Together Facing the Challenge Program Summary March 2016 · Together Facing the Challenge is a training and consultation based program designed to support current foster care providers

Together Facing the Challenge Program Summary March 2016

Page 1 Updated March 1, 2016

Together Facing the Challenge is a training and consultation based program designed to support current foster care providers and to provide improved outcomes for youth ages 3 – 17 years. This program incorporates elements from evidence-based treatments to fill gaps in general care and practical parenting. The program also integrates trauma-informed approaches to promote healing and resiliency. The objectives of Together Facing the Challenge include:

• Building therapeutic relationships • Perform and teach cooperation skills • Implement effective parenting techniques such as communicate effectively, set expectations,

reinforce positive behavior, avoid power struggles and other strategies • Prepare youth for their future by teaching independence skills • Create a positive home environment through family fun time, taking care of self, family

meetings, and other techniques • Improve outcomes for youth served in therapeutic foster care settings

I. Overview of Population Participants for this program were hand selected from a list of all current caregivers. From a list of 974 licensed caregivers, only 129 were selected to be invited to participate in this pilot program. Criteria for selection included:

• DFS Licensed caregiver with a general license rather than a child-specific license or relative license

• License in good standing (no renewal deficiencies, no current Required Action Plans (RAP), no beds on hold)

• Must be able to be licensed for children ages 8 – 18 years of age (number of rooms, beds, space in car must meet licensing criteria for this age range)

• Must be licensed for a minimum of 6 months • Must have taken at least 1 placement already • Must be willing to commit to taking in at least 1 child, ages 8 – 18 years who meets the

definition of a child requiring a higher level of care (HLOC) placement

Feedback regarding licensure history was considered from case managers, licensing representatives, and QPI coordinator, to ensure that program participants were a good fit for the program outcomes and objectives.

Potential participants were sent a brief questionnaire to determine their interest in the program and what benefits they anticipated by completing the program. Potential participants were provided with



the criteria for program participation which included the above criteria for selection along with the following additional items:

• Must be able to attend all 6 sessions of the training program. If there are 2 caregivers licensed in the home, both must complete the program but may register to attend classes at different days and times

• Must be willing to complete follow-up activities to support lessons learned within the sessions. • Must be willing to commit to accepting placement of at least 1 child, ages 8 – 18 years, within 3

months of completing the program • Must be willing to share their opinion of the program and lessons learned through periodic

electronic surveys during the immediate 12 months after completing the training

Potential participants were also informed at this time that they would be receiving a stipend of $1,000 per family for the completion of this program, adhering to all stated expectations of the program and accepting and/or maintaining placement of children within this age range within the time frames stipulated.

II. Goals of Program The goals of the Together Facing the Challenge program included benefits for foster families, children in foster care and the Department. While foster families would have a broader understanding of the trauma that children in foster care face, reasons for their specific behaviors and how to support a child who is healing through foster care, children in foster care benefit directly by having a caregiver that understands and is able to meet their needs. Children between 8 and 17 years of age experience the highest rates of disruptions from foster homes. Each disruption increases their chances for a future disruption and compounds the developmental delays they may experience through this process. By helping children maintain placements and have their needs met by using appropriate strategies, their disruption rate decreases leading them to have stronger stability and connections. Each time a child in foster care moves homes, this creates an avalanche of paperwork for several team members including the case manager, placement team, reception team, and Child Haven staff if they are admitted. Depending on the time frame of the disruption, licensing team members, Foster Parent Champion Program team members and other department staff may be involved in the attempt to preserve the placement. By setting families up for success by giving them the tools they need to maintain difficult placements, the Department is able to realize a large monetary benefit equated with each individual move.

A secondary goal of the program is for caregivers to develop a support system with the other participants in the program. By completing the six training sessions together as part of an exclusive group, participants are encouraged to create a support system with other members of the program. This support system can provide to be beneficial for emotional support as well as babysitting options from caregivers who have similar training and behavior management techniques.



III. Collaboration Healthy Minds partnered effectively to implement the Together Facing the Challenge Program. Healthy Minds staff were trained to facilitate the program, they responded promptly to emails and questions, and they supported the development of questions to evaluate the program throughout a 9 month period of time. There were some limitations in regards to specific licensing questions regarding behavior management that facilitators were unable to address effectively. Special Project Unit staff were able to engage with participants and answer questions on an on-going basis to alleviate this issue and demonstrate partnership between the Department and Healthy Minds.

