Foundation Seeks Families For Teens 09 VOLUME FEBRUARY 2010 A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR FOSTER & ADOPTIVE PARENTS IN UTAH Foster families willing to care for teens and older youth are needed throughout the state of Utah, now more than ever. Families may be nervous or unwilling to care for teenagers and older youth because of the perceived risks associated with fostering older children. “Many families who call us about foster parenting say they want children under age 5,” said Kelly Peterson, CEO of Utah Foster Care Foundation. “The truth is that teenagers are in foster care for the same reasons as younger children—because of neglect and abuse in their biological families. These children are not usually in foster care because of something they did.” The impact of a loving and understanding foster family can be everlasting for teens and older youth in care. Eddie Ballesteros, now 20, credits his foster parents, Rachel and Don Wilson, with helping him to make good choices throughout his time in their care. Ballesteros said, “If you have that person that you can call or that you can contact that will help you, you won’t turn to things that aren’t good for you.” In 2008, 219 teens “aged out” of Utah’s foster care system without a place to call home. On January 13, 2010 the Foundation launched a campaign to find new foster parents to care for teens. The campaign will include billboards and materials aimed a highlighting the importance of teens having lifelong connections with caring adults. Currently licensed foster families with an interest in providing homes for teens and older youth may be able to make a difference immediately. If you are a currently licensed foster family and are interested in providing a home for teens or older youth, please call 1-877-505-KIDS. in this issue Foundation Seeks Families For Teens P.1 1st Annual Foster Care Symposium P.2 Fostering Healthy Children P.3 Facilitating Healthy Attachment Seminar P.4 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 1181 Christmas Box Lane Ogden, UT 84404 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 (2,1) -1- FosterRosterFEB2010WESTERN.indd 1/27/2010 12:43:47 PM (2,1) -1- FosterRosterFEB2010WESTERN.indd 1/27/2010 12:43:47 PM
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Foundation Seeks Families For Teens
09V O L U M E
F E B R U A R Y2 0 1 0
A M O N T H L Y
N E W S L E T T E R F O R
F O S T E R & A D O P T I V E
P A R E N T S I N U T A H
Foster families willing to care for teens and older youth are needed throughout the state of Utah, now more than ever.
Families may be nervous or unwilling to care for teenagers and older youth because of the perceived risks associated with fostering older children. “Many families who call us about foster parenting say they want children under age 5,” said Kelly Peterson, CEO of Utah Foster Care Foundation. “The truth is that teenagers are in foster care for the same reasons as younger children—because of neglect and abuse in their biological families. These children are not usually in foster care because of something they did.”
The impact of a loving and understanding foster family can be everlasting for teens and older youth in care. Eddie Ballesteros, now 20, credits his foster parents, Rachel and Don Wilson, with helping him to make good choices throughout his time
in their care. Ballesteros said, “If you have that person that you can call or that you can contact that will help you, you won’t turn to things that aren’t good for you.”
In 2008, 219 teens “aged out” of Utah’s foster care system without a place to call home. On January 13, 2010 the Foundation launched a campaign to fi nd new foster parents to care for teens. The campaign will include billboards and materials aimed a highlighting the importance of teens having lifelong connections with caring adults.
Currently licensed foster families with an interest in providing homes for teens and older youth may be able to make a difference immediately.
If you are a currently licensed foster family and are interested in providing a home for teens or older youth, please call 1-877-505-KIDS.
in this issueFoundation Seeks Families For Teens P.1
1st Annual Foster Care Symposium P.2
Fostering Healthy Children P.3
Facilitating Healthy Attachment Seminar P.4
fosterroster
STATEWIDE UPDATEUtah Foster Care
Foundation Offi ces
Murray5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400Murray, UT 84107Phone: 801.994.5205Fax: 801.994.5206Toll Free: 877.505.KIDS
Ogden1181 Christmas Box LaneOgden, UT 84404Phone: 801.392.1114
Orem252 N. Orem Blvd. Orem, UT 84057Phone: 801.373.3006
Price475 W. Price River Dr. #152Price, UT 84501Phone: 435.636.0210
RooseveltPhone: 435.724.0959
Vernal1052 W. Market Dr. Vernal, UT 84078Phone: 435.781.4224
Moab180 S. 300 E., Ste. CMoab, UT 84532Phone: 435.259.3345
St. George321 N. Mall Dr. #B102St. George, UT 84790Phone: 435.656.8065
Richfi eld201 E. 500 N.Richfi eld, UT 84701Phone: 435.896.1232
Attachment in Perspective: Keeping the Big Picture in View
1st Annual Utah Foster Care Foundation Symposium with Keynote Speaker Dr. Doug Goldsmith
Special thanks to:
Eli A.
