr. #B102St. George, UT 84790Phone: 435.656.8065

Richfi eld201 E. 500 N.Richfi eld, UT 84701Phone: 435.896.1232

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Calling All Artists

Online registration is up and running for student and adult artists for the 2010 Chalk Art Festival June 18-19th. Go to www.chalkartfestival.org to register. Students grades 6-12 chalk for free!

Dedicate a chalk art square to your favorite dad, individual or business! For details on sponsorships, contact [email protected].

2

Blaze Tickets Donated

On April 17, 2010 seven foster families were able to attend the Utah Blaze Arena Football game at the E-Center in West Valley City.

Tickets to the game and t-shirts for the families in attendance were generously donated by Maakoa, a juice company located in Utah County.

Maakoa is once again offering this opportunity to foster/adoptive families licensed with the state of Utah. Be aware that there are only 50 tickets available and so, it is on a fi rst come, fi rst served basis. If you attended the game on April 17th, you are not eligible to attend this game.

The game is on Saturday, June 12th at 7:00 pm at the E-Center.

If your family would llike to attend this game, please contact Darcey at 801.994.5205 or toll-free 877.505.5437 or email [email protected].

You need to include your family name, number of people in your family and your telephone number, so that details for picking up the tickets can be given to you.

Thank you Maakoa for your generous donation to foster families! For more information about Maakoa, please visit their website: http://www.maakoa.com.

Honoring Our Elders(and our children)

A Native American Culture Night

May 22, 2010 from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pmIndian Walk-In Center120 West 1300 South, Salt Lake

Theme: “Garden Plants, Vegetable Gardening”

“Our Elders tell us to respect the land (Mother Earth). They tell you to take care of it, and in turn it will take care of you.”

This event is sponsored by: The Adopt-a- Native Elder Program & Utah Foster Care Foundation

For more information, please contact: Rodger Williams 801.652.1789

Royal Family Kids Camps

August 9th thru August 13thSonosored by Mountain View

Contact Darlene Petterson801.567.9487

Applications available online at: https://www.rfkckids.org

Mountain View is sponsoring its 13th year of RFKC. No other camp has what they offer, one counselor for every 2 children! Training sessions have prepared their staff for the special circumstances of children who are in the foster care system. There is an amazing amount of fun fi lled days at RFKC! There will be swimming, lots of great food, hiking, activity center, pinewood derby, clean cabins, lots of fun and fresh air!! Camp will be held at Camp Wapiti.

Statewide Happenings

(1,1) -2-3- May Roster Update.indd 5/4/2010 3:00:15 PM(1,1) -2-3- May Roster Update.indd 5/4/2010 3:00:15 PM

Utah Foster/Adoptive Families Association Update

UFAFA Sets GoalsBy Jennifer Gardner, UFAFA President

Last month, members of your Utah Foster/Adoptive Family Assn. (UFAFA) Board outlined some goals we have for 2010. This month, we thought we would share with you (drum roll please….) our “To-Do” list!

UFAFA’s TO-DO LIST

1. Create a member database with all contact info, including email addresses.

2. Find and train at least one individual in each region to provide support during allegations.

3. Create regional committees to oversee UFAFA undertakings in each region.

4. Compile results of a survey sent to all candidates for elected offi ce and disperse the information to all members.

5. Work on getting legislative bills drafted (to be discussed in a later Foster Roster).

6. Develop an advocacy training that the exec. committee will be able to teach statewide.

7. Plan and facilitate emergency disaster training in each region.

8. Develop a mentoring program for newly-licensed foster families in each region – hopefully a minimum of one per Cluster.

9. Coordinate volunteer efforts in preparing 72-hours kits for each

foster/adoptive family statewide.

10. Get our 501 (c) 3 status in place and begin fundraising so we can accomplish all of our goals.

11. Contact community recreation programs throughout the state with the idea of providing fee waivers for children in state custody so they can play sports, etc. without a registration fee.

12. Increase public and community awareness of foster/adoptive/kinship families.

13. Increase supports available for all foster families.

If this looks daunting to you, it is! But we are working so hard to get each and everything done within the next few months. We desperately need your help! Please contact us at [email protected] to see how you can help make all these things a reality for our foster/adoptive/kinship families across the state! If you haven’t become a member of our website, please check it out and sign up today: www.myufafa.com.

UFAFA Statewide Presidency

President: Jennifer Gardner1st Vice President: Renee Calkins2nd Vice President: Cayce ThillSecretary: Michelle OstmarkTreasurer: Beth Hardman

3

Facilitating HealthyAttachment with Foster/Adoptive Children

Touchstone Therapy Center invites you to attend a conference on facilitating healthy attachment in foster and adoptive children.

This conference is approved for foster parents and can be used for training hours toward relicensure. For more information, contact your region trainer.

Prices for this conference are as follows:

Early Bird: $125.00Standard: $139.00At the door: $150.00

Conference Dates and Locations:

Ogden Marriott HotelFriday, May 14, 20108 : 3 0 a m - 5 p mNote: early bird registration

ends April 30, 2010.