IV. Sustainability Healthy Minds continues to offer the six sessions of Together Facing the Challenge semi-annually as part of the training provided by the Department’s Training Team and listed in the Training Calendar for DFS staff, caregivers and community partners. They are generally offered on a weekday between the hours of 9 am and 12 pm. For caregivers that work, that is a difficult time frame for them to attend. For the September /October 2015 session, attendance averaged 2.5 participants with the final session having four participants. These participants were mostly from community partners (Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority, CASA, Salvation Army) with one participant who is a PSR worker for Apple Grove Foster Care Agency who attended five of the six sessions and one foster family who attended only one session. For the February / March 2016 there has been an average of 3.67 participants per session for the first three sessions, with one participant registered for session four and no participants registered for sessions five or six. There has been one DFS Foster parent who attended each of the first two sessions and the other participants have been community resources including a PSR worker from Apple Grove Foster Care Agency. While this program can continue to be offered through this means, there is no program development or requirements for caregivers to complete the series. Caregivers attending these random classes do not have the opportunity to get to know other caregivers over a period of time nor are they able to develop the support system that organically develops during a planned six-week program opportunity.

V. Evaluation Surveys were conducted after meeting 2 and meeting 6 in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the training and the impact it was having on participants on their daily interaction with children in their home. Surveys will also be delivered to participants 3 months and 6 months after completion of the program for the purpose of understanding if caregivers are able to continue implementing the skills they learned during the class and the effectiveness of these strategies.

Data will also be collected during the periods of time to track the number of open beds, the number of placements and the reasons for placement endings. This data will be analyzed to determine the overall effectiveness of the program and if caregivers were more successful in maintaining placement of children within this age range.



VI. Conclusion Based on feedback from the first two surveys, caregivers report feeling satisfied with the program and feel that they benefitted from the program. There were no disruptions of children placed in participant’s homes neither during the training period nor during the two weeks thereafter. One participant disrupted a child and needed police intervention at the time of the removal after the first two weeks of the class had passed. Another participant was struggling and reached out to the Foster Parent Champion Program and Healthy Minds Facilitators for strategies to maintain the placement. At the time of this writing, that particular placement has been maintained.

VII. Recommendation Based on caregiver feedback, participants believe that all caregivers would benefit from completing this program. Whether they saw this class as an opportunity to learn new material or as a way to relearn prior material, caregivers felt that the class was worthwhile.

VIII. Appendix • Family Tracking Data • Survey 1 Results • Survey 2 Results • Survey 3 & 4 Questions

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION

This is to certify that:

SAMPLE PERSON

has successfully completed 18 hours of training titled:

Together Facing the Challenge

Presented by: Healthy Minds

January 7, 2016 - February 11, 2016

Healthy Minds Instructor Healthy Minds Instructor

Together Facing the Challenge Pilot Program January 2016

Page 1

NAME PROVIDER #

EMAIL CUR

REN

T CA

PACI

TY

# O

PEN

BED

S

AGE

RAN

GE

CURRENT PLACEMENTS AS OF 2/12/2016

ANTI

CIPA

TE

TAKI

NG

KID

S?

ARE

YOU

BET

TER

EQ

UIP

PED

?

DID

PR

OG

RAM

H

ELP

YOU

M

AIN

TAIN

PL

ACEM

ENT?

SUMMARY OF INTEREST PRIOR TO PROGRAM CURRENT PLACEMENTS AS OF 5/12/2016

CURRENT PLACEMENTS AS OF 8/12/2016

ATKINSON, ALSON 125408623 [email protected]

1 1 00-18 6 YO MALE CHILD MOVED TO BE WITH SIBLING 2/6/2015

Yes (1c)

I have a 7 year old male placed in my home

currently. He is defiant, lies, bullies other kids.

COMBS, KEVIN & BRIANNE 125400555 [email protected]

2 1 00-18 17 YO MALE PLACED 9/30/2015

Yes (1a)

FORIEST, ARKISHA 125410796 [email protected]

2 0 06-18 12 YO FEMALE PLACED 10/12/2015 13 YO FEMALE PLACED 12/12/2015

JOHNSON, BARBARA JEAN (PREVIOUSLY MIST TRAINED) 125402745 [email protected]

2 0 08-18 14 YO FEMALE PLACED 9/2/2014 16 YO FEMALE PLACED 1/2/2016–placement disrupted 2/25/2016

Based on my past experiences I have

worked with multiple Foster children with many problems and

issues. I have listened with empathy. I am

well versed with problem solving.

Although I’m experienced, I’m still

learning.

MCALLISTER, SONYA & TERRENCE 125400796 [email protected]

4 0 00-18 1 YO OLD MALE PLACED 1/5/2016 12 YO OLD MALE PLACED 11/07/2015

PHILLIPS, JACQUELINE 125403186 [email protected]

4 0 10-18

13 YO OLD FEMALE PLACED 1/29/2016 15 YO OLD FEMALE PLACED 1/29/2016 15 YO OLD FEMALE PLACED 11/25/2015 14 YO OLD FEMALE PLACED 1/6/2016

Yes (2a) Yes

I welcome all additional training. It has been

several years since my biological children were teenagers. What worked

for me in the past, doesn't necessarily work

today. My goal is to prepare the children in

my home for success. It takes a village.

