Church Rep Handbook

Pulaski County Staff

Mary Carol Pederson, Pulaski County Coordinator

mpederson@thecallinarkanass.org

Judi Booth, Family Support Coordinator jbooth@thecallinarkansas.org

Valerie Spivey, Communications Coordinator vspivey@thecallinarkansas.org

Sandy Gray, Executive Assistant sgray@thecallinarkansas.org

501-823-0607 www.thecallinarkansas.org

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The Rundown:

• Who We Are o The Call (Children of Arkansas Loved for a Lifetime) o The CALL Began in Pulaski County o We have been in AR for about 6 years and have spread to 26 counties with

new counties being added.

• Our Mission o To educate, equip and encourage the Christian community to provide

a future and a hope for the children in foster care. • Our Vision

o To have no waiting children in Arkansas foster care, but instead to have waiting, Christian families ready to take them in!

o As believers, we are called to care for the fatherless! James 1:27 states, “Religion that God our Father considers pure and undefiled is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress…”

• Who We Want o Christians who will foster and adopt o Christians who will support those who do foster and adopt

• What we want from churches o Support - Directives to the Missions or Local Outreach persons who can

give legs to this ministry at your church o Endorsement – Pastoral endorsement gives strength to what we do. o Partnership – consider us when making donations to charities (we are a

non-profit that accepts not state or federal dollars)

• What we don’t need (but is available if you so choose) o A new ministry created

We can be the Orphan Ministry Church representative who we work through

• The Need o Foster Families o Adoptive Families o Respite Families o Volunteers

o Financial Support o More African

American Families

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• The Stats In the State of Arkansas approximately 23% of the Children in foster care are of African American Descent

o In Pulaski County approximately 60% of the children in foster care are of African American Descent

o We have approximately 200 foster families in Pulaski County and an average of 750 children that need care

o There are approximately 6-7,000 children that come into the system statewide during any given year.

o It is time for the Body of Christ to join together and represent Christ in reaching out to these “orphans” in our own neighborhoods

• How we do it o We have joined in an unprecedented collaboration between the

AR Division of Children and Family Services and Arkansas Christian churches. The CALL is the go between.

o Our agency is able to walk our clients through the process and even shorten the time it takes with the approval of DCFS.

o We have our own liaison who works with CALL families. • Next Steps

o There are business card furnished and some additional items that may be helpful please feel free to pass that to the person that you would like to handle the ministry. If in fact you have more questions we can be reached at the addresses and numbers below.

Quick Reference:

Mary Carol Pederson Pulaski County Coordinator mpederson@thecallinarkansas.org 501-823-0607 501-425-4735

Valerie Spivey Pulaski County Communications Coordinator vspivey@thecallinarkansas.org 501-823-0629 501-563-8046

Dear CALL Church Representative, Thank you so much for being willing to advocate for children in foster care in your church! What you are doing is so near and dear to God’s heart. The Scriptures say, “A Father to the fatherless is God in His most holy dwelling place…” You are the key to this movement! Without the support of your ministry it becomes very difficult to meet our objective. The CALL will only be as effective as our CALL Church Reps. CALL Church Representatives lead their congregations in service to children in foster care here in Pulaski County. There is a crisis shortage of foster and adoptive parents in Pulaski County. More than 100 new foster families are needed for children that are coming into care. Many children in foster care in Pulaski County are waiting to be adopted by a forever family. Recruiting Christian homes for these families has never been more critical! As a CALL Church Rep, you are the voice for these hurting children. Please work to do a CALL recruitment for foster, adoptive, respite care parents and volunteers 3-4 times a year on a Sunday morning, in group small settings and at special events at your church. Research shows that people need to hear a message several times before they take action. Please call us at 823.0607 or email Mary Carol Pederson @ mpederson@thecallinarkansas.org or Valerie Spivey @ vspivey@thecallinarkansas.org with any questions! We are excited to have you on board and look forward to a great relationship with both you and your church! In His service,

Mary Carol & Valerie Mary Carol & Valerie The CALL (Children of AR Loved for a Lifetime)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

WELCOME LETTER STATEMENT OF FAITH FOSTER CARE FACTS CHURCH REP JOB DESCRIPTION ARTICLE: FOSTERING AN UNDERSTANDING PRACTICAL IDEAS FOR ADOPTION AND FOSTER CARE MINISTRY IN YOUR CHURCH CULTIVATING A CHURCH CULTURE SUPPORTIVE OF FOSTER AND ADOPTIVE FAMILIES

IN CHURCH RECRUITMENT

CALL RECRUITMENT PLANNER CALL RECRUITMENT PLANNER CHECKLIST TIPS FOR GROWING THE CALL MINISTRY IN YOUR CHURCH SUNDAY RECRUITMENT IDEAS FOR SPECIFIC MINISTRIES SAMPLE BULLETIN INSERT ACHIEVING YOUR CHURCH’S GOAL 12 WAYS TO YOU CAN SERVE CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE CHURCH RECRUITMENT COORDINATOR

FOSTER/ADOPTIVE TRAINING

INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS/PRIDE TRAINING INFORMATIONAL MEETING ROOM SPECIFICATIONS PRIDE TRAINING ROOM SPECIFICATIONS

VOLUNTEERING

VOLUNTEER TEAMS VOLUNTEER SIGN UP FORM VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

WHERE TO FIND HELP

WHAT IS RESPITE CARE? THE FOSTER/ADOPTIVE TIMELINE CALL MALL INFORMATION RESOURCE INFORMATION

STATEMENT OF FAITH

(The Apostle’s Creed Adaptation)

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:

Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.

The third day He arose again from the dead.

He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the universal Body of Christ, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.

I agree with the above Statement of Faith.

