managers message what’s in a...
TRANSCRIPT
December/January/February
“WHAT’S IN A Name?”The name “foster parent” is loaded with meaning- positive, negative and contradictory meaning. Some children experience painful embarrassment when their caregivers introduce themselves as “foster parents.” Some children actually want their caregivers to use the term as a way of saying, “you’re not my mom.” When birth parents enter the Child Welfare system, they often experience incredible fear when they hear the term “foster parent”, as this can be experienced as buzz words for being replaced as parents or even future harm. Given the power of words and the meaning, discord and support they can create, how do we refer to the incredibly important work of caregiving?
Each month our QPI Caregiver Advisory Team (comprised of 20 foster/ relative caregivers, birth parents and agency staff) meets to discuss how we can improve the way our agency supports children and families. This month we discussed the words we use to refer to fostering, and the inadvertent pain these words sometimes create for children, parents and caregivers. In light of the importance of “co-parenting”- the relational support created by walking alongside birth parents and supporting them as they seek help in becoming stable parents, we sought to look at our foster care terms with fresh eyes.
After sharing our own experiences, we realized that a name is personal and there is no “one size fits all” way to refer to what we do as we care for children and support families. We also realized that an exchange of one’s name requires intentional communication between children, parents and caregivers about how they want to be referred to or how some terms may actually hurt. The names we choose “Foster Parent, Co-parent, Caregiver, Mrs. Smith, Auntie” etc, need to be talked about early on with families to set the stage for a meaningful relationship. We realized that this exchange is critical in the first few days and can be the first step towards building trust and easing fear. Name sharing can happen over the phone, in an Ice Breaker meeting or during and FTM/ CFT and may evolve as we get continue to build trust.
One birth parent shared a powerful new way of naming caregivers: “What we need in caregivers are “Parent Partners” who support us and our kids. The parent stated, “A partner is not a replacement, but a support. A parent partner recognizes that our kids already have ‘parents’, and is one who hopes with our children for our success and reunification.” Parent Partner is another wonderful way to refer to our caregivers.
What’s in a name? So much. The process of naming and exchanging names is the powerful beginning to building trust and relationship.
Elizabeth Thasiah, CFS Program Manager
CFS ContactsAdoptions 240-2700 CFS Hotline 654-3200Children’s Health & Disability Prevention Nurse 240-2700 CSA Reimbursement 654-3220 Eligibility Officer of the Day 654-3409 Field Based Case Aids 654-3444 Recruitment, Development, & Support Info Line 654-3220 General Information East County 955-2290 General Information Emergency Response & Court Units 654-3444
General Information Family Support and Collaboration (Formerly Central Programs) 654-3405 General Information Ongoing Units: 240-2700 ILP Coordinators 240-2700 Licensing NEW NUMBER! 654-3405Placement Vacancy Line 289-1900 RDS Manager 654-5594 Relative Approval 654-3405 RFA Officer of the Day 654-3405Rx for Kids Public Health Program 289- 9308Youth Services Division 240-2700
Managers Message
CO-PARENTING Ways to Work Together
Here are a few ideas on ways that Resource Families and Parents can co-parent together.
Feel free to brainstorm other ideas together during your All About Me Ice Breaker meeting!
• Send cards/letters to child via the social worker or at visits
• Share pictures of child as he or she progress with parents via social worker or at visits
• Request/share pictures of child’s family to display in child’s room
• Schedule regular phone calls
• Work together on discipline (come up with a shared plan)
• Share case, family and child progress and successes with each other
• Exchange phone numbers and/or email addresses
• Attend school meetings and events together
• Plan special activities for visits
• Celebrate the child’s birthday and holidays together and incorporate both families’ culture and traditions
• Talk together with the child about being away from his/her parents
• Meet before or after visits to share updates
• Attend medical visits and other appointments together
• Create the child’s Lifebook together and include successes, school projects, report cards, notes, pictures, and any other items to help the child see his/her successes, progress, and people that care about him/her
• Learn about, understand and respect each other’s culture
• Share parenting concerns directly with each other and not with the child
QPI CornerFrom Group Care
to Family Life: SUPPORTING THE
TRANSITION
Most resource families are aware of the shift in policy, called Continuum of Care Reform, which supports counties in helping transition youth from group care settings, with group homes now serving as short term therapeutic centers. Many of the youth that were formerly in group homes have been there for long periods of time. If we stop and think about what their lives were like before living there, we realize that they came from complicated family situations, and likely have been in multiple placements including group homes, and have never had an opportunity to learn how to successfully navigate the intimacy and dynamics of a healthy family setting.