SILVA, AUTUMN & RAMIRO 125406356 [email protected]; [email protected]

4 2 11-18 13 YO OLD MALE PLACED 10/26/2015 15 YO OLD MALE PLACED 10/26/2015

Maybe (1d)

Yes (2b)

It is always good to learn new techniques and strategies. This is

what we hope to get out of this program. Children in home

described as negative, bossy, sneaky, admit to

using drugs

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


Page 2

SUMMERFIELD, ROBERT 125400266 [email protected]

2 0 06-18 10 YO OLD PLACED 8/14/2015 14 YO OLD PLACED 3/13/2014

Yes (2c) Yes

I routinely foster children in the age

range indicated for this program and often for extended placements.

Any additional resource to help me help them would be a benefit.

THOMAS, MARY ANNE & CHARLES 125401341 [email protected]

0 0 00-17 BED PLACED ON HOLD 12/2015 TO CARE FOR AILING FATHER; ANTICIPATE TAKING OFF HOLD 2/2016 PER LICENSING NOTE

Yes (1b)

We are planning on taking in more teenage

children in the near future. We would love to

have extra training to give us the confidence and knowledge to be prepared to help older

children become successful in life.

TURNBULL, CHRISTINA 125411281 [email protected]

1 0 06-18 18 YO OLD FEMALE PLACED 10/13/2015

I am a new foster parent so I am open to

learning and finding ways to combat issues. I have not settled into any one way of doing things or even thinking

my way is best or better. I am excited to learn new and better

ways of understanding behaviors and issues.

(1a) Yes, we do plan on taking another child in the next 3 months, just waiting to find one that fits our home

(1b) We currently don't have any open beds because we are waiting for grandpa's background check to come back. He moved in with us in January. We are adding an additional bedroom and bathroom to be able to easily up our license to 2-3 open beds. We plan on taking in at least one older child within the next 3 months. (1c) There is a 13 year old male I will be meeting as soon as I can schedule it with Oasis. Hopefully placement will be made shortly and the transition is not a very long one. (1d) We enjoy doing respite so the open beds help out when another child needs a respite home. We had our license changed last year due to the sibling group of three we took in, as we already had a single placement so we had four kids at a time. This sibling group of three has left our home and now we have a sibling group of two. We like to take sibling group placements, as we feel this works best for us. Each time we have a placement we look at the situation, and from there determine if we can take more placements. With the sibling group we have right now, it is better for us not to take new placements, and instead stick with respite. If this sibling group leaves us in the next 3 months we would be open to more sibling placements. The two rooms we have for foster care are one room has 3 beds in it (bunk beds plus additional bed) and the other room has one bed in it. So to take another sibling group right now, one would have to share a room with the two placements I have right now, and at this time, we feel the boys would not do well with another staying in their room.

(2a) The program has given me additional tools to assist the children in my home. The program also assisted me with identifying ways to remain calm during power struggles with the children and a DFS Worker. The program empowered me to face the challenges.

(2b) The class we took as a good refresher course for foster care in general and had some very good information in it, for treatment placements. I am glad we were given the opportunity to take the class. We are very involved foster parents and truly care about each child that comes in our home; we hope to make a lasting impression on the kids as the kids make lasting impressions on us.

(2c) I do think that the training has help with how I am managing my relationship with my teenage foster son and that it reinforced the efforts we have been working on to maintain the placement and move it to the next level once he is eligible for adoption.


Page 3

• There have been NO disruptions during the program ; all but one of the children placed prior to or during the program are still currently in the home

o Only 1 child left the home during the program and that was to be placed with sibling; caregiver did not have open beds for siblings

Dear ___,

Congratulations on completing the Together Facing the Challenge Program. If you have not already completed the online survey, please do so by clicking on this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/26X7LZG

Our records show that you currently have (one/two) open bed(s) in your home. Do you anticipate being able to take placement of a youth between the ages of 8-18 years within the next 3 months? Please let us know if you feel that participation in the Together Facing the Challenge Program has better equipped you to care for additional youth in your home? Also, do you feel that the program helped you maintain the placement of the youth that were in your home during the program?

Thank you for your participation in the program and for all you do for the children and families in Clark County.

Brenda

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/26X7LZG

100.00% 14

0.00% 0

Q1 Have the sessions started and endedwithin the timeframes you anticipated?

Answered: 14 Skipped: 0

Total 14

# Additional Comments: Date

1 Our teachers are very mindful of our time 1/14/2016 10:39 PM

Yes

No

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Answer Choices Responses

Yes

No

1 / 11

Together Facing the Challenge Pilot Jan 2016 (Thursday pm sessions)

85.71% 12

14.29% 2

Q2 Is the information being presented in anorganized, logical, and clear manner?


Total 14


1 It is not the best organized, the teachers often need to have us go forward three slides or pages in the handouts thenback. Also, slide clearly haven't been updated to DFS as the term they use in many of the slide reflect terminologyused where the source material comes from.

1/28/2016 10:25 PM

2 They use a powerpoint presentation and handout material which helps me follow the presentation and use for laterreference.

1/25/2016 8:27 AM

3 The topics covered that night follows the PowerPoint in a clear and organized manner. However, it is a little too early totell if it takes you from A to Z by the end of the course.

