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This Month’s Featured Family ... Meet the Jespersens!
AASK is a OUR MISSION collaborative AASK commits to building
program of permancy for children from
Catholic Charities foster care through adoption
North Dakota by stable and nurturing
and PATH families.
CatholicCharitiesNorth Dakota
Austin is a matter-of-fact boy looking forward to meeting his adoptive family.
He is described as healthy and a good eater. He will try any food once and says his favorite food is “all you can eat”! Austin enjoys playing video games, riding his bicycle, and jumping on the trampoline. His favorite TV channels are ABC Family, TBS, and Cartoon Network. Austin likes to tube and swim at the lake. Austin wants potential adoptive families to know that he likes wearing jerseys and takes pride in his appearance.
Providing “structure, structure, structure” is Austin’s foster mother’s advice to potential adoptive familes. Austin will be attending a program this summer that
will assist him in building socialization skills and daily living skills. He has recently been referred for medical Occupational and Physical Therapy services, which should continue after his adoption is fi nalized.
Austin will be in 7th grade this fall. Austin does best when his “world is made small” at school, he can become overwhelmed with “hustle and bustle.” Austin can get frustrated when he does not understand things at school and continues to work on appropriately managing these situations.
Austin is looking for a family who will be able to take care of him through thick and thin. Potental adoptive families need to understand that Austin lives “in the moment”. He does not have a preference as to if he is adopted by a married couple or a single person. Austin wouldn’t mind having siblings, but his team is recommending that there would be no other boys in the home around Austin’s age of 12. Austin hopes that his adoptive family might have a cat and would not move to different homes often.
Patience, consistency, nurturing, and unending support will make an adoptive placement successfull for Austin and his future adoptive family. If you would like to learn more about how to meet Austin’s needs,
please contact Sonja McLean at 701-356-7985.
We are a large, loving family. Tom is a hard worker, wonderful husband, and patient father. Cheryl has a
great ear for listening and helping others; she is also the schedule planner of the family.
Angela (22) just graduated from college with a degree in mechanical systems. She is a very organized and
loving young woman.
Troy (21) is married to Kate (22); they, too, just graduated from college, Troy in elementary education/
coaching. Kate’s degree is in medical laboratory science. They are expecting their fi rst child in June. They
also will be moving to Alaska to start their careers. cont. on page 2
HEART TIMES AASK-Adults Adopting Special Kids June 2012
1
This Month’s Featured Family ... Meet the Jespersens!
Austin is a matter-of-fact boy looking forward to meeting his adoptive family.
He is described as healthy and a good eater. He will try any food once and says his favorite food is “all you can eat”! Austin enjoys playing video games, riding his bicycle, and jumping on the trampoline. His favorite TV channels are ABCFamily, TBS, and Cartoon Network. Austin likes to tube and swim at the lake.Austin wants potential adoptive families to know that he likes wearing jerseysand takes pride in his appearance.
Providing “structure, structure, structure” is Austin’s foster mother’s advice to potential adoptive familes. Austin will be attending a program this summer that
ll assist him in building socialization skills and daily living skills. He has recently been referred for medical Occupational and Physical Therapy services, which should continue after his adoption is fi nalized.
Austin will be in 7th grade this fall. Austin does best when his “world is made small” at school, he canbecome overwhelmed with “hustle and bustle.” Austin can get frustrated when he does not understand
ings at school and continues to work on appropriately managing these situations.
Austin is looking for a family who will be able to take care of him through thick and thin. Potental adoptive milies need to understand that Austin lives “in the moment”. He does not have a preference as to if he adopted by a married couple or a single person. Austin wouldn’t mind having siblings, but his team is commending that there would be no other boys in the home around Austin’s age of 12. Austin hopes that s adoptive family might have a cat and would not move to different homes often.
Patience, consistency, nurturing, and unending support will make an adoptive placement successfull forAustin and his future adoptive family. If you would like to learn more about how to meet Austin’s needs,
ease contact Sonja McLean at 701-356-7985.
We are a large, loving family. Tom is a hard worker, wonderful husband, and patient father. Cheryl has a
eat ear for listening and helping others; she is also the schedule planner of the family.
Angela (22) just graduated from college with a degree in mechanical systems. She is a very organized and
ving young woman.
oy (21) is married to Kate (22); they, too, just graduated from college, Troy in elementary education/
coaching. Kate’s degree is in medical laboratory science. They are expecting their fi rst child in June. They
so will be moving to Alaska to start their careers. cont. on page 2
AASK-Adults Adopting Special Kids June 2012
BismarckPATH ND, Inc.
418 East Broadway - Suite 25
Bismarck, North Dakota 58501
Phone: 701-224-9611
Toll Free: 800-766-9279
Fax: 701-224-9747
Joan Allen
AASK Program Supervisor
701-224-9611
jallen@catholicchari� esnd.org
Kathy Watson
AASK Worker
701-224-9611
kathy@catholicchari� esnd.org
DickinsonPATH ND, Inc.