Salt Lake City (Location TBA)Friday, September 10, 20108 : 3 0 a m - 5 p mNote: early bird registration

ends April 30, 2010

For more information and to register for the above conferences, please visit the Touchstone Therapy Center web site at:touchstonetherapyinc.com


in this issueFoster Mother of the Year P.4

Cluster Concepts P.5

Training Updates P.6

Trauma & Attachment Series P.9

SALT LAKE VALLEY REGION UPDATE

Salt Lake Valley Offi ce

5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400Murray, UT 84107

Phone: 801.994.5205Fax: 801.994.5206

Toll Free: 877.505.KIDS

Area Representative

Kirsten Fuller

Foster/Adoptive Family Recruiters

Amy BoyackChristina LeCluyse

Dan Webster

Trainer

Liz Rivera

Retention Specialist

Tina Porter

Foster Mom ExtraordinaireBy Yolanda CopelandResource Family Consultant Salt Lake Valley Region

“I knew what I wanted to do and I am in exactly the right place doing what I love best,” says Naomi Martinsen. “Watching each child grow and develop is the most rewarding and fulfi lling experience in the world.”

Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) and Utah Foster Care Foundation are very proud to honor Naomi as 2010 Foster Mother of the Year. This award recognizes the valuable role mothers play in nurturing our children and supporting families. Foster moms in the Salt Lake Valley do a fantastic job, and Naomi represents them well!

Our resource families are everyday people, willing and able to open their homes to provide children with safe, supportive and loving environments. Naomi and her husband Dan met at a school where they both worked with children with severe behavioral disorders.

Naomi’s home has always been fi lled with children. With three biological children, now ages 8,10, and 12, her door was always open to any child who needed a roof over their head, a shoulder to lean on, or just somewhere to feel safe and secure

while things were sorted out. She and her husband Dan adopted two children from Haiti. Shanaida (16), was two and Evens (12) was thirteen months when they were adopted. They also adopted a little girl (3 ½) from Utah. Currently there are two additional siblings that are being cared for by this delightful family.

Some of the children Naomi has assisted have had biological parents with drug issues or come from drug affected households and she has successfully helped put them back on the straight and narrow.

Naomi is also the Sandy Cluster Facilitator. She is very busy, but has an open heart and a lot of love and care to give.

The children the Martinsens have fostered are thriving with Naomi’s support and devotion to them. They now have stability in their lives that they didn’t before. She’s one of the most caring, loving and giving people I know.

Photo above: Salt Lake Valley Region Foster Mother of the Year Naomi Martinsen.

MAY 2010

4


Salt Lake Valley Cluster ConceptsMonthly Cluster announcements for currently licensed foster parents

For in-service training details, see the training pages

Clusters are groups of foster, adoptive and kinship families that meet together on a monthly basis.

Clusters can help you:

• Obtain on-going training hours

• Meet other foster, adoptive and kinship families

• By providing support

• Arrange respite care

• Provide fun family activities

Call the Cluster facilitator nearest you or contact Tina Porter at 801.994.5205 for more information.

For more information on upcoming Cluster trainings, see “Upcoming In-service Trainings”.

What are

Clusters?

Salt Lake Metro

South Valley West/West Jordan

Positive Discipline

See training pages for details

Facilitator: Suzi801.487.4985

[email protected]

Post Adoption Discussion

See training pages for detailsChild care available at this meeting

Facilitator: Valerie801.608.1871

[email protected]

Murray/Midvale/East Salt Lake

Supporting Families with Mental Illness


Facilitator: Terumi801.699.9769

[email protected]

Kearns

Allegation Prevention


Facilitator: Michelle801.755.4766

[email protected]

Magna/West Valley

Positive Discipline


Facilitator: Linda801.690.6490

[email protected]

Sandy/Draper

Positive Discipline


Facilitator: Naomi801.619.8069

[email protected]

Tooele/Adoptive Parents

Anger Management


Facilitator: Maia435.843.1090

[email protected]

5

Facilitator: Cami435.882.1250

[email protected]

Spanish/Cluster en Español

sábado, 15 de mayo; 10am-12n 5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400. necesidades emocionales

y mentales de los niños

Vamos a ofrecer cuidado de niños.

Facilitator: Jessica801.577.7161

[email protected]


Salt Lake Valley TrainingMonthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents

First Placement Meeting/PMT

Foundations for Youth

Art and Science of Love; Strengthening Marriage-

Date: Monday, June 28th Time: 6pm - 10pm

Location: Utah Foster Care Foundation 5296 S. Commerce

Dr. #400

Presented by:DCFS/Liz Rivera

This training is a pre-service refresher as well as a chance to address specifi c issues with your current placement. Principles from the Practice Model will also be reviewed. We offer this class every other month in the Salt Lake Valley.

Required in the fi rst year of licensure.

Session 2: May 18th; 6-10pmSession 3: June 7th; 6-10pmSession 4: July 1st; 6-10pm

Location: Utah Foster Care Foundation 5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400

Presented by:Liz Rivera

It is essential to help youth build a solid foundation upon which they can more easily make the transition to living as adults and building life-long connections for greater stability.

Required for all foster parents of youth 14 and older.

