northern june 2010 foster roster

09V O L U M E

J U N E2 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 issueChalk Art Festival P.1

Successful Symposium P.2

Fostering Healthy Children P.3

UFAFA Update P.4

Northern Region Update Begins P.5

fosterroster

STATEWIDE UPDATE

Utah Foster Care Foundation Offi ces

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

Richfi eld201 E. 500 N.Richfi eld, UT 84701Phone: 435.896.1232

Utah Foster Care Foundation’s

Don’t miss it!

June 18-19The Gateway

We are still looking for general and foster parent volunteers. If you are interested, please visit the

Chalk Art Festival web site to register.

http://www.chalkartfestival.org/http://www.facebook.com/ChalkArtFestival

Visit the Kids’ Korner and join in on the fun!

Watch as artists create beautiful, temporary works of art.

(2,1) -1- Northern June 2010 Foster Roster.indd 6/1/2010 2:52:18 PM(2,1) -1- Northern June 2010 Foster Roster.indd 6/1/2010 2:52:18 PM

Special thanks to:

Joseph V.

Birthday: 10/2000 Grade in School: 3rd Heritage: Native American

ALL BOY, is the best way to describe this friendly kid. Joseph is a very athletic child who loves football but enjoys anything played with a ball. He would do very well and is looking forward to someday playing on a sports team. An intelligent guy, Joseph likes to tinker, draw, fi gure things out, learn new things, and play with LEGOS. When Joseph feels relaxed and comfortable in a situation, his silly side seems to come out. When this happens Joseph very much enjoys this “hang-out” time. He is a very observant kid who happens to notice little details in things. Some of Joseph’s current interests are animals and Transformers.

For more information, please contact:

The Adoption Exchange801.265.0444

www.utdcfsadopt.org

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By Mick Woolsey, LCSWDirector of EducationUtah Foster Care Foundation

Greetings! We wanted to thank everyone who contributed to the success of our very 1st Annual Utah Foster Care Foundation Symposium held April 21st and 22nd in Midway. We had a great turnout and enjoyed several presenters’ views on trauma and attachment. Foster parents attending were eligible for three hours on Wednesday afternoon and six hours on Thursday to be credited towards licensure renewal. Clinicians were also able to obtain 9 CEU’s toward their licensure renewals.

Dr. Doug Goldsmith from the Children’s Center was the keynote

speaker. His presentation, “Attachment in Perspective: Keeping the Big Picture in View,” included case studies as well as grounded ideas of how to help families struggling with attachment and trauma issues. We want to thank him for his time and expertise and received numerous evaluations thanking him for all he shared. Foundation trainers Liz Rivera, MS, Les Harris, LCSW, Mick Woolsey, LCSW, and Nancy Zelenak, MSC explored other areas of attachment. Topics included Discipline with Traumatized Children, Reactive Attachment Disorder, Secondary Trauma & Foster Parents and Matters of the Heart from Children in Care.

We look forward to next year’s Symposium and hope you can join us!

Successful Symposium

Dr. Goldsmith presenting at the Symposium.


Fostering Healthy Children

By Chris Chytraus, R.N., BSN, CPMProgram ManagerFostering Healthy Children Program

As a foster parent, you should have received a letter from the Utah Dept. of Heath about the national recall of many “over the counter” medications.

Below is a list of the brand names of the medicines on the recall list. If you have any of these medications, you should check the NDC code on the packaging. A complete listing of these codes can be found at https://www.utahfostercare.org. If you have any of the medications with the NDC code listed, you should return it to the pharmacy where you purchased it.

If you have been giving a child any of the medications listed and they have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea PLEASE CONTACT THE CHILD’S MEDICAL PROVIDER and let them know.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the nurse assigned to the child’s case or the Fostering Healthy Children Program at 801.584.8598 or toll-free 800.829.2900 ext. #4.

Medications recalled May 3, 2010:

• Tylenol Infants’ Drops• Children’s Tylenol Suspensions• Children’s Tylenol Plus Suspensions• Motrin Infants’ Drops• Childrens’ Motrin Suspensions• Childrens’ Motrin Cold Suspensions• Childrens’ Zyrtec Liquids in Bottles• Childrens’ Benadryl Allergy

3

Jasmine M.