1/25/2016 8:02 AM

4 They have an outline to follow and stick to it. They take the time to allow for classroom discussions when they comeup.

1/14/2016 10:39 PM

Yes

No

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


Yes

No

2 / 11


92.86% 13

7.14% 1

Q3 Do you believe the facilitators areknowledgeable about the material covered

in class?Answered: 14 Skipped: 0

Total 14


1 However, sometimes it feels like while they are knowledgeable from a profession level, that they aren't overly familiarwith the actual presentation material.

1/28/2016 10:25 PM

2 Not sure if they have ever been foster parents themselves. Would be nice if they were or at least one was. 1/28/2016 3:51 PM

3 One of the things that I would have liked to have known about the facilitators is more of an introduction aboutthemselves; i.e., their experience (personal and professional), and knowledge (schooling). However, with that beingsaid they do appear to have the knowledge and experience necessary to be able to conduct the training. The seem tokeep everyones attention and even engage the students in two way conversation, debate and discussions.

1/25/2016 8:27 AM

4 They appear to be knowledgeable and experienced with the topics, which helps the caregivers and/or foster parentsinformation and a form of support.

1/25/2016 8:02 AM

5 And they are very patient and listen to you very closely before they will answer you. 1/22/2016 7:23 PM

6 They have been able to answer most questions and when they don't have an answer there is usually another classmember who has had a similar experience to share.

1/14/2016 10:39 PM

Yes

No

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


Yes

No

3 / 11


92.86% 13

7.14% 1

Q4 Have all of your questions beenanswered to your satisfaction?


Total 14


1 Instructor are very good at getting back to the group if they don't know an answer. 1/28/2016 10:25 PM

2 I don't think that there is a one size fits all approach to raising children, regardless of their individual issues. However Ido find myself scrunching my forehead and squinting of my eyes over some of the issues and discipline that has beenattempted to gain compliance and ultimately changed behavior. Shame on me if I am not asking all my questions inclass.

1/25/2016 8:27 AM

3 Some questions and answer I'm learning. 1/22/2016 7:23 PM

4 I really haven't had any questions yet. 1/14/2016 10:39 PM

Yes

No

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


Yes

No

4 / 11


85.71% 12

14.29% 2

Q5 Is this program meeting yourexpectations?Answered: 14 Skipped: 0

Total 14

# If you selected no, what can be done to improve the program and meet your expectations? Date

1 Thought it was more specific to teens and their behaviors. 1/28/2016 3:51 PM

2 I think we all have had an occasion to go into training slightly pessimistic about what we are going to learn; however,once in the class I always tend to enjoy it and walk away with some added tools.

1/25/2016 8:27 AM

3 It even exceeds my expectations as it provided you with additional tools to help dealing with higher needs children,specifically with avoiding confrontations.

1/25/2016 8:02 AM

4 Don't exactly as I am not sure what to expect. 1/21/2016 6:12 PM

5 More specific training about teens 1/15/2016 7:54 AM

6 Only 2 weeks in and I am being reminded of things I should be implementing within my family. 1/14/2016 10:39 PM

7 I wish this information was available when I initially became a foster parent. 1/14/2016 9:45 PM

Yes

No

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


Yes

No

5 / 11


100.00% 14

0.00% 0

Q6 Has this program provided informationthat is practical for you to use as a licensed

foster parent?Answered: 14 Skipped: 0

Total 14


1 With all children 2/4/2016 9:35 AM

2 It gives you a practical approach to dealing with various situations and behaviors that the children and yourself as afoster parent may be experiencing. The more tools that you have at your disposal, the more effective you will hopefullybe at resolving the situation.

1/25/2016 8:02 AM

3 It is a really good class ,I come home and practice and things are getting a little better long haul to go but I want andwill not give up.

1/22/2016 7:23 PM

4 I really enjoyed when they had us mention behaviors foster children have, most people only considered the negativebehaviors. It was a great wake up call to look for the positive in our kids and then praise them on what they do well.

1/14/2016 10:39 PM

5 The information takes out the guess work and the hitting and missing with parenting children. 1/14/2016 9:45 PM

Yes

No

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


Yes

No

6 / 11


Q7 What have you liked best about theprogram so far?


# Responses Date

1 Meeting other foster parents. Coming up with different ways to handle behaviors. 2/4/2016 5:24 PM

2 New ideas of tactical parenting 2/4/2016 9:35 AM

3 The ability to hear what is working for other parents of teen in care and getting multiple view points on how to handledifferent situations.

1/28/2016 10:25 PM

4 Meeting other foster parents 1/28/2016 3:51 PM

5 Foster parents get to share their different view points and experiences. 1/26/2016 8:15 AM

6 The discussions, debates and listening to other foster parents talk about their particular situations and how theyhandled them.

1/25/2016 8:27 AM

7 Engaged conversations and discussions over the topics between the facilitators and the class, which help provide asupport network for everyone in attendance.