Coming in August

Dates TBD

Presented by:Bruce Parsons, PhD

To Register For Classes:

Contact: Liz Rivera

Salt Lake Valley Region Trainer

Phone: 801.994.5205

Email: [email protected]

Toll Free:

877.505.5437

Please be ready with your name, phone number & the title of the class you would like to be registered for.

Notes on In-service Trainings:

• Classes are for licensed foster parents

• Training hours will beapplied to re-licensing requirements

• Primary caregivers arerequired 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 unlessotherwise specifi ed

• Classes start on time

• You must attend the entire class to receive credit

Director of Education Mick Woolsey, LCSW

Phone: 435.229.8808Email: mick.woolsey @utahfostercare.org

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 offi ce5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400.

Parenting Tip of the Month

6

We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today.



Upcoming In-service Trainings

6pm-8pmUtah Foster Care

Foundation 5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400

Supporting Families Living with Mental Illness

Presented by Allies w/Families

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

Sponsored by the

Murray Cluster



Post-Adoption

Presented by Panel Discussion

This panel will present ideas and resources to help once the adoption is fi nalized.

Sponsored by the

SVW Cluster

May 4th



Allegation PreventionPresented by

Liz Rivera

We will talk about how to prevent allegations as well as how to respond when one occurs.

Sponsored by the

Kearns Cluster



Positive Discipline

Presented by Les Harris

Focusing on what our children are doing right is so much more effective than focusing on what is wrong.

Sponsored by the

Sandy & Magna Clusters

7pm-9pm1784 Aaron Dr., Tooele

Anger Management

Presented by Brian Young

We all get mad. Brian will talk about what angry feelings are and how to best manage them.

Sponsored by the

Tooele Cluster



Building Assets in Children

Presented by Terumi Sagers

Terumi will discuss how building developmental assets like reading, honesty & confl ict resolution can help children succeed.

Sponsored by the

Murray & SL Clusters

May 6th May 12th

May 19th May 27th June 2nd

Training Tips:

• Approved Trainings-In-service trainings provided and approved by Utah Foster Care Foundation.

• Foundations for Youth-FFY 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.

• Approved On-line Training- Families 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.

REMINDER: Family team meetings do

not count toward in-service training hours.

REMINDER:

START YOUR RENEWAL HOURS EARLY. A YEAR GOES BY QUICKLY!

7


Support Workers who Help Children

By Deb Hofhines Utah Foster Care Foundation Southwest Region Area Representative

Some jobs are diffi cult and gut wrenching. The hours are long, thankless and stressful. The pay stinks, case loads are high and at times dangerous. Sounds like law enforcement? Instead, think child welfare.

Imagine being a child welfare worker in Utah where budget cuts have killed any hope for relief. With bureaucracy and red tape, it’s hard to be a true social worker, but that is what is expected. Try doing this job while hearing all the ugly things people say about you and your agency, things you can’t defend or justify due to confi dentiality. You’re thinking “dream job,” huh? Well, hundreds do it throughout the state every day.

We would like to say thank you in honor of March’s Social Worker Month. Thanks for showing up every day to help children and families across the state.

8


Upcoming In-service Trainings, cont.

6pm-8pmDream Dinners

7812 S. 1300 E.

Freezer Dinners

Presented by Dream Dinners

A fun night to learn easy ways to prepare freezer meals. All attending will take home a meal. Pre-registration required.

Sponsored by the

Sandy Cluster

June 15th



Supporting Families Living with Mental Illness

Presented by Allies with Families

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

Sponsored by the

Magna Cluster



Managing Diffi cult Behaviors

Presented by Liz Rivera

Many children with traumatic histories exhibit diffi cult behaviors. We’ll discuss management techniques to contain these behaviors.

Sponsored by the

Kearns Cluster

June 16th June 23rd

June 28th July 7th July 28th



1st Placement/PMT

Presented by DCFS & Liz Rivera

A pre-service refresher as well as a chance to address specifi c issues with your current placement. Principles from the Practice Model will also be reviewed. We offer this class every other month in the Salt Lake Valley.




Safe Environments for Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgendered and/or

Questioning Youth

Presented by Jenny Arm

LGBTQ youth are more likely to be the targets of violence and are also more likely to be homeless. This training will address safety.



Movie Night

We’ll relax and watch a movie with a theme that relates to foster care/adoption and discuss it. We’ll have banana splits, too!


10

Two of the most common issues that children in care bring is a history of trauma and compromised attachment. These two series of three classes each will be offered on an ongoing basis. Attachment Series Class One: Introduction to Attachment July 19th; 6-9pmClass one is a basic overview of attachment theory and its application to children in foster care.

Class Two: Disorganized Attachment August 30th; 6-9pmOf all the attachment outcomes, disorganized attachment is the most problematic, and probably the most common, for children in care. We’ll discuss what it is and how to best support children with a compromised attachment history.

Class Three: Adult Attachment

Attachment is not just for children. This class of the series will discuss how our own attachment history can interact with our children’s.

Trauma and Development Series

Class One:Trauma’s Effect on the Developing Brain

How trauma affects the developing brain of a child and the consequences.

Class Two: Healing Trauma’s Effects

May 25th; 6-9pmHow we can best support children who have a history of trauma.

