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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ADOPTEES AND PARENTS REFLECT ON
TRANSRACIAL ADOPTION IN VERMONT
Seven Days recently ran a story about transracial adoption in Vermont. The article gives a thought-provoking look at the journey of adoptive parents and children and the many ways they navigate through the conversation and experience of becoming a family. Catherine Harris, the post-permanence program manager at the Vermont Department for Children and Families contributed to the story. Here is a link:
https://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/adoptees-and-parents-reflect-on-transracial-adoption-in-vermont/Content?oid=24106265
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COULD YOU USE TOYS AND GAMES FOR YOUR KIDS?
Our BIG thanks to the Hartford Technical Center in White River Junction who brought many, many little bags filled with small toys and games for kids. Many have already been distributed and shared with the health department, however, I still have a lot left. If you would like to have some, please let me know and Kathy Hemenway will bring them with her to the District Director meeting tomorrow to pass along. Thank you!
Deanna Rounds
Resource Coordinator
Hartford DCF – Family Services
118 Prospect St. Suite 400
White River Jct., VT 05001
802-295-8840/802-295-4154
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WINTER EVENTS
a selection of upcoming events of interest for vermont foster and kincare families
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TRAINING, WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS
The Vermont Child Welfare Training Partnership's mission is to develop the knowledge and skills of allied professionals who work with children and youth who are at-risk of child abuse & neglect, or are currently placed in legal custody of the state. CWTP works collaboratively with the Department for Children & Families to identify those allied professionals that are key to achieving the best possible outcomes for children and families across Vermont.
The Vermont CWTP provides training to organizations that are contracted with Vermont DCF to provide services such as Family Centered Meeting Facilitation, Family Time Coaching, Residential Care, and Restorative Justice programs. Training is also offered through the Placement Stability Project to Family Services and Mental Health providers regarding Mental health screenings for children in foster care. NOW AVAILABLE:
For information on FUNDAMENTALS (online modules) in Trauma Informed Practice and FUNDAMENTALS (online modules) in Adoption Competency, click the link here: FUNDAMENTALS Online Modules
VFAFA CONFERENCE 2019 ($)
March 22nd, 23rd and 24th
Hilton, Burlington, VT
Mark your calendar for the 2019 VFAFA conference scheduled for March 22-24, 2019, at the Hilton in Burlington. Although staff are not required, it has become beneficial for Resource Coordinators and Recruitment & Retention Specialists and other staff to attend. This once a year conference, allows staff and families an opportunity to network. There are good trainings that occur and recognition activities. For more information, speak to your District Director or contact your VFAFA representative.
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EVENTS
It Takes A Village ($)
Thurs., Dec. 20th, Doors 6:30 - Show 7:00pm
Shelburne Vineyard, Shelburne, VT
Comedic Event in support of Vermont Kin As Parents
Featuring Some of Vermont's Rising Stars of Comedy
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NEWS YOU CAN USE
helpful news and information
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Permanance
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By ShelliG99
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In my childhood and early adolescence I had never had a supportive person that gave me hope or encouragement. Throughout my life I had heard horror stories of foster care. It was something I feared more than the situation I was in with my own family. The stigma of foster care scared me away from trying to reach safety. However, when I was 15, I decided it was time to get help. This ended up with me being placed into care with my siblings.
We were placed was with a family who already had one child. Our placement was supposed to be for three days, but my stay there would end up lasting three years. I hadn’t realized the bond that we created, my foster parents and I. I could tell their hearts were filled with nothing but good intentions. I felt their love every day. There were difficult days when I didn’t feel like interacting, but they respectfully gave me space.
For a long time I felt like a mistake and unworthy of love. I could feel that they wanted to give me more love than I was ready for, but living with them was the first time I felt needed and wanted. I felt valued as an individual. They let me talk to them when I needed them. They hugged me when I wanted it. They made me feel safe and heard. I have never met two people so dedicated to love. They adopted me after two and a half years together. I am still so thankful for the permanence they gave me physically but also emotionally. Sometimes in care that aspect of permanence can be overlooked, but I know their support meant more to me than anything else.
During that time I pushed away from biological family and hoped to find a new life among people that I felt I could trust. I did feel sadness and guilt from not building a relationship with my family. Within the last two years I have grown closer to them and made the decision to move in with my mom. I realize that many people wouldn’t give up the opportunities that I “gave up” when I moved in with her. She was gone from my life for 11 years and every day I missed her. Though she wasn’t permanent in my life, she was a part of my heart and who I am.
I choose to make my own decisions every day, but I’m so grateful that I have four parents in my life that I know love and care about me. I know that regardless of what happens, they want me; they chose me.
Many youth may live their lives without the support that I have, but that doesn’t have to be true for everyone. I want more foster parents to be like the ones I was given. I want youth to know they are loved and needed. It’s my hope that the world will recognize the value in supportive relationships. Youth in foster care need permanence, even if they don’t realize it immediately. My permanence was found in the people who entered my life while in foster care. I hope that whatever your role is, that you try to make change.
