If you are always trying to be normal;
you will never know how amazing you can be." - Maya Angelou
Look for Fostering Vermont twice each month and be sure to send your news, events and other items of importance and interest to:mary.collins@vermont.gov Or, call her at (802) 241-0896. THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF NEW ARTICLES AND EVENTS: TUESDAY, NOON.
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
CLASSES + WORKSHOPS + TRAINING
Advocating for Your Child Workshop
October 10 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Free
Free Workshop! Advocating for Your Child Thursday, October 10 from 1 pm – 3 pm
Learn how to be a better advocate for your child
Tips for getting organized using a Vermont Family Network (VFN) Care Notebook
Meet other parents and share ideas
Resources ~ Snacks ~ Door Prizes
Location: Northeast Kingdom Community Action, 115 Lincoln Street, St. Johnsbury
Montpelier Mother Up! Monthly Meet-Up Fourth Tuesday of every month, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Unitarian Church of Montpelier Contact person is Heather Buckner: motherupmontpelier@350vt.org
Next meeting: September 24th
Join us on Thursday, September 26th, 6-8 pm!
Resource Parent Curriculum (RPC+) —
Highlights of Our Work in 2019!
I am pleased to share with you a few highlights regarding the work that has occurred over the past year to bring the Resource Parent Curriculum (RPC+) to our foster parents throughout the State.
105 caregivers have graduated since 1/1/19!
410 caregivers have graduated since the inception of RPC+ in 2015!!
Please check out the attached document: “resource parent perception of child welfare services” for a great visual describing the improved perception of support from the division by our foster parents as a result of these efforts!
I am pleased to announce 2020 will proceed with RPC+ trainings in a manner similar to 2019!
2019 RPC+ classes held in the state:
8 of those classes were run through the DA’s:
ADO @ NCSS
BDO @ Howard
YDO @ CSAC
RDO @ RMH
TDO @ UCS
NDO @ NEKHS
MDO @ WCMH
SDO @ HCRS
3 classes were run through CWTP
BDO
VDO in partnership with LMCH
HDO in partnership with Clara Martin
Before the end of 2019:
NEKHS has plans to teach JDO class in Fall 2019
HCRS has plans to teach LDO class in Fall 2019
Special thanks to district directors and resource coordinators for all your efforts to coordinate with the DA’s and the training partnership to make this happen!
Brenda Gooley DCF FSD Director Of Operations
NEWS YOU CAN USE
helpful news and information
RECAP OF VKAP CONFERENCE
Dynamic and inspirational, Keynote Speaker, Adrian McClemore spoke recently at the Vermont Kin As Parents (VKAP) Conference in Burlington. He shared his experience in foster care and as a kincare provider to a niece and nephew. Now, working for the Annie E. Casey Foundation in Baltimore, Maryland, McClemore gave a TedTalk on his experiences in December 2017. Much of what he spoke of at the VKAP Conference is echoed in this video. For more about McClemore, visit his website at: http://adrianmclemore.com/about-adrian/
VFAFA NEWS
Introducing our new column,
"VFAFA NEWS".
Here you will find notices of upcoming meetings, events, and news of special interest from our VFAFA partners. If you would like to suggest a topic or share news from your Parent Group, please do!
FREE Trauma classes for Foster/Kin/Adoptive Caregivers
This is a BRPC+ TIPS for Tuning In:
This is a FREE 10-week long workshop that educates foster, adoptive and kin caregivers about the impact of trauma on the development, attachment, emotions and behaviors of the children in their care. The workshop will provide a safe space for caregivers to access compassionate training, learn concrete strategies to manage daily and ongoing challenges, enhance relationships with their children and build a network of support and connections with fellow caregivers. Upcoming classes: ___________________________________________________________________ RPC+ TIPS for Tuning In – Fall 2019
___________________________________________________________________ The RPC+ course lasts for 10 weeks
Questions? Contact: Amy Bielawski-Branch Amy.bielawski-branch@uvm.edu 802-578-0426
TEACHING TOLERANCE
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: https://www.tolerance.org/
Teaching Tolerance provides free resources to educators—teachers, administrators, counselors and other practitioners—who work with children from kindergarten through high school. Educators use our materials to supplement the curriculum, to inform their practices, and to create civil and inclusive school communities where children are respected, valued and welcome participants.
The program emphasizes anti-bias and social justice. Our Social Justice Standards show how anti-bias education works through the four domains of identity, diversity, justice and action.
Teaching Tolerance was founded in 1991 to prevent the growth of hate. We began by publishing Teaching Tolerance magazine and producing films chronicling the modern civil rights movement. Today, our community includes more than 500,000 educators who read our magazine, screen our films, visit our website, participate in our professional development workshops and webinars, use our curriculum or engage in our social media community.
