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March 2010 Statewide Foster Roster, online only.
Citation preview
Answers About Haitian Orphans
09V O L U M E
M A R C H2 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
In January the world focused its attention on the small island nation of Haiti. We watched in disbelief as the people struggled and continue to struggle as a result of a powerful earthquake. Some of that attention was focused on children who had been living in orphanages destroyed in the disaster. At the Utah Foster Care Foundation, we received dozens of calls from concerned citizens offering to help as rumors surfaced that Utah may be one of the destinations for these children. While children from Haiti were never sent to Utah and there currently are no plans to do so, it was heartwarming to hear the concern from so many.
Perhaps you heard friends or neighbors express similar sentiments: “My heart goes out to those children” or “I wish there was something I could do.” In an editorial published in the Deseret News on January 27th, the Director of the Utah Department
of Human Services, Lisa-Michele Church, asked: “If you have that impulse to help while watching the faces of international disaster, don’t hesitate to ask yourself – could I do something in my hometown?”
There continues to be a need for foster parents statewide in Utah to care for children who have experienced their own traumatic event. You know their stories. You’ve heard of the need and responded yourselves. When you hear someone express a desire to help others in need, please share with them what you know. I certainly would not stop anyone from doing whatever they can to help children and others in any part of the world. I would ask that they also consider what they might do to help children right here.
Mike HamblinDirector Foster/Adoptive Family RecruitmentUtah Foster Care Foundation
in this issueAnswers About Haitian Orphans P.1
1st Annual Foster Care Symposium P.2
UFAFA Update P.3
Illumination Contest P.4
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 Above photo: Haitian children, photo from Living Water International; www.water.cc
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FOSTER/ADOPTIVED A D O F T H E YEAR AWARDS“My Dad is...”
The Foster/Adoptive Dad of the Year Awards for 2010 are almost here!UFCF will accept online nominations on March 1, 2010 at http://www.utahfostercare.org/resources/fosterdadoftheyear.
This year’s theme is “My Dad is...” so think about what your Dad is to you and let us and the world know.
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
Please register via our web site w w w . u t a h f o s t e r c a r e . o r g and click on the purple symposium announcement.
Brief Description of Workshops:
Attachment Perspective: Keeping the Big Picture in View (Keynote)Dr. Doug Goldsmith, Ph.d
Dr. Goldsmith will share his perspectives on children, trauma and the attachment spectrum. His years of research and treatment of children will be presented to increase awareness and hope among those living with vulnerable children. Clinicians and others will be able to hear Dr. Goldsmith explain how to bridge the gap between recent research in attachment and the implications of application to clinical practice. Evidence of Secondary Trauma in Foster and Adoptive ParentsLiz Rivera, MS, SSW
There is a signifi cant body of work that examines the legacy of the traumatic experience of children, but less work considers how the caregivers of such children contain or are consumed by the child’s history. This presentation of a qualitative study examines possible effects of trauma on the caregivers of children in foster care and adoptive situations. Foster and adoptive parents own narratives of their experiences will be highlighted to explore the diffi culties and joys of taking on the task of substitute care giving.
Understanding Discipline for the Traumatized ChildLes Harris, MS, LCSW
Considering the impact of trauma on the developing child is critical to understanding the context in which behaviors occur and why traditional methods of discipline are
often ineffective. This course will provide insight into the nature of the parent/child relationship as the cornerstone for managing behaviors.
Reactive Attachment Disorder: A Look in the Rear View MirrorMick Woolsey, LCSW, Foster/Adoptive Parent
Studies have shown over the years that this is often a mis-diagnosis in children who have been traumatized. Symptomatically, RAD may mask deep trauma. However, this rare disorder has signifi cant impact on families as they try to help children heal. With case studies, evidence-based research and reviewed information, foster and adoptive families will be able to choose healthy relationship skills to enhance nurturing and security in the home.
Family MattersNancy Zelenak, SSW, MSC, Foster Parent
Things that matter to children who fall into the world of foster care and adoption will be discussed through vignettes of experiences in the home of the presenter. Experiences surrounding transitions, sibling connections, fault, yearning, loss and fi nally, permanency will be shared to emphasize the importance of the success of child welfare services in Utah today. Statistics of current research on transitions, sibling connections and permanency will be included. Punctuating this presentation will be a 15-minute video shared each month with prospective foster parents during pre-service Trainings throughout the state.
To make a hotel room reservation call: 1.877.498.3232 & mention Utah Foster Care Foundation.
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Utah Foster/Adoptive Families Association Update
UFAFA (Utah Foster/Adoptive Families Association) would like to announce a new arrival! We have launched a website for the Kinship, Foster and Adoptive families of the state of Utah. While a few pages of the site are still “under construction,” overall it is up and going!