To read more about youth in foster care from their point of view, follow this link: https://www.fosterclub.com/blog/youth-perspective/permanence-0
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Holiday Healthy Recipes for All!
It's no secret that holiday time can be challenging for those who struggle with weight, who have food allergies that make many tasty treats off limits, or who may have a chronic disease, like diabetes. In this case, diabetes affects how the body uses glucose. Glucose is found in the foods we eat every day. This sugar is critical in helping our bodies run all day. Like a car runs on gas in order to work, our bodies need glucose to get around. Insulin is the hormone our body makes in the pancreas, and it helps glucose get to our bodies’ cells. But when someone has diabetes, the process doesn’t work like it should. There are two types of diabetes:
„„Type 1 diabetes (also called juvenile diabetes). With Type 1 diabetes, the body doesn’t make insulin. Sadly, this type of diabetes cannot be prevented.
„„Type 2 diabetes – In Type 2 diabetes, insulin does not work the way it should in our bodies. This type of diabetes is preventable.
Caring for a child with Type 1 diabetes can be tough. To help prevent Type 2 diabetes in the children you care for, and to provide a healthy example for everyone in your family here are a few helpful tips:
- Serve foods that are low in fat but high in other nutrients. Here are some good choices: whole-grain cereals and breads, fruits, vegetables, milk, yogurt, cheese, lean meats and other sources of protein.
- Limit fast food and sugary sodas. Eating too much fat and sugar can lead to weight gain. And being overweight can make a person more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes.
- Encourage children to be active. In preventing Type 2 diabetes, staying active is a better choice than watching TV or playing video games to stay healthy. It can be as simple as walking the dog or playing outside.
To cope with the abundance of sugary and fattening treats over the holidays, consider these healthier alternatives:
Skip Full-Fat Dips, Eat Yogurt Dips
Skip Eggnog, Drink Cider
Skip Pecan Pie, Eat Pumpkin Pie
Try dark chocolate-covered fresh fruit or fondue
Enjoy cinnamon dusted or cocoa roasted nuts
Indulge in baked apples stuffed with raisins, cinnamon, and slivered almonds
Delight in the flavors of Baked Fruit cobblers or streusels made with a topping of old fashioned oats, minimal brown sugar, and a plant-sterol containing spread instead of butter or margarine
Try a dark chocolate bark with dried fruit and nuts
Sip a hot chocolate made with skim milk
Serve any one or more of these tasty choices: Cheese and Crackers, Pretzels, Homemade Chex Mix, Favorite fruits like - Tangerines, Pears, Apples; or, the tried-and-true Veggie tray
And while you're planning your holiday gatherings; here's a recipe, to enjoy!
PEANUT APPLE CRUNCH BALLS
(NOTE PEANUT CONTENT)
Directions
- 1) In a medium saucepan, combine peanut butter, vegetable oil spread, and honey. Cook and stir over medium heat just until mixture comes to a boil. Remove from heat. Stir in cereals, apples, peanuts, and apple pie spice until well mixed. Transfer to a small bowl; cover and chill 30 minutes (mixture will be a bit loose and crumbly). Using slightly wet hands, form mixture into 1-inch balls by gently pressing mixture together (does not work to roll the mixture into balls). It is important to keep your hands slightly wet for each ball formed. Let balls stand on a parchment or waxed paper-lined baking sheet about 15 minutes or until firm.
- 2) In a small saucepan, combine white chocolate and shortening; cook and stir over low heat until melted. Drizzle balls with melted white chocolate. Cover and chill at least 15 minutes. Store, covered, in refrigerator.
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DILIGENT RECRUITMENT
building and sustaining relationships
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From
The Storyboard Project
While some foster youth, approximately 46% live in non-relative homes, just over one-quarter, 29%, live in foster homes with relatives—often known as “kinship care.” This is the story of twin brothers, two of a family of twelve children who managed to successfully make it through the system with the help of a great aunt and uncle who taught them some important lessons on life.
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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 TEENS. Here is an excerpt from that message:
Have you ever considered fostering a teenager?
It may not be something you’ve ever considered, but if you do welcome a teen into your home, just know that he doesn’t always make good decisions. She can be defiant. He thinks you’re way too strict, bordering on the ridiculous; and she’s decided she’ll only eat grapes and cheese.
Predictable? Not a chance. But, underneath every teen’s contradictions, is a child who needs love, stability, and reassurance - and they are worth it.
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 our recent holiday gatherings across every district, to sponsorships of events; your generosity provides enriching experiences for children and families. Each month we acknowledge some of these generous partners. We would like to thank...
Darn Tough Socks, Northfield, VT
One Family. One Mill. One Mission.
For almost 40 years Darn Tough has been knitting socks in Northfield, Vermont. They know how to make socks. They are dedicated to creating the world’s best socks, and prove it by standing behind them unconditionally. Thank you for your gift of socks and stickers to our Burlington District Holiday Party!
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Copyright © 2018
Vermont Department of Children and Families, Family Services Division
All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
103 South Main Street . Waterbury, VT . 05676
(802) 241.0896
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