Northern Region Foster Roster October 2010

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

Northern 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 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-Northern Region.indd 10/1/2010 10:19:52 AM(2,1) -1- 10-Northern Region.indd 10/1/2010 10:19:52 AM

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Special thanks to:p

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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


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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


UFAFA Executive Committee

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

www.myufafa.com

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.

www.myufafa.com or [email protected]

Utah Foster/Adoptive Families Association Update

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Get Involved!


in this issueBag Project P.5

Exciting Opportunity P.6

Region Happenings P.7

Training Updates P.8

NORTHERN REGION UPDATE

Northern Region Office

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

Phone: 801.392.1114Fax: 801.392.1112

Toll Free: 877.392.1114

Area Representative

Brenda Durtschi

Foster/AdoptiveFamily Recruiter

Maryanne McFarland

TrainerBrian Young

Retention Specialist

Mindy Lundgreen

Foster Care Bags Made with Love & HopeThe Bountiful Val Verda Stake Relief Society has worked diligently for the past 9 months preparing 900 foster care bags. Each bag contains a blanket, teddy bear, age appropriate toy, pillow case, tooth brush and other hygiene items, as well as goodies and additional surprises. The hand-sewn back packs and all items were donated from many members of our community. Hundreds of people joined together to prepare each bag and take part in making this project happen. A

large semi truck pulled into the Christmas Box House, where children from the shelter joined with project participants to unload the boxes of bags. We express appreciation to all who contributed to this project! If a newly placed child comes to your home without his or her foster care bag, please remind the caseworker that you did not receive it. We wish to thank all those who participated in this tremendous service to children in care!

OCTOBER 2010

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A Life Changing Gift

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:Mindy LundgreenUtah Foster Care Foundation3340 S. Harrison Blvd. #200Ogden, UT 84403

ORmindy.lundgreen

@utahfostercare.org

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Wishing Well Funds

By: Jennifer Gardner

UFAFA President

When foster parent Ben Rowley first contacted the Ogden Rotary Club, he never dreamed that together they could come up with a project so exciting and inspiring, that it could change the lives of many Northern Region foster care children.

Partnering with the Trapper Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Ogden Rotary Club invites us to participate in the first-ever “Reaching New Heights” on Saturday, October 16th (in case of bad weather, it will be held on 23rd). This amazing day will include the opportunity to participate in the COPE (ropes) course that is owned by the Boy Scouts (1200 E 5400 S South Ogden). COPE is an acronym for Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience and is a course designed to build team and personal skills, communication and confidence. All foster children, youth adopted from the foster care system, as well as their foster/adoptive families are able to attend (at least one parent from each family needs to attend). There is no fee and AGES 12 AND UP can fully participate in both the

high and low activities of the course. If heights and ropes are not your thing, there are many chances to be involved while keeping your feet on solid ground! A rock wall will be available for youth 7–11. Please arrange child care for children under 7.

The course takes approximately four hours to complete. Lunch will be provided. There are a total of two hundred spots available with teams of 20 starting every half hour beginning at 8:30am. To schedule your time, please email Jane Elwell at [email protected] or call her at 801-628-9779. She will send you release forms that must be completed and brought with you to the event. For foster children, the biological parent must sign the form. If bio parents are not available, check with their caseworker for protocol.

I know from personal experience the positive effect of participating in COPE. Please take advantage of the generosity of those in our community who want to help our kids and our families!


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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 at 801.392.1114 for more information.

For more information on upcoming Cluster trainings, see pages 8-10.

What are

Clusters?

Northern Region Happenings

Thank You Marilyn and PattyWe wish to thank Marilyn and Patty for their dedication! For many years both of these women have served as Cluster facilitators in North Ogden and North Davis County. Marilyn and Patty have opened her hearts to all foster families as they worked to encour-age and mentor them through challenging moments. You both are greatly appreciated by foster parents and the UFCF staff. You will certainly be missed by all.

New Facilitator Info:Danyelle 801.510.1960

Giving Tree Christmas 2010Fall is just upon us and although it seems early to be thinking about Christmas, it is time for the Utah Foster Care Foundation to begin our 4th annual Giving Tree Program. The U.S. Air Force will be joining with us and Santa for Christmas 2010, bringing their per-sonal military delivery to each of your homes on Wednesday, December 15th. Please be prepared with a note of thanks for the military members who arrive with your delivery. This is a perfect time to recognize their dedication to serving our country and us individu-ally. They will be using their personal vacation time and gas to keep you from the cold weather and having to run out on one more December errand. They are amazing people and deserve our gratitude!

The Giving Tree Program allows children in foster care to request gifts they would like to receive. Wishes will be written on ornaments and placed on Giving Tree’s for sponsors to purchase. Due to the increasing number of children in care, The Giving Tree will be serv-ing only those children that are in foster care. Proctor agency placements do not qualify.

Foster parent must fill out the form that will be mailed to your home the first week in October. It must be returned to Mindy Lundgreen before October 25th. Please make a copy of the form and complete a separate form for each child. Each participant may make three wishes up to $25.00 per wish. Unreasonable wishes and those that do not stay within the price parameters will not be considered. Please notify us promptly of any changes in placement. Unfortunately information received after October 25th for children who are currently placed will not be accepted, no exceptions! If you are in need of further assistance for Christmas, please contact your caseworker and let her know of your needs.