While we may take our routine family lives for granted, for many foster youth it is culture shock! It’s no wonder they come into foster homes with behaviors that seem unacceptable, and often display inability to comfortably participate in family activities. Dr. Toni Heineman, Director and Founder of A Home Within presents in her training video, From Group Care to Family Life: Supporting the Transition, how caregivers can help these youth learn to become part of a healthy family by understanding some of the differences in group home settings versus family settings, and learn how to:
• Be intentional about teaching the culture and unspoken rules of your family;
• Help youth to relax and rely on relationships rather than rules;• Help youth navigate through the confusion that comes from
having been bounced around from placement to placement; and• Examine rule breaking and conflict as an opportunity to
strengthen a relationship.
We encourage all families to watch this webinar and learn more about the challenges our youth face when they leave group care and transition into a family setting. To learn more and receive training hours towards your annual licensing requirements, you can view the video on the QPI California Just in Time training website here: http://centervideo.forest.usf.edu/qpi/california/transitioningyouth/start.html
To all of our wonderful resource families who are co-parenting with birth families – We want to hear from you! We would love to talk to you more about your experiences and successes and share your stories. Please contact Jaci Johnson at 805-289-1948 or email her at [email protected]
Call for ACTION!
New Training Video Available
INSTEAD OFSAY
Nurses Corner People First Language
People with disabilities The handicapped, disabled, special, challengedPeople without disabilities Normal, healthy, regular peopleA baby born prenatally exposed to drugs A drug exposed babyHe has an intellectual disability He’s mentally retarded
She has autism She’s autisticHe has Down syndrome He’s Down’sShe has a learning disability/difference She’s learning disabledHe has a physical disability He’s crippled/handicappedShe’s of short stature/she’s a little person She’s a dwarf/midgetShe uses a wheelchair/mobility chair She’s wheelchair bound/confined to a wheelchairHe communicates with his eyes/devices/ect. He’s non-verbalCongenital disability Birth-defectBrain injury Brain damagedAccessible parking, hotel room, table Handicapped parking, hotel room, table
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Kudos CORNERDOUG K. I wanted to extend a great big thank you to Ventura County for putting my son in the care of Doug K. Doug has reached my son in ways that no one else ever could!
My son looks forward to going to Doug’s house. For the first time a foster parent has been described as “Pretty Cool”. My son’s description of the previous foster arrangements were nowhere near as kind. When Doug found out my boy couldn’t swim, he immediately began to teach my son how to swim and he is no longer afraid of the water!
Doug has introduced golf to my son and encourages him to drive the golf cart in preparation for him getting his driver’s license.
My son now has a laptop computer thanks to Doug’s continuous efforts in reaching out to the county. He is so generous with his time. My son has stated several times “I’m not used to someone being so kind and generous to me.”
My son is 16 and is too old for arts and crafts but enjoys working with his hands. Doug seems to understand this and has introduced tools and projects. One project they made a phone holder. One project was to wire in a motion detector. Now we find my son asking what they can do next.
Doug has helped me a lot as well. He explained to me that once he finds an activity they both can enjoy together, that is when my son is willing to listen to any life messages and teachings. That is when he will open up and express his thoughts and dreams. That is when we can plan for the future together. The trick Doug says is little by little and not to be too heavy at any one time.
My son likes throwing the football with Doug very much too. Doug has bought me a football for me to give to my son. When he gets home from school today, I will give it to him. I will ask my son to teach me how to throw it and hopefully a nice chat will ensue.
Soon, I will be 100% reunified with my son. That is all I ever wanted once this journey began.
Doug has helped me and my son beyond measure. Just when I was wondering how much he will miss Doug and what may develop in his absence, is when Doug reached out and told me that my son is welcome to keep coming over after the reunification is 100% complete and that he can come over for as long as he wants, whenever he wants!