135 Sims Street – Suite204
Dickinson, North Dakota 58601
Phone: 701-225-3310
Toll Free: 800-766-9351
Fax: 701-225-2208
Linda Gregory
AASK Worker
701-225-3310
Grand ForksCatholic Charities North Dakota
311 South 4th Street – Suite 105
Grand Forks, North Dakota 58201
Trich Heck
AASK Worker
701-775-4196
theck@catholicchari� esnd.org
Andrea Olson
AASK Worker
701-775-4196
aolson@catholicchari� esnd.org
MinotPATH ND, Inc.
2000 East Burdick Expressway
Minot, North Dakota 58701
Phone: 70-839-8887
Fax: 701-839-8990
Amanda Sem
AASK Worker
701-839-8887
asem@catholicchari� esnd.org
Devils LakePATH ND, Inc.
1820 East Walnut Street – Suite 5
Devils Lake, North Dakota 58301
Phone: 701-662-4913
Fax: 701-662-4963
Deanne Johnson
AASK Worker
701-662-4913
AASK Sta� Contact Information
Jedidiah (19) graduates from
high school and is planning
on attending college for
management. He is a very
career oriented person.
Roberta (17) is a junior in high
school. She has a passion
for art and a great sense of
humor. Jesica (11) is in 6th
grade and enjoying playing basketball this year.
Our youngest, Jerimiah (9) also loves sports and is active
in football, wrestling and baseball. We are a very close
family and love spending time together! Our favorite things
to do include camping, hunting, cooking, being outdoors,
and playing games.
2
FargoCatholic Charities North Dakota
5201 Bishops Boulevard - Suite B
Fargo, North Dakota 58104
Phone: 701-235-4457
Toll Free: 877-551-6054
Fax: 701-356-7993
Leanne Johnson
AASK Director
701-356-7986
ljohnson@catholicchari� esnd.org
Tanya Stuhaug
AASK Supervisor
701-356-7987
tstuhaug@catholicchari� es.org
Nancy Germain
AASK Worker
701-356-8023
ngermain@catholicchari� esnd.org
Sonja McLean
AASK Worker/WWK Recruiter
701-356-7985
smclean@catholicchari� esnd.org
Kathy Quaife
AASK Worker
701-356-8039
kquaife@catholicchari� es.org
Danae Moran
Temp AASK Worker
701-356-7981
dmoran@catholicchari� esnd.org
This Month’s Featured Family ... Meet the Jespersens cont.
3
Advocating for Adoption by Leanne Johnson, MSSW, LCSW
As North Dakotan’s head to the polls on June 12th for the primary, the legislative process may be on the minds
of many folks. So, what does the legislative process have to do with adoption and the AASK Program? The ND
Department of Human Services contracts with Catholic Charities North Dakota to provide adoption services
to children/youth in foster care and the families adopting these children. Services are provided through a
collaborative effort with PATH ND, Inc, known as the AASK program, Adults Adopting Special Kids. Many of the
children/youth served are children determined to have ‘special needs’. Thus, the adoption of children through
the foster care system has come to be known as special needs adoptions. A child/youth qualifi es as a ‘child
with special needs’ if they are: 1) over the age of 7, 2) are of any age between birth – 17 and is diagnosed
with a physical, emotional or mental disability, OR is determined to be at risk of developing special needs as
determined by a licensed physician, 3) is a member of a minority race, and/or 4) a member of a sibling group.
The family adopting a child determined to have special needs is eligible to apply for an adoption assistance
agreement. Roughly 98% of all the children placed through the AASK program are children with special needs.
If a child is not determined to have special needs and they are in the foster care system, the AASK program
continues to serve these children and families at no additional cost, yet the family is not eligible to apply for an
adoption assistance agreement.
The AASK program began serving North Dakota children and families in 1993. Since that time, the program
has been a part of placing over 1,595 children for adoption and over 1,258 families have had their adoption
assessments completed! The majority of these adoptions have been successful, yet approximately 3% of the
adoptions experienced a disruption. In these situations, the children were placed for adoption but for a variety
of reasons, the adoption was not legally fi nalized. National trends vary on disruption rates, but most often cited
is an average disruption rate of between 10 – 25 percent for special needs adoptions. North Dakota can be
proud of such an accomplishment and credit goes to the incredible adoptive families that have come forward
to forever change the lives of these children and youth!
A present day snapshot of the program will reveal that on any given day in North Dakota, the AASK program
is working with:
* 125 children on an early permanency goal of adoption, which is known as concurrent planning.
Some of these children may be able to successfully reunify with birth families, yet adoption services
are beginning in the event this is not possible. There are an additional 28 children waiting to have
an adoption worker assigned. These are children who have been referred to the program but due to
staffi ng limitations, are simply being tracked by the adoption supervisors.