TOLERANCE.ORG HAS A FANTASTIC PAGE WHERE FAMOUS QUOTES ABOUT INCLUSION ARE AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD. FOLLOW THIS LINK TO SEE THE LIST OF POSTERS YOU CAN SHARE. BELOW ARE A FEW EXAMPLES FROM THEIR WEBSITE: https://www.tolerance.org/classroom-resources/one-world-posters
AUTUMN EVENTS
a selection of upcoming events of interest
for vermont foster and kincare families
PLEASE CONFIRM THAT EVENTS OF INTEREST POSTED ON THIS CALENDAR ARE HAPPENING. CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS MAY OCCUR WITHOUT NOTICE.
Events
Great Vermont Corn Maze Through -Oct. 14
1404 Wheelock Road, Danville, VT
A 24-acre maze of maize lures labyrinth lovers. If possible, arrive before 1 p.m. to solve the puzzle without clues. 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; open until 4:30 p.m. on weekends. Through October 14. Closed in the rain. $10-15; free for children under 5.
Kids Trade & Play Second Saturday of every month, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Capital City Grange
6612 Vermont Route 12, Berlin, VT
Families exchange clean and gently-used clothing and toys, size newborn to 12. Fee: $3 per family.
Westford Story Walk
Through Sept. 30 Westford Elementary School
146 Brookside Rd., Westford, VT
Outdoor admirers saunter along trails while enjoying a silly story. Through September.
Junior Apprentice Club
Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through Oct. 26 American Precision Museum 196 Main Street, Windsor
Young engineers engage in guided activities in the learning lab, including beginning coding, basic robotics, 3D design and printing and more. Geared towards ages 8-12. free for participating children; adult caregiver required; regular museum admission, $5-8; free for children under 6; $20 per family.
Montpelier Mother Up! Monthly Meet-Up Third Friday of every month, 5:30-7:30 p.m. North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm St., Montpelier, VT
Families discuss the realities of climate change, what that means on a local, state and national level and how to create a more just and nature-friendly world. Dinner and nature-themed kids' programming included. RSVP requested.
Foodways Fridays Fridays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through Oct. 25 Billings Farm & Museum
Rt 12 & Old River Rd, Woodstock, VT
Guests tour the heirloom garden, then watch as veggies make their way into historic recipes prepared in the 1890 farmhouse kitchen, with different take-home recipes every week. regular museum admission, $4-16; free for children under 3.
Craftsbury Lego Club Fridays, 3-4:30 p.m. Craftsbury Public Library 12 Church Street, Craftsbury Common, VT
Petite ones play with plastic cubes and chat companionably. Ages 4-12.
Shelburne Farms Harvest Festival
Sat., Sept. 21, 10am - 4pm
Shelburne Farms
1611 Harbor Road, Shelburne,VT
A full-day celebration of Vermont forest, farm, and food traditions! Explore a tent full of children’s activities, entertainers performing on multiple stages, traditional artisans sharing their skills and crafts, including the Vermont Abenaki Artists Association, and delicious farm-fresh food. Farm animals, live bird presentations with Outreach for Earth Stewardship, and horse-drawn hayrides, too!
Burke Fall Festival Sat., Sept. 28, 9 a.m.
Village Green, Rte 114, East Burke, VT
Families fall in love with autumn during daylong festivities including a parade at 10 a.m., a rubber duck race at 1 p.m., bounce houses, horse-drawn wagon rides, a farm animal petting zoo and a live raptor show from the Vermont Institute of Natural Science at 11 a.m.
Bristol Harvest Festival
Sat., Sept. 28, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Bristol Town Green, 12 West Street, Bristol, VT
Welcome fall at an event with more than 70 crafters and vendors, live music, children's activities and pony rides, food and more.
Orienteeringat Shelburne Farms Sat., Sept. 28, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
1611 Harbor Rd, Shelburne, VT
With a map and compass, trekkers of all skill levels find their way across the terrain. Beginners' clinic from 9-10 a.m.; courses open 10 a.m. to noon. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. $5-6; preregister for clinic.
The Fairy House Festival Sat., Sept. 28, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sun., Sept. 29, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Nature Museum at Grafton
186 Townshend Road, Grafton
Visitors delight in small structures made of acorn caps, soft moss and lichens, birch bark and pinecones, then create their own petite dwellings in the gardens, with more magic including face painting, music, bubbles and crafts. Picnicking encouraged. $5-12; free for children under 2; preregister; food available for purchase.
Archaeology Day Sat., Sept. 28, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Montshire Museum of Science
1 Montshire Rd., Norwich, VT
How did people live in the Upper Connecticut Valley in the past? Amateur archeologists explore this question through examining artifacts, attending a pottery workshop and chatting with field professionals during this day-long celebration of human ancient history. regular museum admission; $13-16; free for children under 2.