I want to let the world know, and especially Doug, how I feel. Thank you, Doug, so much for being so wonderful and caring and for being “Pretty Cool”. Thank you to Ventura County for making this happen.
- Suzie Q. (Birth Parent)
NATALIE T. I just wanted to send a positive shout out to our foster parent Natalie who truly went above and beyond over the past 2 weeks.
A youth was placed in Natalie’s home with the expectation that Arizona would have him returned to their jurisdiction in a couple of days. Almost no information was known other than his age, and that he had been living on the streets for a few weeks. Unfortunately, after a couple of days of being placed, it was discovered that he had a previously unknown and undiagnosed seizure condition and began having seizures at Natalie’s home. Unfazed, Natalie sought appropriate medical attention and was able to get the youth on needed medication to control the seizures. The doctor stated that he was not able to fly or travel until he had been on the medication and reevaluated a week later.
So, what was supposed to be a quick 2 day placement turned into over 2 weeks of care and follow through on a youth with a serious medical condition that included monitoring seizure activity and follow up medical appointments. Natalie was undaunted and communicated with our Inter County Placement Change unit. She didn’t complain, she didn’t demand, she just rolled with everything. She also built a great relationship with the youth. She shared child welfare information about how to contact his attorney in AZ, how to advocate for himself, Independent Living Placement services that may be able to help him in Arizona, but most of all she shared her heart and her home to a child who came to her with nothing.
I drove the youth to the Airport for his flight back to AZ. On the drive we talked the whole time and he told me, “Natalie was cool peeps. Foster parents aren’t supposed to care about older kids, but she was like a mom to me from right when I got to her house in the middle of the night. Kids that go there are pretty lucky.”
Well done Natalie, thanks for all that you do!!! - Davitt C.
Call for Kudos! We know that excellent partnership between caregivers, bio parents, community resources and social workers happen every day. Now, the Foster VC Kids team wants to hear about it! We are asking for everyone to submit kudos about any great experience they want to share. Please drop an email to [email protected] to share the love!!
Income Tax Information Request by Foster/Kinship/Resource Parents Protocol 1. Caregivers requesting child information for incomes tax purposes shall be referred to the Foster VC Kids Team for assistance. They can be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 805-654-3220.
2. Foster VC Kids Team will verify • Eligibility: That the child whose information is being requested for tax purposes has been in the home of the requestor for six months and one day, or more. This will be verified by pulling a placement report in CWS/CMS. • Identity: Only the Foster or Kinship parent can receive this information in person with personal Identification. • Signature of Agreement: “Foster or Kinship parent must sign a “Request for Information form, agreeing to keep the child’s information (SSN, Birth date, specific dates of care) confidential.
3. Foster VC Kids Team shall prepare “Request for Information” form letter on County Letterhead
4. Foster VC Kids Team will provide the foster/kinship parent with the “Request for Information” form letter after verifying their identity and obtaining their signature on the form. Foster VC Kids will complete the “Office Use” box with the requested information.
5. Foster/kinship caregivers will be given the form letter with the requested information and a copy shall be retained for the licensing file.
6. Foster VC Kids does not provide tax advice and cannot answer specific tax related questions.
Are you looking for ways to help our local foster youth this holiday season? Consider donating new or gently used items that our youth need and help us "Meet the Need"! Visit http://bit.ly/2AiSd80 for a list of items needed!
Help us
NeedMeet the
!
Ventura Property Shoppe, Fresh and Fabulous Restaurant and Bill Clark Automotive stepped up to show their support for Adoption Awareness Month by providing three families each with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, gift certificates for a Fresh and Fabulous meal and car service with oil change! Thank you for supporting our foster children and youth and the families that care for them.
Please welcome new Businesses with Heart:Knock-Out Oxnard, USA Wireless, AnaCapa Chiropractic, BioSoCal, Amber’s Light Lions Club Camarillo, Way of the Orient, Coastal Cleaning, All Cable, Tomas Cafe
You should have received your Businesses with Heart card and discount guide in the mail by now! You can now use this card to access a range of discounts in Ventura County! Visit www.fostervckids.org for a complete list of our Business with Heart Partners. If you know of a business that would like to become a Businesses with Heart Partner or want to share a story of how this support has benefited you and the children you are caring for! please email Jaci Johnson at [email protected].