Birthday: 05/1999 Grade in School: 4th Heritage: Caucasian
David Beckham, Michael Jordan, and Tom Brady better keep an eye on Elijah. Whether it’s soccer, basketball, or football, this guy loves them all!
Elijah, who likes to be called “Eli” is quite the well-rounded athlete and has talent to spare. He enjoys using his skills in many different ways such as biking, skateboarding, building and drawing.
Eli is a very creative kid who likes to learn and try new things.
Eli is a bright fourth grader, with great things ahead of him in his future. He is quick to learn and has a passion for science.
For more information, please contact:
The Adoption Exchange801.265.0444
www.utdcfsadopt.org
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Utah Foster Care Foundation invites you to attend our 1st annual symposium on Children and Foster/Adoptive/Kinship Care.
Topics at the symposium will include: Trauma & Brain Development, Discipline for Traumatized Teens, Reactive Attachment Disorder, Hope for the Family, Tools for Handling Diffi cult Children, and others.
This symposium is intended for caseworkers, RFCs, supervisors, clinicians, mental health professionals, foster parents and other interested parties.
Register early; space is limited. CEUs are pending approval.
About Doug Goldsmith of The Children’s Center: Doug Goldsmith has worked with the pre-school population in a clinical setting since the early 1980s. Dr. Goldsmith has lectured widely along the Wasatch Front and participated with many organizations in developing strategies for providing a variety of services to young children and their families. He has published two articles on the application of attachment theory to clinical practice and holds adjunct faculty appointments at The University of Utah in the departments of Educational Psychology, Psychology, and Psychiatry.
Register Online Starting February 10
April 21-22, 2010
This symposium is FREE of chargeCEUs may have an addt’l cost
Rooms start at $90+ per nightCall Zermatt & tell them you are with
Utah Foster Care Foundation
Above: Dr. Doug Goldsmith with a child at The Children’s Center in 2008. Keith Johnson, Deseret News
• All children in foster care must have an annual well-child exam, dental exam (if over age 3), and a mental health exam (if over age 5). Those children 5 and under receive the Ages and Stages and Social Emotional forms. These forms should be completed and returned within one week.
• Turn in each health visit report or computer generated report from the Dr.’s offi ce to the R.N. assigned to the case within 3 days of the exam. This allows for timely entry into the child’s health record, and prevents us from calling to remind you unnecessarily. If you need more health visit report forms or envelopes, contact Fostering Faster Follow-up.
• If a physician requests
a special procedure or equipment and tells you it is NOT covered by Medicaid, we are still required to receive the denial PRIOR to any appeal or processing of the needed item. DO NOT pay for any item you are
told isn’t covered without FIRST going through the authorization process. The R.N. assigned to the child’s case can help you with this.
• Remember that over-the-counter medications and co-pays, for those over 18, are the responsibility
of the caretaker (or the child if he/she is working or has another source of income). If there are problems affording the co-pays, you should speak with the caseworker assigned to the child.
• All follow-up referrals ordered by the physician need to be completed as soon as possible after the referral is made. If you need help in fi nding a provider please contact the nurse assigned to the child.
• YOU must keep the child with the medical plan and medical providers that they have seen before custody except in special circumstances. Make sure you check your Medicaid Card to see which HMO the child is assigned to before making an appointment.
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Michaela L.
Birthday: 08/1994 Grade in School: 10th Heritage: Caucasian
Meet Micheala!
This intelligent young woman with the sweet personality loves to read and is often caught with a book in her hands. Micheala is an outgoing and likeable teen who makes friends easily. She has great relationships with her peers. Besides her love of books, Micheala also enjoys dancing and acting. Her dreams include someday becoming a successful actress and being adopted by a loving family.
FOSTERADOPTIVED A D O F T H E YEAR AWARDS“My Dad is...”
The Foster/Adoptive Dad of the Year Awards for 2010 are almost here!Utah Foster Care Foundation will begin a c cep t i ng on l i n e nominations on March 1, 2010 at http://www.u tah fos te r ca re .o rg/fosterdadoftheyear.html Please note: this site will be inaccessible until March 1, 2010.
This year’s theme is “My Dad is...” so think about what your Dad is to you and let us and the world know.
TWO NEW UFAFAOFFICERSELECTED
Two new offi cers for Utah Foster Adoptive Families Association offi cers have been elected to serve your needs beginning February 2010.