1/25/2016 8:02 AM

8 Interacting with group and listening what they have experience and you find out you not alone. 1/22/2016 7:23 PM

9 The communication amongst Foster parents in class. 1/21/2016 6:12 PM

10 I like the information. The information about what not to do, was an eye opener for me. 1/19/2016 2:45 PM

11 The subject matter has practical application and not just theory. 1/19/2016 12:32 PM

12 Meeting other foster parents 1/15/2016 7:54 AM

13 I really enjoy the classroom discussions best. When a foster parent poses a question and the whole class getsinvolved in giving suggestions.

1/14/2016 10:39 PM

14 The brainstorming of the various problems within the group. 1/14/2016 9:45 PM

7 / 11


Q8 What have you least enjoyed about theprogram so far?


# Responses Date

1 I don't feel like the facilitators really understand being a parent and a foster parent. This class would be much morebeneficial if the trainers were adoptive or foster parents, or had more experience in Family Services.

2/4/2016 5:24 PM

2 N/a 2/4/2016 9:35 AM

3 There has been a few delays just because instructors aren't familiar with the available technology. As a trainer I find itbest to fully investigate and have a IT person if need be walk me through the training room so that the class isn'tdistracted from the message by issues related to tech once class starts.

1/28/2016 10:25 PM

4 Boring power points and reading straight off notes 1/28/2016 3:51 PM

5 I have no complaints about the program so far. I enjoy every minute of the class. 1/26/2016 8:15 AM

6 Some of the classmates have a very very low monotone voice. I find myself straining to hear what they are saying. 1/25/2016 8:27 AM

7 Finding a babysitter for my children at home. 1/25/2016 8:02 AM

8 I'm old school and I have to learn to change some of my way of thinking in order to succeed helping the children. 1/22/2016 7:23 PM

9 Everything is good so far. 1/21/2016 6:12 PM

10 We've had some long dialogue about specific children that are being fostered. I don't like when others try to resolvetheir problems in the class. I think they should try the methods offered in the class and see if they help.

1/19/2016 2:45 PM

11 The course is positive so far. 1/19/2016 12:32 PM

12 Reading power point slides 1/15/2016 7:54 AM

13 I really have enjoyed all of it thus far. 1/14/2016 10:39 PM

14 N/A 1/14/2016 9:45 PM

8 / 11


Q9 Is there anything else you would like toshare with us about the Together Facing the

Challenge Program?Answered: 12 Skipped: 2

# Responses Date

1 You should have a short breifing before each class with a licensing worker to ask any questions that the facilitators areunable to answer.

2/4/2016 5:24 PM

2 Great program 2/4/2016 9:35 AM

3 Not at this time 1/28/2016 10:25 PM

4 Not at this time. 1/26/2016 8:15 AM

5 Nothing I can think of up to this point. 1/25/2016 8:27 AM

6 No. 1/25/2016 8:02 AM

7 I think it a good program because a lot questions being answer that should has been answer year ago but the countyis growing too so we all are growing together to make things better Foster Parents and better worker.

1/22/2016 7:23 PM

8 Good information thus far 1/21/2016 6:12 PM

9 It's been a good class. I like having more tools to work with my foster children. 1/19/2016 2:45 PM

10 Not at this time. 1/19/2016 12:32 PM

11 If parents implement what they are being taught this program should be very successful. 1/14/2016 10:39 PM

12 I am very satisfied with the assistance and information that is being provided. I have already applied some of theinformation in the lessons.

1/14/2016 9:45 PM

9 / 11


100.00% 5

0.00% 0

0.00% 0

0.00% 0

0.00% 0

0.00% 0

0.00% 0

0.00% 0

80.00% 4

80.00% 4

Q10 If you would like a response regardingany or your answers, please complete the

section below. If you do not require aresponse, you may choose to remain

anonymous.Answered: 5 Skipped: 9

# Name Date

1 kevin combs 2/4/2016 9:35 AM

2 Terrence McAllister 1/25/2016 8:27 AM

3 Sonya McAllister 1/25/2016 8:02 AM

4 barbara johnson 1/22/2016 7:23 PM

5 Mary Anne 1/14/2016 10:39 PM

# Company Date

There are no responses.

# Address Date


# Address 2 Date


# City/Town Date


# State/Province Date


# ZIP/Postal Code Date


# Country Date


# Email Address Date


Name

Company

Address

Address 2

City/Town

State/Province

ZIP/Postal Code

Country

Email Address

Phone Number

10 / 11


1 [email protected] 2/4/2016 9:35 AM



4 [email protected] 1/22/2016 7:23 PM

# Phone Number Date

1 7023086293 2/4/2016 9:35 AM

2 (702) 290-8943 1/25/2016 8:27 AM

3 (702) 994-1849 1/25/2016 8:02 AM

4 702-242-0095 1/22/2016 7:23 PM

11 / 11


100.00% 10

0.00% 0

Q1 Was the information being presented inan organized, logical, and clear manner?