Birthday: 10/97 Grade in School: 5th Heritage: Caucasian

This bright young lady enjoys singing, acting, sewing, drawing, reading, and gymnastics. Jasmine likes animals. She relishes in being physically active and busy. Like many other girls her age, Jasmine is interested in cosmetology, especially make-up and hairstyling. As a fi fth grader, Jasmine is above grade level, has higher than average intelligence, and loves to learn!

For more information, please contact:

The Adoption Exchange801.265.0444

www.utdcfsadopt.org

Special thanks to:

Recall on Children’s OTC Medications

Visit our web site for the

whole list


AnnouncingFoster/Adoptive Dads of the Year 2010

Utah Foster Care Foundation would like to announce the fi ve Foster/Adoptive Dads of the Year for 2010:

Eastern Region:Jeff Edwards

Northern Region:Chris Erickson

SLV Region:Mike Millgate

Southwest Region:Gerardo Reyes

Western Region:Mark Broderick

If you know these dads and would like to support them, an awards ceremony will be held in their honor on Saturday, June 19th at noon. The ceremony will be held at the Gateway in downtown Salt Lake City.

Come join the fun!

U F A F A E x e c u t i v e Committee

President: Jennifer Gardner1st VP: Renee Calkins2nd VP: Cayce ThillSecretary: Michelle OstmarkTreasurer: Beth Hardman

www.myufafa.com

Utah Foster/Adoptive Families Association Update

UFAFA is coming to a region near you!

Correction: UFAFA is coming to YOUR region!

We want all regions of the state to feel that they are represented by Utah Foster/Adoptive Families Association (UFAFA) and their needs are addressed. We felt that creating regional committees that are modeled after and report to the executive committee would be the best way to accomplish this goal. These committees would coordinate various endeavors in each region that would help fulfi ll the purposes of UFAFA. We need volunteers to staff these regional committees!

We are also looking for volunteers to create and staff “resource centers” throughout the state! Northern Region has a great one that is supervised by the Utah Foster Care Foundation. It has been such a success that we would like to spread it to all other regions. Basically, it is a place

where donated clothes and other items are sorted, stored and distributed (by appointment) to foster/adoptive families in need of the items.

Please check out our website (www.myufafa.com) to get more details on these Volunteer Opportunities.

ALSO – we have emailed questionnaires about child welfare to all candidates that are running for state legislative positions. To see how the candidates in YOUR district responded, please email Jenn @ [email protected] with your voting district (found on your voter registration card – there will be two, a house and a senate) as the subject line.

Thanks for all you do every day to make the world a better place!

Jennifer GardnerUFAFA President

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in this issueA Letter From Carol P.5

Grief and Foster Parenting P.6

Partners in Parenting P.7

Training Updates P.8

NORTHERN REGION UPDATE

Northern Region Offi ce

3340 S. Harrison Blvd. #200Ogden, UT 84403

Phone: 801.392.1114Fax: 801.392.1112

Toll Free: 877.392.1114

Area Representative

Brenda Durtschi

Foster/Adoptive Family Recruiter

Maryanne McFarland

Trainer

Brian Young

Retention Specialist

Mindy Lundgreen

Kinship, Court Advice and Rumors

Dear Foster Parents,

Several concerns have recently been brought to my attention and I thought the best way to reach most of you would be through the Foster Roster. Kinship: As you all know we are required to pursue appropriate extended family members as placement options. When a child is placed with you, please ask about potential kinship – and keep asking. I know it is heartbreaking for you to form an attachment to a child, only to be told months later that a viable kinship option has come forward. We do our best to make sure we explore kinship up front but we also continue to explore throughout the case. Jean Marie Morris (801-395-5906) heads up our kinship team and she can answer your questions when they come up.

Court: You are invited and encouraged to attend all court hearings – in fact, this is your right by federal mandate and state law. Some judges will ask you to speak, others forbid it. You may always ask the child’s caseworker to include a paragraph expressing your thoughts and concerns in the court report and/or talk with the GAL prior to court. The courtroom can be an uncomfortable place to be and the types and numbers of hearings are confusing. Laura Thompson, our AG section chief, will be offering training to foster parents this spring and summer. I encourage you to attend as it will be a great opportunity for you to learn and ask questions.