_____________________________ Signature _____________________________ Print Name _____________________________ Date _____________________________ Spouse’s Signature (if applicable) _____________________________ Print Name _____________________________ Date

Foster Care STASTICS

● There are over 7,000 children who are in foster care during the course of a year in AR

with only about 1,200 available foster homes in the state.

● Statewide, 60% of children who come into foster care have to be placed out of county due to the shortage of homes in that county. This necessitates switching schools, more school missed due to travel to court hearings and parental visitations, a change from everything familiar to the child. Case workers spend time transporting children rather than focusing on quality case work.

● Due to the shortage of foster homes, Arkansas is ranked #2 nationwide for the great

number of moves our children make while in foster care. An example is a child who has been in 5-10 placements within a year. Research shows that each time a child is moved in foster care there is emotional damage. These frequent moves are causing children to be "re-traumatized". Because of the shortage in foster homes, DCFS stays in crisis mode just trying to find a "bed" for a child. The CALL's goal is to have waiting families, so that DCFS can choose the BEST foster family for a given child -- thus, helping to ensure more stability. For instance, because of the shortage, even if a family says they want children aged 0-6, they will be called for teens.

● In Pulaski County, there are 1,100 children who are in foster care during the course of a

year, and only 197 families to care for those children! Approximately 68% of children who come into foster care in Pulaski County are placed outside of the county.

● In Arkansas, 1,000 more foster parents are needed to care for the children in our foster

system.

● In Pulaski County, 200 more foster parents, especially those for teens and sibling groups, are needed to care for the children in foster care in our county.

● About 25,000 teens "age out" of foster care every year in America. About 200 teenagers

"age out" of foster care every year in Arkansas. They may have NO home to go to. The outcomes for many of these teenagers is alarming:

According to Pew Research:

○ One in four will be incarcerated within the first two years after they leave the system.

○ More than 20 percent will become homeless at some time after age 18. ○ Approximately 58 percent had a high school degree at age 19, compared to 87

percent of a national comparison group of non-foster youth. ○ Of youth who aged out of foster care and are older than 25, less than 3 percent

earned their college degrees, compared with 28 percent of the general population.

Foster Care STASTICS

When a foster child reaches the age of 18, or graduates high school, he may then age out of care programs. Many find they are unable to take care of themselves after leaving the sheltered foster care environment. Health, education and housing needs may be unmet. According to the CWLA web site, this group is at risk for many negatives:

● Lack of education ● Homelessness ● Difficulty accessing health care ● Substance abuse ● Early parenting ● Life on public assistance ● Incarceration

Many youth coming out of foster care are less experienced and educated, leading to few job opportunities and lower wages. With few skills, life experience, direction and goals, the future can be grim. Life on the streets to make money and the risk of being exploited face those with no permanent family base. According to National Foster Care Data statistics compiled by Casey Family Programs, alumni who had aged out of foster care had been homeless for at least one day, 25%, were less likely to have completed high school, and were less likely to go to college than the general population; 71% vs 86%.

CHURCH REPRESENTATIVE Characteristics of an Effective Church Rep

• Organized, detail-oriented, pro-active, creative, committed, and good with people • Excellent leadership skills and a good communicator • Understands the inner-workings of your church home • Passionate about helping children in foster care • Uniquely called to this position

Requirements

• Ascribe to the Christian Statement of Faith, the Apostle’s Creed • Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and email marketing tools

Responsibilities • Serves as the CALL’s ministry leader and spokesperson for your congregation • Promote the mission of The CALL and the needs of children in foster care to the

congregation • Request monthly bulletin announcements for CALL Information Meetings • Serve as church point of contact for information about The CALL, foster care, and

adoption with DCFS • Serve as a Liaison between church leadership and The CALL • Set goals and plan strategy with church staff for consistent involvement in serving children in

foster care and the families who step up to serve them • Coordinate Sunday morning recruitments for Foster/Adoptive/Respite parents in your

church • Coordinate Heart Gallery showings • Mobilize church volunteers to provide support to foster and adoptive families in your

church and to help coordinate events • Schedule, coordinate and attend CALL PRIDE Training or Info Meetings held at your

church • Provide your pastor with feedback and updates • Encourage the church and individual church members to support The CALL financially

“Practical Ideas for Adoption and

Foster Care Ministry in Your Church” (taken from presentation by Amy and Michael Monroe,

Tapestry Ministry, Irving Bible Church)

- Adoption and foster care are not for everyone – and that’s ok, but…we are all called as Christians to help care for the fatherless in our community in some way.

- Almost always lay/volunteer led; requires a tremendous amount of time - Identify needs of foster/adoptive families in your church and respond. - Success is measured child by child, family by family, and requires a long-term

perspective.

- Real, lasting impact usually happens in smaller group settings. o Foster/Adoptive Family Support Group o Foster Parents’ Night Out (with free childcare provided) o Mom’s Night Out (monthly gathering of foster/adoptive moms at

coffeehouse) o Dads’ Burger Night (monthly gathering of foster/adoptive dads at a local

burger joint just to have fellowship) o Summer Family Fun Event o Showers for foster/adoptive family with a new child placed in their home

- No substitute for family to family support; experienced foster/adoptive families

inviting those going through the process for coffee/dessert to be an encouragement.

Ways to Support Your Church Foster and Adoptive Families:

- Identify those families who are going through the process to foster or adopt and are waiting. Encourage them, assign a mentor family.

- Identify foster families and help them to find “go-to” support families when issues arise and they need temporary childcare help, prayer, and other support.

- Allow times for foster or adoptive families to share “God stories” of His action in their lives.

- Identify adoptive families and put them in contact with other adoptive families. - Form a Foster Parent Support Group. - Form an Adoptive Parent Support Group. - Put together a pool of volunteer sitters who would be willing to help foster

families.