Class Three: Preventing Secondary Trauma June 29th; 6-9pmLiving 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

Attachment and Trauma Series

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 fi rst 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 benefi t

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 PorterUtah Foster Care Foundation5296 So. Commerce Dr. #400Murray, UT 84107

[email protected]

9

Wishing Well Funds


in this issueAdoption Transition Training P.10



NORTHERN REGION UPDATE

Northern Region Offi ce

3340 S. Harrison Blvd. #200Ogden, UT 84403

Phone: 801.392.1114Fax: 801.392.1112

Toll Free: 877.392.1114

Area Representative

Brenda Durtschi

Foster/Adoptive Family Recruiter

Maryanne McFarland

Trainer

Brian Young


Mindy Lundgreen

Adoption Transition Training

I am writing to tell you of a great service being offered to foster parents who have adopted, or will be adopting in the next few months. DCFS will provide a series of two informational and interactive seminars addressing the short term and long term issues involved in the transition from being a foster family to an adoptive family. Issues about your child’s history, therapeutic services, respite care, the impact on the adoptive parents’ marriage, the impact on siblings and the adoptee, will all be covered. An opportunity to share your successes and concerns will also be a part of the two evenings planned. For those of you who are a few months into your adoption, please come and share your experiences. For those who are close to adopting, please use this as an opportunity to learn more about what is ahead and meet those who are traveling the same road. The seminars will be held quarterly, so if

you just cannot fi t this into your schedule this time, please let me know and we will include you in the next announcement. The seminars this quarter will be held on Mon, July 12th and Mon, July 19th, 2010 from 6PM to 8:30PM in the DCFS Offi ce, 950 25th Street, Ogden. We plan to provide refreshments and handouts so we need to know how many will attend. Please RSVP by calling my Ogden offi ce, 801.395.5973, and leave a message. You are welcome to call after hours or on the weekends. Please respond no later than Wednesday, June 30th , 2010. Again, I want to encourage you to attend, share your wisdom and take advantage of a truly great opportunity. I hope to see you there.

MAY 2010

10

by Aubrey Myers, Post-Adoption Specialist, DCFS Northern Region


Northern Region Cluster ConceptsMonthly Cluster announcements for currently licensed foster parents




• Obtain in-service training hours


• Get support


• Attend fun family activities

Call the Cluster facilitator nearest you or contact Mindy Lundgreen at 801.392.1114 for more information.


What are

Clusters?

Foster/Adoption

North Davis

Pamper the Parent...Moms, that is!


Facilitator: Janette801.546.9465

[email protected]

Best Interest of Children


Facilitator: Patty801.544.7925

[email protected]

Cache Valley

Helpful Hints for Surviving Foster Care

See training pages for detailsChild care provided with RSVP to Lara only!

Facilitator: Lara435.735.7232

[email protected]

Box Elder

No meeting scheduled for May.Please attend another meeting if in-service hours are needed.

Facilitator: Ann435.723.3095

[email protected]

North Ogden



Facilitator: Marilyn801.782.9080

[email protected]

Weber West

Best Interest of Children


Facilitator: Rebekah801.773.7268

[email protected]

11

South Central Davis

Questions and Answers with DCFS


Facilitator: Amanda801.298.6381

[email protected]

Level III


Facilitator: Maryanne801.392.1114

[email protected]

Facilitator: Jenn435.787.2858

[email protected]


Northern Region TrainingMonthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents

Becoming a Foster Care Advocate

PMT/First Placement

Dr. Doug Goldsmith, clinical director of The Children’s Center in Salt Lake City, presents at Utah Foster Care Foundation’s 1st Annual Symposium. His presentation was called “Attachment in Perspective: Keeping the Big Picture in View” dealt with how to help children who have been traumatized form secure attachments and feel safe.

Date: May 8thTime: 10:00 am - 2:00 pmLocation: Logan DCFS Offi ce

Required in the fi rst year of licensure, this training will review Practice Model Principles and offer an opportunity to address specifi c issues regarding placements.

Date: June 9thTime: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Location: Brigham City DCFS1050 S. Medical Dr.

Presented by:Jennifer Gardner, UFAFA President

Dessert will be served.

Sponsored by the Box Elder Cluster


Contact: Brian Young

Northern Region Trainer

Phone: 801.475.5537

Email: brian.young

@utahfostercare.org

Toll Free:

877.392.1114



• Classes are for licensed foster parents ONLY


• Primary caregivers arerequired to attend 12+ hours of in-service training per year

• Secondary caregivers are required to attend 4+ hours of in-service training per year






12



Upcoming In-Service Trainings

Training Tips:

• Approved Trainings-In-service trainings provided and approved by Utah Foster Care Foundation.

• Foundations for Youth-FFY is required for families caring for youth 14 and up.

• Community & Partner Trainings- Call your regional trainer (found on page 8) for approval prior to attending a class or conference that is held within the community and is not a pre-approved training.

• Approved On-line Training- Families 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.

REMINDER: Family team meetings do

not count toward in-service training hours.

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

13

6:00 pm - 8:00 pmBountiful DCFS57 W. 200 N.