CHILDREN’S SERVICES AUXILIARY GUIDELINESChildren Services Auxiliary reviews their guidelines each year and makes necessary changes to best meet the needs of our Ventura County Court Dependent Children. As 2018 approaches, keep an eye out for the new 2018 guidelines that take effect January. These may impact reimbursement eligibility for this coming year. We thank CSA for all they do and the wonderful opportunities they provide our children!
The Foster VC Kids CSC’s have been making their way around the Ventura County, spreading the word about the need for loving homes for our Foster kiddos! Make sure you come say hello at upcoming events, and pick up a reusable shopping bag! Don’t forget to let us know if you know of any events we should be a part of.
VCOE AGENCY 101 RESOURCE FAIRThe Ventura County Office of Education is hosting its annual Agency 101 Resource Fair, an inter-agency collaborative event that provides information and networking for all who are working with children and youth at risk for intensive services and/or residential placement. This year’s event will be Wednesday, January 24, 1:00-4:00 p.m. at VCOE’s Conference & Educational Services Center, 5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo.
COME VISIT US!
SAVE THE DATE!
RESOURCE EVENTS LOOKING BACKSUPERVISOR STEVE BENNETT and family hosted their 30th annual ‘Great Pumpkin Roll’! More than 50 youth and their families were there to launch pumpkins from the catapult, and score the highest points bowling with pumpkins. Dinner and desserts were served and a treats were had by all. Thank you Supervisor Bennett and family for such a wonderful time! TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH IN SIMI VALLEY hosted a family movie night in September. Resource Family received free entry and a great time was had by all! The TLC Preschool collected offerings to help out our FFA’s and have pledged to continue to do this throughout the year! AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRLS Troop 2324 in Simi Valley created a ‘Pajama Party’ for their annual service project in September. The troop of 118 girls collected over 300 pairs of brand new pajamas of all sizes. The girls boxed, wrapped and labeled each one for distribution to foster youth and emergency placements and gave them out to Koinonia, Bethany and Love Does Bags. Thank you American Heritage Girls troop 2324 for your support and caring hearts for our foster youth! Faith in Motion partner, NCOURAGE CHURCH worked to partner with families to provide a full Thanksgiving meal for those in need. The church worked with 30 families identified by Children and Family Services. Thank you nCourage for your support your foster ministry provides! CHILD HOPE SERVICES hosted their annual You Belong day. The day served children with an open dependency case and their families. Lunch, activities, games and gift boxes were provided to the youth. More than 200 children enjoyed the day with their families at the park! Over the summer Businesses with Heart partner, REEL GUPPIES OUTDOORS PROGRAM provided several Foster VC Kids and the families that care for them fun fishing experiences and educational fishing classes. Founder Kevin Brannon, growing up in foster care himself, developed a love for fishing and the great outdoors. Kevin founded Reel Guppy Outdoors to make sure that any youth who wants to learn to fish has the opportunity. Classes, sea, lake and pier fishing are offered for free. For more information visit www.reelguppyoutdoor.com.
Dear Grandma,How exciting that your granddaughter is looking forward to going to college! Youth in the foster care system have so many opportunities and supports available to them, yet many don’t know all of the steps they need to take to ensure that they get enrolled promptly and properly into college.
The first thing your granddaughter needs to do is apply for financial aid for college. The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is an online application that collects her personal and financial information to determine how much money she will be awarded for attending school. Financial aid can be a combination of grants and loans, although we encourage youth in care to NOT accept any loans offered. They will not need them in the first few years of school, especially if they are in extended foster care. The FAFSA application window opened October 1, and students must complete the application by March 2 in order to qualify for maximum aid. The earlier, the better! Students in foster care do not have to report income from their parents, so only their own income from a job will count. In order to fill out the application, they will need any personal W-2s from 2016, their social security number, and other basic information. The application can be found here: https://fafsa.ed.gov/. Make sure they indicate that they are in foster care, as that will qualify them as “independent” of their parents’ income. Next, they should fill out the simple application for the Chafee grant, which is additional financial aid for foster youth who have an open case at any point after their 16th birthday (and until age 22). Chafee provides up to $5,000 in addition to the funds that come through the FAFSA application. The Chafee application can be found here: https://www.chafee.csac.ca.gov/.