“Cultivating a Church Culture Supportive of

Foster and Adoptive Families (Taken from “The Safest Place on Earth?” by Michael Monroe,

Tapestry Ministry, Irving Bible Church)

If Numbers Could Talk…Results of National Survey

- “Where would you turn for information or advice on how to adopt?” - 52% said local church

- “Where would you turn for help with post-adoption issues?” – 20.6%% said local bookstore; 11% said local church.

- Parent after parent said “my local church is not a ‘safe place’ for adoptive and foster families – especially if they are struggling.”

“As churches raise the banner and sound forth the call to foster and adopt, an increasing number of families will respond. Thus, churches face a critical juncture that requires them to decide whether they will fully embrace these families that God has called to foster and adopt, and make the necessary changes to do so.” To become a church that is a “safe place” for foster and adoptive families:

1. Become Intentional and Focused - in communicating a message of hope and unconditional love in reaching out to foster and adoptive families and the hurting children they serve.

2. Become Open and Willing To Learn – about the foster care system, about how to

best serve the families involved in foster care and adoption 3. Become Honest and Prepare to Get Messy – foster care and adoption have joys,

sorrows, tough challenges, and stretch our capacity for unconditional love, all to God’s glory.

4. Become Willing to Change – ready to respond to these new families and support

them

5. Become Committed for the Long Haul – adoption and foster care is a lifelong journey

Church Recruitment

THE CALL, 10515 W. MARKHAM, #J5, LITTLE ROCK, AR 72205 www.thecallinarkansas.org

RECRUITMENT PLANNER

MESSAGE FROM THE PULPIT • Sermon notes • Scripture references • Information about the CALL

CALL DVD PRESENTATION

• In Service • Sunday School • Other

TESTIMONY

• In Service • Sunday School • Other

BULLETIN INSERTS

• See sample • Provided by The CALL

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS Join us at The Call’s Informational Meeting on the Third Monday of each Month! Unless otherwise indicated. Call or visit the website for updated locations. Find out how you can help children in foster care by becoming a foster, adoptive, or respite care parent or by serving as a volunteer. Visit www.thecallinarkansas.org for more info or to register. Questions? Call 501.823.0607 or email vspivey@thecallinarkansas.org

SUNDAY MORNING ANNOUNCEMENT BY CHURCH LEADER Draw attention to the announcement printed in the bulletin by including in the Sunday morning announcements BOOTH OR TABLE

• Banner • Presentation board • Brochures • Email Sign up • INFO Meeting Sign up • Prayer Warrior Sign up

HEART GALLERY The Heart Gallery is a collection of portraits of children who are available for adoption in Pulaski County. Bringing this exhibit to your church is a powerful way to bring the need for foster and adoptive parents into focus. Tour dates for gallery shows are available. For more information email Christie Erwin, Heart Gallery Coordinator for Project Zero, at: jherwin@juno.com PRAYER Call all church prayer warriors to pray that on the Sunday of your recruitment that God will move in a mighty way in the hearts of His people to step out in faith to find out more about how to help.

CALL Recruitment Planner Checklist

Church Name: _____________________________________________________

Recruitment Date: _________________________________________________

Church Reps Name: ________________________________________________

Pastor: ___________________________________________________________

Message from the Pulpit Declined Approved Given by:___________________________________________

CALL DVD Presentation In Service In Sunday School Other: _________________________________

Testimony Declined Approved Given by:___________________________________________

Bulletin Inserts Approved Number needed: ________________

Bulletin Announcements Announcement Text:_____________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Announcement Dates: ___________________________________________________________

Sunday Morning Announcement by Church Leader Declined Approved Given by:___________________________________________

Booth or Table Presentation Board Brochures E-mail sign up INFO Meeting Sign up Prayer Warrior Sign Up

Tips For Growing The CALL Ministry In Your Church

Develop relationships with your church staff, support ministries, and congregation • Identify those in your church who have a passion for the orphan. • Develop an understanding of church processes. • Determine who you will need to partner with on church staff and cultivate them.

Recruit help

• Enlist the support of those who are passionate about children or have special gifting. • Explore how other ministries in the church can help you! • Get your team in place in advance. • Delegate and follow up!

Ask for opportunities to promote this important ministry

• Plan a church-wide recruitment with your church leadership. • Develop a presence on the church web site. • Provide an article for the church newsletter. • Request a bulletin announcement. • Be bold! Ask for what you need to be effective.

Plan in advance

• How much time you will need to get events on the church calendar? • What is the deadline for submitting video, bulletin insert, announcement, and booth

request? • What other details need to be addressed?

Communicate effectively

• Be clear and proactive in your communication with church staff and volunteers. • Work with appropriate church staff on details of your project. • Keep church leadership informed about the results.

Follow up

• Keep in touch with those who have expressed interest. • Ask for updates on where foster/adoptive parents are in the process. • What kind of support do prospective foster/adoptive parents need from you?

Pray

• That His people would be moved to take up the cause. This is holy work. • That your work as a church rep on behalf of children in foster care would be blessed. • For a special blessing on the children in foster care and the families that care for them. • For leadership and the staff at DCFS and The CALL who work with these children and

families every day.