Questions & Answers with DCFS

Presented by Stephanie Stuart &

Nancy Barowski

Sponsored by the

South/Central Davis

Cluster

May 4th

6:30 pm - 9:00 pm215 W. 3450 N.

Pleasant View


Ped i cures ,man i cures , mini-massages, mini-yoga class...come enjoy and relax!

Sponsored by the

North Ogden &

Fost/Adopt Clusters

6:30 pm - 8:30 pmLogan DCFS

115 W. Golf Course Rd.

Helpful Hints for Surviving Foster Care

Presented byLara Nelson, Jennifer

Llewellyn & Terri Erickson

Child care will be provided with RSVP only!

Sponsored by the

Cache Cluster

May 6th May 15th

May 19th May 8th May 22nd

6:30 pm - 8:30 pmClearfi eld DCFS1350 E. 1450 S.

The Best Interests of the Children

Presented by Brian Young

Sponsored by the

Weber West &

North Davis Clusters


#3: 8:00 am - Noon#4: 1:00 - 5:00

Presented byJennifer Larson, DCFS trainer

Trainings will be held in the Training Room at the Ogden DCFS Offi ce, 950 E. 25th Street.

Contact Sally Webster at 801.395.5990 or [email protected] to register.

Level III

Mod. 1: 8:00 am - Noon

Mod. 2: 1:00 - 5:00

Presented byJennifer Larson, DCFS

trainer & Sherrin Weiss, RFC

Trainings will be held in the Training Room at the Ogden DCFS Offi ce, 950 E. 25th Street.

Contact Sally Webster at 801.395.5990 or [email protected] to register.


Resource Centers

The resource center serves licensed foster/adoptive families in northern region. All items are gently used and are donated by Kid-to-Kid and Plato’s Closet. Clothing ranges in size from newborn to adult XXL. Infant care items (strollers, cribs, high chairs, bouncy chairs etc.) are frequently available. We also have shoes, books, bedding and other items. Not all items are guaranteed to be in stock. Please remember that the resource center is staffed by foster parents who volunteer their time to serve you. Their time, like yours, is valuable.

To set up an appointment to shop, contact the following individuals as specifi ed:

Bountiful area call: Amanda: 801.298.6381Willard area call: Korrine: 801.391. 5854 Christy: 720.308.7823Layton area call:Mondays, Happie: 801.688.7191Tuesdays, Megan: 801.394.3540Wednesdays, Kirsten: 801.628.0069Thursdays, Kathy: 801.678.8135Fridays, Erin: 801.779.9203Saturdays, Amber: 801.779.9203Layton area emergencies & appts: Danyelle: 801.771.0887 Thirza: 801.628.6819 Cache Valley area call: Jen 435.787.2858

14


Upcoming In-Service Trainings, cont.

6:00 pm - 8:30 pmLogan DCFS

115 W. Golf Course Rd.

Getting to Know the Caseworkers

Presented by DCFS Caseworkers

Child care will be provided if you RSVP. Dinner will be served.

Sponsored by the

Cache Cluster

June 17th

6:30 pm - 8:30 pmClearfi eld DCFS1350 E. 1450 S.

Insight: The DCFS/Foster Parent Working Relationship

Presented by Insight Team

Sponsored by the

Weber West &

North Davis Clusters

June 17th

6:30 pm - 8:30 pmBrigham City DCFS

1050 S. Medical Dr. #B

Becoming a Foster Care Advocate

Presented byJennifer Gardner

Learn to be an informed advocate, how to advocate for yourself as an important member of the process.

Sponsored by theBox Elder Cluster

June 9th

TBA Parenting Tip Training Reminder

TBABountiful DCFS57 W. 200 N.

Parenting with Love and Logic

Presented by TBA

This training will teach the importance of helping children learn to be consistent with the choices they make.

Sponsored by the

South/Central Davis

Cluster

“One of the best ways to help someone else

become calm and centered is to calm and center ourselves fi rst.”

Dr. Bruce Perry, MD., PhD.

Please remember to send your completed

training records to your UFCF regional trainer.

Thank you!

Northern Region Trainer:

Brian Young3340 S. Harrison Blvd. Suite 200Ogden, UT 84403


in this issueWestern Region Happenings P.15



WESTERN REGION UPDATE

Western Region Offi ce

252 N. Orem Blvd.Orem, UT

Phone: 801.373.3006Fax: 801.373.3004

Toll Free: 877.373.3006

Area Representative

Wendy Bunnell

Foster/Adoptive Family Recruiter

John Thill

Trainer

Nancy Zelenak


Jessica Hanneman

Western Region Happenings

Celebrate Foster Care Month with Provo Mayor John Curtis

Tuesday, May 4th; 11:30 am @ Provo City Offi ces, main entrance351 West Center Street

MAY 2010

15

Missy and JC Ollerton, grand prize winners of a 72-hr food supply. Jenny Cunningham wins second prize, a ne Emergency Essentials backpack at their Cluster meeting on March 18th. Congratulations!


Western Region Cluster ConceptsMonthly Cluster announcements for currently licensed foster parents






• Get support



Call the Cluster facilitator nearest you or contact Jessica at 801.373.3006 for more information.