* 70 children have an active plan of adoption. Of these children, 60 are legally freed for adoption; 48
may have a potential adoptive family already identifi ed and 22 children wait for an adoptive family to
be recruited for them.
*31 children are in adoptive placement with 24 families who are awaiting the legal fi nalization of their
adoptive family. This fi gure is refl ecting of the increasing number of sibling groups being placed with
families.
* 44 families have an approved adoptive assessment and are waiting for adoptive placement. 14
of these families have potential children and the remaining families work with their adoption worker
seeking the right fi t for their families.
* 25 families are in the process of having their adoption assessments completed.
* * 70 families are waiting to have their adoption assessment completed. These are families that have
completed the necessary pre-service training and are waiting to have an adoption worker assigned.
The AASK program has 11 adoption workers throughout the state with offi ces in Fargo, Grand Forks, Devils
Lake, Minot, Bismarck and Dickinson. The primarily services provided by the program include the child
assessment and preparation, family recruitment, training, assessment and placement support. Once the
cont. of page 4
adoption is fi nalized, our program can be a resource to the family for general questions, but we are not
equipped to be able to provide formal post-adoption services. The program is mostly funded through the
contract with the Department of Human Services, which receives its funding instructions from the Legislature.
Which brings me full circle!
In the last biennium, the Legislature provided funding to this program at the same level as the prior biennium.
While we were appreciative that funding was not further reduced, the impact to the program resulted in the
need to reduce staff by the equivalent of one full time adoption worker. The Department of Human Services
has historically been able to transfer unspent dollars from other programs into the AASK contract to pay on
the actual outcomes produced by the program. However, there are no guarantees that the Department is able
to make this happen each biennium, which makes planning very diffi cult. This makes planning very diffi cult
for the Department and the program. It is our belief that the Department must be given the appropriate funds
to support the level of adoption services needed for children in foster care and the families adopting these
children.
As one can imagine, the reduction in staff and ongoing budget challenges has impacted the overall number
of children and families that can be served. This is evident with the number of children and families waiting
to be served. An example of such a struggle came to light a few months ago. I spoke with a family eager to
add to their family through adoption and they had completed the training and paperwork, but they have been
waiting over 8 months and they still have not been able to have an adoption worker assigned. It doesn’t feel
good for anyone involved.
Advocating for Adoption cont. by Leanne Johnson, MSSW, LCSW
CALL TO ACTIONWe can never underestimate the impact even a small group of individuals can have when
working for a shared goal, so we are asking for your help! There are two opportunities I’d like to
highlight.
Call to Action
1) Contact the Department of Human Services’ Executive Offi ce.
Govenor Dalrymple has issued his budget instructions to the state agencies for the
2013-2015 Biennium. Part of this instruction was for a zero-based budget, meaning
the total departmental budget can be no more than what was appropriated last
biennium. Each department is working on their budget recommendations which will
then become part of the Governor’s Budget which is presented to the Legislature
in January 2013. If you would like to express your support for additional funding to
support adoption services in the state, you can learn more at the following website:
http://www.nd.gov/dhs/about/
Correspondence can also be sent to the following address, attn: Executive Offi ce:
North Dakota Department of Human Services
600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept 325
Bismarck N.D. 58505-0250
Phone: (701) 328-2310
Toll Free: (800) 472-2622
ND Relay TTY: (800)-366-6888
Fax: (701) 328-2359
[email protected] 4 cont. on pag 5
2) Reach out to your Legislators to have your voice heard. This summer, there may be com-
munity events and other outreach opportunities for you to connect with your Representative
and/or Senator. Tell them why support for adoption is so important. If you aren’t sure who that
is, you can fi nd the Legislative District maps at the following website: http://www.legis.nd.gov/
Below you will fi nd a few bullets, or ‘talking points’ that you may want to keep in mind when considering
either above options:
• If things remain unchanged, it is projected that 63 children will not be able to be adopted in
the next biennium. These children will stay in foster care longer while they wait for the adoption
program to be able to work with them and connect them to their permanent family. This is an
early projection and the need may increase. Yet, what is known is that the Department does
not have the spending authority to fund adoption services at the level of need and this is what
we seek to impact.
• Families will continue to wait for up to a year to be able to begin the adoption assessment
process. They will likely get discouraged and drop out of the process, decreasing the number
of good homes that are needed for the waiting children in our foster care system. The program
has already seen at least 8 families in the last six months that have gotten discouraged and
have withdrawn from the process. These families had been an approved adoptive resource,
we may never know the number of families that get discouraged earlier in the process be-
cause of the program’s limited ability to respond.
• Adoptive families need support after the adoption. The children and youth being adopted are
a blessing and bring many rewards, yet they have had experiences that do not go away at
the courthouse door. North Dakota generally does not have services specifi cally designated
as post adoption services for which only adoptive parents are eligible. Families apply for post
adoption services at their local county social service or regional human service center offi ces.