Total 10


1 Info were very clear and we'll plan I think it met all of our needs somewhere. 2/22/2016 7:00 PM

2 I think it could have been better organized 2/11/2016 11:54 PM

3 However, it could have been better coordinated between the handouts and the instructors manual because there wasa lot of flipping back and forth.

2/11/2016 8:26 PM

Yes

No

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


Yes

No

1 / 19

Together Facing the Challenge Pilot 2016 Survey #2 February 2016

90.00% 9

10.00% 1

Q2 Was the training content clearly relatedto permanency, safety or the well-being of

children?Answered: 10 Skipped: 0

Total 10

# Additional comments: Date

1 Yes, it provide stability in a safe caring home while nuturing the the foster child. 2/22/2016 7:00 PM

2 There really wasn't much info regarding permanency. I think the material should include the effects of constantlychanging homes on the children, and why we should as caregivers do everything within our power to limit theplacements of these children. Maybe that would help caregivers understand the importance their example, love andstability can be to a child.

2/17/2016 10:13 AM

3 I think it would have been good to talk about disruptions and how tramatzing they are to children. That it is important towork through the behaviors as this will help build trust between you and the child.

2/11/2016 11:54 PM

Yes

No

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


Yes

No

2 / 19


20.00% 2

80.00% 8

Q3 Did the training address cultural issuesand diversity?Answered: 10 Skipped: 0

Total 10


1 I do not recall this being addressed. 2/19/2016 10:08 AM

2 I don't recall any lesson material regarding cultural issues or diversity. 2/17/2016 10:13 AM

3 The training addressed diversities that children and the parents may have. I don't recall cultural issues beingdiscussed.

2/16/2016 7:09 AM

Yes

No

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


Yes

No

3 / 19


90.00% 9

10.00% 1

Q4 Were the facilitators engaging andeffective throughout the program?


Total 10


1 You could tell they had prepare for each lesson. 2/22/2016 7:00 PM

2 It would have been better to have trainers with some experience in raising difficult children as well as the clinicalexperience.

2/17/2016 10:13 AM

3 The facilitators were awesome. They had compassion for the parents as well as the children. The facilitaors were ableto offer suggestions and identify available resources.

2/16/2016 7:09 AM

4 Although at times it seemed like as they were presenting it was the first time they had ever run through the material. 2/11/2016 8:26 PM

Yes

No

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


Yes

No

4 / 19


100.00% 10

0.00% 0

Q5 Were the facilitators knowledgeableabout the material covered in class?


Total 10


1 When ever intructor teach and they know they prepare well you will feel the link then the class come together 2/22/2016 7:00 PM

2 I feel they did a great job 2/19/2016 10:08 AM

3 They seemed book smart, without much actual hands on experience. 2/17/2016 10:13 AM

4 May be better in future to have facilitators who are foster parents and have experience 2/16/2016 8:01 PM

5 Material yes, but not so much in real life experiences and living with foster children. 2/11/2016 11:54 PM

6 see previous comment 2/11/2016 8:26 PM

Yes

No

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


Yes

No

5 / 19


88.89% 8

0.00% 0

11.11% 1

Q6 Have all of your questions beenanswered to your satisfaction?


Total 9

# If you selected no, what questions remain unanswered that we can assist you with? Date

1 Every answer don't fit every child we need to stay in training every now and then 2/22/2016 7:00 PM

Yes

No

If youselected no,...

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


Yes

No

If you selected no, what questions remain unanswered that we can assist you with?

6 / 19


100.00% 10

0.00% 0

Q7 Did this program meet yourexpectations?Answered: 10 Skipped: 0

Total 10


1 I did not become a good Foster over night you got to have the child history so I came to learn as much as I could nowI'm becoming a good Foster parent

2/22/2016 7:00 PM

2 Was not too sure of what to expect from the class, but it had a lot of good information and was a good refresher classfor Fostercare in General.

2/19/2016 10:08 AM

3 I didn't feel like I learned anything new or any new strategies, but it was a nice refresher. 2/17/2016 10:13 AM

Yes

No

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


Yes

No

7 / 19


100.00% 10

0.00% 0

Q8 Do you believe this program has beenworth the investment of your time?


Total 10

# If you selected no, what can be done to make this program more valuable to you as a caregiver? Date

1 It kind of free you when you learned. 2/22/2016 7:00 PM

2 Yes, we may have been slightly skeptical at first as we have been parenting for several years with our own biological,adoptive and foster children. Having as many children as we have had in our home we have experienced a wide arrayof challenges, though we learned several new techniques during this class.

2/18/2016 9:40 AM

3 It was a long class, I believe any training can and does help us be better parents. 2/17/2016 10:13 AM

4 The information provided in this program has given me the tools to assist the children in my home. I feel empoweredand ready for the challenges.

2/16/2016 7:09 AM

Yes

No

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


Yes

No

8 / 19


100.00% 10

0.00% 0

Q9 Would you recommend this program toother foster parents?


