09 VOLUME OCTOBER 2010 A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR FOSTER & ADOPTIVE PARENTS IN UTAH in this issue Important Information P.1 Preventing the Flu P.2 Celebrate Adoption P.3 UFAFA Update P.4 Western Region Update Begins P.5 fosterroster STATEWIDE UPDATE Utah Foster Care Foundation Offices Murray 5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400 Murray, UT 84107 Phone: 801.994.5205 Fax: 801.994.5206 Toll Free: 877.505.KIDS Ogden 3340 S. Harrison Blvd. #200 Ogden, UT 84403 Phone: 801.392.1114 Orem 252 N. Orem Blvd. Orem, UT 84057 Phone: 801.373.3006 Price 475 W. Price River Dr. #152 Price, UT 84501 Phone: 435.636.0210 Roosevelt Phone: 435.724.0959 Vernal 1052 W. Market Dr. Vernal, UT 84078 Phone: 435.781.4224 Moab 180 S. 300 E., Ste. C Moab, UT 84532 Phone: 435.259.3345 St. George 321 N. Mall Dr. #B102 St. George, UT 84790 Phone: 435.656.8065 Richfield 201 E. 500 N. Richfield, UT 84701 Phone: 435.896.1232 The Utah Foster Care Foundation is implementing a change that will make it easier for families to shop and save at our Partners in Parenting (PIP) businesses across Utah. For many years, the foundation has issued a Resource Parent ID Card to each currently licensed foster/adoptive family. Sometimes families would not receive these cards for a variety of reasons. This caused difficulties in getting PIP discounts. You will simply need to show your current Foster Care License (issued by the state) at the business to receive your discount. This change is effective immediately. Resource Parent ID Card Changes DI Vouchers OSW TAL Scholarship If you have a child in foster care in your home who has not yet received DI vouchers, there are still some available. Please e-mail: [email protected]or call 877.505.KIDS. Please note that all DI Vouchers expire December 31, 2010 and no exceptions are made. The Olene S. Walker Transition to Adult Living Scholarship is accepting applica- tions for Spring Semester 2011. Youth who were in DCFS foster care after age 14 or adopted after age 16, may be eligible. Check the Just For Youth web site for more information, applications and deadlines - www.justforyouth.utah.gov/ education. For help contact Patti VanWagoner @801.652.2173 or Jode Littlepage at 801.707.9734. (2,1) -1- 10 - Western Region.indd 10/1/2010 10:13:12 AM (2,1) -1- 10 - Western Region.indd 10/1/2010 10:13:12 AM
Transcript
09V O L U M E
O C T O B E R2 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 this issueImportant Information P.1
Preventing the Flu P.2
Celebrate Adoption P.3
UFAFA Update P.4
Western Region Update Begins P.5
fosterroster
STATEWIDE UPDATE
Utah Foster Care Foundation Offices
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
Richfield201 E. 500 N.Richfield, UT 84701Phone: 435.896.1232
The Utah Foster Care Foundation is implementing a change that will make it easier for families to shop and save at our Partners in Parenting (PIP) businesses across Utah.
For many years, the foundation has issued a Resource Parent ID Card to each currently licensed foster/adoptive family.
Sometimes families would not receive these cards for a variety of reasons. This caused difficulties in getting PIP discounts.
You will simply need to show your current Foster Care License (issued by the state) at the business to receive your discount. This change is effective immediately.
Resource Parent ID Card Changes
DI Vouchers OSW TAL Scholarship
If you have a child in foster care in your home who has not yet received DI vouchers, there are still some available.
Please note that all DI Vouchers expire December 31, 2010 and no exceptions are made.
The Olene S. Walker Transition to Adult Living Scholarship is accepting applica-tions for Spring Semester 2011.
Youth who were in DCFS foster care after age 14 or adopted after age 16, may be eligible.
Check the Just For Youth web site for more information, applications and deadlines - www.justforyouth.utah.gov/education.
For help contact Patti VanWagoner @801.652.2173 or Jode Littlepage at 801.707.9734.
(2,1) -1- 10 - Western Region.indd 10/1/2010 10:13:12 AM(2,1) -1- 10 - Western Region.indd 10/1/2010 10:13:12 AM
2
Special thanks to:p
2
Trevor J.Birthday: 07/1993 Grade in School: 12th Heritage: Caucasian
Trevor dreams of becoming a veterinarian someday. This young man loves animals and has often wished that he lived on a farm or in a home with pets. He also has a passion for photography. Playing football, being involved in a good game of basketball or enjoying a challenging video game are also ways in which Trevor enjoys spending his time. A great sense of humor and an appreciation for those around him make this kid a joy to be around. If your family can provide Trevor with the love and support she needs, we urge you to inquire.