AASK remains a resource, but more intense services and support is not available. We must de-
velop a stronger post-adoption network in the state to support families formed through adop-
tion.
• When children exit the foster care system without a permanent family, their chances for posi-
tive outcomes are signifi cantly reduced. Many statistics will refl ect that over 50% of the youth
who exit foster care become homeless within the fi rst 18 months. This is but one statistic, there
are many other examples. Our children and youth deserve better, and on this, we all can
agree!
The AASK program through Catholic Charities and PATH ND, Inc. will continue to advocate on
behalf of the children and families served. We know, however, that families have greater impact
when they tell their stories and their experiences. I have been impressed by all the amazing work,
love, support and dedication families, agency representative, court representatives and the youth
bring to making North Dakota a better place to live. Thank you for considering this opportunity to
continue the legacy of impacting the children and families in North Dakota.
CALL TO ACTION CONT.
5
2) Reach out to your Legislators to have your voice heard. This summer, there may be com
munity events and other outreach opportunities for you to connect with your Representative
and/or Senator. Tell them why support for adoption is so important. If you aren’t sure who tha
is, you can fi nd the Legislative District maps at the following website: http://www.legis.nd.gov/http://www.legis.nd.gov/
Below you will fi nd a few bullets, or ‘talkikingng points’ that you may want to keep in mind when considering
ther above options:
• If things remain unchanged, it is projected that 63 children will not be able to be adopted in
the next biennium. These children will stay in foster care longer while they wait for the adoption
program to be able to work with them and connect them to their permanent family. This is an
early projection and the need may increase. Yet, what is known is that the Department does
not have the spending authority to fund adoption services at the level of need and this is wha
we seek to impact.
• Families will continue to wait for up to a year to be able to begin the adoption assessmen
process. They will likely get discouraged and drop out of the process, decreasing the number
of good homes that are needed for the waiting children in our foster care system. The program
has already seen at least 8 families in the last six months that have gotten discouraged and
have withdrawn from the process. These families had been an approved adoptive resource
we may never know the number of families that get discouraged earlier in the process be-
cause of the program’s limited ability to respond.
• Adoptive families need support after the adoption. The children and youth being adopted are
a blessing and bring many rewards, yet they have had experiences that do not go away a
the courthouse door. North Dakota generally does not have services specifi cally designated
as post adoption services for which only adoptive parents are eligible. Families apply for pos
adoption services at their local county social service or regional human service center offi ces.
AASK remains a resource, but more intense services and support is not available. We must de-
velop a stronger post-adoption network in the state to support families formed through adop-
tion.
• When children exit the foster care system without a permanent family, their chances for posi
tive outcomes are signifi cantly reduced. Many statistics will refl ect that over 50% of the youth
who exit foster care become homeless within the fi rst 18 months. This is but one statistic, there
are many other examples. Our children and youth deserve better, and on this, we all can
agree!
The AASK program through Catholic Charities and PATH ND, Inc. will continue to advocate on
behalf of the children and families served. We know, however, that families have greater impac
when they tell their stories and their experiences. I have been impressed by all the amazing work,
love, support and dedication families, agency representative, court representatives and the youth
bring to making North Dakota a better place to live. Thank you for considering this opportunity to
continue the legacy of impacting the children and families in North Dakota.
To learn more about some of these Waiting Children,
please visit the at www.ndheartgallery.org
AshtenAshten is an 8 year old boy with an outgoing personality. He gets along with his peers and
enjoys playing with others. Ashten’s favorite toys are Legos. The shows “Swamp People”
and “Dancing with the Stars” are among his favorite. He is looking forward to various summer
activities, including baseball, swimming lessons, soccer, summer school, and church activities.
Although Ashten loves playing outside, he wants potential adoptive families to know that he does
NOT like butterfl ies!
To learn more about this kind and caring young individual, please refer to www.aasknd.org.
Alvin
Spend just a few minutes with 11-year-old Alvin and you will fi nd a pleasant and likable young man. He interacts appropriately with adults but is very quiet and shy. He has a fun sense of humor and has been described as a good kid and a good helper by his foster parents. Alvin most enjoys the outdoors including camping and fi shing. He also likes playing basketball and was involved in the school team this last year.
To learn more about this kind and caring young individual, please refer to www.aasknd.org.
Waiting Children
6
“We must work tirelessly to make sure that every boy and girl in America
who is up for adoption has a family waiting to reach him or her... This is a
season of miracles, and perhaps there is no great miracle than fi nding a
loving home for a child you needs one.”