What are

Clusters?

Central Cluster

Timpanogos


Facilitator: Beth801.426.8782

[email protected]

Addictions


Facilitator: Jennie801.756.1845

[email protected]

South Cluster


Facilitator: Jilean435.623.4049

[email protected]

Facilitator: Jessica801.373.3006

[email protected]

Kinship/Adoption


Facilitator: Cayce801.426.4880

[email protected]

Level III

Medication Disbursement


Facilitator: Cindy801.785.1014

[email protected]

16

Wasatch/Summit



Facilitator: No facilitatorcall Utah Foster Care Foundation

@ 801.373.3006

North Star



Facilitator: Shanna801.360.2011

[email protected]

Crossroads



Facilitator: Stephanie801.789.7753

[email protected]

Facilitator: Amanda801.319.3678

[email protected]


Western Region TrainingMonthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents

Your First Placement

Date: July 30th; 10am-2pmLocation: Utah Foster Care Foundation 252 N. Orem Blvd.

Presented by:Nancy Zelenak

This is a highly recommended class if you have not yet had your fi rst placement, or if you are within your fi rst year of licensure. We’ll discuss how to share your concerns with DCFS; how to communicate effectively with the birth family and how to prepare your family for foster care.

Date: May 11th; 6:30pm-8:30pmLocation: American Fork DCFS

861 E. 900 N.

Prestented by:Martin Roundy

This class will teach you what you didn’t know, about drugs, the brain, addiction behaviors/signs, and recovery.

Sponsored by the Timpanogos Cluster


Contact: Nancy Zelenak

Western Region Trainer

Phone: 801.373.3006

Email: nancy.zelenak

@utahfostercare.org

Toll Free:

877.373.3006












FFY #1: Building Trusting RelationshipsWednesday, July 7th; 5:30pm

FFY #2: Adolescent BehaviorWednesday, July 14th; 5:30pm

FFY #3: Assessing, Planning & TeamingWednesday, July 21st; 5:30pm

FFY #4: The Goals of Transition to Adult LivingWednesday, July 28th; 5:30pm

Presented by:Les Harris

American Fork DCFS Offi ce

17


DCFS has asked that all families who have or plan to have youth in their home, age 14+, to take this training. This is a 4-part series. To be considered ‘graduated’, both spouses need to take all 4 classes.

*July classes will be held at the Spanish Fork DCFS offi ce:607 E. Kirby Lane

Addictions, part 1

The American Fork DCFS OFFICE HAS MOVED! The address is: 861 East 900 North, 801.763.4100 (main receptionist).

The front door is directly west of the Mt. Timpanogos Temple.


Western Region TrainingMonthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents

Upcoming In-service Trainings, cont.

10:00 am - NoonOrem DCFS

1106 N. 1200 W.


Presented by Dr. Marsha Medford

Learn the role of medications, the importance of following the prescription and your vital role in giving the Dr. accurate info.

Sponsored by theLevel III Cluster

May 12th May 12th May 19th

6:30 pm - 8:30 pmAmerican Fork DCFS

861 E. 900 N.

Addictions (Part 2)

Presented by Martin Roundy

This four-part training will teach you what you never knew or understood about addiction. Your attendance is highly encouraged.

Sponsored by theTimpanogos Cluster

June 15th June 15th July 20th

6:30 pm-8:30 pmEagle Mountain Fire Station #2

3785 E. Pony Express Pkwy.

Summer Activities for Kids

Presented by Cayce Thill

Resources and unique ideas to keep all ages of children busy and happy!

Sponsored by the Crossroads Cluster


861 E. 900 N.


Presented by Dr. Teresa Cisneros


Sponsored by the

North Star Cluster

7:00 pm - 9:00 pmHeber City DCFS

69 N. 600 W.


Presented by Dr. Marsha Medford


Sponsored by the

Wasatch Cluster

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Eagle Mountain Fire Station #2,

3785 E. Pony Express Pkwy.


Presented by Dr. Teresa Cisneros


Sponsored by the

Crossroads Cluster

New Training

July 13th


861 E. 900 N.

HELP!

Presented byNancy Zelenak

This is a support group to share ideas that work, frustrations you want to vent, and the time to ask questions that are well, “fosterish!”

Sponsored by the

Timpanogos Cluster

18


in this issueFoster Mom of the Year P.19

Arts Festival P.20


Training Update P.22

SOUTHWEST REGION UPDATE

St. George Offi ce

321 N. Mall Dr # B102St. George, UT 84790Phone: 435.656.8065

Fax: 435.656.8071Toll Free: 877.656.8065

Area Representative

Debbie Hofhines

Trainer

Cliff Farnsworth


Diane Callister

Richfi eld Offi ce

201 E. 500 N.Phone: 435.896.1232

Toll Free: 877.656.8065

Foster/Adoptive Family Recruiter/

Retention SpecialistMarissa Douglas

Southwest Region Foster Mom of the Year

By Diane CallisterSouthwest RegionRetention Services Specialist

Every year we like to spotlight a foster mom in May for Mother’s Day. It is a very diffi cult decision to narrow it down to one mom! All of you are wonderful in what you do, day in and day out, with children in foster care. This year, with some hard deliberations, Utah Foster Care Foundation and DCFS would like to congratulate Denise Olson, from Escalante, Utah.