Continuned on page 6

JUNE 2010

5

By Carol Baumann, Northern Region Director, DCFS


Continued from page 5

Placements: Have you ever tried to battle a myth or rumor? Every time you think you have extinguished it – there it is again dancing merrily along! So it is with placements. Yes, some caseworkers have foster parents they love to work with just as some foster parents have certain case workers they love to work with. This does not, however, determine placements. The placement committee works diligently to match the needs of the child or sibling group to the strengths of the foster family. That is the basis of the decision – the best interest of the children. Fear: This is another myth I have chased for a few years. My understanding is that foster parents fear if they complain or go to someone’s supervisor, someone will retaliate. If your concerns/complaints are not addressed by the caseworker, the next step is the supervisor. That is

their job. You should also be talking to your Resource Family Consultant (RFC). That is their job. Please, give these folks a chance to do their jobs. Like you, they are here because they care about the children. With that as our common ground, we can seek resolution to our problems. Please know I do not have my head in the sand. I know there are problems. I will continue to work closely with Jennifer Gardner (new president of the Utah Foster/ Adoptive Families Association) and she is working hard for you! Let us work together to fi nd resolutions. As foster parents you are such an important part of our efforts to care for children so we can send them home or offer them other options for permanency. The children need us to work together to fi nd solutions – they are counting on us!

Carol Baumann

Kinship, Court Advice and Rumors

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:Mindy LundgreenUtah Foster Care Foundation1181 Christmas Box LaneOgden, UT 84404

ORmindy.lundgreen

@utahfostercare.org

6

Wishing Well Funds

Combined Cluster Swim Party

Come enjoy a fun evening of swimming, water slides, splash pads, pizza and pop at the North Shore Aquatic Center, 2480 N. 200 E. in North Ogden. Please RSVP to your cluster facilitator. Sponsored by the Box Elder, Foster/Adoption, North Ogden, Weber West, North Davis, South/Central Davis Clusters.


Northern 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 Mindy at 801.392.1114.

7

Fantastic Sam’s

Green with Envy, Inc

Kid-to-Kid

Pampered Chef

Personal Refl ections PhotographyPizza Runner

Po’ Mans Photography

Halo Balloon Art

Plato’s Closet

Sara Jane’s Closet

Wisebird Bookery

AVON

Scentsy

Detangles Hair Salon

$2 off adult & $1 off child cuts& $5 off cut/color

335 E 36th Street, Ogden 801.399.1239

10% off lawn care

10% off purchases

20% off kitchen items

10% off

FREE upgraded size

FREE 8x10 & 33% off sheets

Free birthday bouquet for children in care

20% off all purchases

$5 off cut, color, perm or style

10% off purchases

10% off all purchases

10% discount

$3 off haircut for children in foster care

801.808.8282

Bountiful, Ogden, Layton

Brenda 801.782.2042Jennie Defriez801.518.6368801.394.4265OgdenHoward801.548.6273801.444.0501Layton

545 S Ring RoadLayton801.776.3030Clearfi eld801.479.8880OgdenKristy Ware801.985.7027

801.309.1017

801.675.0997Ogden

Scentsy - Cache Valley 10% off retail price Nikki435.563.4765

www.ifrogz.com - head-phones, ipod/phone cases

15% off all products. Coupon code: foster15off

[email protected]; 801.726.0912

10% discount on all purchasesMIche Bags

Peer parents teach parenting skills and provide support to families receiving DCFS intervention. Peer parents earn $9.50/hour and determine their own schedule. If you are interested, attend the next Basic Peer Parent Training: Saturday, June 12th 2010 from 9am-1pm at the Clearfi eld DCFS Offi ce, 1350 E. 1450 S.

To register contact Pam Takos 801.397.1363 or [email protected]. This counts toward In-service hours for foster parents.

Peer Parent Training


Northern 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 Mindy Lundgreen at 801.392.1114 for more information.

For more information on upcoming Cluster trainings, see “Upcoming In-service Trainings” on pages 9 & 11.

What are

Clusters?