For more information, please contact:
The Adoption Exchange801.265.0444
www.utdcfsadopt.org
It is FLU shot time again. Please remem-ber to send in the HVR for documenta-tion to the Health Care Nurse.
On the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website (www.cdc.gov) they have listed some “Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine.”
There are two types of vaccines:
• The “flu shot” — an inactivated vac-cine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The flu shot is approved for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic medi-cal conditions.
• The nasal-spray flu vaccine —a vac-cine made with live, weakened flu virus-es that do not cause the flu (sometimes called LAIV for “live attenuated influ-enza vaccine” or FluMist®). LAIV (Flu-Mist®) is approved for use in healthy* people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant.
The seasonal flu vaccine protects against three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most com-mon during the upcoming season. The 2010-2011 flu vaccine will protect against 2009 H1N1, and two other influenza viruses (an H3N2 virus and an influenza B virus). The viruses in the vaccine change each year based on international surveillance and sci-entists’ estimations about which types and strains of viruses will circulate in a given year. About 2 weeks after vac-cination, antibodies that provide pro-tection against influenza virus infection develop in the body.
When to Get Vaccinated
Yearly flu vaccination should begin in September or as soon as vaccine is available and continue throughout the influenza season, into December, Janu-ary, and beyond. This is because the timing and duration of influenza sea-sons vary. While influenza outbreaks can happen as early as October, most of the time influenza activity peaks in January or later.
Who Should Get Vaccinated
While everyone should get a flu vac-cine each flu season, it’s especially im-portant that the following groups get vaccinated either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk for de-veloping flu-related complications:
1. Pregnant women. 2. Children younger than 5, but espe-cially children younger than 2 years old.3. People 50 years of age and older. 4. People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions. 5. People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. 6. People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including: a. Health care workers. b. Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu. c. Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated).
Preventing the Flu Information from the Health Care Nurses
(1,1) -2- 10 - Western Region.indd 10/1/2010 10:13:46 AM(1,1) -2- 10 - Western Region.indd 10/1/2010 10:13:46 AM
3
Special thanks to:
Karen M.Birthday: 03/2002 Grade in School: N/A Heritage: Hispanic
Little Miss Karen’s beautiful smile will melt your heart! This sweet girl loves the color pink, princesses, music, soft things, and anything in Spanish. Karen is responsive to positive people in her life. She’ll often share with them her great smile and will reach out toward them. She is typically a very happy child. If your family can provide for Karen with the love and support she needs, we urge you to inquire.
For more information, please contact:
The Adoption Exchange801.265.0444
www.utdcfsadopt.org
Celebrate National Adoption Awareness Month
With
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2010 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Enjoy unlimited miniature golf 10 arcade tokens and
1 pass valid to choose from the following attractions
Go Karts, Slick Track, Rookie Go-Karts, Rock Wall, Laser Tag or Maxflight Roller Coaster Simulator.
75 South Fork Drive Draper Utah
525 South Deseret Drive Kaysville, Utah
Cost: $5.00 per family Any size family - Cash Only Please
Chili provid
ed by
Wendy’s
We’ve added a new location
(2,1) -3- 10 - Western Region.indd 10/1/2010 10:13:46 AM(2,1) -3- 10 - Western Region.indd 10/1/2010 10:13:46 AM
By Cayce Thill 2nd Vice-President Utah Foster/Adoptive Families Assn. (UFAFA)
Email Your Legislator
What if every candidate running for legislative office this year had their email boxes flooded with the message below during the month of October? We think it would make a difference in how they view child welfare. We are asking you to simply fill in the blanks and email this to the legislative candidates in your districts. If you need to know their contact information, please email [email protected].
Sample email:
SUBJECT: District (fill in)Dear (fill in candidate’s name), Congratulations on making it this far in the campaign this election year. I just wanted to let you know that ____(number of children in foster care in your home) in my home, along with 2800+ children just like them, are waiting to see who wins the upcoming election. You see, if you win in November, you and your legislative partners become the custodial “parents” of these children. They are depending on YOU to make sure all of their physical needs are provided for. They depend on me, as their foster parent, to provide them with love, acceptance, nurturing and stability. It’s a big responsibility for both of us.
Sincerely, (YOUR NAME)
Need Support?
Working through difficult situations as a foster parent is often easier when we can do so with another parent who has already “been there.” Being able to talk through these tough times can validate us and lighten many of our burdens. But finding the right person to talk with can almost be as hard as working through the issue at hand. To provide our families withadditional support, UFAFA is starting a mentoring program for foster/adoptive/kinship parents and we need you!
You understand the challenges our parents face daily because you have already worked through them. You can help nurture and support those families during their rough times, help preserve placements, and provide stability for our children. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, or would like more information, please email [email protected].