President: Jennifer GardnerPhone: 435.723.3369Email: [email protected]
Treasurer: Beth Hardman
Congratulations to these new offi cers.
Facilitating Healthy Attachment with Foster/Adoptive Children
Touchstone Therapy Center invites you to attend a conference on faciliating healthy attachment in foster and adoptive children.
7 CEUs are available to professionals attending the conference.
This conference is also approved for foster parents and can be used for training hours towards relicensure. For more information, contact your region trainer, found on page 8.
Prices for this conference are as follows:
Early Bird: $125.00Standard: $139.00At the Door: $150.00
Conference Dates and Locations:
Ogden Marriott HotelFriday, May 14, 20108:30am-5pmNote: early bird registration for this
date has passed. Discounted room
rates are available.
Salt Lake City (Location TBA)Friday, September 10, 20108:30am-5pmNote: early bird registration ends April
30, 2010.
Registration begins at 8am.
For more information and to register for the above conferences, please visit the Touchstone Therapy Center web site at: www.touchstonetherapyinc.com
There have been some struggles with families getting everything ready in a timely manner at foster care license renewal. A few reminders will make the process smoother for you as a family:
• Please make completing your training hours and BCI a priority. Keep track of your hours. You may fi nd a blank training record page at any In-service Cluster meeting or go to http://www.utahfostercare.org/inservice.html. Click on Western Region and print this page. When it is time to renew, send this training page to Nancy Zelenak, UFCF 252 N. Orem Blvd Orem, UT 84057. Or, you may drop it off at our offi ce. (There is a mail slot in the door, so feel free to stop by at your convenience.)
• Working with the Offi ce of Licensing; your paperwork is mailed to your home 60 days before your license will
expire. Please submit this required paperwork back to your licensor leaving ample time prior to the expiration date of your license. A good idea is to follow up with your licensor to be sure they received everything. For any Licensing questions contact the Provo Offi ce of Licensing at: 801.374.7016.
• Please, please, please do not wait until the last 60 days to complete licensing requirements (ie; training, BCI, etc).
• There are no extensions on licenses! Again – currently there are NO extensions on licenses!!!
• You cannot be paid if you are not a licensed provider. You are not a licensed provider if your license has expired.
FEBRUARY 2010
5
by Trish Jensen, Resource Family Consultant Program Manager, DCFS
Utah Foster Care Foundation has funds available to meet the special needs of children in foster care when DCFS is unable to meet these needs for any reason. Funds are limited.
Requests MUST include the following:• Child’s fi rst name, last initial and age• Foster parent’s name and home address• Caseworker’s name and contact information• The item being requested and the associated costs• Brief description of how the child will benefi t
Request should come in writing by a foster parent, the child in care or the caseworker.
PLEASE NOTE:• Dispersal of funds can take up to 4 weeks.• Checks are mailed to the foster parent’s home address.• Funds are for children in foster care ONLY. • Items covered by the foster care reimbursement or by Medicaid are not eligible.• Only requests previously denied by DCFS are eligible.
VACATIONS:• A child in care can receive vacation funds only ONCE in their lifetime.• Vacations are restricted monetarily & may not cover all costs.
SUBMIT REQUESTS TO:Nikki MacKayUtah Foster Care Foundation5296 So. Commerce Dr. #400Murray, UT 84107
ORnikki.mackay
@utahfostercare.org
6
Wishing Well Funds
Why do some children seem to be stronger or more resilient than others when faced with adversity? What are the signs of a resilient child? Where does this inner strength come from? How can you foster the capacity for young children to become more resilient?
Resilience is a combination of nature and nurture. The constitutional “makeup” of some children allows them to keep going strong even during diffi cult times.
Resilient children or children who seem to bounce back from adversity easier than others typically have some of the following qualities: • Good self-esteem• Ability to connect and communicate their feelings with others• Have trusting relationships• View themselves as having an impact on their environment• Are hopeful• Regulate their behaviors• Are resourceful in knowing how to
get their needs met• Feel a sense of achievement/accomplishment• Are not afraid to make mistakes
Often, resilient children may also have good problem solving skills, easy going temperaments, and can fi nd humor in things.
More often than not foster parents care for children who cannot be comforted easily and are vulnerable to stress and anxiety. These are children who have diffi culties self-regulating their emotions and behaviors; have developmental delays and diffi cult temperaments. They have suffered previous trauma, poor prenatal history or social support. This child could possibly lack the inner strength to recover during diffi cult times. Some children are naturally resilient, and some need to be taught how to be resilient. Is there anything we as caregivers can do? Yes!