If your granddaughter is applying to a 4 year university, she will need to fill out the application for that university online (see the college website for the link). If she’s going to attend community college, she will need to fill out this application: http://home.cccapply.org/, then follow the matriculation process. Comprehensive guides to the entire process, from applying to college, financial aid, and support programs, can be found here: Community College http://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/Foster_Youth_Community_College_Resource_Information.pdf, California State Universities http://www.cacollegepathways.org/blueprint2013/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/B6-res_guide_CSU.pdf, and University of California http://www.tcoe.org/FosterYouth/UCAdmissionInfo.pdf.
Also, your granddaughter will likely be eligible for many scholarships, including the TEACh scholarship specifically for foster youth living in or originating from Ventura County. That application will become available in December, and will be found on this website: www.vccf.org. She may qualify for other scholarships through VCCF as well, and can do deeper scholarship searches on www.fastweb.com.
Dear FYS,My granddaughter is in 12th grade and is saying she wants to attend college next year. I didn’t go to college and no one else in our family has, either, so we don’t know what to do to help her. What can we do to make sure she gets what she needs? What should we do? — Grandma of Future Graduate
School ZoneThe
For assistance with this or any other school-related question or concern, please contact the Foster Youth Services at (805) 437-1525 or [email protected].
Resource Center
Children’s Services Auxiliary 2017 Holiday Party!Date: Saturday, December 9th, 11:00am-1:00p
Location: Oxnard Elks Lodge, 801 S A St, Oxnard, CA 93030
Join CSA for festivities, arts and crafts, musical entertainment, a raffle for the adults and as always visit Santa and take a photo!Lunch will be served at 11:30am. If you have not RSVP’d yet please do so now to the Foster VC Kids team at 805-654-3220 or email [email protected]
Children’s Services Auxiliary 2017 Holiday Toy Store
The Ventura County Children’s Services Auxiliary is pleased to extend an invitation to participate in the 2017 Holiday Toy Store. Please read the following information VERY CAREFULLY:Your child’s assigned Social Worker will contact you regarding voucher distribution. If you are not contacted by December 1st, please contact the child’s social worker directly to request a voucher.When you call in, please be prepared to provide the following information:1. Your first and last name2. Your mailing address3. Your telephone number4. Name, Age and Gender of each child for whom you are requesting a voucher. Eligible children are those placed with you through Guardianship, Foster Care, or Relative care.
Once you have requested a voucher, please watch for your voucher in the mail or make pick-up arrangements with the issuing social worker. Vouchers must be presented at the toy store. Please bring your own bag.
Winter CAMPS Funding Available:Funds are available for Winter and Specialized Camps (such as Art, Dance, Swimming, Skiing, and Surfing). Submit Reimbursement Request and a copy of receipt to [email protected]. Guidelines and Form can be found here or on FosterVCkids.org in our Resources page. For any questions, call 805-654-3220.Featured Resource Partner: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County
Featured Resource Partner: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County
The Big Brothers Big Sisters program matches volunteers who are over 21 with children in foster care. The program serves boys ages 8 – 15 and girls, ages 6 – 15. Matched children can remain in the program until they are 21. A staff member provides support on a monthly basis to the Big, the Little, and the child’s guardian. For an application or more information, visit www.bbsvc.org or call 805-484-2282.
Network of CareWe are excited to continue our efforts in providing you and our families a comprehensive place to access information and resources via the Foster VC Kids website. Find the link for the new and enhanced Foster Health Link webpage, which now features access to the Network of Care. http://fostervckids.org/fhl/The Network of Care (NOC) provides:• access to local childhood development resources; early
intervention resources for intellectual and developmental disabilities, and preparation for success at school, as well as resources for at-risk youth, families, and the agencies that support them
• a comprehensive directory of services, including community-based support, foster care, custody, counseling services, and advocacy groups, as well as links to low-cost insurance programs for uninsured children
Foster VC Kids is here to help. We have many resources available for you and your children’s needs, other than the above highlighted. If you have specific material or resource needs, contact your social worker or Foster VC Kids for support at [email protected] or call us at 654-3220. We can help you to access the resources you and your child need to thrive.
We have updated our Resource Toolkit! To see the full list of resource providers, see our full Foster VC Kids Resource Toolkit.
Holiday Fun!