We do not have access to all families’ email addresses. Please register on our website and send us your email address so we can update you.
(1,1) -4- 10 - Western Region.indd 10/1/2010 10:13:48 AM(1,1) -4- 10 - Western Region.indd 10/1/2010 10:13:48 AM
in this issueSchool Supplies & Luggage P.5
Law Enforcement Interviews P.6
I Wish I Knew This...Then P.7
Training Updates P.9
WESTERN REGION UPDATE
Western Region Office
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
School Supplies & LuggageIn August, the employees of Convergys Corp in Orem had a contest to see which employee team would donate the most school supplies for children in foster care. It resulted in the largest individual school supply donation we have ever received! Over $1,000 worth of notebooks, pens, pencils, notebook paper, backpacks, scissors, glue sticks, markers, crayons, and more. Thank you Convergys Corp employees!!
On the north end of the valley, the LDS
Pilgrim’s Landing 3rd Ward Relief Society was busily gathering new and used luggage, cleaning it and preparing it for distribution. Katie Barr, a leader on the Relief Society Enrichment committee, heard about the need for children in foster care to have their own luggage in which they can pack their belongings. She asked and received! The Missionary Mall donated close to 75 pieces of brand new roll-along luggage. In addition, ward members also donated bags, luggage, and clothing. Thank you!
OCTOBER 2010
5
(2,1) -5- 10 - Western Region.indd 10/1/2010 10:13:49 AM(2,1) -5- 10 - Western Region.indd 10/1/2010 10:13:49 AM
Law Enforcement Interviews
Utah Foster Care Foundation has funds available to meet the special needs of children in foster care when DCFS is unable to meet these needs for any reason. Funds are limited.
Requests MUST include the following:• Child’s first name, last initial and age• Foster parent’s name and home address• Caseworker’s name and contact information• The item being requested and the associated costs• Brief description of how the child will benefit
Request should come in writing by a foster parent, the child in care or the caseworker.
PLEASE NOTE:• Dispersal of funds can take up to 4 weeks.• Checks are mailed to the foster parent’s home address.• Funds are for children in foster care ONLY. • Items covered by the foster care reimbursement or by Medicaid are not eligible.• Only requests previously denied by DCFS are eligible.
VACATIONS:• A child in care can receive vacation funds only ONCE in their lifetime.• Vacations are restricted monetarily & may not cover all costs.
SUBMIT REQUESTS TO:Jessica HannemannUtah Foster Care Foundation252 N. Orem Blvd.Orem, UT 84057
ORjessica.hannemann
@utahfostercare.org
6
Wishing Well Funds
As a foster parent, there may come a time when a child in your care needs to be interviewed by law enforcement. If the child is in the custody of DCFS and has a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) appointed to them, the following steps should be followed by law enforcement: (UCA 62A-4A-415)
1. Contact the child’s DCFS caseworker to determine the name and contact information regarding the child’s GAL.
2. Contact the child’s GAL during regular Monday through Friday, business hours (the GAL attorneys are not generally available to handle after-business-hour telephone calls or contacts).
· The basis for the interview being requested and whether the child is being viewed as a victim or a perpetrator. If they are being viewed as a victim, provide information regarding the alleged perpetrator and whether the perpetrator is an adult or child. If they are being viewed in any possible way as a suspect, perpetrator, or delinquent, state the nature of
the wrong doing and whether law enforcement has enough evidence available to file charges.
· How soon the anticipated interview is to take place.
· Other children in state’s custody that may be involved.
The GAL should be able to respond to law enforcement’s request by the next business day. The GAL will generally make a decision regarding the requested interview based on such factors as:
· Whether the child is being as a suspect, delinquent, perpetrator, or as a victim;
· Whether the child already has a defense attorney appointed;
· Whether law enforcement has enough information to file charges on the child;
· When a defense attorney may possibly be appointed by the Court for the child.
If you have further questions please contact your child in foster care’s Guardian ad Litem at Fourth District Court 801.344.8516; fax 801.344.8597.
(1,1) -6- 10 - Western Region.indd 10/1/2010 10:13:53 AM(1,1) -6- 10 - Western Region.indd 10/1/2010 10:13:53 AM
7
Paint a Pumpkin, Meet a
Foster Parent
Parents Can Learn about Foster Care and
College Savings
Bring the whole family to the annual Meet a Foster Parent Pumpkin Festival on Friday, October 15th at The Gateway. While the kids decorate pumpkins, it’s the perfect time for parents to learn how they can help Utah children in foster care AND the importance of planning for their children’s higher education expenses with Utah’s 529 college savings plans. Additional information available at www.uesp.org or 800.418.2551.