Foster/Adoption

North Davis

Family Swim PartySee p. 6 for details.

Facilitator: Janette801.546.9465

[email protected]

Insight: A “Supervisory” EveningSee training pages for details.

Family Swim Party see p. 6 for details.

Facilitator: Patty801.444.7284

[email protected]

Cache Valley

An Evening with Your CaseworkersSee training pages for details.

Facilitator: Laura435.735.7232

[email protected]

Box Elder

Being an Advocate In & Out of the System See training pages for details.


Facilitator: Ann435.723.3095

[email protected]

North Ogden

Family Swim PartySee p. 6 for details.

Facilitator: Marilyn801.782.9080

[email protected]

Weber West

Insight: A “Supervisory” EveningSee training pages for details.


Facilitator: Rebekah801.773.7268

[email protected]

South Central Davis

Discipline StrategiesSee training pages for details.


Facilitator: Amanda801.298.6381

[email protected]

Level III

No training this month attend another Cluster if you need in-service training.

Facilitator: Maryanne801.392.1114

[email protected]

Facilitator: Jenn435.787.2858

[email protected]

8


Northern Region TrainingMonthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents

“He said what?”

First Placement

Date: July 17thTime: 10:00am - NoonLocation: Brigham City DCFS1050 S. Medical Dr. Ste. B

Presented by: Brian Young, SSW

This training offers families an opportunity to review some key concepts from pre-service, as well as addressing child/system issues they have experienced during placements.

Date: August 28thTime: 9:00am - 11:00amLocation: Ogden DCFS

950 E. 25th Street

Presented by:Brian Young, SSW

No matter how you look at it, dealing with an allegation is extremely stressful. We’ll look at why they can happen, what you can do to prepare and what to expect from the process.

To Register For Classes:

Contact: Brian Young

Northern Region Trainer

Phone: 801.475.5537

Email: brian.young

@utahfostercare.org

Toll Free:

877.392.1114

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

Director of Education Mick Woolsey, LCSW

Phone: 435.229.8808Email: mick.woolsey @utahfostercare.org

Parenting Tip of the Month

Remember the 3 important questions to ask yourself when in a discipline interaction:

How is this making me feel? How does the child feel?

What’s it doing to our relationship?

***

When using www.fosterclub.com website to obtain up to 2 hrs of in-service training, please remember to put your trainers email ([email protected]) as a second email (after you take the quiz)!

9



Upcoming In-Service Trainings

6:00pm - 8:00pmBountiful DCFS57 W. 200 N.

Discipline Strategies

Presented by Brian Young, SSW

This will be an opportunity to discuss discipline strategies and how to adapt them to a variety of situations.

Sponsored by theSouth/Central Davis

Cluster

6:30 pm - 8:30 pmBrigham City DCFS1050 S. Medical Dr.

Being an Advocate In & Out of the System

Presented by Jennifer GardnerUFAFA President

Advocacy.. for the child, the system, and you. Come learn how to be better educated about foster parent rights and responsibilities.

Sponsored by theBox Elder Cluster

June 9th

6:30 pm - 8:30 pmClearfi eld DCFS1350 E. 1450 S.

Insight: A “Supervisory” Evening

Presented by DCFS Supervisors

The next “Insight” training, here’s a chance to talk with DCFS supervisors & continue efforts to strengthen our working relationship.

Sponsored by theWeber West & North

Davis Clusters

6:00 pm - 8:00 pmBountiful DCFS57 W. 200 N.

Utilizing Resources Available to Foster

Parents

Presented by Jennifer Gardner,UFAFA President

Finding, accessing and using resources will be the topic discussed. Child care available by RSVP only.

Sponsored by theSouth/Central Davis

Cluster

6:00 pm - 8:00 pmBountiful DCFS57 W. 200 N.

Bringing the Order Home

Presented byJennifer Anderson

Discussion will focus on ways to make our homes function better through organization.

Sponored by theSouth/Central Davis

Cluster

June 17th June 18th

June 23rd July 7th August 11th

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 for approval prior to attending a class or conference that is held within the community and is not a pre-approved training.

• Approved On-line Training- Families may visit the web site: www.fosterclub.com for up to 2 hours of online training per year.