Bill Clinton
To learn more about some of these Waiting Children,
please visit the at
Ashten is an 8 y y yeaeaear old boy with an outgoing personality. He gets along wiwiwith hisisis p p peers a
enjoys playiyiyingngng wititith h h others. Ashten’s favorite toys are Legos. The showowows “Swawawamp Peopl
and “Dancingngng w w with thththe Stars” are among his favorite. He is looking forororwaward to o o vavarious summ
activities, includududing bababaseseseball, swimming lessons, soccer, summer s s schchchool, andndnd church activities
Although Ashten n lololoves plplplayayaying outside, he wants potential adopopoptititive familieieies s s to know that he do
NOT like butterfl ies!!!
To learn more about this kind and caring young individual, please refer to www.aasknd.org.
Spend just a few minutes with 11-year-old Alvin and you will fi nd a pleasant and likable young manHe interacts appropriately with adults but is very quiet and shy. He has a fun sense of humor and hasbeen described as a good kid and a good helper by his foster parents. Alvin most enjoys the outdoorincluding camping and fi shing. He also likes playing basketball and was involved in the school team thislast year.
To learn more about this kind and caring young individual, please refer to www.aasknd.org.
“We must work tirelesssllyy to make suurree that every boy and girl in America
who is up for adoption haass a faammiilly waiting to reach him or her... This is a
7
GARRETFifteen year-old Garret seems to be growing more responsible and more confident each
and every day. One of the adults who works closely with Garret shared recently that he
has the potential to be a great leader among his peers! Garret loves to talk with people
who are interested in his life and enjoys sharing his accomplishments with them. Garret is
extremely intelligent for his age and enjoys being challenged academically. He has recently
begun talking about college and what career he may like to pursue, possibly either business
administration or social work.
To learn more about this kind and caring young individual, please refer to www.aasknd.org.
James
Creative, inquisitive and active…three qualities that make James one of a kind!Thirteen-year-old James is in the sixth grade. He enjoys school and his favorite, yet most challenging, subjects include Social Studies and Science. James likes being outdoors and staying active. After school and other free time is generally spent on walks, hikes, bike rides, yard work or other physically taxing outside activities. Blue and green are James’ favorite colors. He enjoys challenges and likes playing with Legos, reading and animals (with his favorite being the wolf).
To learn more about this kind and caring young individual, please refer to www.aasknd.org.
BraydenBrayden is a nine year old boy looking for his forever family! Brayden is excited for the end of the school year so he can take part in his summer favorites: baseball, swimming lessons, and soccer! When he isn’t playing outside, he likes to play games on the Wii and watch football on TV. Brayden proudly states that he is a NDSU Bison Football fan. He also enjoys listening to music. Brayden is very particular about the clothes that he wears but is not picky when it comes to foods.
To learn more about this kind and caring young individual, please refer to www.aasknd.org.
Waiting Children
8
More Waiting Children
JohnIf your family enjoys games, sports, animals, or just spending fun time together, then I’d love for you to meet John! John is a funny and sweet 11 year old! He has recently joined his school’s basketball team and is having a blast being part of this team! His other interests include animals, marbles, and his family. He enjoys spending his time playing games – whether it’s videogames, board games, or card games, John loves them all! He also likes coloring, watching TV, and looking for bugs! His dream is to one day live on a farm where he could take care of
animals – he especially loves dogs!
To learn more about this kind and caring young individual, please refer to www.aasknd.org.
Maddie & Kayleigh
Kayleigh and Madalyn are sisters who are anxious to meet their forever family. Madalyn is seven years old. She is just completing the second grade and is looking forward to summer. She is outgoing and makes friends easily. Madalyn is talkative and will always tell you what is on her mind.
Kayleigh is fi ve years old. Kayleigh is a very warm and loving girl who likes to be held and hugged. People close to Kayleigh describe her as “spirited” and having a desire for independence. Kayleigh would rather do things her way than to have someone tell her what to do.
To learn more about this kind and caring young individual,s please refer to www.aasknd.org.
Joey & Marco
Fifteen year old Joey and twelve year old Marco are both ultra-talented artists who have won awards for their artistic 4-H exhibits. Both boys have been successful in showing their livestock, too. They enjoy living on a ranch and work with cattle, horses, and chickens on a daily basis. Marco and Joey are both involved in Tae Kwon Do and also are active in Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) in their community.
To learn more about this kind and caring young individuals, please refer to www.aasknd.org.
9
More Waiting Children
Nevaeh, Makiya, and Nikolai
Nevaeh, Makiya, and Nikolai are three adorable siblings who will certainly make their prospective adoptive family’s life busier, but promise to also add three times the joy and celebration to life! Nevaeh will soon be four years old, and is a gorgeous, happy little girl who enjoys coloring. Makiya is twenty-one months old and is a very active little toddler! She likes to carry around her purse and her baby doll. She has a twinkle in her eye and is always thinking! At almost nine months-old, Nikolai is a smiley, healthy little baby. He is on-track developmentally, and babbles, squeals, can sit alone now,
and is getting up on his hands and knees, but no crawling yet!