Sunday Recruitment Ideas for Specific Ministries

General Church Ministry Preach a sermon on the “God’s heart for the fatherless”

Have an information table hosted by the CALL Support Orphan Sunday activities/events from the pulpit

Show the Orphan Sunday video during service Launch an Orphan/Foster/Adoption Ministry Host a picnic for foster and adoptive families

Invite a family to tell their foster or adoption story from the pulpit Invite your local “Heart Gallery” to show in your church’s foyer

Collect a Love Offering to support orphan care Have a special “Blessing Night” for adoptive/foster families

Have adoption dedications/baptisms on Orphan Sunday Add adoption/orphan care/foster web links to your website

Host an Adoption/ Foster Care Seminar Make an inspirational book of short stories about foster care/adoption experiences written by your church families

Marriage Ministry

Sponsor a shoe or vitamin drive for orphans Consider becoming foster or adoptive parents

Commit to pray for foster children and orphans Host an Open House for prospective families on behalf of the CALL

Singles Ministry

Be a mentor to a foster youth Volunteer for a day to be a “helper” to a foster family in your church

Provide a meal to a family who’s caring for an orphan in your church or community Sponsor a children’s book drive and give the books as gifts to adoptive/foster families

Volunteer to help lead Orphan Sunday activities at your church

Youth Ministries Launch a group Heartwork project at hearwork.tv

Volunteer for a day to be a “helper” to a foster family in your church Live in the shoes of an orphan for a day

Have a bake sale, car wash or other event to raise money for orphans (and raise awareness, too!) Decorate birthday cards for children in foster care

Teach on God’s heart for orphans in your Sunday School classes

Small Groups Dedicate one night to a study on the fatherless

Volunteer as a group to serve foster families in your community Wrap birthday gifts and deliver them to your local Child Protective Services Agency

Prayer Ministry

Commit to pray for foster children and orphans around the world Arrange a prayer vigil at your church

Provide an Orphan Care prayer guide to families at your church After service hand-out prayer requests for foster children and orphans

Worship Ministry

Incorporate instruments from another country in your worship time Lead a night of worship for orphans

Sample Bulletin Insert

Not

Act

ual S

ize

Achieving Your Church’s Goal

1. Aim High – Set an ambitious goal- Aim for the challenge or ultimate goal range! Aim higher than the minimum level you think you can achieve. A challenging goal motivates people to stretch in their giving. Consider using the upper range of suggested goals as the “basic” and “challenge” goals for your campaign.

2. Organize the Committee to Plan and Implement the campaign in your church. Good planning pays off. This is not just about raising money. Fundraising is a process by which faithful people discern God’s plan for their church, clarify their goals, and practice their faith in ways that inspire others to faithful discipleship.

3. Demonstrate leadership, commitment, and credibility. You cannot expect others to do what you haven’t already done yourself. As you recruit your committee, ask each person to demonstrate credibility by giving generously and asking others to join you in giving generously.

4. Ask your Church leaders to make a personal commitment to the campaign. Church members will not give more generously than their leaders. Go to your Church Council and other key leadership groups, or hold a cultivation event for your leaders. Tell them about the benefits of the Now for the Future campaign for your church. Ask them to join you in making gifts that will inspire others to raise their sights.

5. Identify major giving prospects and find ways to build their ownership in the campaign: involve them in the planning process; ask them to host cultivation events, and to help with soliciting other major gift prospects.

6. Have a special event during Sunday Worship to kick off the broad-based phase of the campaign. Inspire the congregation by announcing the leadership and major gift commitments already made. Ask all of the members to join you in committing to reach a challenging campaign goal that will cause your congregation to grow in faith in God’s providing.

A Goal Is a Worthy Target you aspire toward. In Striving to Attain It, You Grow in Your Abilities, You Inspire Others in What They Can Do and You Grow In Your Faith In God’s Generous Providing.

CHURCH RECRUITMENT COORDINATOR

Characteristics of an Effective Church Recruitment Coordinator

• Organized, detail-oriented, and persistent • Passionate about helping children in foster care • Uniquely called to this position • Excellent relationship builder, communicator, and writer with a gift for encouraging

others • Willing to devote a significant number of volunteer hours to working with CALL

families • Willingness to go the “extra mile” when needed

Requirements

• Ascribe to the Statement of Christian Faith (Apostle’s Creed Adaptation) and The CALL’s Standards and Practices

• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and email marketing tools Responsibilities

• Be passionate about The CALL’s mission to educate, equip and encourage the Christian church community to provide a future and a hope for children in foster care.

• Recruit volunteers to serve on the Church Recruitment Team who will work to promote church partnerships with The CALL

• Manage and support existing church reps to accomplish their work • Cultivate relationships with church lay leaders and pastors in churches of all

Christian faiths and ethnicities who are passionate about serving the needs of children in foster care

• Promote the formation of church partnerships with The CALL to engage congregations in ministry to children in foster care and the families who care for them

• Recruit and train Church Representatives to lead The CALL effort in local churches

• Meet with pastors or other Christian lay leaders to plan Sunday morning church recruitments and awareness events

• Prepare recruitment materials and distribute to churches/church reps with help from the Communications Coordinator

• Cultivate church relationships through ministerial alliances • Assist fundraising committee in developing financial support from area churches

Visit WWW.THECALLINARKANSAS.ORG for more info or call (501) 823.0607

13 Ways You Can Serve Children in Foster Care

1. Open your home and family to a child in foster care. Today, there are about 750 children in foster care in Pulaski County. Only 239 foster families are available to care for them. There is a critical shortage of foster homes, especially for teens and sibling groups. Will you answer God’s call to care for the local orphan?

2. Adopt a child from foster care. More than 500 children in Arkansas foster care are waiting for a forever family to adopt them. About 150 of those children are in Pulaski County. Won’t you show God’s love in a special way by giving one of these children a place to call home for a lifetime?

3. Provide respite care to foster families. Respite care families give full-time foster parents a break. After approval as a respite care parents, you will care for foster children temporarily, from overnight to an entire week. There is a huge need for respite care families!

4. Serve as an emergency foster home. Emergency foster care involves the short-term placement of a child in your home. These placements usually last between 24 hours to 30 days, or until a permanent placement can be found.

5. Support a foster or adoptive family. As more believers take in children, more support families will be needed to help them! Will you be foster family’s “go-to” person for a meal, words of encouragement, prayer, a few hours of babysitting, or other resources?

6. Perform Home Studies. Licensed social workers (LCSWs) are needed to perform home studies for families recruited by The CALL. Would you be able to donate your time and expertise to perform one home study per month? We need you!

