FOSTERING | VERMONT

July 8, 2021

July is National Make a Difference to Children Month! This month is the time to recognize that one person can make all the difference in a child’s life.  That one person may be you!

The Starfish Story

A man is taking a solitary walk on the beach and notices the beach is littered with starfish; starfish which have washed ashore and which need water to survive. He also notices a little boy frantically running from beach starfish to beach starfish, picking each one up and throwing them back, one by one, into the ocean.

After walking for a few minutes, the man approaches the little boy and asks, “What are you doing?” And the little boy responds, “I’m throwing the starfish back into the water so they can live.” Gently and remorsefully the man shakes his head and tells the boy, “There are too many starfish, little one. What difference will throwing a few back, make?”

The boy pauses for only a moment before bending over, retrieving another helpless starfish and tossing it gently back into the sea. “It made a difference to that one”

Adapted from The Star Thrower, by Loren Eiseley (1907 – 1977)

TRACKING VACCINATIONS IN CHILDREN

The Family Services Division has been asked to collect data on the vaccination rate for the children in our care.  At a national level, there has been concern that children in foster care settings have been accessing vaccinations at a rate that is lower than the general population of eligible, same-aged peers. 

Here are the results of our tracking:

As of 6/1/21, there are 409 children and youth in DCF custody aged 12 and older.  Out of those 409:

·       205 were either partially or fully vaccinated
·       204 were not yet vaccinated
·       Out of the 204 not yet vaccinated, some reasons noted include:

• • 65 Child Refuses
  • 12 Parent Refuses
  • 27 Child Willing and/or Being  Scheduled
  • 22 Other Reasons
  • 8 Children Unsure or Unmotivated
  • 5 Children have Medical Reasons*

Analysis of this data points to an incredibly small population of circumstances in which parental refusal is a barrier to vaccination.  Rather, we have a significant population of youth who are unsure/unmotivated or unwilling to be vaccinated.  In these circumstances we ask that you make every effort to engaged the youth in conversation geared toward understanding the benefit of vaccination, educating, and reassuring them regarding any worries they may have.  Below are talking points, medical facts, tips, and clinic information to support staff in this effort.  We are not intending to motion any of these matters into court, and ultimately if we are unable to achieve buy-in from youth or parents for the youth to getting vaccinated we will not press the matter further in the court process. 

*Please note there are some circumstances in which youth have medical reasons that they should not be vaccinated.  The youth’s primary care physician should be consulted if there are any questions about this.

Talking points to engage youth regarding vaccination:

• Did you know in many areas you can go to the movies with proof of vaccinations and cannot go without that?
• Studies show vaccines are safe for children and youth and they are very effective in preventing transmission of the COVID-19 virus and serious illness.
• As of May, more than 4,000 VT kids have contracted COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic.  This has had a big impact on kids, families, schools, and programs.  
• Getting vaccinated brings big benefits to kids. 

• • Getting vaccinated will keep you safe and healthy and stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community. 
  • Getting vaccinated means more freedom so kids can be kids. 
  • You can see your vaccinated friends without worry, travel to see family and friends outside of Vermont, and you can skip the need to quarantine if they are identified as a close contact. 

• Get vaccinated for your health and for the health of other children who can’t yet get vaccinated. 
• Get vaccinated to ensure COVID doesn’t get in the way of your goals/success

Vaccination clinics are still going strong — find one near you! 

• There are still plenty of vaccination opportunities throughout Vermont. Visit healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine to find one of the many nearby, fast and free vaccination opportunities available. 
• In addition, most pharmacies are offering walk-in vaccinations. Ask your local pharmacist or simply walk into a CVS, Hannaford Food and Drug, Walmart, Walgreens, Price Chopper/Market 32, Rite Aid, Shaw’s Supermarket, or Costco. 
• New vaccination options are being added regularly, so keep checking back. It’s easy to find one that fits your schedule and preferences. 

Supporting facts from the CDC and VDH:

• Don’t let virus variants threaten our progress — get vaccinated!  
• Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, noted Tuesday that even with low levels of COVID in Vermont, the virus still has the potential to change — and to threaten the health of those who are not yet vaccinated.  
• Public health experts now believe the Delta variant will likely become predominant in the U.S. within weeks, Dr. Levine said. The variant is showing traits of being far more contagious and may potentially result in more serious illness.  
• “The parts of the country where vaccination rates are much lower are expected to have significant outbreaks, and we are already seeing early signs of that,” Dr. Levine said. “But luckily there is good news for us here in Vermont. The vaccine is effective and our best defense against this, and other, variants. Because of our state’s high vaccination rate, we will be largely protected.” 
• “But we still need as many Vermonters as possible to protect themselves — and those around them — who can’t yet get the vaccine. All you need to do is get vaccinated,” Dr. Levine said. 
• He asked Vermonters to reach out to anyone they know who isn’t vaccinated. 
• “Encourage them to talk to a health care provider or help them find their own personal reason to get vaccinated,” Dr. Levine said. “These conversations aren’t always easy, but listening and being empathetic and non-judgmental can go a long way. And then helping provide information to address their concerns or questions.”  
• You can also help make vaccination happen for them, like finding a site or offering transportation or childcare. Get more tips here. 

