IN YOUR DISTRICT
news from around the state
Send us news of what's happening in your community and district.
We'll post highlights here. Email to: mary.collins@vermont.gov
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VFAFA CONFERENCE INVITATION TO SUBMIT WORKSHOP PROPOSAL
Foster Parents,
You have so much to offer! Would you like to share your expertise with fellow Foster or Kinship Care Families? Please consider presenting at the Vermont Foster/Adoptive Family Association Annual Conference. you may fill out the workshop proposal and hit submit. We will be in contact with you (within a month) OR (shortly after December 7, 2018) regarding the details of your proposal. Thanks for considering!
Joan Rock
Foster KinCare Manager
joan.rock@vermont.gov
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Vermont Foster/Adoptive Family Association
32nd Annual Institute and Conference
We Are One Village. Empowered & Resilient
March 22 – March 24, 2019
Hilton Burlington, 60 Battery Street, Burlington VT
Friday Institute:
“Emerging from Trauma, Loss, and Domestic Violence;
Rebuilding the Early Narratives of Foster and Adoptive Children.”
Michael Trout https://www.infant-parent.com/michael-trout/
Saturday Keynote:
“Claiming Your Calm: The Hopeful News About Parenting a Child Amid Adversity”
Sara Forward
Sunday Closing:
“Uplifting & Inspiring”
Aron Steward
We are seeking workshop proposals
on topics related to children and families.
Workshops are 1.5 hours in length
and scheduled on Saturday March 23, 2019.
The conference operates on a limited budget and cannot reimburse presenters however; the conference does offer the opportunity to showcase your work.
We also welcome you to attend presentations on Saturday and Sunday.
Presenters are responsible for providing their own AV equipment, handouts etc.
Please provide a workshop description and biographical information as you would like it shared on the website. Preference will be given to workshops that provide participants with practical skills and knowledge they can readily apply.
Group presentations/panels are encouraged.
Playful, nurturing presentations are always welcome.
Please fill out our Call For Workshops form here: https://goo.gl/forms/bdrLWMXISI1rwKkH2
**SUBMISSIONS ARE DUE BY Monday, December 3, 2018**
Having trouble accessing this submission form – please contact Jesilyn below.
We look forward to hearing from you.
vfafacoordinator@gmail.com - 802-989-2875
On behalf of the VFAFA Conference Committee
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Good morning everyone.
For those of you who didn’t know, I am on the Board of Directors for Vermont Kin as Parents (VKAP). www.vermontkinasparents.org.
We’re committed to supporting relatives who are raising children and to educate the public and community partners about the joys and difficulties these families experience.
In today’s world many grandparents and other relatives are stepping up to raise the children when the parents are unable to because of substance abuse, physical or mental health issues, incarceration, military deployment, or other reasons. This is an organization that’s dear to my heart because like many of these kids I want to fight for, I too; was raised by my grandparents in Africa when I didn’t know my parents.
According to the 2010 Census, 7.8 million children live with grandparents or other relatives in the United States. In Vermont, 6,836 children live in kinship care. Of these, 5,593 (4.4% of the children in the state) live with grandparents and 1,243 (1%) live with other relatives. Research shows that children do better when they are with relatives if their parents are unable to care for them. They know their caregivers, maintain a connection to the extended family, and live in and learn about their family history, culture and traditions. They do better in school, have fewer behavior problems and generally are more settled.
One of my focus with this organization is to help with the fundraising side. That’s why I am reaching out to you today. I am grateful that some of our local businesses want to help and give back to the community, but I also need your individual contribution. The Backback Pub in Waterbury is doing a fund-raising event for VKAP and we need you!
On Wednesday, November 28th, I would like to invite you to come join us at Blackback Pub in Waterbury from 5-9:30PM. Please come support this fundraising effort by buying dinner at the restaurant and a percentage of the money that night will go to VKAP. Can I count on you to help with this cause? If you can’t come out for dinner that night can you make a gift of any kind. Please invite anyone in your network.
Thank you so much.
Maroni Minter
maroni@letsgrowkids.org.
802 798 2162
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There was a broken link in last week's newsletter with access to expense account and reimbursement forms.
Thank you to Sara Henry for alerting us to the link. Here are the correct links:
https://dcf.vermont.gov/sites/dcf/files/FSD/Forms/Foster-Parent-Expense-Report.pdf
https://dcf.vermont.gov/sites/dcf/files/FSD/Forms/Respite-Provider-Reimbursement.pdf
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LINKING LEARNING TO CAREERS
Rich Tulikangas, the Linking Learning to Careers Director from VocRehab.