7. Train CALL foster families. Are you a teaching or training professional? The CALL needs volunteer trainers to conduct our two-weekend monthly PRIDE trainings.

8. Pray! God is moving The CALL forward in many amazing ways. The collaboration between Arkansas churches and DCFS needs to be continually bathed in prayers to our Heavenly Father. Visit our website to join the prayer team!

9. Spread the word about the need for foster and adoptive parents. Educate your family, friends, and neighbors about the needs of children in foster care by handing out CALL brochures and directing people to www.thecallinarkansas.org.

10. Support The CALL financially. Your gifts help us raise awareness in the Christian community about the needs of children in foster care, and they help us to recruit, train, and support Christian foster and adoptive families. The CALL depends solely on the financial support of individuals and churches.

11. Volunteer! Use your spiritual gifts to care for the orphan. Whatever your spiritual gift, there are plenty of ways you can plug in and use your unique, God-given talents as a volunteer! Visit www.thecallinarkansas.org to learn how you can help The CALL and children in foster care.

12. Become a Court-Appointed Special Advocate. CASA volunteers serve as a voice for children in foster care. They work with the court and foster homes to be sure a child’s needs are being met. For more information, about how to become a CASA volunteer, e-mail Michelle Trulsrud at mtrulsrud@pulaskicountycasa.com.

13. Donate to or volunteer at The CALL Mall. The CALL Mall is a special place where foster families can “shop” for items like clothing, toys, books, or car seats – at no cost! Three locations are now open in Pulaski County. To donate or volunteer, contact Dana Thomas, CALL Mall Coordinator at callmalllr@yahoo.com

Foster/Adoptive Training

Information Meetings are offered as group sessions.

At these orientations you will learn:

• Who are the children in need of homes? • What are the requirements to be a foster and adoptive parent? • What are the roles and responsibilities of foster and adoptive parents? • What is the process to become a foster and adoptive parent?

During the orientation, you will hear about the requirements and characteristics of foster and adoptive parents. Keep in mind that this is a process that will take four to six months as we get to know you and you reflect on your ability to care for children in foster care. This is the time and place for you to ask questions.

In Arkansas, the basic requirements to become either a licensed foster parent or a certified adoptive parent are:

• Applicants must be legal U.S. and Arkansas residents • Applicants may be married, single, divorced or widowed • Applicants must meet minimum age requirements (18 years of age to adopt, 21 years of

age to foster) • Applicants and adult household members must be fingerprinted and pass a criminal

history and CPS records check • Physically, mentally and emotionally able to care for children; a current medical

statement from each applicant is a required part of the application • Completion of the pre-service education curriculum (the number of hours vary) • Proof of economic stability • A residence that is a safe environment for children (home ownership is not required) • Active participation in the family home study process

In addition, foster parents must:

• Pass a basic life-safety home inspection; • Have access to transportation; and • Have a telephone or similar means of communication.

At the orientation, you all will hear about the challenges of foster and adoptive parenting. Children come into care through no fault of their own. Many have been abused or neglected by those they love and trust. Even so, the children have essential bonds that they need to maintain.

As you move forward with your decision to become a foster or adoptive parent, keep in mind the following qualities of successful foster and adoptive parents.

• Stability • Maturity • Commitment

• Dependability • Flexibility • Sense of humor • Enjoy children • Advocate for children

• Team player willing to work with case managers, the child's family, as appropriate, and others who may provide services to the child

You don't have to make any decisions at the orientation. Take your time to decide if you are ready to take the next step.

P R I D E T r a i n i n g = Parent's Resource for Information, Development and Education

PRIDE is a model for the development and support of resource families. It is designed to strengthen the quality of family foster parenting and adoption services by providing a standardized structured framework for recruiting, preparing and selecting foster and adoptive parents.

PRIDE is 30 hours of training for all prospective foster and adoptive families in the State of Arkansas.

PRIDE training is based on the philosophy that the value of family life for children, however family is defined, is compelling. Because of this, knowledgeable and skilled foster and adoptive parents are integral to providing quality services.

PRIDE's goals are to help:

1. Meet the protective, developmental, cultural and permanency needs of children placed with foster and adoptive families.

2. Strengthen families, whether they are families of origin, blended families, extended or kinship families, foster families, adoptive families, or tribal members.

3. Strengthen the quality of family foster parenting and adoption services by providing a standardized, structured framework for pre-service training and mutual assessment.

Informational Meeting Room Specifications/Needs:

• Seating for 30-50 people • Tables to complete paperwork - round tables

with chairs work best • The capability to show a Powerpoint

presentation and playing DVD's and CD's. • Ask if the church rep can coordinate the snacks

and drinks for the meeting. • Availability to come around 1 pm the day of to

test the A/V and get questions answered while staff is there.

• Access to a copier during the meeting to make copies of driver's licenses for background checks.

Specifications for PRIDE

Trainings:

• Room needs to be able to seat 30 people around long or round tables;

• needs to be easy-to-find church; • need ability to show Powerpoint and DVDs, • Needs to be a comfortable, not cramped, air-

conditioned, appealing room, since these are long days.

• Ask church reps to provide snacks/drinks for during the trainings, be there in the a.m. to make sure church is open at 8:30 a.m. on the Saturdays and by 12:30 p.m. on the Sundays, and set up snacks and take down at the end of training (they can use a team of church volunteers if needed). If their church cannot reimburse them, the CALL can with a receipt. The work is why we only ask churches to host one training per year.

• Childcare is not provided.