Western Region Partners in ParentingPartners in Parenting are local businesses that want to show their appreciation for all you do by offering discounts and specials to foster families.
Just present your Resource Parent ID Card to take advantage of these offers, and be sure to let these businesses know that you appreciate their support!
While the Utah Foster Care Foundation is sincerely grateful to our Partners in Parenting, we cannot endorse any of the services or products offered. A statewide list and description of all Partners in Parenting is available at our website: www.utahfostercare.org.
The Resource Parent ID Card identifi es you as one of our valued foster care providers and allows you to enjoy the benefi ts and savings from local merchants.
You MUST have your Resource Parent ID Card to access discounts from these businesses. Please do not ask for exceptions.
If you do not have a Resource Parent ID Card, please call Darcey at 877.505.KIDS.
If you are aware of any business that would like to become a Partner in Parenting, please call Jessica at 801.373.3006.
7
Envision Lending Group
Pampered Chef
Gingerbread Bakery
Cutting Cottage Full Service Salon
Evans Hair Styling College
All Fibers Carpet Care
Heavenly Touch Massage
Family Legacy Dental
Massage Therapy
The Dance & Fitness ZoneScott Hancock Salon in P.G.
Borders Book Stores
Let’s Play Music
Green with Envy
$500.00 off closing costs Scott Stringham 866.413.8976
Free cooking classes for children
15% off all items
20% off services & products
$3.50 hair cutscall for days
10% off services
$10.00 off one hour massage
Call for offer
$30.00 per hour
$10.00 per month adults & children
20% off hair services
20% off excluding specials
Call for Discounts
10% off lawn care
Jana King801.375.681817 S. Payson 801.465.0367Caryl Ward 801.754.1041801.224.6034Orem801.319.4066Utah/Wasatch Co. Gail Fletcher 801.592.4503801.277.5080Orem
Julia Knaphus 801.796.5969Stephanie801.404.1574Rebecca Erickson 801.368.3262
Cathy Eliason 801.380.0202
Alpine: 801.280.1000Highland: 801.916.5000
Taco Time 10% off American ForkProvo Towne Center
Ultra Steam Cleaning Systems, Inc. 10% off all cleaning Troy
Western Region TrainingMonthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents
First Placement Meeting/PMT
Date: April 2, 2010Time: 10am-2pm
Location: Utah Foster Care Foundation 252 N. Orem Blvd.
Presented by:Nancy Zelenak
This training is a Pre-service refresher as well as a chance to address specifi c issues with your current placement. Principles from the Practice Model will also be reviewed. Required in the fi rst year of licensure.
6:30pm-8:30pmAmerican Fork DCFS
578 E. 300 S.
Presented by Nancy Zelenak
An overview of possible emergencies throughout the Wasatch Front; resources and information to prepare your family and to stay in touch with DCFS.
Sponsored by the North Star 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.
Notes on In-service Trainings:
• Classes are for licensed foster parents ONLY
• Training hours will beapplied to re-licensing requirements
• Primary caregivers arerequired to attend 12+ hours of in-service training per year
• Secondary caregivers are required to attend 4+ hours of in-service training per year
• ADULTS ONLY unlessotherwise specifi ed
• Classes start on time
• You must attend the entire class to receive credit
FFY #4: The Goals of Transition to Adult LivingMarch 25th; 5:30pm
Presented by:Nancy Zelenak
Parenting Tip of the Month
8
Spend at least 30 minutes each day with your child doing things he/she enjoys to help strengthen your relationship and build everlasting bonds of trust and understanding.
Foundations for Youth
It is essential to help youth build a solid foundation upon which they can more easily make the transition to living as adults and build connections for greater stability.
Required for all foster parents of youth 14 and older.
Western Region TrainingMonthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents
Upcoming In-service Trainings
February 10th
10am-12nOrem DCFS
1106 N. 1200 W.
Relationship Work
Presented by Catherine Johnson
of WMH
This training will give you insights and tools to create and strengthen your relationships.
Sponsored by the
Structured Cluster
6:30pm-8:30pmEagle Mountain Fire Station #2 3785 E. Raches Parkway
A Walk Through the System
Presented by Chad McDonald
This is the training new caseworkers receive when they are fi rst hired at DCFS in Western Region. Come learn the ins and outs of ‘the system’.
Sponsored by the
Crossroads Cluster
7pm-9pmHeber City DCFS
69 N. 600 W.
How the Legal System Works With
Birth Parents
This training will help you understand the required services offered to birth parents and the federal and state timelines and how they affect reunifi cation of children.