Clothing Distribution for Foster Youth & Star of Wonder Outdoor Festival
Sunday, December 3rd, 3:30-4:45 p.m.Calvary Community Church 5495 Via Rocas, Westlake Village CA 91362 Outdoor Lawn
Calvary Community Church appreciates all foster youth and their families and want to invite you to our Foster Youth Clothing Distribution. We have “gently used” clothing featuring various sizes and brand names that will fit girls and boys from birth to age 25 years old.Join us afterwards for our Star of Wonder Outdoor Festival from 5-9 p.m. Enjoy snow sledding, a petting zoo, making s’mores, and listening to the Christmas story.Please contact Patricia Kawamoto [email protected] with any questions and for additional information.
Project Bicycle LoveDecember, 2017
Coastlands Group, Eric and Janet Baucom and RE/Max Gold Coast Realtors
Coastlands Group is collecting and giving away bicycles to foster youth for the Holiday Season and giving children a memory they will never forget! To request a bike, or nominate a youth for a bicycle, complete the online form at www.coastlandsgroup.com by December 10th. Bike pickup and delivery is December 17th 22nd.For additional information including bike drop-off locations, bicycle nomination forms or build a bike volunteer signups, visit www.coastlandsgroup.com
Upcoming Resource Events
Please don’t forget to visit our Events calendar at http://fostervckids.org/ for up-to-date information on training, networking groups, and other events. Be sure to also “like” Foster VC Kids on Facebook to get regular updates about training, other Foster VC Kids events & read caregiver kudos.
Foster VC Kids Required Caregiver Training RequirementsIn order to ensure that our caregivers receive training that will deepen their knowledge and skills with the most up to date and current information, Foster VC Kids will now require specific caregiver training topics. These recommendations will allow for completion of training in-person or online, and allow for enough flexibility that caregivers will also be able to select trainings of their interest as well. Your Foster VC Kids Caregiver Support Specialist can help you find the training you need. A total of 8 hours (no longer 10) of training is required to stay in compliance with your license/approval.
• Substance exposed children • Required of all caregivers approved/licensed for children 0-5 within 1st year of approval/ conversion/implementation of policy (7/1/17). • Teaming • Caregivers will attend 1 training per year that focuses on teaming in child welfare. This may include topics such as the partnership agreement, co-parenting, visitation, family team meetings, building partnerships, & working with service providers. • CSEC Awareness • Required of all caregivers within approval/ conversion/implementation of policy (7/1/17). • Caregivers approved for children over 5 must complete an update or more in-depth, such as caring for children who are been CSEC survivors, within 2 years. • Mandated Reporter • Required of all caregivers 1st year of approval/ conversion/implementation of policy (7/1/17). • Trauma • All caregivers are required to complete 1 training per year on any trauma related topic. • Teen Issues • 1 training per year required of all caregivers approved/licensed to care for children 12 and up. • Topics may include: parenting teens, supporting non-minor dependents, caring for pregnant and parenting teens, Promoting
iEmpathize: Youth Exploitation Prevention (Simi Valley)
December 1st or December 7th 10am-2pm (This workshop is FREE and you’ll receive training hours!)Cornerstone Community Church, 2080 Winifred Street,
Simi ValleyForever Found and Cornerstone Community Church are pleased to host iEmpathize to bring the Prevention Advocate Workshop to Simi Valley.The Prevention Advocate Workshop empowers your group or organization to advocate effectively for youth exploitation prevention programming. It is suited for anyone working with youth grades 6-12. The workshop includes:• Exploitation prevention strategies, including the essential
element of empathy• Review of The Empower Youth Program• Tips for facilitating the program effectively• Strategies to advocate for prevention in your community’s
schools and other youth-serving organizations• Community brainstorming and networking• Free facilitator guide for the Empower Youth program• Free ongoing consultation with iEmpathize• Free lunch (Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate
special dietary requests.)To register for the training, visit
https://svpreventionadvocateworkshop.eventbrite.com
** College of the Canyons, located in Santa Clarita also hosts Foster and Kinship Care Education classes. These workshops are FREE for ALL foster and resource families, College Students, Educators and anyone interested in parenting classes. These classes are available for B, D, or F rate renewal. Parking classes are needed for all classes, and passes will be emailed to registered participants.