“I am writing to you about a very important, and TIME LIMITED opportunity for some of your students. VocRehab Vermont is partnering with high schools all over the state to offer sophomores and juniors who are on IEP’s, 504 Plans, or are 504 eligible a set of ‘enhanced’ services through the Linking Learning to Careers (LLC) project. LLC provides additional work-based learning, post-secondary exploration, assistive technology, and transportation staffing and resources to enrolled students, in addition to the transition services already provided through VocRehab.
Since LLC is part of a national research study funded by the US Department of Education, we have a limited time to get students enrolled. All students participating must be enrolled this fall, after which NO additional students can benefit. I would hate for your eligible students to miss out on this great opportunity! Our local VocRehab staff supporting this program are LLC Career Consultants and Transition Counselors. They are looking to enroll eligible students as soon as possible and would like to make that process as easy and seamless as possible for parents and special educators. Please contact them regarding students that you think may be interested.
Thanks for your time and attention. Let me know if you have questions. Richard.Tulikangas@vermont.gov
https://vocrehab.vermont.gov/linking-learning-careers-llc
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Linking Learning to Careers
District Contact List
All emails are firstname.lastname@vermont.gov
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UPCOMING EVENTS
a selection of upcoming events of interest for vermont foster and kincare families
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TRAINING, WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS
Umatter Suicide Prevention -Training of Trainers (TOT) ($)
Capitol Plaza Hotel and Conference Center
100 State Street, Montpelier, VT
Wed., Nov 28th 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Suicide is preventable and one of the first steps is to create awareness. This training with help you to become equipped to facilitate Umatter Suicide Prevention Awareness workshops in your community or place of work. You will gain the skills, knowledge, confidence and materials to bring suicide prevention awareness to your community. You will help others identify signs and symptoms of suicide, risk and protective factors, when and how to refer for more help, and how to access resources.
Experience a full Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper training in the morning and spend the afternoon preparing to deliver a 1.5 hour awareness training to others. Attendees will be provided a Trainer’s Manual, Scripted notes, handouts and all materials needed to carry out a 1.5 hour Suicide Prevention Awareness training.
8:30 am Registration and Breakfast
9:00 am – 4:00 pm Training
Cost: $195.00
Lunch will be Provided
Trainers: Debby Haskins, MS, LADC and JoEllen Tarallo, EdD, MCHES
REGISTER HERE
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Taking the Long View: Parenting Well as a Transracial/Transcultural Family
With Catherine Harris
Sat, December 1, 2018
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Lund
50 Joy Drive
South Burlington, VT 05403
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EVENTS AROUND THE STATE
Holiday Market (Saturdays after Thanksgiving)
Sat. Nov. 26th through Sat. Dec. 21st
12-4pm
North Clarendon Chapel
Clarendon, VT
Local artists, crafts, and food for fun and to raise funds for renovations.
Phone: 8024687047
Email: Info@corpwell.org
http://clarendonheritage.org/events/
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Johnny Peers and the Muttville Comix ($)
Sat., Nov. 24, 1 & 4 p.m.
Town Hall Theatre
Middlebury, VT
802-388-1436
www.townhalltheater.org
Johnny Peers and his personality-plus canines are coming to Town Hall Theater to tickle your funny bone! A Ringling Brothers Clown College graduate, Johnny Peers and his cadre of comedic rescue canines perform delightfully daffy tricks.
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THE POLAR EXPRESS ($)
Dec 8th and Dec 9th
102 Railroad Row
White River Junction,, VT
Join an exciting train ride along a meandering river to the North Pole. Children of all ages will enjoy The Polar Express story and holiday sing-along while sipping cocoa with a homemade cookie. Santa will board to greet each child and to hand out the first gift of the season - The Polar Express Bell. Please arrive between 30 minutes ahead of your boarding time. See departure times and order tickets here
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NEWS YOU CAN USE
helpful news and information
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DID YOU KNOW? Cranberries are one of only three fruits that are native to North America. Native Americans were the first to reap the many benefits of cranberries. Aside from eating cranberries, Native Americans used the red juice from cranberries a dye for clothing, rugs, and blankets. They also used cranberries as a medicine to treat ailments, and to treat arrow wounds. Native Americans believed in the medicinal use of cranberries long before scientists discovered their health benefits. Nowadays, cranberries are an essential side dish to our Thanksgiving feast.