Please take a few minutes to become a member and use this web site as a resource. It contains a “Connect to Others” forum that is a place for you to post questions, share ideas and experiences that will benefi t you and other families. There is also a “Faces of UFAFA” page where we encourage you to post pictures of your families
(no pictures of children in foster care however). The site also contains contact information for the members of the UFAFA presidency. Bookmark http://www.myufafa.com and come visit often!!!!!
Thank you and I am so excited to serve you as the president of UFAFA!Jennifer Gardner
UFAFA Statewide Presidency
President: Jennifer Gardner1st Vice President: Renee Calkins2nd Vice President: Cayce ThillSecretary: OPENTreasurer: 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
Above photo: Keith and Jennifer Gardner and their fi ve children.
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Lives Touched by Foster Care
2010 Art & Writing Contest
Foster care touches the lives of many people--foster parents, adoptive parents, children and
teens in foster care, caseworkers, judges, biological families, neighbors, friends, loved
ones--the list goes on and on. If your life has been touched by foster care, now is your
chance to share your experience with the world. Use the entry form or enter online at
http://www.utahfostercare.org/resources/illumination
DEADLINE EXTENDED: MARCH 31, 2010
ENTRANT INFORMATIONFirst Name:Last Name:Address:City/State/Zip:Phone:Age:How are you associated with foster care?:
ENTRANT’S SIGNATURE:
By signing above you warrant that you understand that your work will not be returned and that you allow Utah Foster Care Foundation
to use your work now and in the future for its marketing purposes and to further the mission of the Foundation.
ENTRY INFORMATION:Type of Entry (circle one):
Artwork Writing
FOR CHILDREN IN CARE ONLY:Name of Primary Caregiver (Foster/Adoptive Parent):Name of Caseworker:Region (circle one):
Eastern Western Salt Lake Valley Northern Southwest
SIGNATURE OF THE PRIMARY CAREGIVER:
By signing above you warrant that you understand that the child’s work will not be returned and that you allow Utah Foster Care
Foundation to use the child’s work now and in the future for its marketing purposes and to further the mission of the Foundation.
Disclaimer: Utah Foster Care Foundation is not responsible for the originality, or lack thereof, of any work submitted to this contest. Please see
our web site at http://www.utahfostercare.org/resources/illumination for full details and rules.
4
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in this issueAirmen Deployed P.5
Training Updates P.6
Cluster Concepts P.8
Training Updates 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
Airmen Deployed
Do you remember all of the excitement surrounding our Giving Tree project in December, when 60 Hill Air Force base service men and women delivered Christmas gifts to your door? Now we are asking you to keep them in your prayers.
We found out some of them have been deployed to Afghanistan in support of “Operation Enduring Freedom.”
The airmen, from the active-duty 388th Fighter Wing and reserve 419th Fighter Wing, make up the 34th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, according to a news release from Hill AFB.
Pilots, maintenance, and support personnel, will use the F-16 Fighting Falcon in close-air support missions to protect coalition ground forces.
About twenty Air Force reservists from the 419th Fighter Wing volunteered to deploy alongside their active-duty counterparts and will continue to do
so during future 388th Fighter Wing rotations in support of overseas contingency operations.
If you are interested in sending them a note of thanks and good luck, contact [email protected].
Tina PorterFoster Family Retention Specialist,Salt Lake Valley Region
March 2010
5
Above photos: Airmen delivering gifts to children.
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Salt Lake Valley TrainingMonthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents
First Placement Meeting/PMT
Foundations for Youth
Understanding “Legal Risk”
Date: Tuesday, April 27th OR
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 1: April 7th; 6-10pmSession 2: May 6th; 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.
Date: March 3rdTime: 6pm-8pm
Location: UFCF Offi ce 5296 Commerce Dr. #400
Presented by:Panel
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
We will discuss the legal process and the emotional Implications of legal risk placements.
Sponsored by the WVC/Magna
and Kearns Clusters
Parenting Tip of the Month
6
“Always: be BIGGER, STRONGER, WISER, and KIND. Whenever possible: follow your child’s need. Whenever necessary: take charge.” - Circle of Security.
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Salt Lake Valley TrainingMonthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents
Upcoming In-service Trainings
7pm-9pm1784 Aaron Dr., Tooele
Disorgnaized Attachment
Presented by Liz Rivera
How does attachment “go wrong”? How does healing occur? We will delve into these and other attachment issues.