You can register online http://www.canyons.edu/Departments/ECE/Pages/Foster-and-Kinship-Care.aspx
OR Email [email protected]
These workshops/classes are for adults only, as childcare is not provided.
Hold Me Tight Couples Workshop (West County)Tuesdays, February 20th – April 10th, 8 weekly sessions,
Tuesdays from 6:00pm-8:00pm864 E. Santa Clara Street, Ventura, CA 93001
Change frustrating and painful cycles, improve your communication, and make sense of both of your emotions and relationship needs. Begin to heal and forgive past relationship hurts and deepen and enhance trust, emotional safety, and physical intimacy.
To register, contact Rachel Ashleman at [email protected] or 805-643-1446, ext 106
All Ventura County Foster Caregivers are welcome at no charge.
Mandated Reporter Training – NOW A REQUIRED TRAINING FOR ALL RESOURCE FAMILIES!
For Professionals who are mandated reporters in the fields of Health, Mental Health, Education, Social Services, Justice, Law Enforcement, Faith, and Childcare. Participants will learn how to recognize respond to and report child, dependent adult, and elder abuse and gain knowledge of prevention resources in our community.
No cost, with materials & certificates provided.
*January 24, 2018* at 9:00am-11:30am at VCCF Building 4001 Mission Oaks Blvd, Camarillo, 93012 - *SPANISH ONLY*
March 29, 2018 1:00pm-3:30pm Location to be determinedEmail any questions to [email protected]
Go to The Partnership for Safe Families and Communities website for links to register www.partnershipforsafefamilies.org/events
For Relative Caregivers Kinship care is the full or part-time parenting of children by grandparents or other relatives. These training groups will explore the practical issues related to parenting a second generation and provide tools and support to help you get and keep your bearing along the way. No RSVP needed- Walk-ins welcome! Training hour certificates provided upon request. For further information, email [email protected]
Sponsors: Ventura College FKCE, Oxnard College FKCE and Kids & Families Together
Ventura: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 6:00-8:00pm864 E. Santa Clara St, Ventura
Santa Paula: (Bilingual) 2nd Tuesday of the month 6:00-8:00pm | First 5 Neighborhood for Learning
115 Dean Drive Ste B, Santa Paula
Thousand Oaks: 2nd Tuesday of the month 6:30-8:30pm | Senior Concerns 401 Hodencamp Rd.
Simi Valley: 3rd Wednesday of the month 6:00-8:00pmSimi Valley Senior Center 3900 Avenida Simi
For more information on the above classes or to RSVP you may call or email: Debbie Flowers at Oxnard College 678-5144 or Rhonda
Carlson at Ventura College 289-6181 [email protected] or [email protected]
What’s Goin’ On?Foster VC Kids Calendar of Events
Resource Parent Networking and Support Groups
Resource Parent Networking provides foster parents the opportunity to meet and build relationships with other foster parents in their communities. Be sure to “Like” us on Facebook and visit www.
fostervckids.org to view the most current information on events!* Please note that meetings are subject to change*
*NEW!* Trauma-Informed Parenting Support GroupEarn Training Hours!
Educational: Foster, Adoptive and Kinship Caregivers in Ventura County have the opportunity to explore a variety of topics in a safe, supportive environment of their peers. Topics include trauma, Brain and Dysregulation, attachment, therapeutic parenting, dealing with difficult behaviors, working with birth families, playfulness and more. Receive training hours that can be applied toward Resource Parent training requirements. Child care provided by CISS and must be arranged at least 48 hours in advance. Please call to RSVP if you plan on attending a group. Attendance is not required each week.
Thursdays 6:00-8:00pm, January 22nd – March 1st Kids & Families Together 864 E. Santa Clara Street, Ventura, CA 93001
Call Amy at 805-643-1446 ext. 133 to register for group.
*NEW!* Peer HUB Groups for non-kinship resource familiesFacilitated by FKCE & Channel Islands Social Services to provide you additional training as well as offer opportunities for meeting other caregivers. They offer an East County group, a West County Group and a Spanish language group. Please check our Foster VC Kids Facebook for meetings dates, times, and locations!
Contact Foster VC Kids at 805-654-3220 or [email protected] for more info and for upcoming dates.