Pulaski County’s “Friends of The CALL” Supporting the Ministry of Children of AR Loved for a Lifetime

2013 Volunteer Teams - Church Reps -

Be the “face of The CALL” at your church! Be a part of a team at your church which…

• Raises awareness of the foster care crisis in Pulaski County • Encourages those families within your church body who are foster

families or going through the process • Promotes CALL events & information meetings • Serves as a CALL resource to members in your church during 2012 Each Church Team ideally consists of 6-8 members, and rotates leadership among themselves each quarter.

Team Captain:Mary Carol Pederson

- Baskets of Love- Do you enjoy blessing others?

• Help put together care packages for foster families from The CALL Food Pantry

• Serve one Tuesday evening a month 5:30-8pm at Victory Christian Fellowship International Church, 10321 Maumelle Blvd (business park behind Flooring Liquidators)

Team Captain: Pastor Marvin Barham

- Prayer Team - Can you regularly pray for the foster care crisis & ministry of

The CALL? Team Captain: (to be filled)

- Barnabas Team - Do you enjoy encouraging people?

• Come alongside one Pulaski County CALL foster or adoptive family with prayer, love, and encouragement.

• You’ll be given the name of one family going through the foster or adoption process, to love and care for the next twelve months. Call often, send notes, ask how you can pray for them, take a meal, etc. This will be an amazing opportunity!

Team Captain: (to be filled) Church Recruitment Team -

Are you a “networker” and want to help The CALL reach more churches to get more foster, adoptive, and respite care homes in Pulaski County?

• Strategic networking committee led by Mary Carol Pederson, Pulaski County CALL Coordinator

• Meets 2nd Wednesday of each month during noontime hour • Team Serves: 12 months • Goal: secure CALL Church Reps at 7 new churches in Pulaski Co during 2012 Team Captain: Mary Carol Pederson

- Fundraising Team - Do you have the knowledge & skills

to raise money for The CALL? • Organizes special fundraising

events benefiting The CALL • Meets 4th Wed of each Month • Team Serves: 12 months Team Captain: (to be filled)

- The CALL Mall - Do you enjoy organizing things and/or interacting with foster families? • Works at LR CALL Mall location once a month (Saturday 10-1)

Spring, Summer, or Fall rotations • Help sort clothing; help foster families “shop”; organizes new item

donations; great way to serve with your older children! Team Captains: LR Team – Dana Thomas Maumelle Team – Shauna Gould

- Hospitality Team - Do you have the gift of hospitality and enjoy

creating a warm, special environment for others?

• Assists in coordinating refreshments for one CALL event a month (info meeting, CALL event, board meeting, etc).

• Team Serves: Spring, Summer, or Fall Team Captain: (to be filled)

- Calls for The CALL - Do you have 30 minutes to make

phone calls? • Once a month, makes

reminder phone calls to participants before CALL events, Info Meetings, etc

Team Captain: (to be filled)

- Foster/Adopt PRIDE Training Team – Do you love to teach and have a background in social work or foster care?

Prerequisites: • Hold a college degree (associate or bachelors) • Adheres to the beliefs outlined in the Apostle’s Creed • Gifted in the classroom & effective communicator • Attends the 3-day “Train the Trainer” class at Mid-South Training Academy • Commits to co-lead at least 2 weekends of training in 2012 Team Captain:Keith Jones kjones@thecallinarkansas.org

- Social Work Team - LCSW; MSW & BSW or related field can assist

• Conducts 3 or more home studies for CALL families in 2013 • Critical part of getting families opened and ready in a timely manner! • Prerequisite: SAFE Training Course (offered through DHS twice

annually) Team Captain: Judi Booth, jbooth@thecallinarkansas.org

- DHS Office Help - Do you have the gift of organization?

• Assists DCFS Liaison/Adoption Specialists at the DHS Pulaski South Office (1109 MLK Drive in LR) with copying, filing, etc.

• Serves one morning a week 9:30am – 12:30pm, 6 month committment

• Completes background check packet for DHS Team Captain: Sandy Gray, sgray@thecallinarkansas.org

-Call Office Help-

• Assists in The CALL office (10515 W. Markham) with copying filing, etc.

• Serves on a regular schedule during office hours Team Captain: Sandy Gray, sgray@thecallinarkansas.org

-Transportation Helper- Enjoy driving and can accompany children to appointments?

• Provide transportation for foster children to appointments as needed

• Completes background check packet • Reliable vehicle

Team Captain: (to be filled) -Bedside Angels-

Would you enjoy sitting with a child in the hospital and keeping them company when parents can’t be there?

• Certain age groups require adult sitters when in the hospital • No nursing care required • Completes background check packet

Team Captain: (to be filled)

For info or to join a team: contact Glenda Hefley at Pulaski.Volunteers@TheCALLinArkansas.org

PLEASE TURN IN NOW OR MAIL TO: THE CALL, 10515 W. MARKHAM, #J3, LITTLE ROCK, AR 72205

VOLUNTEER SIGN UP FORM

How YOU Can Help Support Children in Foster Care!

Name: ____________________________________ Phone: ___________________________ Address: __________________________________ Cell: ____________________________ City/State/Zip: _____________________________ E-Mail: __________________________

Please check the volunteer category or categories in which you wish to serve. □ CHURCH RECRUITMENT TEAM □ CHURCH REP □ PRAYER TEAM □ HOSPITALITY TEAM □ DHS OFFICE HELP □ THE CALL OFFICE HELP □ WLR CALL MALL CLOTHES CLOSET HELP □ PHONE TEAM □ FUNDRAISING TEAM □ CPR/FIRST AID TRAINER □ FOSTER/ADOPT TRAINER □ BARNABAS TEAM □ HOME STUDIES (BSW, MSW OR LCSW) □ BEDSIDE ANGEL TEAM □ TRANSPORTATION HELPER □ BABYSITTING HELP □ MAUMELLE CALL MALL HELP □ OTHER _______________________________________________________________________