Sponsored by the
Tooele Cluster
6pm-8pmUtah Foster Care
Foundation 5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400
Domestic Violence & Children
Presented by Del Bircher, DCFS DV
Specialist
This presentation will help us to understand the dynamics of violence in the home and the effect on children’s development.
Sponsored by the
SVW Cluster
March 10th
6pm-8pmUtah Foster Care
Foundation 5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400
Supporting Families Living with Mental Illness
Presented by Allies w/Families
The third class in a 6-part series to provide support to families who have a member with a mental illness.
Sponsored by the
Murray Cluster
6pm-8pmUtah Foster Care
Foundation 5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400
Supporting Families Living with Mental Illness
Presented by Allies w/Families
The fourth class in a 6-part series to provide support to families who have a member with a mental illness.
Sponsored by the
SVW Cluster
6pm-8pmSandy Fire Station 8186 S. 1300 E.
Planning Effective Transitions
Presented by Cinda Morgan, LCSW
This night will be dedicated to helping us plan and advocate for more gentle transitions.
Sponsored by the
Sandy Cluster
6pm-8pmSandy Fire Station8186 S. 1300 E.
Juvenile Justice
Presented by Division of Juvenile
Justice Services
DJJS will present info about their program which aims to divert youth at risk from entering the juvenile justice system.
Sponsored by the
Sandy Cluster
March 17th March 18th
April 6th April 14th April 22nd
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.
• 1st Placement/PMT- 4 Hours of Practice Model Training must be completed within the fi rst year of licensure.
• 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
continued on page 9...
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Salt Lake Valley Cluster ConceptsMonthly Cluster announcements for currently licensed foster parents
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
• By providing fun family activities
Call the Cluster facilitator nearest you our 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
No Cluster meeting this month.Please register for and/or attend another In-service training to receive credits.
Facilitator: Suzi801.487.4985
March 10th; 6-8pm @ Utah Foster Care Foundation Murray Offi ce. Domestic
Violence and Children In-service.
Facilitator: Valerie801.608.1871
Murray/Midvale/East Salt Lake
March 17th; 6-8pm @ Utah Foster Care Foundation Murray Offi ce. Supporting
Families Living w/ Mental Illness In-service.
Facilitator: Terumi801.699.9769
Kearns
March 3rd; 6-8pm @ Utah Foster Care Foundation Murray Offi ce. Understanding
“Legal Risk” In-service.
Facilitator: Michelle801.755.4766
Magna/West Valley
March 3rd; 6-8pm @ Utah Foster Care Foundation Murray Offi ce. Understanding
“Legal Risk” In-service.
Facilitator: Linda801.690.6490
Sandy/Draper
March 18th; 6-8pm @ Sandy Fire Station. Planning Effective Transitions In-service.
Facilitator: Naomi801.619.8069
Tooele/Adoptive Parents
April 6th; 7-9pm @ 1784 Aaron Drive, Tooele. Disorganized Attachment In-service.
Facilitator: Maia435.843.1090
8
Facilitator: Cami435.882.1250
Spanish/Cluster en Español
sábado, 20 de marzo; 10am-12n 5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400. Instrucciones de CPR.
Vamos a ofrecer cuidado de niños.
Facilitator: Jessica801.577.7161
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Helpful Tax Tidbits for Foster/Adoptive Families
Do I have to declare foster care payments as income?
According to the new IRS Publication 525, “payments you receive from a state, political subdivision, or a qualifi ed foster care placement agency for providing care to qualifi ed foster individuals in your home generally are not included in your income.” See: http://www.irs.gov/publications/p525/ar02.html#d0e8383 for more information.
Can I claim an exemption for my adopted child or for the children in care in my home?
According to IRS Publication 17, an eligible foster child or adopted child may be claimed as a dependent if the child meets the rules of a “qualifying child.”
Please note: Utah Foster Care
Foundation is providing this
information as a courtesy. We
cannot guarantee the accuracy
of this information. Please check
the IRS web site prior to fi ling
your taxes.
9
Salt Lake Valley TrainingMonthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents
Upcoming In-service Trainings, cont.
6pm-8pmUtah Foster Care
Foundation 5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400
House Rules
Presented by TBD
We’ll have a discussion on how to choose and implement effective house rules.
Sponsored by the
Kearns Cluster
April 28th
7pm-9pmUtah Foster Care
Foundation 5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400
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
6pm-8pmUtah Foster Care
Foundation 5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400
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
May 4th May 6th
May 12th May 19th May 27th
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
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
6pm-8pmUtah Foster Care
Foundation 5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400
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
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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 March 30th; 6-9pmAttachment 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
April 27th; 6-9pmHow 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
10
Wishing Well Funds
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11
•
•
•
•
195 North 1950 West Salt Lake City 84116
195 North 1950 West Salt Lake City 84116
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in this issueSanta’s Helpers Deployed P.12
Cluster Concepts P.13
Training Updates P.14
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
Retention Specialist
Mindy Lundgreen
Santa’s Helpers Deployed
Our adored service men and women, who so graciously used their time and resources to bring Christmas to children in care from Draper to the Utah-Idaho border, have just answered another call to serve.