Camarillo: Defending the Fatherless is a Christian faith based caregiver support network/group. All are welcome.Email [email protected] or go to www.defendingthefatherless.net/ for more info.
Educational: Kids and Families Together hosts a support group on a range of topics provided in a safe and supportive environment, while strengthening their therapeutic parenting skills. Groups meet periodically. Contact Karina at 805-643-1446, ext. 118 for the latest information.
Ventura County Foster Parent Association (VCFPA): The VCFPA offers support, training and resources to Ventura County foster, adoptive, and relative caregivers. They hold monthly membership meetings bi-monthly. For information on the association and meetings dates/times/locations, visit http://www.vcfpa.com/.
*NEW!* Sibling Support GroupWednesdays, January 18th-March 15th, 4-5pm (11-13 years) or 5-6pm (14-17 years) | 856 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura, 93001
Siblings of Foster, Adoptive and Kinship Youth in Ventura County have the opportunity to explore and share in a safe and supportive environment with peers. This is a nine week closed group where parents participate every third week. There will be guest speakers on topics such as: family changes, coping skills and managing stress and worries.
Call Amy at 805-643-1446 x133 to register for a group.
Places WE’VE BEEN
Ana N. speaks at Kamala Elementary’s Back-to-School night. The children welcomed Foster VC Kids with handmade signs!
Crystal S. and Bethany Christian Services’ Jennifer O. join forces at the Pastor Appreciation breakfast for recruitment and Faith in Motion outreach.
Useful Links Aspiranet
www.aspiranet.orgBethany Family Services
www.bethany.org California Youth Connection
www.calyouthconn.orgCasa Pacifica
www.casapacifica.orgCASA: Court Appointed Special Advocates
www.casaofventuracounty.orgCFS Independent Living Program
www.ventura.org/ilp-youth/ilp-youthChannel Islands Social Services www.islandsocialservices.org
Child Development Resources www.childdevelopmentresources.org
Child Hope Services www.childhopeservices.orgChildren’s Services Auxiliary
www.csavc.orgDark to Dawn
www.darktodawn.orgFoster VC Kids
www.fostervckids.org
HulaFrog www.hulafrog.com/Ventura-Ca
iFoster www.ifoster.org
Interface Children & Family Services http://icfs.org
James Storehouse www.jamesstorehouse.orgKids & Families Together www.kidsandfamilies.orgKoinonia Family Services
www.kfh.orgMacaroni Kid
www.camarillo.macaronikid.comNational Foster Parent Association
http://nfpaonline.org Neighborhoods for Learning
www.first5ventura.org/parents-caregivers/neighborhoods-for-learning
QPI California www.qpicalifornia.com
Rainbow Connection Family Resource Center www.rainbowconnectionfrc.weebly.com
Raising HOPE/HOPE4Kids www.raisinghope.org
Shelter Care Resources www.sheltercareresources.com
TEACh Fund Scholarship www.vccf.org/scholarship/tech/index.shtml
VC Foster Parent Association www.vcfpa.com
Ventura County Office of Education Foster Youth Services www.vcoe.org/spes/FosterYouthServices.aspx
Women of Substance, Men of Honor www.wosmohinc.comConejo Valley Guide
www.conejovalleyguide.com/events-calendar
Foster Parent Training WebsitesCalifornia Just in Time Training
www.qpicalifornia.org/justintime.shtmlCenpatico U
www.cenpaticoU.com Foster Care & Adoptive Community
www.fosterparents.comFoster Club
www.fosterclub.com/_booster/article/foster-parent-online-training
Foster Parent College www.fosterparentcollege.com
In the Month of September: There were 835 children in care
233 children were in foster home placements (County & FFA)
399 children were in kinship/relative care placements
93 children were in guardian homes
6 finalized adoptions 31 children remained in group homes/shelter care
29.5% of siblings are separated from each other
15.5% are placed with some, but not all siblings
We welcomed 5 new foster homes into the Foster VC Kids family!
Please help us spread the word about the need for quality foster homes! Remember, foster parents are eligible to receive an incentive of $100 for referring a family once they complete the licensing process and an additional $100 once a child is placed in the new foster family’s home! Contact your licensing analyst for more information!
Foster Care Snapshot: The Critical Need Continues…