Total 10


1 Yes 2/22/2016 7:00 PM

2 Absolutely, I think it is a good refresher course, with more in depth information on treatment placements 2/19/2016 10:08 AM

3 If you have an open and receptive attitude, I believe there is always something you can take away. 2/18/2016 9:40 AM

4 This program should be offered to all foster parents. The program is like a play book before the game. 2/16/2016 7:09 AM

Yes

No

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


Yes

No

9 / 19


100.00% 10

0.00% 0

Q10 Have you used any of the behaviormanagement strategies presented in class?


Total 10

Yes

No

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


Yes

No

10 / 19


100.00% 10

50.00% 5

40.00% 4

Q11 What strategies have you used to helpdevelop positive relationships...


# with the children in your home? Date

1 listen more mean full then build a relationship respect each other's and be positive. 2/22/2016 7:00 PM

2 communication opening up 2/19/2016 10:08 AM

3 Provide the children with more opportunities. 2/18/2016 1:01 PM

4 We have begun meeting regularly with all of our children in the home both individually and as a team. 2/18/2016 9:40 AM

5 I really tried to focus on their good behaviors instead of the negative ones. 2/17/2016 10:13 AM

6 family rules, reinforcement 2/16/2016 8:01 PM

7 I am using "I Messages" and refraining from using "You Messages." 2/16/2016 7:09 AM

8 House rules; "I" statement; logical and natural consequences; 2/14/2016 8:01 AM

9 praise, consistency in consequences, figuring out the antecedent to the behaviors 2/11/2016 11:54 PM

10 ABC and House Rules 2/11/2016 8:26 PM

# with case managers and Department of Family Services team members? Date

1 follow of on appt.trusting each other ogether 2/22/2016 7:00 PM

2 communication lines to keep everyone up to date with placements in my home 2/19/2016 10:08 AM

3 Accurately convey information. 2/18/2016 1:01 PM

4 How to Get Out of a Power Struggle 2/16/2016 7:09 AM

5 advocating for the child and treating the children like one of your own 2/11/2016 11:54 PM

# with others? Date

1 then I think the child will understand we concern about tjem 2/22/2016 7:00 PM

2 Establish collaborative, respectful, trusting and individualized relationships. 2/18/2016 1:01 PM

3 N/A 2/16/2016 7:09 AM

4 different strategies for different kids, there is not one cookie cutter answer 2/11/2016 11:54 PM


with the children in your home?

with case managers and Department of Family Services team members?

with others?

11 / 19


70.00% 7

30.00% 3

Q12 Have you incorporated aspects of self-care into your life?


Total 10

# Why or why not? Date

1 I focus on my Foster children and my job to much the class made me relied I were not caring about me as much thenI'm going to be more grateful and thankful one day at a time.

2/22/2016 7:00 PM

2 We are very involved Foster parents with the children that come into our home/life. 2/19/2016 10:08 AM

3 Because it is just as important to take care of myself. 2/18/2016 1:01 PM

4 If you can't take care of #1 then you surely can't take care of others. 2/18/2016 9:40 AM

5 I feel happy with my life and the self-care level I am at. Whenever I feel like I need a break I just tell Charles and hetakes all the kids for me and gives me a chance to have some "me" time.

2/17/2016 10:13 AM

6 Active Relaxation 2/16/2016 7:09 AM

7 I know this is important and plan to work on that 2/11/2016 11:54 PM

8 Just went over that today, but in the past I have just not had the time to devote to these types of things. 2/11/2016 8:26 PM

Yes

No

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


Yes

No

12 / 19


Q13 What have you liked best about theprogram?


# Responses Date

1 Meeting different Foster Parents and hear the same going on in their house like yours and what that do now that helpout a whole lot.

2/22/2016 7:00 PM

2 Everyone in the class were participators, which made it interesting 2/19/2016 10:08 AM

3 The group participation. 2/18/2016 1:01 PM

4 Open dialogue with other foster parents and instructors. 2/18/2016 9:40 AM

5 It was a good reminder that me children aren't that bad after all :) 2/17/2016 10:13 AM

6 Interactions 2/16/2016 8:01 PM

7 The support from staff and other foster parents gave me ideas and problem solving techniques. 2/16/2016 7:09 AM

8 Discussion was encouraged and we were able to learn from other parents' experience 2/14/2016 8:01 AM

9 Getting to know and talking with the other foster parents 2/11/2016 11:54 PM

10 The experiences of the other foster parents in the training program. 2/11/2016 8:26 PM

13 / 19


Q14 What have you least enjoyed about theprogram?


# Responses Date

1 Foster children has to much power. 2/22/2016 7:00 PM

2 Nothing 2/19/2016 10:08 AM

3 I enjoyed every moment of the program. 2/18/2016 1:01 PM

4 Having to get a sitter each week. Added additional stress. 2/18/2016 9:40 AM

5 It took a lot of time away from my kids 2/17/2016 10:13 AM

6 Lack of experience for facilitators 2/16/2016 8:01 PM

7 N/A 2/16/2016 7:09 AM

8 It didn't look at discipline in a cultural context. 2/14/2016 8:01 AM

9 I would have liked the training to be held by foster patents who take children ages 8-18 2/11/2016 11:54 PM

10 How it wasn't tailored to Nevada or Clark County DFS. It was a distraction that was unnecessary and easily avoided(provided you had edit rights to the slides).