About 260 airmen and women from Hill Air Force Base deployed at the end of January. They were sent to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The airmen, from the active-duty 388th Fighter Wing and reserve 419th Fighter Wing, will make up the 34th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, according to a news release from Hill. Some of those deployed are
our own Christmas delivery personnel. Please remember them and their families in your prayers at this time. Without their gracious service our Christmas project would not come delivered straight to your homes. Without their courageous service and commitment to our country, we would remain vulnerable at home.
It truly is our honor to be associated with and served by these men and women. If you would like to forward words of gratitude and support along to them please email your message to [email protected].
March 2010
12
by Mindy Lundgreen, Northern Region Retention Services Specialist
New Digs for UFCF’s Northern Team
Brenda, Maryanne and Mindy have a new offi ce! The Utah Foster Care Foundation’s Northern region team is now located at 3340 S. Harrison Blvd. #200 in Ogden. Contact information has NOT changed. Phone numbers are still 801.392.1114 or toll-free 877.392.1114. Brian can still be reached at 801.475.5537.
Above photo: Msgt. Bruce Titensor with Oslo Hudson Burke and Tigran Burke.
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Northern Region Cluster ConceptsMonthly Cluster announcements for currently licensed foster parents
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 our contact Mindy Lundgreen at 801.392.1114 for more information.
For more information on upcoming Cluster trainings, see “Upcoming In-service Trainings”.
What are
Clusters?
Foster/Adoption
North Davis
March 17th; 7-9pm @ Marilyn’s home (215 W. 3450 N.) Narcotics, Internet &
Cell Phone Safety In-service training.
Facilitator: Janette801.546.9465
March 17th; 6:30-8:30pm @ Clearfi eld DCFS Offi ce The Challenge of Parenting
Teenagers In-service training.
Facilitator: Patty801.544.7925
Cache Valley
March 19th; 6:30-8:30 pm @ Logan DCFS Offi ce
Dealing with Loss and Grief In-service training.
Facilitator: Lara435.735.7232
Box Elder
April 7th; 6:30-8:30pm @ Brigham DCFS Offi ce Post Adoption Services In-service
training.
Facilitator: Jennifer435.723.3369
North Ogden
March 17th; 7-9pm @ Marilyn’s home (215 W. 3450 N.) Narcotics, Internet &
Cell Phone Safety In-service training.
Facilitator: Marilyn801.782.9080
Weber West
March 17th; 6:30-8:30pm @ Clearfi eld DCFS Offi ce The Challenge of Parenting
Teenagers In-service training.
Facilitator: Rebekah801.773.7268
13
South Central Davis
March 16th; 6-8pm @ Bountiful DCFS Offi ce Lifebooks In-service training.
Facilitator: Amanda801.298.6381
Structured
March 11th; 10:00am-NoonPeaceful Parenting In-service training.
Facilitator: Maryanne801.392.1114
Facilitator: Jenn435.787.2858
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Northern Region TrainingMonthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents
Foundations for Youth Super
Saturdays
Level III
Level III and Foundations for Youth
Level III Advanced Foster Parent Training (formerly structured training).
May 22nd:Module 1, 8a-12nModule 2, 1-5pm
All FFY and Level III trainings will be held at the Ogden DCFS Offi ce (950 E. 25th Street).
Please contact Sally Webster by April 19th to register via phone 801.395.5990 or email [email protected].
We encourage families with chlidren as young as 8-years-old to participate in FFY training.
April 24th: Module 1, 8a-12nModule 2, 1-5pm
May 8th:Module 3, 8a-12nModule 4, 1-5pm
If you have a child in your home placed at Level III, you will need to take both FFY and Level III trainings.
To Register For Classes:
Contact: Brian Young
Northern Region Trainer
Phone: 801.475.5537
Email: brian.young
@utahfostercare.org
Toll Free:
877.392.1114
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 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
14
DCFS and Utah Foster Care Foundation have recently made revisions to Level III Structured training, making Level III an extension of Foundations for Youth (FFY), which is currently required for all families caring for youth age 14 and older. Those caring for youth age 8 and older are encouraged to attend.
If a child is placed in your home at Level III, you will be required to attend both FFY and Level III.