Outright Vermont’s Fire Truck Pull Sat., Sept. 28 Church Street Marketplace, Church St., Burlington, VT
While the crowd cheers, 20 teams compete to drag a truck for fastest time, best dressed and most funds raised to support Outright’s statewide programs for LGBTQ youth. Registration at 10:30 a.m.; pulling from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. free to spectate.
Lil' Vermonters Consignment Sale Fri., Oct. 4, 5-9 p.m. and Sat., Oct. 5, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Champlain Valley Expo
105 Pearl St., Essex Jct., VT
Shoppers delight in gently-used baby, child and maternity items, from newborn to youth 14, including toys, furniture, books, baby carriers and much more. See lilvermonters.com for consignor info. $7 admission for non-consignors on Friday with advance ticket purchase; free on Saturday.
Dead Creek Wildlife Day Sat., Oct. 5, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area
Route 17, Addison, VT
Natural wonders wow youngsters during this day dedicated to wild things, hosted by pros from Vermont Fish & Wildlife, Otter Creek Audubon Society and local sportsmen’s clubs. Pack up the family and the binoculars for a full or drop-in day of birdwatching, canoeing and numerous nature-based activities.
Dog Mountain Fall Dog Party Sat., Oct. 5, 12-4 p.m. Dog Mountain
143 Parks Rd., St. Johnsbury, VT
Rain or shine, canine fans celebrate Fall with leaf-romping and four-legged fun.
Fatherhood Sun., Oct. 6, 7-8:30 p.m.
Vermont Comedy Club
101 Main St., Burlington, VT
Fathers get the crowd clapping with personal tales. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. FOR ADULTS. $10; half of proceeds benefit the fatherhood program at The Family Room and Dad Guild.
Peck Farm Orchard Corn Maze Wednesdays-Sundays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through Oct. 31
Peck Farm Orchard
750 Sibley Rd., E. Montpelier, VT
Festive fall families have fun on the farm with a leafy puzzle, PYO apples and pumpkins and free weekend hayrides. $5. Through October. $5 per person for the corn maze.
Brandon HarvestFest Sun., Oct. 6, 1-4 p.m. Estabrook Field Park
Brandon, VT
Folks inhale the sweet fall air as they make their own scarecrows, hop aboard a hayride and check out family activities. most events are free.
DILIGENT RECRUITMENT
building and sustaining relationships
Vermont is a more culturally diverse place than many of us may know. The most vulnerable and deserving among us are our children. Here's how one school teaches diversity as a way to be respectful and inclusive of all.
EDUTOPIA WAS FOUNDED BY GEORGE LUCAS. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THEIR WORK BY GOING TO: WWW.EDUTOPIA.ORG
FRONT PORCH FORUM
a component of Diligent Recruitment
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, like yourself, who might be interested in foster care, please let your District office or the Central office know.
Here is an excerpt from one of these messages: ___________________________________
Some of us come into the world knowing exactly who we are or who we will become as we grow. “Someday, I’m going to be a famous gymnast,” John may say. Or, “I love tinkering with mechanical things; I’m going to be an engineer,” Caroline may insist.
For others, knowing who you are is not always easy to express. If there’s no one to hear you and support your discovery of who you are, it can be challenging and emotionally difficult. For children in foster care this can be even harder.
That’s why we need open, inclusive and supportive foster homes for kids like John and Caroline. Could you provide the unconditional care and support these children and youth need? If so, we’d love to hear from you! It will be challenging, but it will also be one of the most meaningful decisions you’ll ever make.
Please note: Front Porch Forum messages are not the stories of specific children but composite stories of children who may have been in our care. We use stories to illustrate the experiences of children and youth and to help find appropriate foster care for all. Do YOU have a story to share with us about your experience as a Foster parent? If so, email: mary.collins@vermont.gov
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Thank you for your generous support!
The Burlington District Office would like to thank the following for supporting our community wide mission of recruitment: Milton Town Offices, Town Manager Office, and Public Library for allowing our materials to be there for the month of August. And the Mountain Gazette.
The support we receive from community partners throughout Vermont makes possible many of the experiences foster children and their families enjoy - from shared advertising and holiday gatherings across every district, to sponsorships of events; the generosity of our community partners provides enriching experiences for children and their foster families throughout Vermont. Each month we acknowledge some of these generous partners.
We would like to thank FAMILY DOLLAR STORES for their support of our BACK TO SCHOOL campaign. Find out more about Family Dollar Stores near you at: https://www.familydollar.com/store-results
Are you a foster care provider who would be willing to speak with the press? If so, we would LOVE to hear from you. From time-to-time, the Commissioner's Office receives requests for interviews. Perhaps your story may be one we could share.For more information, contact: Luciana.DiRuocco@vermont.gov. For all other inquiries, please contact: Mary.Collins@vermont.gov
Some of us come into the world knowing exactly who we are or who we will become as we grow. “Someday, I’m going to be a famous gymnast,” John may say. Or, “I love tinkering with mechanical things; I’m going to be an engineer,” Caroline may insist. 