To learn more about this kind and caring young individuals, please refer to www.aasknd.org.
ZacharyZackary (AKA Zack) is a six year old boy who is awaiting a forever family. He enjoys playing at the McDonald’s play area and making forts in his room. His favorite food is Mac and Cheese and he can be a picky eater but his foster dad says he is improving. In his down time Zack likes making things with his hands such as crafts and playing video games.
To learn more about this kind and caring young individual, please refer to www.aasknd.org.
MichaelFifteen year old Michael is looking forward to the day he has a family that he says, “will be there for me even after I’m an adult”.
Michael is a friendly teenager who enjoys Batman movies and spaghetti. He would like to be a chef one day and hopes an adoptive family can support his plan for this. His favorite book is Lord of the Flies and he enjoys watching comedy on TV. Michael says his favorite activities include soccer and basketball. He likes to be outside and is content with relaxing in the sunshine. Michael describes himself as someone who is outgoing and who likes to help others. He will be a sophomore in school next. Michael wants potential adoptive families to know that he is left handed.
To learn more about this kind and caring young individual, please refer to www.aasknd.org.
Nurtured Heart Approach Thought of the Month by Sonja McLean, LSW
Last quarter, Sonja explained how to energize children’s good behavior by using “Kodak
Moments,” or simply, explaining what you see in that very instant. This quarter, we are going
to develop those comments to add in the values we hope to ins� ll in our children through
using “Polaroid Moments.” If a picture is taken with a Polaroid camera, it o� en takes a few
seconds to develop that moment in � me it has captured. With the Nurtured Heart Approach,
we can apply the same concept to how we work with our children!
Take a moment to think about values we want our children to learn, such as being coopera� ve, pa� ent, and
giving. We o� en let children know when they are NOT being giving, such as “you are not being very giving
when you do not share your toy with your sister.” While these comments are meant to be helpful, they
only tell the child ac� ons that they should not be doing as opposed to encouraging the child when they are
exhibi� ng posi� ve traits. Furthermore, these comments o� en teach the child they will get your a� en� on by
NOT doing a value, and reinforces the undesired behavior. With a Polaroid Moment, you can teach your child
the values you wish by telling them when they are already exhibi� ng the desired characteris� cs!
Your child may be exhibi� ng moments of responsibility, respect, and though� ulness right under your nose, and
they might not even realize it! Why should they not get recogni� on for this? For example, “I appreciate you
pu� ng your dishes in the sink a� er dinner, which shows what a responsible young man you are!” Or “Thank
you for taking the answer ‘no’ without fussing or crying, you are being very respec� ul in this moment.” These
comments might just help your child learn how they should be behaving, instead of just learning addi� onal
ways not to act. If we think about it, children can always come up with addi� onal things to do wrong. Why not
encourage them to think of addi� onal things to do RIGHT?
10
* Change and the Eff ects on Children
* Human Traffi cking
* Homelessness
* Internet Safety and Cyberbulling
* Oil development in SW North Dakota
* Social Work and Spirituality
* Educa� onal Neglect
* Fostering Connec� ons Act
* Educa� onal Stability
* Child bonding and A� achment
* Drug Exposed Children
* Medical issues in Child Abuse Cases
* And many more
September 27-28, 2012 Fargo Nurturing the Heart of Au� sm
Learn and discover:
* A model for suppor� ng children and families struggling with the challenges of Au� sm
spectrum disorder and other social learning disorders
* Clear strategies to support developmental growth
* Create a culture of sucess and nurture powerfully posi� ve rela� onships
Happenings Around the State
Last quarter, Sonja explained how to energize children’s good behavior by using “Kodak
Moments,” or simply, explaining what you see in that very instant. This quarter, we are going
to develop those comments to add in the values we hope to ins� ll in our children through
using “Polaroid Moments.” If a picture is taken with a Polaroid camera, it o� en takes a few
seconds to develop that moment in � me it has captured. With the Nurtured Heart Approach,
we can apply the same concept to how we work with our children!
Take a moment to think about values we want our children to learn, such as being coopera� ve, pa� ent, and
ving. We o� en let children know when they are NOT being giving, such as “you are not being very giving
when you do not share your toy with your sister.” While these comments are meant to be helpful, they
only tell the child ac� ons that they should not be doing as opposed to encouraging the child when they are
exhibi� ng posi� ve traits. Furthermore, these comments o� en teach the child they will get your a� en� on by
NOT doing a value, and reinforces the undesired behavior. With a Polaroid Moment, you can teach your child
e values you wish by telling them when they are already exhibi� ng the desired characteris� cs!