This 6-week series will be comprised of 4 FFY classes and 2 Level III classes. You must attend all 6 classes in order to maintain licensure.
All classes will be held at the Ogden DCFS Offi ce (Employee Training Room)Please contact Sally Webster by April 19th to register via phone 801.395.5990 or email [email protected].
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in this issueFoster Care Rate Reductions P.15
Encouraging Resiliency in Children P.16
Partners in Parenting P.17
Training Updates P.18
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
Retention Specialist
Jessica Hanneman
Foster Care Rate Reductions
Being a foster parent is hard. Foster parents face an increase in household expenses; they support therapy sessions and family visits, and spend time dealing with negative behaviors. For all of this, a foster parent receives no “income.” And the Utah legislature is considering reducing the daily rate at which foster families are reimbursed.
I am a foster parent because I care what happens to children in less than desirable circumstances. I am thrilled to show children in foster care what a family can become.
A common misconception about foster care is that families do it for the money. This couldn’t be farther from the truth! We spend out of our own pockets so that children can be properly clothed, have their own bedding and toys, as well as other necessities because some children arrive with little or no personal belongings.
Children will need quality foster families for years to come. Reimbursement rates in Utah are already 40% lower than the national average. Further cuts will limit the number of new families who can provide for these children and make it diffi cult for current foster families to continue to perform this much-needed service.
I understand these are tough times. If you want to know tough times, try being a child in foster care! Further rate cuts make this image more depressing. Children need us to be their voices. They didn’t ask for this life they are forced to live. I am not asking for increased rates, just no more cuts. I am urging my legislators to allow us to continue to be able to provide for these children. They are our future and it is our duty to make that future the brightest one it can possibly be.
If you’d like to help me get the message out, contact me at [email protected].
March 2010
15
by Cayce Thill, Utah Foster/Adoptive Family Association Secretary
Above photo: Cayce and John Thill with their children.
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Western Region TrainingMonthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents
Practice Model & Your First Placement
Date: April 2nd; 10am-2pmLocation: Utah Foster Care Foundation 252 N. Orem Blvd.
ORDate: July 30th; 10am-2pmLocation: Utah Foster Care Foundation 252 N. Orem Blvd.
This training is required ONCE for all foster parents duringtheir fi rst year of licensure.
RSVP to Nancy Zelenak for these two trainings,
One Day OverviewWednesday, March 10th
9am-4pm (Noon-1pm lunch break, on your own)
Provo DCFS Offi ce, 5th fl oor
Presented by Les Harris
This training is a special training open to DCFS workers and foster parents.
To Register For Classes:
Contact: Nancy Zelenak
Western Region Trainer
Phone: 801.373.3006
Email: nancy.zelenak
@utahfostercare.org
Toll Free:
877.373.3006
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 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
FFY #1: Building Trusting RelationshipsThursday, March 4th; 5:30pm
FFY #2: Adolescent BehaviorThursday, March 11th; 5:30pm
FFY #3: Assessing, Planning & TeamingFriday, March 19th; 5:30pm
FFY #4: The Goals of Transition to Adult LivingWednesday, March 31st; 5:30pm
Presented by:Nancy Zelenak
Parenting Tip of the Month
16
Don’t forget about this great website: https://www.utdcfsadopt.org . Included in the Adoptive Family Resources section is the Lending Library for an easy to use, free resource of educational material. NOT JUST FOR ADOPTIVE FAMILIES!
Foundations for Youth
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.
Required for all foster parents of youth 14 and older.
For locations RSVP to Nancy.
Foundations for Youth
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Western Region TrainingMonthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents
Upcoming In-service Trainings
March 9th
6:30-8:30pmAmerican Fork DCFS
578 E. 300 S.
HELP!
A Cluster help group to answer questions, exchange respite info. & support one another.
Sponsored by the
Timpanogos Cluster
7-9pmSpanish Fork DCFS607 E. Kirby Lane
Family Problem Solving
Presented by Irl Carlson
Foundational information about how to discipline with love and how to encourage the people who live in your home to work together.
Sponsored by the
Mt. Nebo and
Millard/Juab Clusters
6:30-8:30pmEagle Mountain Fire Station #2, 3785 E. Ranches Parkway
A Walk Through the System
Presented byChad McDonald
This is the training new caseworkers receive when they are fi rst hired at DCFS in Western Region. Come learn the in’s and out’s of ‘the system’.
Sponsored by the
Crossroads Cluster
7-9pmUtah Foster Care
Foundation252 N. Orem Blvd.
EmergencyPreparednessPresented by
Nancy Zelenak
An overview of some possible emergencies along the Wasatch Front; resources & information to help prepare your family and to stay in touch with DCFS.