Willing to Volunteer: □ Mornings □ Afternoons □ Evenings □ Weekends □ Mondays □ Tuesdays □ Wednesdays □ Thursdays □ Fridays Occupations/Previous Occupations: ___________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Membership in Church/Service Groups/Clubs/Organizations: ____________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Hobbies/Special Skills/Gifting: _______________________________________________________

THE CALL, 10515 W. MARKHAM, #J5, LITTLE ROCK, AR 72205 www.thecallinarkansas.org

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES SOCIAL WORKERS

• MSW or LCSW to conduct home studies for CALL families

HOSPITALITY TEAM • Coordinate/Prepare refreshments for CALL Info Meetings/Trainings/Events

CHILD CARE TEAM

• Provide childcare during weekend/evening training class or Info Meetings

THE CALL Mall • Sort and organize merchandise/Assist foster families while they shop

OFFICE HELP

• Assist with administrative functions in the CALL Office

FUNDRAISING TEAM • Develop financial support for The CALL

RECRUITMENT TEAM

• Facilitate relationships with churches not currently involved with the CALL

TRAINING TEAM • Experienced trainer or teacher with Bachelors or Associate degree

• Complete “Train the Trainer” Class and Co-lead two weekends of training per year CPR/FIRST AID TRAINING TEAM

• Teach CPR/First Aid to CALL families • Volunteers needed to assist with CPR/First Aid classes

PRAYER TEAM

• Pray for Foster/Adoptive families to come forward for foster children • Pray for the needs of The CALL

SUPPORT SERVICES TEAM

• Mentor a Foster/Adoptive family during the certification process • Support a CALL family

SUPPORT GROUP FACILITATORS

• Therapist, counselor, or experienced Foster/Adoptive parent needed • Facilitate monthly support meetings for Foster/Adoptive parents and children

Where to find

Foster Parent Handbook: http://humanservices.arkansas.gov/dcfs/DCFSpublications/PUB-030.pdf

What is respite care according to the Arkansas Department of Children and Family Services?

Respite Care – When a Foster Family Support System member is not available to provide needed care on a short-term basis, respite care may be utilized in order to temporarily relieve the foster family of the ongoing responsibilities and stresses of care. There are two types of respite care: Informal Respite Home – An approved DCFS foster home that can provide temporary care when the Foster Family Support System is unable to assist or for situations in which children will be outside of the foster home for more than 72 continuous hours. An Informal Respite Home may provide care for no more than 7 continuous days at one time. Periods of respite care in an Informal Respite Home lasting longer than seven consecutive days require approval from the Area Director or designee. If an Area Director approved extension exceeds 14 continuous days, the regular foster parents’ board payment will be affected. If the child has stayed in any combination of FFSS or informal respite homes (i.e., outside of the regular foster home placement, the total amount of days within those alternate care types cannot exceed 14 consecutive days as board payment may be affected.) Foster parents may reimburse an informal respite provider if they choose to do so. The Division will not reimburse an informal respite provider. The number of children placed in an Informal Respite Home must meet all Minimum Licensing and DCFS Policy requirements. Formal Respite Care – A DCFS contract provider who supplies short-term respite care particularly when a child’s current placement is at risk of disruption and/or respite is needed to prevent a residential, acute psychiatric, or similar placement. Formal Respite Care should be provided in accordance with a family-driven, youth-guided respite plan and in coordination with a child’s behavioral health treatment plan (if applicable). Formal Respite Care shall be provided for no more than 7 days per 3 month period. Longer periods of Formal Respite Care require approval from the Prevention and Supports Manager. If an approved extension exceeds 14 consecutive days, the regular foster parents’ board payment will be affected. If the child has stayed in any combination of FFSS or informal respite homes before a formal respite stay, the total amount of days within those alternate care types (i.e., outside the regular foster home placement) cannot exceed 14 consecutive days as board payment may be affected.

Timeline

Church Recruitment •Sign Up for Information

Meeting at a local church

•Attend Information Meeting

Blue Packet Processing •Statement of Faith •Standards and Practices •Fill out Background

Check information (White Packet)

•Have applicable white packet information Notarized.

•Turn in Background Check (White Packet) preferably before leaving the Information Meeting

•Sign Up for Training

Initial Home Consult •Recieve DCFS SAFE

Form •Receives Reference

Forms •Discuss Diagram of Fire

Escape Plan

Red Packet Processing •Pay Check stubs or W-2 •Water Bill •Proof of Insurance

(Homeowners/Renter/Auto

•Current Vet Vaccines (if applicable)

•Marriage licence/Divorce Decree

•Take CPR/First Aicd Classes (turn in attendance form or copy of card

•Physicals •Tornado Plan •Immunization records •Complete 409 (child

maltreatment •Landlord Notification

Training •Begin PRIDE training •Complete PRIDE

Training •Get PRIDE Certificates

at the end of training •Attend Support Group

Meeting •Foster/adoptive Family

Complete Red Packet •Adopt Only Families

complete Life Book for DCFS

•Turn in Red Packet to the CALL for verification

•The CALL turns over Red Packet to DCFS

Home Study •Home Study is referrred to the Contracted or Volunteer Social Worker •Homestudy Case workers contacts Family •Provider conducted Home Studies (up to 4 visits) •Home Study turned in to DCFS by Contractor or Volunteers •Home Study reviewed by DCFS

Family Approved or Denied by DCFS • If Approved:

Final Walk-thru • Home Opened • 1st placement

Amy Smith: Fostering an Understanding

Image by Jason Masters Amy Smith: “DCFS is made up of amazing people, from investigators and case workers, to adoption specialists…

The only failure in the system is the lack of enough foster and adoptive homes to serve these children.” By Amanda Hoelzeman (http://www.inarkansas.com/article/soiree/2023print) Published: June 1, 2010, 12:00am There are approximately 7,000 children in Arkansas foster care within a year, but less than 1,000 foster parents available to care for those children. Plus, there are more than 500 children and teens available for adoption through Arkansas foster care. The numbers are staggering and unacceptable.