Your child may be exhibi� ng moments of responsibility, respect, and though� ulness right under your nose, and
ey might not even realize it! Why should they not get recogni� on for this? For example, “I appreciate you
pu� ng your dishes in the sink a� er dinner, which shows what a responsible young man you are!” Or “Thank
you for taking the answer ‘no’ without fussing or crying, you are being very respec� ul in this moment.” These
comments might just help your child learn how they should be behaving, instead of just learning addi� onal
ways not to act. If we think about it, children can always come up with addi� onal things to do wrong. Why not
encourage them to think of addi� onal things to do RIGHT?
* Change and the Eff ects on Children
* Human Traffi cking
* Homelessness
* Internet Safety and Cyberbulling
* Oil development in SW North Dakota
* Social Work and Spirituality
* Educa� onal Neglect
* Fostering Connec� ons Act
* Educa� onal Stability
* Child bonding and A� achment
* Drug Exposed Children
* Medical issues in Child Abuse Cases
* And many more
Happenings Around the StateHappenings Around the State
Spotlight on Staff: Tanya StuhauggMy name is Tanya Stuhaug and I am the newest Eastern Region Supervisor for the AASK Program, with my offi ce located in Fargo. I started in this position on 12/19/11. I have been enjoying getting to know all of the workers in AASK and Catholic Charities and have found this new job to be very busy and rewarding!
I grew up in Fertile, MN with my parents and two younger sisters. I grew up in the country and would spend my summers at my grandparent’s lake home near Fergus Falls, MN. After graduating from high school, I went on to college at MSUM and graduated with my undergraduate degrees in Social Work and Criminal Justice. I then went to work in Probation for my fi rst “real job!” Boy, was that
a learning experience!! Over the years, I have worked as a Case Manager for the Village’s Big Brother Big Sister Program, an in-home therapist through Lakeland Mental Health Center, a Treatment Foster Care Social Worker at PATH and a Family Support Worker at PATH. I graduated in May of 2006 with my Master’s Degree in Counseling and Student Affairs from MSUM. My passion is working with children and families!
I reside in Moorhead with my husband, Shawn, and 2 children—Austin, age 13, and Emma, age 11. We have a busy household! Austin loves basketball, golf, swimming and music. Emma loves basketball, volleyball, running, music and swimming. Seems like we are always on the go from one activity to another! In the summers, we enjoy spending time at our lake cabin on Jewett Lake, near Fergus Falls. This is the same lake that I grew up on and spent most of my summers with my grandparents. We ended up purchasing a cabin only 8 cabins down from where my grandparents lived and where my parents currently have a home.
We also have 2 dogs—a Golden Retriever and a Pomeranian, who was a rescue dog from the Humane Society. We also have a rescue cat that came to live with us 3 years ago. In my spare time, I love reading, watching movies, walking and spending time with friends. I am very excited to be a part of the AASK team!
11
“Oh... the Things Kids Say!”
Coming Downstairs
Teddy came thundering down the stairs,
much to his father’s annoyance.
“Teddy,’ he called, ‘how many more times
have I got to tell you to come down the stairs
quietly? Now, go back up and come down like
a civilized human being.”
There was a silence, and Teddy reappeared in the
front room.
“That’s better,” said his father. “Now will you always
come down stairs like that?”
“Suits me,“ said Teddy. “I slid down the banister.”
School
Father: “ I hear you skipped school to play football.”
Son: “No, I didn’t. I have the fi sh to prove it!”
In the bath
Little fi ve-year old Johnny was in the bath tup, and
his mom was washing his hair.
She said to him, “Wow your hair is growing so fast!
You need a hair cut again.”
Little Johnny replied, “Maybe you should stop
watering it so much.”
Kids‛ Corner: “Puddle Jumping”
Fruit Pizza Tri� es To Go
Here’s a variation on the classic fruit pizza that works well for school parties and picnics! The recipe is easily customizable with your own fruit and cookies choices.
INGREDIENTS:4 (8 ounce) package reduced-fat cream cheese, softened 1 pound seedless grapes, halved2 cups brown sugar 1 pint blueberries4 teaspoons vanilla extract 25 clear, plastic (10 ounce) cups1 pound fresh strawberries, coarsely chopped 12 sugar cookies, crushed1 fresh pineapple – peeled, cored and chopped 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
DIRECTIONS:1. Mix cream cheese, brown sugar and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Refrigerate until cold, about 30 minutes.2. In a separate bowl, lightly mix together the chopped strawberries, pineapple, grapes and blueberries.3. Scoop about 3 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into the bo� om of each plastic cup to make a half-inch thick layer. Spoon enough mixed fruit on top of the cream cheese to make a 2-inch layer, about 1/3 cup. Top the fruit with a teaspoon or two of crumbled sugar cookies. Garnish each tri� e with a kiwi slice. Refrigerate until serving time.
Jump roping is on the upswing and here’s how your kids can give this hotter-than-ever pastime a cooling off twist!
What you Need• Plastic cups• Water• Jump rope
Instructions1. Hand each person a plastic cup fi lled with water.2. One at a time while holding their cups, players must jump into the turning rope and complete 6 jumps.3. The player with the most water left wins.