Sponsored by the
Adoption/Kinship Cluster
March 10th March 16th
March 17th March 17th March 18th
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 4) for approval prior to attending a class or conference that is held within the community and is not a pre-approved training.
• BRMT- You must attend the entire session of Behavioral Replacement Model Training.
• Approved On-line Training- Families may visit the web site: www.fosterclub.com for up to 2 hours of online training per year.
• 1st Placement/PMT- 4 Hours of Practice Model Training must be completed within the fi rst year of licensure.
• 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 17.
17
continued on page 19...
6:30-8:30pmAmerican Fork DCFS
578 E. 300 S.
Brain Trauma and Child Development
Presented by Liz Rivera
An introduction as to how abused/neglected children process, build and maintain relationships.
Sponsored by the
North Star Cluster
10am-NoonOrem DCFS
1106 N. 1200 W.
Level 3 Updates
Presented by Keena Gallop
This training will review with you how DCFS is bringing the Structured Program into 21st Century best practice standards.
Sponsored by the
Structured Cluster
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Western Region Cluster ConceptsMonthly Cluster announcements for currently licensed foster parents
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 our contact Jessica at 801.373.3006 for more information.
For more information on upcoming Cluster trainings, see “Upcoming In-service Trainings”.
What are
Clusters?
Central Cluster
Timpanogos
April 7th, 6:30-8:30pm @ UFCF Orem offi ce (252 N. Orem Blvd.) Birth Parent
Panel In-service training.
Facilitator: Beth801.426.8782
March 9th, 6:30-8:30pm @ American Fork DCFS (578. E 300 S.) Help! In-service training. No meeting scheduled for April at this time.
Facilitator: Jennie801.756.1845
Millard/Juab
March 17th, 7-9pm @ Spanish Fork DCFS (607 E. Kirby Ln.) Family Problem Solving
In-service training. With Mt. Nebo Cluster
Facilitator: Jilean435.623.4049
Mt. Nebo
March 17th, 7-9pm @ Spanish Fork DCFS (607 E. Kirby Ln.) Family Problem Solving
In-service training. W/ Millard/Juab Cluster
Facilitator: No facilitatorcall Utah Foster Care Foundation
@ 801.373.3006
Kinship/Adoption
March 18, 7-9pm @ UFCF Orem offi ce (252 N. Orem Blvd.) Emergency Preparedness
In-service training.
Facilitator: Cayce801.426.4880
Structured
March 10th,10am-12n @ Orem DCFS (1106 N. 1200 W.) Level 3 Updates
In-service.
Facilitator: Cindy801.785.1014
18
Wasatch/Summit
No meetings for Mar. or April, next meeting is May 19th; 7-9pm @ Heber City DCFS (69 N. 600 W.) topic TBA.
Facilitator: No facilitatorcall Utah Foster Care Foundation
@ 801.373.3006
North Star
March10th, 6:30-8:30pm @ American Fork DCFS (578 E. 300 S.)Brain Trauma and Child Development In-service training.
No meeting scheduled for April at this time.
Facilitator: Shanna801.360.2011
Crossroads
March 16; 6:30-8:30pm @ Eagle Mountain Fire Station #2 (3785 E. Ranches Parkway). A
Walk Through the System In-service training.
Facilitator: Stephanie801.789.7753
Facilitator: Amanda801.319.3678
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Helpful Tax Tidbits for Foster/Adoptive Families
Do I have to declare foster care payments as income?
According to the new IRS Publication 525, “payments you receive from a state, political subdivision, or a qualifi ed foster care placement agency for providing care to qualifi ed foster individuals in your home generally are not included in your income.” See: http://www.irs.gov/publications/p525/ar02.html#d0e8383 for more information.
Can I claim an exemption for my adopted child or for the children in care in my home?
According to IRS Publication 17, an eligible foster child or adopted child may be claimed as a dependent if the child meets the rules of a “qualifying child.”
Please note: Utah Foster Care
Foundation is providing this
information as a courtesy. We
cannot guarantee the accuracy
of this information. Please check
the IRS web site prior to fi ling
your taxes.
19
Western Region TrainingMonthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents
Upcoming In-service Trainings, cont.
6:30-8:30pmUtah Foster Care
Foundation 252 N. Orem Blvd.
Birth Parent Panel
Meet birth parents who have successfully overcome personal issues to have continued strengthening relationships with their children.
Sponsored by the
Central Cluster
April 7th
10am-NoonUtah Foster Care
Foundation 252 N. Orem Blvd.