Pumpkins, paint and decorat-ing materials will be sup-plied by the sponsors of the festival, the Utah Foster Care Foundation and the Utah Educational Savings Plan.
“Meet a Foster Parent” Pumpkin Festival
Friday, October 151:00pm – 4:00pmThe Gateway, 100 South 400 WestNorth end, near the fountainsPumpkins available while sup-plies last.
(In case of rain, the festival will take place in the Union Pacific Depot Grand Hall)
I Wish I Knew This….Then
By Janet McPhersonFoster Parent, Western Region
Our foster care license is about to renew for the fourth time. Looking back, we have had many amazing experiences along with heartbreak and a couple life-altering events. Over 20 children have come into our lives. They continued their life stories with biological parents, extended family, and new forever families; one flew home to Heaven and one is with us forever. With every child we have learned and grown.
A good RFC (Resource Family Consultant) is worth their weight in gold. Get to know your RFC and keep them updated. Invite her/him to Child and Family Team meetings and copy your RFC to any updates about the child to caseworkers, therapists, etc. via email. If you have a child placed in your home; a regular visit from an RFC by home visits, phone calls, emails, court, or child & family team meetings is to be expected at least once per month. If you have questions, ask your RFC. They can help with payments, necessary items, and finding resources for special activities. They may also have access to shelter or emergency clothing, diapers, and other necessities.
I believe that the foster care system in Utah is not perfect; it is the best we have right now and it has improved over the years. Caseworkers are overworked, therefore busy. Be respectful of their time. Make their job easier by updating by email. Send a brief email once per week documenting what has happened
in your child’s life. Get paperwork (medical reports, records, receipts, etc.) turned in quickly and completely. Always keep copies in case the original gets lost. Most caseworkers truly care about children and foster families alike. If there are continual issues with a particular caseworker, it is okay to contact their supervisor.
Have a network of medical doctors, therapists, and specialists available who accept what Medicaid will pay them. Don’t give providers your personal address and information. DCFS has a form with the address that you give to providers when you register a child for treatment. I give them my cell phone number for contact purposes. Get to know other resource families who can give you referrals.
The most important thing I have learned is how important this job is. We are the most valuable advocates for our children. It takes “us” to support one tiny medically-fragile baby. Imagine a 3-month-old infant with severe medical needs because he was shaken. He came to us frail, broken, partially paralyzed and cortically blind. Everyone loved and played with him, taught him how to hold his head up, roll over, hold on to toys. We became his unofficial physical therapists. One day he smiled at us and looked directly at our faces as if he could see us. Then he giggled and started laughing. We knew why we had become a foster family.
7
(2,1) -6- 10 - Western Region.indd 10/1/2010 10:13:53 AM(2,1) -6- 10 - Western Region.indd 10/1/2010 10:13:53 AM
Western Region Cluster ConceptsMonthly Cluster announcements for currently licensed foster parents
For in-service training details, see the training pages.
Clusters are groups of foster, adoptive and kinship families that meet together on a monthly basis.
Clusters can help you:
• Obtain 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 or contact Jessica at 801.373.3006 for more information.
For more information on upcoming Cluster trainings, see “Upcoming In-service Trainings.”
Wasatch/Summit Cluster No facilitatorcall UFCF: 801.373.3006
Welcome Chaska Lance, RFC!
Cluster Facilitator Meeting Info.
06 RFC!
Calling all resource family moms! Mark your calendars for Friday, October 22nd for our Western Region “Ladies Night Out.” Pedis, manis, get your hair did, mingle, eat, relax, LAUGH – all for $5/person!
An invite will be sent via email with the specific time and location. Please RSVP by Wednesday October 20th to [email protected]; or call 801.373.3006 ext 14. Leave your first/last name, phone
number and RFC first name. If you have questions, please call your Cluster facilitator, or Jessica. For currently licensed resource moms only. You do not need to have current placements in your home to attend. Earn up to 2 in-service hours.
(1,1) -5- 10 - Western Region.indd 10/1/2010 10:13:49 AM(1,1) -5- 10 - Western Region.indd 10/1/2010 10:13:49 AM
Western Region TrainingMonthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents
From Hope to Recovery
Presented by:Allies with Families
For 5 Thursdays you can learn about caring for kids with men-tal and behavioral health needs! Class ends November 4th.
October 7th 6:30 pm - 8:30 pmProvo City Library
500 N. University Ave.
Sponsored by: Utah Foster Care Foundation
Presented by: Panel of Young Adults
Hear the stories, meet the young adults and get their perspective of life in foster care.
October 20th6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Utah Foster Care Foundation252 N. Orem Blvd.
Sponsored by:Central Cluster
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.