May is National Foster
Care MonthDuring this time, we remember children
in foster care and also take the time
to honor families who have stepped
forward to meet the challenges of
providing care to these children. The
Red River Valley Foster-Adopt Coalition held a ribbon tying ceremony at the West Acres
Mall in Fargo on May 14, 2012. 230 ribbons were tied by professionals from PATH, Cass
County, Richland County, Southeast Human Services, Prairie St. Johns, and AASK. Each ribbon tied represents one
child in foster care in Region V. This event also raises awareness of the need for licensed foster care homes. Thank
you to our families who have gone above and beyond for children in the foster care system!
12
What’s Cooking! Subimitted by Julie Hoffman
State Adoption Administator
Fruit Pizza
Here’s a variation on thown fruit and cookies ch
INGREDIENTS:4 (8 ounce) package re2 cups brown sugar 4 teaspoons vanilla extr1 pound fresh strawber1 fresh pineapple – peel
DIRECTIONS:1. Mix cream cheese, b2. In a separate bowl, lig3. Scoop about 3 tableenough mixed fruit on tosugar cookies. Garnish
WWhhat’s Coo
CONGRATULATIONS!Congratulations to these families who recently celebrated the legal fi nalization of their adoption
through the end of May 2012!
Aaron and Carissa with Jim and Mary
Alandra with Ardell and Nicole
Anthony with Jerome and Louise
Candence with Ian and Lacie
Charissa with Don and Tonja
Courtney with Mark and Julie
Dominick with Paul and Carla
Precious, Mya, Angeline and Derek with Andrew and Kristen
Roger and Anfrenee with Norman and Linda
Skyla with Donald and Mandy
Sierra with DeAnn
Tyrson with Randy and Roberta
13
Staff Update
Since the last newsletter there have been some changes to our staff. Jennifer Foss is no longer with the program. We thank her for her years of service and wish her well in her future endeavors. Andrea Lang from the Minot offi ce will be leaving us soon. We would like to thank her for her dedication and also wish her well with her future. Danae Moran has been doing a great job covering for Sonja McLean while Sonja was on educational leave. Danae remains with us through the end of June. AASK would like to welcome two summer interns to the program. Samantha will be interning in the Fargo offi ce and Alicia in the Grand Forks offi ce. Jennifer Schwab, offi ce coordinator in the Devils Lake offi ce will also be leaving the agency. We thank Jennifer for her support and devotion and wish her well.
Aaron and Carissa with Jim and Mary
Alandra with Ardell and Nicole
Anthony with Jerome and Louise
Candence with Ian and Lacie
Charissa with Don and Tonja
Courtney with Mark and Julie
Dominick with Paul and Carla
ious, Mya, Angeline and Derek with Andrew and Kristen
Roger and Anfrenee with Norman and Linda
Skyla with Donald and Mandy
Sierra with DeAnn
Tyrson with Randy and Roberta
PrPrPrPrPrPrPrPrPrPrPrPrPrPrPrPrPrPrPrPrPrPrecio
Staff Updatee
Since the last newsletter there have been some changes to our staff. JennifFoss is no longer with the program. We thank her for her years of service andwish her well in her future endeavors. Andrea Lang from the Minot offi ce wibe leaving us soon. We would like to thank her for her dedication and also wishher well with her future. Danae Moran has been doing a great job covering forSonja McLean while Sonja was on educational leave. Danae remains with uthrough the end of June. AASK would like to welcome two summer interns to theprogram. Samantha will be interning in the Fargo offi ce and Alicia in the GrandForks offi ce. Jennifer Schwab, offi ce coordinator in the Devils Lake offi ce walso be leaving the agency. We thank Jennifer for her support and devotion an
ADULTS ADOPTING SPECIAL KIDS
CATHOLIC CHARITIES ND
5201 BISHOPS BLVD - STE B
FARGO ND 58104
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTEDNon-Profi t Org.U.S. Postage
PAIDFargo, ND
Permit No. 1454
MAILING LIST UPDATE: If you have an address change or do not wish to receive this newsletter, please
email Leanne Johnson at [email protected]. Thank you!
Making a Difference
In May, the AASK program gratefully received a donation of beautiful, handmade
quilts from Project Linus and several area church quilting groups. These special
gifts are given to children to help make their adoptions extra special.
Did you know individuals can also support the program? Online donations can be
made on our website at www.aasknd.org. Donations can also be mailed to CCND/
AASK at 5201 Bishops Boulevard - Suite B - Fargo, ND 58104.
Donations can be made in memory of a loved one who has passed or to honor a
special occation such as a birthday, graduation, wedding or birth of a child. What
a great way to give tribute to someone who has impacted your life while making a
difference for a child in the AASK Program.
Thank you for your support! It helps the program provide that “special
touch” for the children and families we serve!