TAL Skill Building
Presented by Troy Gasser
A review of Transition to Adult Living services, including: WIA, Basic Life Skills class, Education Vouchers, Drivers Ed. & Licensing issues, leaving state custody, etc.
Sponsored by the
Structured Cluster
April 13th April 14th
6:30-8:30pmAmerican Fork DCFS
578 E. 300 S.
Addictions (part 1)
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 the
Timpanogos Cluster
7-9pmUtah Foster Care
Foundation 252 N. Orem Blvd.
Family Problem Solving
Presented by Joy O’banion
Foundational information about how to encourage the people who live in your home to work together.
Sponsored by the
Adoption/Kinship Cluster
April 22nd
6:30pm-8:30pmAmerican Fork DCFS
578 E. 300 S.
AddictionsPart 1: April 13thPart 2: May 11th Part 3: June 15th
This four part training will teach you what you never knew or understood about addiction. Your attendence is highly encouraged.
Sponsored by the
Timpanogos Cluster
June 15th Addictions Series
6:30pm-8:30pmEagle Mountain Fire Station #2, 3785 E. Ranches Parkway
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
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in this issueSouthwest Campout P.20
Training Updates P.21
Cluster Concepts P.22
Registraton Form P.23
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
Retention Specialist
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
Get Your Camping Gear Ready
We are now planning Southwest Region’s favorite annual event. Come hang out with people who love being foster families as much as you do!
Southwest Region Cluster Campout and Apperciation EventFriday, June 11th to Sunday, June 13thPine Lake Campground (near Bryce Canyon)
Bring your ATV, bike, fi sh, hike or just RELAX. Your entire family camps free for two nights. On Friday night around the campfi re, get to know other families and make s’mores! On Saturday, work as a family team and earn two hours of In-service training from 10:00am – noon. Enjoy a lunch of delicious Dutch oven chicken, salad, chips,
dessert and drinks. There will be a kids and adult drawing after lunch. Every child gets a prize!
Please mail or fax the registration form (on page 22) to:
Diane CallisterSW Retention Services SpecialistUtah Foster Care Foundation321 N Mall Drive #B102St George, Utah 84790Fax # 435-656-8071
March 2010
20
Above photo: Children enjoying the games at the campout last summer.
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Positive Time Out
Southwest Region TrainingMonthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents
Upcoming In-Service Trainings
Basic Principles of Human Behavior1. All people (including children) deserve dignity and respect. A basic principle of Adlerian psychology--the philosophy of maintaining dignity and respect for all human beings--must be incorporated before time out can be used as an effective, encouraging experience that helps children, instead of an experience that creates humiliation and loss of dignity and respect.2. Misbehaving children are discouraged children. Misbehaving children are discouraged and need encouragement so they won’t feel the need to misbehave; not shame and humiliation to make them feel more discouraged and more motivated to misbehave. 3. Humiliation and shame are not effective motivators. Over the last decade, a number of professionals concerned with children (such as pediatricians, psychiatrists, and social workers) have formally adopted positions in opposition to spanking, paddling, or humiliating children in any way. These specialists have paid attention to the research demonstrating that the long-range damage to children far outweighs the immediate advantage of controlling behavior through punishment.Let it be stated again: “Where did we ever get the crazy idea that to make children do better, we must fi rst make them feel worse?” The truth is that children do better when they feel bet-ter--not when they are discouraged about themselves. Therefore, the number one criterion for positive time out is that it be used to help children feel better, not to make them feel worse.
7pm-9pmAmy’s Home
Legal Questions and AnswersPresented by
Katherine Holt, AAG &Karla Staheli, GAL
Come get answers to your general legal questions.
Sponsored by the
Cedar Cluster
March 17th
7pm-9pmAmy’s Home
Impact of Domestic Violence on Children
Presented by Penny Prodaniuk,
DCFS DV Specialist
Many children in foster care have witnessed DV in their lives. Learn about the impact it has on children.
Sponsored by the
Cedar Cluster
Time TBA
Cultural Awareness Breakfast
Presented by Guest Speaker
Celebrate the diversity in our community & enjoy a delicious breakfast. Learn more about other cultures.
Sponsored by the
Richfi eld Cluster
April 14th April 17th
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.
• BRMT- You must attend the entire session of Behavioral Replacement Model Training.
• Approved On-line Training- Families may visit the web site: www.fosterclub.com for up to 2 hours of online training per year.
• 1st Placement/PMT- 4 Hours of Practice Model Training must be completed within the fi rst year of licensure.
• 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.