Thank you for being a part of our Christmas endeavors! Now that having been said, grab your ghost and ghoul costumes, jump in a pile of raked leaves and enjoy the beauty of fall!

Thank You, Mindy Lundgreen, CSWNorthern Region Retention Specialist


Cluster Trainings and Activities

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Attachment 101

Presented by Brian Young, SSW

Understanding the basics of Attachment Theory is helpful in knowing what to expect from, and how to respond to, the children in your care.

Clearfield DCFS Office 1350 E. 1450 S.

6:30 – 8:30pm

October 21st

Cluster Family Movie Night

Sign in at 6:15, movie starts between 6:30 – 7:00. Come have a fun evening and it’s free!! Please RSVP.

Cinepoint Theater151 12th St. Ogden

November 8th December

Happy Holidays. Enjoy your families.

No meeting this month.

Weber West

[email protected]

The Effects of Trauma on the Developing

Brain

Presented by Liz Rivera, MS, SSW

Understanding how trau-ma effects brain develop-ment is critical in knowing how to appropriately inter-vene.

Bountiful DCFS Office57 W. 200 N.

6:00 – 9:00 pm

October 5th

Cluster Family Ice Skating Party

Please call Amanda for details.

November December



South CentralDavis

Amanda801.298.6381david@ davidburkemusic.com

North Davis

Danyelle 801.510.1960 [email protected]


Cache Valley

[email protected]

Box Elder

[email protected]

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Grief & Loss... Theirs and Ours


Much time is spent help-ing children deal with their grief and losses… what about our own? Please RSVP.

Logan DCFS Office115 W. Golf Course Rd.

6:30 – 8:30pm

October 15th

Fire Safety

Presented by Logan Fire Dept.

Come make learning about fire safety fun. Please RSVP.


6:30 – 8:30pm




Attachment 101


Understanding the basics of Attachment Theory is helpful in knowing what to expect from, and how to respond to, the children in your care.

Brigham DCFS Office1050 S. Medical Dr.

7:00 – 9:00pm

October 14th


Sign in at 6:15, movie starts between 6:30 – 7:00. Come have a fun evening and it’s free!! Please RSVP.







Insight: Allegations and the Role of DCFS

Presented by Dawn Hollingsworth,

Mike Pomeroy, Maegan Bernardo

No matter how you look at it, dealing with an allega-tion is extremely stressful! We will hear from DCFS administration on process that kicks in when an alle-gation is received.

Ogden DCFS Office950 E. 25th St.

6:00 – 9:00 pm

October 13th


Sign in at 6:15, movie starts between 6:30 – 7:00. Come have a fun evening and it’s free!! Please RSVP


November 8th

North Ogden

No facilitatorContact Mindy @ 801.392.1114

Level III Catch-up

Presented by Sherrin Weiss

Ogden DCFS950 E. 25th St.

10:00am – 12:30pm

October 21st

Level III Catch-up

Presented by Sherrin Weiss

Ogden DCFS950 E. 25th St.

10:00am – 12:30pm

November 18th December 16th

Christmas Party

Watch your mailbox for details!

Level III

Maryanne801.392.1114maryanne.mcfarland @utahfostercare.org

Foster/Adoption

Janette @ [email protected]

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Northern Region TrainingMonthly training announcements for foster parents

11To register for trainings on this page ONLY contact Brian Young @ 801.475.5537 or [email protected]

Insight: Legal Expectations for Foster Parents

Presented by Laura Thompson, AG Section Chief

Understanding the legal process, terms and guidelines, and how they pertain to foster parents will be discussed.


6:00 – 8:00pm

October 7th

While talking to a local gentleman on vacation recently, I was reminded of how important it is to make sure those you communicate with… understand what you’re talking about.

Me: (Frustrated w/no cell phone service) “Do you not have any bars around here?”

Him: “Not much need for those in our little town…”

Me: “Really?? How do you survive?”

Him: “A Coke now and then, but mostly water...”

One question… two perspectives. Clear up the confusion before it happens. Make sure those you’re talking to, especially children, not only hear what you’re saying, but know what you mean.

Food for Thought

Peer parents teach parenting, home management, and life skills while providing a support system to families receiving DCFS intervention. Peer parents earn $9.50/hour and determine their own hours and schedules. It’s fun, interesting, and immensely rewarding! If you are interested, please plan on attending the next Basic Peer Parent Training: Sat-urday, November 13, 2010 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm in the Clearfield DCFS Office at 1350 E. 1450 S. (enter in the south side of building). Contact Pam Takos [801-397-1363 or [email protected]] to register for the training. This training also counts towards foster care on-going training hours.

*Are you more interested in working with youth? The Youth Advocate Program might be just what you’re looking for! Call Pam Takos for more information.

Join the Peer Parent Team!


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

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-profit organization

UtahFosterCare

Utah Foster Care Foundation

UtahFosterCare

Utah Foster Care Foundation Board of Directors


Northern Region Foster Roster October 2010

Documents

Transcript of Northern Region Foster Roster October 2010