The Olson family offered a stable home to 10-year-old boy John, who has fought the idea of stability. Denise works constantly with John’s schooling to make sure he is caught up and his homework is done. She has gone out of her way to utilize the lending library, a resource for adoptive/foster parents (go to http://www.utdcfsadopt.org) to check out the lending library, to help John with his needs.

As you can see by the photo of Denise and her other son Justin, she also makes sure that fun is part of her children’s lives. She helps with John’s basketball team, and takes him swimming and to the skate park in St. George.

Most of all, she takes excellent care of John, and has given him a good solid loving home!

May 2010

19


By Debbie HofhinesSouthwest Region Area Representative Utah Foster Care Foundation

It was sunny and a lot warmer than northern Utah on Easter Weekend. Great weather for the annual St. George Arts Festival.

Utah Foster Care Foundation was there with our information table and guest artist extraordinaire, Gina Jrel. Gina created two wonderful murals that brought a lot of attention to our cause. She also brought the two

models for one mural, her little four- legged children, Remy and Leo, who were also a great draw. Three cute teen girls helped Gina and together they created some beautiful murals. We appreciate Gina for blessing us with her time and talent to bring awareness to our community about the need for more foster families, especially for teens.

We are also very appreciative of the City of St. George, Arts & Recreation Department for allowing us to share in this great event for the last several years.

St. George Arts Festival

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 fi rst 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 benefi t

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 CallisterUtah Foster Care Foundation321 N. Mall Dr. #B102St. George, UT 84790

ORdiane.callister

@utahfostercare.org

20

Wishing Well Funds


Southwest Region Cluster ConceptsMonthly Cluster announcements for currently licensed foster parents

For in-service training details, see the training page





• Get support



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”.

What are

Clusters?

Manti

No meeting in May.

Facilitator: Nancy435.283.5020

[email protected]

St. George

Free family swim at Washington County Rec. Center. See below for more details.

Facilitator: Brandee435.652.3979

[email protected]

Cedar City/Beaver

Family BBQ May 3rd 5-7pm Canyon West Park, bring side dish, RSVP.Free family swim at Washington County Rec. Center. See below for more details.

Facilitator: Amy435.586.7403

[email protected]

21

Facilitator: Lisa435.438.2651

Richfi eld

No meeting in May.

Facilitator: Coylene435.896.2023

[email protected]

May is Foster Care Month

To say thanks we have 2 special events:

Friday, May 21st; 3-7:30pmFREE Family Swim & Pizza Washington County Rec. Centerin St George. Please RSVP to Diane.

Friday, June 11th-13th, 2010Free Family Campout Pine Lake Campground

Saturday, family games at 10am, free lunch at noon, great prizes!

Come for the whole weekend or just for Saturday’s events.

2 hours in-service training on Saturday. Registration required.


Southwest Region TrainingMonthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents

First Placement/PMT

Child Welfare Panel

Parenting Tip

Date: May 10thTime: 5:30pm - 9:30pmLocation: DCFS Regional

Offi ce Main Floor Conference Room

856 Sage Dr., Cedar CityPresented by

Cliff Farnsworth

This training is a Pre-service refresher as well as a chance to address specifi c issues with your current placement.

MUST register for training!


Sponsored by the Cedar City Cluster

Date: June 16thTime: 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Location: Brandee’s HomePresented byPanel Members

Come meet with the St. George Cluster and hear the experiences of a biological mother, a foster mother, and child who was in foster care and how they have been impacted by the foster care system.

Sponsored by the St. George Cluster


Contact: Cliff Farnsworth

Southwest Region Trainer

Phone: 435.656.8065

Email: cliff.farnsworth

@utahfostercare.org

Toll Free:

877.656.8065


Notes on In-Service Trainings:










Remember that children need and thrive in an environment of safety, routine, and fl exible structure.

Consistency is King.

22

Remember...

If you attend the Southwest Region Annual Campout you will be able to earn two hours of In-Service training just for playing team building games with your family!


23

Southwest Region Annual Cluster Campout

June 11 - June 13

Pine Lake Campground

Directions:Travel 13 miles east on

Utah State Highway 12

from the junction at Hwy

89. Then travel 11 miles

north on John’s Valley

Road (#22). Then head

east for 6 miles on Clay

Creek Road (#132) .

Please note:-No electricity hookups

-There is running water

and clean toilets

-Families are responsible

for their own food and

drinks, except for

Saturday’s lunch

-Pine Lake Campground

accommodates trailers

or RVs up to 45 feet

-Pets must be leashed

-No discharge of fire

arms or fireworks

-Unloading access for

OHV trails is available

-All terrain and OHV are

NOT allowed in the

campground

Deadline for Registration is June 1, 2010

Name:

Address:

City/State/Zip:

Phone:

# of people in your family:

We will be staying Friday night (free)

Yes No

We will be staying Saturday night (free)

Yes No

We will need a spot for a

Tent Trailer

We will attend Saturday’s event ONLY (free)

Yes No

I am...