2/11/2016 8:26 PM

14 / 19


Q15 Please share any recommendationsyou have for improving this program?


# Responses Date

1 The program is good training but we as foster parents need to come together and learned together all as we can of wegoing to be good Foster parents.

2/22/2016 7:00 PM

2 None at this time. The instructor's were great. 2/18/2016 1:01 PM

3 See anwer to question 2 above 2/17/2016 10:13 AM

4 Knowledgeable facilitators with experience 2/16/2016 8:01 PM

5 N/A 2/16/2016 7:09 AM

6 Have foster patents run the training 2/11/2016 11:54 PM

7 Facilitators should practice or test run the material until they feel more comfortable with the flow, fix materials so theyfollow the order that is to be presented and customize the presentation for our state and county.

2/11/2016 8:26 PM

15 / 19


40.00% 4

60.00% 6

Q16 Are there other areas in which youwould like to receive further training?


Total 10

# Please describe any areas you would like to receive training in: Date

1 Remind us once a year refresher class 2/22/2016 7:00 PM

2 None at this time. 2/18/2016 1:01 PM

3 I would like to see additional resources for foster parents/caretakers with regard to self care. 2/18/2016 9:40 AM

4 Working with children who have drug and gang issues. 2/14/2016 8:01 AM

5 Explaining reasonable expectations of kids in care, and how not to disrupt 2/11/2016 11:54 PM

Yes

No

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


Yes

No

16 / 19


Q17 Please add any additional commentsthat you feel would be helpful for us to

determine the impact of this program onfoster families.


# Responses Date

1 Strong partnership between worker, lawyer and who ever else. 2/22/2016 7:00 PM

2 None at this time. 2/18/2016 1:01 PM

3 This program could possibly reduce the number of interruptions or "10 day notices." 2/16/2016 7:09 AM

4 Add role play for very challenging situations. 2/14/2016 8:01 AM

17 / 19


100.00% 3

0.00% 0

0.00% 0

0.00% 0

0.00% 0

0.00% 0

0.00% 0

0.00% 0

66.67% 2

66.67% 2

Q18 If you would like a response regardingany or your answers, please complete the

section below. If you do not require aresponse, you may choose to remain

anonymous.Answered: 3 Skipped: 7

# Name Date

1 barbara johnson 2/22/2016 7:00 PM

2 Mary Anne 2/17/2016 10:13 AM

3 Brianne Combs 2/11/2016 11:54 PM

# Company Date


# Address Date


# Address 2 Date


# City/Town Date


# State/Province Date


# ZIP/Postal Code Date


# Country Date


# Email Address Date




Name

Company

Address

Address 2

City/Town

State/Province

ZIP/Postal Code

Country

Email Address

Phone Number

18 / 19


# Phone Number Date

1 7022420095 2/22/2016 7:00 PM

2 7023004842 2/11/2016 11:54 PM

19 / 19


Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback regarding your experience with the TogetherFacing the Challenge program.

Survey after 3 months of completing training

Together Facing the Challenge Pilot 2016 Survey #3 May 2016

If yes, how many?

1. Have you accepted placement of any children within the past 3 months?

Yes

No

0 - 7 years

8 - 11 years

12 - 15 years

16 - 18 years

2. How many children do you currently have in your home in each age range below?

Why or why not?

3. Have you continued to use strategies learned in the class when parenting children in your home?

Yes

No

1

4. During the past 3 months, what strategies have you used to help develop positive relationships with thechildren in your home?

5. During the past 3 months, what strategies have you used to avoid power struggles with the children inyour home?

6. During the past 3 months, what strategies have you used to encourage positive behaviors from thechildren in your home?

7. During the past 3 months, what consequences to undesirable behaviors have you used with children inyour home?

Why or why not?

8. Do you feel that you are better equipped to manage children's behaviors since you have completed thisprogram?

Yes

No

2

Please explain:

9. During the past 3 months, have you incorporated any new aspects of self-care into your life?

Yes

No

If yes, have they been helpful to you?

10. Have you kept in touch with any of the families from your Together Facing the Challenge class forsupport since the completion of your class?

Yes

No

If so, what type of assistance can we provide?

11. Is there any assistance that you feel you need at this time that we can provide?

Yes

No

12. Please add any additional comments that you feel would be helpful for us to determine the impact ofthis program on foster families.

3

Name

Email Address

Phone Number

13. If you would like a response regarding any or your answers, please complete the section below. If youdo not require a response, you may choose to remain anonymous.

Thank you for your feedback.

Please click the "Done" box below to submit your survey.

4

Documents

Together Facing the Challenge Program Summary March 2016 · Together Facing the Challenge is a training and consultation based program designed to support current foster care providers