• 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.

6:00 pm - 8:00 pmLogan DCFS

115 W. Golf Course Rd.

An Evening with Our Caseworkers

Presented by DCFS Caseworkers

Come enjoy dinner and conversation with our caseworkers. Please RSVP for dinner and child care.

Sponsored by theCache Valley Cluster

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Resource CentersThe resource center is available to serve licensed foster and adoptive families in the northern region. All items are gently used and are donated by Kid-to-Kid and Plato’s Closet. Clothing ranges in size from newborn to adult XXL. Equipment (strollers, cribs, high chairs, baby baths, bouncy chairs etc.) is frequently available. We also have shoes, books,bedding and other assorted items. Not all items can be guaranteed to be in stock. Please remember that the resource center is staffed by foster parents who volunteer their time to serve you. Their time, like yours, is valuable. To set up an appointment contact the following individuals as specifi ed:• Bountiful area call: Amanda: 801.298.6381• Willard area call: Korrine: 801.391. 5854 Christy: 720.308.7823• Layton area call:Mondays, Happie: 801.688.7191Tuesdays, Megan: 801.394.3540Wednesdays, Kirsten: 801.628.0069Thursdays, Kathy: 801.678.8135Fridays, Erin: 801.779.9203Saturdays, Amber: 801.814.5693• Layton area emergencies & appts: Danyelle: 801.771.0887 Thirza: 801.628.6819 • Cache Valley area call: Jen 435.787.2858

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Upcoming In-Service Trainings, cont.

Time TBABrigham DCFS

1050 S. Medical Dr., #B

Insight: The Next Step

Presented by Jacci Yeager DCFS, CWA

This is the next in a series of training opportunities designed to continue to improve our working relationship with DCFS.

Sponsored by theBox Elder Cluster

Coming Soon!

6:30 pm - 8:30 pmLogan DCFS

115 W. Golf Course Rd.

Drug Awareness

Presented byCache Drug Task Force

Come for an informative evening on drug awareness and education. RSVP for child care.

Sponosred by the Cache Cluster

Please remember to send your completed training records to your UFCF regional trainer.

Thank you!

Northern Region Trainer:

Brian Young3340 S. Harrison Blvd.Suite 200Ogden, UT 84403

August 20th Training Reminder

Foster Mom Named Mother of the Year

North Salt Lake Mayor Len Arave has honored foster parent

Amanda Burke as the city’s Mother of the Year award. He

remarked that she is “simply amazing,” raising seven children

all under the age of eight.

Amanda and her husband David have adopted four children

through foster care and currently have 2 placements, so there

is a total of nine children in the house. Her comment about

this busy lifestyle is “I Love What I Do!” Thank you to Amanda

and all foster mothers who make our communities and world

a better place.


Follow Us OnlineFor Regular

Updates:

Katy Andrews Community Volunteer

LeRoy Franke Division of Child & Family Services

Steve Goodrich, Vice ChairUPS

Kevin LaRue KSL Radio

Hank Liese, MSW, Ph.D., ChairUniversity of Utah

Mayor Dan McArthur City of St. George

Salvador Mendez, MSW Division of Juvenile Justice Services

Jean Nielsen, SecretaryHuman Services, Salt Lake County

Gary Ogden Fred A. Moreton & Co.

Fred Riley, Past ChairLDS Church

Lori Steele McCann Erickson

Jeff Tesch, LMFT Foster/Adoptive Parent

Kate Toomey 3rd District Court

Gloria Talley Wilkinson Zions Bank

Jayne Wolfe, Ph.D. Psychologist

Bruce Olson, Board Attorney Ray, Quinney & Nebeker

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDSALT LAKE CITY, UT

PERMIT NO. 579

5296 So. Commerce Dr. #400Murray, UT 84107

In partnership with the Division of Child and Family Services

utahfostercare.org fosterateen.org

a private, non-profi t organization

UtahFosterCare

Utah Foster Care Foundation

UtahFosterCare

Utah Foster Care Foundation Board of Directors


northern june 2010 foster roster

Documents

r e n t s i n u t

e t t e r f o r f o

foster roster

o n t h

foster parents

joseph v

d o p t i v e p

y n e w s