Resource Parent Adoptive Parent

Kinship/Specific DCFS Licensing

Utah Foster Care Foundation would like to remind you that there is a small lake and all the little

hazards of camping at this outing. We would like to remind you to supervise and use all safety

precautions with the children in your care. The Foundation is not responsible and cannot be held

liable for any accidents that occur.

Signature:

Please send this form to Diane Callister, Southwest Region Retention Specialist

321 N. Mall Dr. #B102

St. George, UT 84790

OR fax to 435-656-8071


in this issueHelping Children with Loss & Grief P.24



EASTERN REGION UPDATE

Eastern Region Offi ce

475 W. Price River Dr. #152Price, UT 84501

Phone: 435.636.0210Fax: 435. 637.9702

Toll Free: 877.636.0210

Area Representative

Kobi Marchello

Moab Offi ce180 S. 300 E. Suite C

Moab, Utah 84532Phone: 435.259.3345

Fax: 435.259.2691

Foster/AdoptiveFamily Recruiter &

Retention SpecialistGeri Winkler

Vernal Offi ce1052 W. Market Drive

Vernal, Utah 84078Phone: 435.790.4225

Fax: 435.781.1539

Trainer

Les Harris

Roosevelt Offi ceRR 3 Box 8008

Roosevelt, Utah 84066Phone: 435.724.0959

Fax: 435.722.6566


Faith Spencer

Helping Children with Loss and Grief

By Madeleine Krebs, LCSWReprinted from Fostering Families Today, July/August 2009

Continued from last month…

When children have experienced a loss, it is the process of grieving that is part of the recovery process. Foster parents do so much when they are the ones to initiate conversation about signifi cant people in the lives of children in foster care. When they do this, they give their foster child the message that the foster parent is open, ready and willing to listen and talk about his or her important memories. The rituals of remembering—be it on Mother’s or Father’s Day, religious or civic holidays when families gather, are crucial for children in care who need to be able to talk about those special people who are part of their earlier life and history.

Over time, grieving children learn that they can go on, that the pain of grief subsides and the legacy of their loved

ones lies with themselves. It is a lesson of grieving and growing through the pain to get to the “other side” of grief; that there is a life worth living a hope for the future in spite of the pain of letting go. Going on means shifting the attachments, not severing them.

Foster Care Month Activities:

Uintah BasinParenting with Love and Logic Classes

May 6th, 13th & 20th; 6:00-9:00 pmEast Elementary School in Roosevelt

Carbon/EmeryFamily Fun Run/Walk

Saturday, May 15th; 9:00 amPeace Gardens in PriceDetails at http://www.utahfostercare.org/become-a-fosteradoptiveparent/funrun2010/.

Grand/San JuanFamily Traditions Potluck at the Park

Saturday, May 8th; 1:00 pmRotary Park in Moab

MAY 2010

24


Eastern Region Cluster ConceptsMonthly Cluster announcements for currently licensed foster parents






• Get support



Call the Cluster facilitator nearest you or contact Faith Spencer at 435.724.0959 for more information.


What are

Clusters?Grand/San Juan

Appreciation Party and Foster Mother Recognition BBQ on May 8th from 1-4:00 pm at the Rotary Park. Lunch with BBQ beef sandwiches and potluck salads and desserts.

Grand Facilitator: Kim435.259.0665

[email protected]

Carbon/Emery/Adoption

Youth Safety and Development

See training page for details

Facilitator: [email protected]

25

Uintah Basin

Family Swim Party at Uintah Rec Center Saturday May 22 from 4 – 6 p.m. Free admission for family members.

Facilitator: Shanna435.722.6885

[email protected]

Facilitator: Debbie435.724.6746

[email protected]

San Juan Facilitator: Jackie435.678.3019

[email protected]


Eastern Region TrainingMonthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents

Parenting with Love and Logic

Date: July 10thTime: 10:00am - 2:00pm

Location: Moab DCFS Offi ce1165 S. Highway 191, Suite 1

Presented by:Faith Spencer

Learning and utilizing Love & Logic parenting strategies effectively.

Sponsored bythe Grand/San Juan Cluster

Watch for Dates/Locations in later updates. This class is not offered every month.

Presented by: Les Harris

It is essential to help youth build a solid foundation upon which they can more easily make the transition to living as adults and build connections for greater stability.

Required for all foster parents of youth 14 and older.


Contact: Les Harris

Eastern Region Trainer

Phone: 435.781.4224

Email: [email protected]

Toll Free:

877.505.5437












26


May 10th May 11th

6:00 pm - 8:00 pmMoab DCFS

Youth Safety & Development

Presented by Jenny Arm, PhD

Utah Pride Center

Effective foster parenting for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, & Questioning youth.

6:00 pm - 8:00 pmVernal DCFS



Utah Pride Center


May 12th

6:00 pm - 8:00 pmPrice DCFS



Utah Pride Center


(1,1) -26- May Roster Update.indd 5/4/2010 3:00:27 PM(1,1) -26- May Roster Update.indd 5/4/2010 3:00:27 PM

Documents

May 2010 Roster Update