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ANTICIPATING THE HOLIDAY SEASON
Take a closer look at the photo above. Do you see the child in the background? While many of us look forward to the holiday season with joy, for others, it can be a very demanding time of year.
Here are some thoughts on how you might approach the season with your foster child successfully!
How can my family make it easier for the children in foster care while they are in our home?
- Talk about the season ahead of time. Talk about how your family celebrates the holidays. Tell children which of the traditional holidays your house recognizes.
- Help children in foster care imagine what to expect in your home. Much of what we assume to be commonplace can be new to the children you foster.
- Share the religious meanings the holidays may have for your family. Talk about your family’s specific customs and activities.
- Try to incorporate at least some of their traditions into your traditions.
- Some parents try to keep the holidays low key in order to help minimize some of the stress.
How can we work with birth families
during the holidays?
- Again, ask children about their experiences and try to incorporate some of their traditions.
- This is a time when many children feel conflicted feelings about their birth families and worry about them. It is a good time to let the young person know that it is okay for them to be safe and cared for even if their family struggles.
What are some of the ways I can help the children who I foster get through the holidays? What are some signs of grief or sadness that I can look for?
- Be prepared for the sadness and grief. Talk about your child’s feelings throughout the season.
- Give your children time and space to grieve. Grief takes many forms and may be exhibited in lots of ways - not all of which are positive expressions.
- Try to remember the developmental age of the children you foster. It will also help you to stay patient if you keep in mind the challenges of the season for your child before you react.
What are some things we can do to make family get-togethers easier?
- Talk about upcoming events and the people who will be there.
- Prepare them for the “characters” in your family and also tell them about other children who might be there.
- Tell them if your celebrations are quiet or loud, sacred or silly, big or small.
- Be realistic about it—do not make your celebrations seem perfect, but do not stress the challenges that are part of all family events.
What can I do to help my children learn what is expected of them at family celebrations?
- This is an opportunity to teach the behaviors and manners that you would like the youth you foster to learn.
- Explain the expectations of children prior to family get-togethers, and practice those behaviors ahead of time.
- Tell family and friends about your children, and try to introduce them before the holidays.
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DILIGENT RECRUITMENT
building and sustaining relationships
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Holidays can be stressful for children and youth in foster care. Here's one former foster care teen's story of how to make the best of the season for all.
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FRONT PORCH FORUM
a component of diligent recruitment
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New recruitment messages in support of critical needs in each district are launched on Front Porch Forum on a regular, continuous basis. If you know of a person or family that might be interested in foster care, please let your District office or the Central office know. Email: mary.collins@vermont.gov
Our most current message supports TEEN GIRLS
Here is an excerpt from that message:
Remember when you were…oh, about thirteen years old?
It was a confusing time wasn’t it? Growing up is like a ride on a bumpy road – even under the best circumstances, sometimes the road is rough. Now imagine that you’re a teen in foster care and can’t return home because it’s the least safe place for you. Now what?
There is a current need to find foster homes for teen girls in our community. The Family Services Division of the State of Vermont Department for Children and Families is looking for homes where teens in our care can be loved, nurtured and understood. Could you be a positive role model? Do you know how to set good boundaries? Are you patient and kind? Can you eagerly advocate for her success?
If you can see yourself fostering a teen, we’d love to hear from you and help you become a licensed foster parent. It will be challenging, but it will be one of the most meaningful decisions you’ll ever make – and, it could make all the difference to her.
Can you be that positive role model? Contact your local Family Services District Office and ask to speak to the Resource Coordinator. To find the person in your district visit:
http://dcf.vermont.gov/fsd/contact-us;districts
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COMMUNITY PARTNERS
thank you for your generosity and support!
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The support we receive from community partners throughout Vermont makes possible many of the experiences foster children and their families enjoy - from trips to state parks and science museums, to Back-to-School supplies and sponsorships of events; your generosity provides enriching experiences for children and families. Each week we acknowledge some of these generous partners throughout the state. This week we would like to thank:
The Montshire Museum whose generous donation of family passes to our foster families allows them the wonderful exploration of
science and nature. Thank you, Montshire!
https://www.montshire.org/
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Copyright © 2018
Vermont Department of Children and Families
Family Services Division
Contact: Mary L. Collins mary.collins@vermont.gov
Our mailing address is:
103 South Main Street . Waterbury, VT . 05676
(802) 241.0896
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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