21
From: “Positive Time Out: Over 50 Ways to Avoid Power Struggle in Homes and Classrooms.” By: Jane Nelsen
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Southwest Region Cluster ConceptsMonthly Cluster announcements for currently licensed foster parents
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 our 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
March 30th; 6-9pm @ Manti DCFS Offi ce. PMT In-service, presented by Cliff Farnsworth.
Facilitator: Nancy435.283.5020
St. George
No meeting in March.
Facilitator: Brandee435.652.3979
Cedar City/Beaver
March 17th; 7-9pm @ Amy’s home. Legal Questions In-service, presented by Katherine Holt and Karla Stahli.
Facilitator: Amy435.586.7403
22
Facilitator: Lisa435.438.2651
Richfi eld
No meeting in March.
Facilitator: Coylene435.896.2023
Our Facebook Page!
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, fi nd out about upcoming trainings and activities.
You need to be invited to join, so send your request to [email protected].
There is also an “open” Facebook page for Utah Foster Care Foundation where you can communicate with families statewide.
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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
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in this issueTrauma and ADHD P.24
Cluster Concepts P.25
Training Updates P.26
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
Retention Specialist
Faith Spencer
Trauma and ADHD
Does a child you know have trouble paying attention in school and have a history of trauma stemming from abuse or neglect? Both examples could be the result of trauma—not ADHD.
ADHD is diagnosed at higher rates among fostered and adopted children, but until recently, it was not known why. As researchers learned more about the psychological trauma that results from abuse and neglect, misdiagnosis of trauma was revealed with similarity of symptoms as the cause.
Children who have experienced trauma act a lot like children with ADHD when they are at school. As Deborah D. Gray writes in “Attaching in Adoption,” “Traumatized children are hard to teach. They are hyper-vigilant and hyper-aroused. Often, they are misdiagnosed with attention defi cit disorder.”
Hyper-vigilance, a common characteristic
of traumatized children, means being on constant alert-- monitoring the body language of the teacher and fellow classmates, listening for sudden sounds, and paying attention to everything except schoolwork. The child appears to have problems paying attention when in reality, they are paying a lot of attention—but to the wrong things. The teacher does not realize what the child is doing and judges it at face value; it looks like the child is not paying attention.
“These children (traumatized children) are hyper-vigilant because they are looking for dangers or threats,” says Frank Putnam, M.D., professor of pediatrics and psychiatry at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. “They become exquisitely attuned to sights, sounds and especially facial expressions or tones of voice that might be linked with impending trouble.”
The main consequence for misdiagnosed trauma is that treatment for ADHD
MARCH 2010
24
Continued on page 26...
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Eastern Region Cluster ConceptsMonthly Cluster announcements for currently licensed foster parents
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 our contact Faith Spencer at 435.724.0959 for more information.
For more information on upcoming Cluster trainings, see “Upcoming In-service Trainings”.
What are
Clusters?Grand/San Juan
March 6th; 10am-12:30pm @ Moab Zion’s Bank. Lunch will be served.
Grand Facilitator: Kim435.259.0665
Carbon/Emery/Adoption
March11th; 6-8pm @ 575 E. 100 S. Evening with 4 Corners Mental Health
In-service training.
Facilitator: [email protected]
25
Uintah Basin
March 24th; 1-3pm @Vernal DCFS Offi ce Understanding ADHD In-service training. Lunch will be served.
Facilitator: Shanna435.722.6885
Facilitator: Debbie435.724.6746
San Juan Facilitator: Jackie435.678.3019
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Eastern Region TrainingMonthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents
First Placement Meeting/PMT
Date: April 15, 2010Time: 1pm-5pm
Location: Price DCFS Offi ce
Presented by:Les Harris
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 Mod-el will also be reviewed.
Required in the fi rst year of licensure.
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.
To Register For Classes:
Contact: Les Harris
Eastern Region Trainer
Phone: 435.781.4224
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 ONLY
• 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
Trauma and ADHD, continued
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will not help a child suffering the effects of trauma. Dr. Putnam further explains, “Children suffering trauma symptoms actually have higher than normal levels of neurotransmitters like adrenaline and noradrenalin (norepinephrine). These same transmitters are raised even further by stimulants like Ritalin that are commonly prescribed for ADHD.”
Excerpted from: Foster Families Today July/August 2009.
Foster parents who are aware of the similarities in symptoms of trauma and ADHD will be better able to advocate for the needs of the children in their care. Become informed. Consider attending pre-service training to review the effects of trauma on growth and development. Your local Cluster is also a great place to access information and resources. Les Harris will offer training on understanding ADHD for the Uintah Basin Cluster on March 24 at the Vernal DCFS offi ce from 1 – 3p.m. Please contact him to register for this class if you are interested.
Foundations for Youth
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