CDC advisory committee says benefits of COVID-19 vaccination outweigh the risks, after review of heart problems in younger people:

• The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met Wednesday to discuss the latest data on reports of mild cases of inflammation of the heart muscle and surrounding tissue called myocarditis and pericarditis following COVID-19 vaccination among younger people. 
• The panel of experts said this is an extremely rare side effect, and only an exceedingly small number of people will experience it after vaccination, according to a statement from the nation’s leading doctors, nurses, and public health leaders. 
• Importantly, for the young people who do, most cases are mild, and they can recover often on their own or with minimal treatment. In addition, we know that myocarditis and pericarditis are much more common if you get COVID-19, and the risks to the heart from COVID-19 infection can be more severe, the statement said. 
• Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, said the committee’s findings underline the need for younger people to get vaccinated. 
• “Getting COVID-19 puts you at far more risk of heart problems, in addition to many other health risks,” Dr. Levine said. “This is why it’s so important to protect yourself, and your family, by getting vaccinated. And with more dangerous variants of the virus circulating, now is the time to do it. Overwhelmingly, the new cases of COVID in this country related to the Delta variant are in unvaccinated people.” 

Thank you for your ongoing efforts to engage our vulnerable youth in this incredibly important protection! 

Brenda Gooley, MSW
Director of Operations
Family Services Division
Department for Children and Families

(802)760-0610

VERMONT CHILD WELFARE TRAINING PARTNERSHIP


Here is the link to our training catalog:

Vermont Kin, Foster, and Adoptive Families Training Catalogue July 2021
 

LUNCH AND LEARN SERIES WITH THE
CONSORTIUM FOR ADOPTION AND GUARDIANSHIP

The Consortium for Adoption and Guardianship is sponsoring a Lunch and Learn Series being held at noon on the 3rd Wednesday of each month throughout 2021.  For more information and to register go to:  Lunch and Learn Series 2021 - Vermont Consortium for Adoption & Guardianship (vtadoption.org)

Lunch and Learn Series 2021

Sponsored by supporting Foster, Adoptive, and Guardianship families, and their supporters, with listening, discussing and learning around topics that touch their lives. Join us each third Wednesday at noon for this free virtual series. To Register click on the session’s title or go to the Consortium Website to Register https://www.vtadoption.org/

July 21st
Strengthening Transracial Families—continuing the conversation with April Dinwoodie
August 18th
Continuing the Journey—Adult Adoptees with Katherine Boise
September 15th
Being a Transracial/Transcultural Family in Vermont with Karen Hack
October 20th
Strengthening Transracial Families—continuing the conversation with April Dinwoodie
November 17th
Keeping Connections with Birth Families Positive with Christina Shuma
December 15th
Working with Extended Families with TBD 

VFAFA MEETINGS

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 email:  mary.collins@vermont.gov.  Thank you!

 VFAFA board members:

Currently, the position of Board President remains open. The newly-elected Vice President will serve as acting president until further notice.
 
President:
Vice President:  Debbie Boyce   (Acting President)
Secretary:  Robyn Sweet 
Treasurer:  Linda Couture  
 

JOIN US FOR OUR JULY MEETING!   

Tuesday, July 13, 2021     7 pm

________________

 You can join the ZOOM meeting here:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85160431007?pwd=NW9QaVI4cHdpdGs1Z0Z1aTVwUHMxQT09
Dial by your location
‪+1 646 876 9923
Meeting ID: 851 6043 1007
Password: 084646
 

In addition to the above information, you can always find a link on the Vermont Foster and Adoptive Families Facebook page.

_____________

For information on Vermont Kin as Parents visit: www.vermontkinasparents.org
 
Vermont Kin as Parents, (VKAP), has moved to 1205 North Ave Burlington, 05408. The phone number is 802 871 5104. This number is answered 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.   VKAP can help caregivers navigate the various educational, medical, legal, and financial services the children need.  A support group is available on Tuesday evening.  Please contact VKAP if you have any questions. 

Email Jim Holway:   president@vermontkinasparents.org

________________________________

Thank you to all who contribute to the care, wellbeing, and support of Vermont's youth.  To learn more about YDP, contact us at: YDP@wcysb.org