Sponsored by the
Wasatch/Summit Cluster
10am-!2nOrem DCFS
1106 N. 1200 W.
Helping Teens Relieve Stress and Anxiety In
Their Lives
Presented by Kayelyn Robinson
This training will give you great ideas to assist youth in ‘letting go’ of things they have no control over.
Sponsored by the
Structured Cluster
Feb. Date TBA February 17th
March 10th March 16th March 17th
Training Tips:
• Approved Trainings-In-service trainings provided and approved by Utah Foster Care Foundation.
• Foundations for Youth-FFY is required for families caring for youth 14 and up.
• Community & Partner Trainings- Call your regional trainer (found on page 4) for approval prior to attending a class or conference that is held within the community and is not a pre-approved training.
• BRMT- You must attend the entire session of Behavioral Replacement Model Training.
• Approved On-line Training- Families may visit the web site: www.fosterclub.com for up to 2 hours of online training per year.
• 1st Placement/PMT- 4 Hours of Practice Model Training must be completed within the fi rst year of licensure.
• Peer Parent Training and Resource Family Consultant (RFC) Training- 6 hours each per year may be used toward licensure. RFC Training must be provided by DCFS RFCs.
REMINDER: Family team meetings do
not count toward In-service training hours.
IMPORTANT:TO REGISTER FOR A TRAINING THAT IS CLUSTER-SPONSORED, YOU MUST CALL YOUR AREA CLUSTER FACILITATOR, FOUND ON PAGE 10.
9
continued on page 11...
7pm-9pmUtah Foster Care
Foundation 252 N. Orem Blvd.
Kangaroo Zoo
Presented by Cayce Thill
Come out for a night of fun with the Adoption/Kinship Cluster. Call Cayce Thill for more information @ 801.426.4880.
Sponsored by the
SVW Cluster
6:30pm-8:30pmAmerican Fork DCFS
578 E. 300 So.
Brain Trauma and Child Development
Presented by Liz Rivera
An introduction as to how abused/neglected children process, build and maintain relationships.
Do I have to declare foster care payments as income?
According to the new IRS Publication 525, “payments you receive from a state, political subdivision, or a qualifi ed foster care placement agency for providing care to qualifi ed foster individuals in your home generally are not included in your income.” See: http://www.irs.gov/publications/p525/ar02.html#d0e8383 for more information.
Can I claim an exemption for my adopted child or for the children in care in my home?
According to IRS Publication 17, an eligible foster child or adopted child may be claimed as a dependent if the child meets the rules of a “qualifying child.”
Please note: Utah Foster
Care Foundation is
providing this information
as a courtesy. We cannot
guarantee the accuracy
of this information. Please
check the IRS web site prior
to fi ling your taxes.
11
Western Region TrainingMonthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents
Upcoming In-service Trainings, cont.
6:30pm-8:30pmSpanish Fork DCFS 607 E. Kirby Lane
Family Problem Solving
Foundational information about how to encourage the people who live in your home to work together.
Sponsored by the
Mount Nebo Cluster
March 17th
6:30pm-8:30pmUtah Foster Care
Foundation 252 N. Orem Blvd.
Birth Parent Panel
Presented by Panel
Meet birth parents who have successfully overcome personal issues to have continued strengthening relationships with their children.
Sponsored by the
Central Cluster
March 18th April 7th
continued from page 6...
• Help children maintain positive relationships in their lives. • Create opportunities for children to contribute or help within the family• Talk about feelings• Accept your child for who he or she is and celebrate his or her temperament or personality• Respect and value your child• Listen and give undivided attention• Be reliable; do what you say you are going to do• Show your unconditional love• Help your child learn through mistakes• Facilitate problem solving• Provide clear expectations
• Allow your child to have control by making choices• Help your child set realistic goals• Be fl exible
All children work hard to understand the world and relationships around them. Take the time to talk and problem solve with your children. Caring for a child who needs to be taught resiliency is a journey. Perhaps we may not see the results immediately but it is important to plant those vital seeds while we are able.
*excerpted from “Uncovering the Mysterious: The Bounce Back Factor” by Noelle Hause Ed.D. LPC. found on page 59
of the Nov/Dec 2009 issue of “Fostering Families Today”.
6:30pm-8:30pmAmerican Fork DCFS
578 E. 300 S.
Presented by Nancy Zelenak
An overview of possible emergencies across the Wasatch Front; resources and information to prepare your family and to stay in touch with DCFS.