Even more heartbreaking is the fact that these children are removed from their homes because of abuse, neglect or other safety concerns within the home, all situations completely out of their control. That’s where The C.A.L.L comes in.

Children of Arkansas Loved for a Lifetime (The C.A.L.L.) is a multi-denominational Christian organization created to answer the profound and desperate need for more foster, adoptive and respite care homes for foster children living in the state. Mary Carol Pederson, executive director, spearheaded the creation of the organization in 2006, and along with a team of dedicated people, incorporated The C.A.L.L. in 2007.

Through a partnership with Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS), The C.A.L.L.’s mission is to “educate, equip and encourage the Christian community to provide a future and a hope for the children in foster care.” The C.A.L.L. provides prospective foster and adoptive parents the opportunity to complete state-approved training within a church setting and within a more convenient timeframe.

One of the primary means of sharing the organization’s message is through informational meetings, in which a video is typically shown and prospective foster and adoptive parents can begin the paperwork process.

Continued… Amy Smith and her husband, Jason, first saw this video about four years ago when The C.A.L.L. visited their church. At the time, the Smith’s three biological sons, Luke, Landon and Clay were four, two and 12 months.

“The day the video played, we had no idea how drastically our lives were about to change,” said Amy. “Once we were informed of the need for foster parents in Pulaski County, there was no turning back.”

Amy—an occupational therapist for Pediatrics Plus, and Jason, an ear, nose and throat otolaryngologist for Arkansas Otolaryngology Center (AOC) in North Little Rock—completed their training to become foster parents in March 2006. “The training is the same for respite, foster and adoptive parents,” said Amy. “Respite care is short-term, just a couple of days, allowing another foster family a break.”

As trained and certified foster parents, the Smiths took in a newborn in August of that year. “Conner was born on August 6th, and we brought him home from the hospital on the 10th. At the time, we were not looking to adopt, only desiring to foster. Conner was not an easy baby, and life was not easy with four boys under four. My husband was always the one who kept us focused on our purpose. We wanted to not only touch a life for someone else, but we wanted our boys to learn this life is about helping others by sacrificing along the way.”

After Conner’s first birthday, his birth parents’ rights were terminated and the Smiths adopted him. “He was our son long before that,” said Amy. “Our boys have never been jealous or felt anything but love toward their little brother. They’re the biggest blessing God has ever given us. All four are ‘all boys’—loud, rambunctious and always hungry.”

Amy is now a board member for The C.A.L.L. Pulaski County and is quick to point out that DCFS does the best job they can, under the circumstances. “It is not the system that is broken, but our society,” she said. “DCFS is made up of amazing people, from investigators and case workers, to adoption specialists. Everyone I’ve met along the way loves these children and wants the best for them. The only failure in the system is the lack of enough foster and adoptive homes to serve these children.”

The C.A.L.L. currently has programs in 18 Arkansas counties, in addition to Pulaski. But, according to Pederson, 68-percent of children who come into foster care have to be placed outside of the county, hindering biological parent visitation and forcing the child to switch schools. To help remedy the situation, The C.A.L.L. needs more foster and adoptive parents, as well as funding. “The goal of DCFS,” said Pederson, “is to obtain 1,000 more foster parents statewide.”

Those who want to help, but are unable to foster or adopt could consider becoming a “founding family.” For $65 a month, founding families help place one child with a caring family.

For more information about fostering or adopting, volunteering or donating to The C.A.L.L., contact Mary Carol Pederson, 425-4735, or visit TheCallInArkansas.org.

CALL Mall at Markham Street Baptist Church 9701 W Markham Little Rock, AR

Contacts: Deborah Isreal 960-4979 or

Dana Thomas 954-7020 Home 517-1907 Cell tdthomas5@sbcglobal.net callmalllr@yahoo.com

Open Saturdays from 10:00am until 12:00pm or by appointment Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday The entrance door is next to Chip's Barbeque. The CALL Mall at Victory Missionary Baptist Church 515 Sherwood Avenue Sherwood, AR Carolyn Hanks, 501-425-7194 bchanks@netzero.net Open 1st Saturday of every month from 1pm-3pm or by appointment. The entrance door is on the back side of the church building. Use outside staircase to the second floor. The CALL Mall at First Baptist Church Maumelle

100 Valencia Dr. Hours of Operations - 2nd &4th Saturdays 10a -1p. Contacts - Tonya Walkup- 501-416-5055 / walkups@sbcglobal.net Shauna Gould -501-615-4825/ sgould@thecallinarkansas.org

DCFS Foster Parent Handbook

http://humanservices.arkansas.gov/dcfs/DCFSpublications/PUB-030.pdf

Arkansas Foster Family Services

http://www.fosterarkansas.org/

Created to Connect:

http://empoweredtoconnect.org/created-to-connect-study-guide/

Orphan Sunday

http://orphansunday.org/

Adopt Us Kids

http://adoptuskids.org/for-families/state-adoption-and-foster-care-information/arkansas

These are some suggested times to build a CALL campaign around. Certainly the need is continuous and things can be done continually but for some ministries it is easier to wrap the

CALL awareness/invitation to a day, month or event.

January- Sanctity of Human Life Day -third Sunday

February 14th – Valentine’s Day (showing love)

March 31, 2012 – Easter (sacrificial giving of oneself)

April - National Child Abuse Prevention Month

May - National Foster Care Awareness Month

May 5th - National Day of Prayer (pray for the orphans)

May – Mother’s Day – second Sunday (children need mothers)

June - Father’s Day – third Sunday (children need fathers)

June – Children’s Day (celebrate the children)

November - National Adoption Month

November 17th - National Adoption Day