Foster Care News - November 25, 2021

STORIES OF OUR NEIGHBORS

Mary L. Collins

(This is the transcript of a talk I recently gave at the invitation of JC Wayne, of PoArtry, www.poartry.org, featuring Vermonters with a diversity of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. I shared the discovery of my family's indigenous roots and how it now informs my life. The gathering was called, "Stories of Our Neighbors.")

PART ONE OF TWO...

I’ve come late to the table of understanding my indigenous roots. Mine was a circuitous path through the generosity of the Lakota people, who, over many years, have taught me about being honest, being human, and being real. We have become relatives. In the Lakota language, an adopted relative is called “hunka”. It is a deep and important spiritual connection that has schooled me on many of my unacknowledged and unrecognized biases. It has also shown me ways in which I have made good or bad choices and it has taught me to be a more humble person. The Lakota word for humility is wah'wala. I do not know its equivalent in other First Nations’ languages. Not even my own.

What I do know is that I had always suspected there might be an indigenous connection in my family tree. My maternal ancestors were among the founding settlers in Quebec who arrived there in the 1600s and married into the people who were already here. (It is not lost on me that I began this sentence by identifying the ancestry of Quebec's “founding settlers” before I identified my Huron, Penobscot, and Abenaki relations.) Why is that?

I think it’s because it’s still strange enough to me to know my indigenous ancestry that I feel like an imposter.

My indigenous heritage is as old as anyone's. But as my friend, Alex White Plume, once told me, “We are all indigenous people.”

I called him in preparation for the talk to say “thank you for teaching me that truth.” I told him of my lack of confidence in being part of the conversation. He said, “Just empty your mind and let whatever bubbles up be what you speak of.”  As the “Na’cha”, or eldest male in his tiospaye, the leader; Alex has had to carry the weight of a lot of family history - its trauma and its legacy.

What obscures my path of knowledge about diversity and its true meaning and importance in all of our lives is the blending of my biology and cultural influences over many generations. While my First Nations connections are old, I am more familiar with our Irish and French ancestry. My living experience of indigenous awareness goes only as far back as 1898 – the year my maternal grandfather was born. I say “living” because he was part of my life and I remember him well. Both he and my maternal grandmother, through separate genetic histories, tie me to Huron, Penobscot, and Abenaki ancestry.  My family is surprisingly well documented. That’s unusual because First Nations people hold traditions as an oral custom. We do not write things down in the same way as Europeans. It does not make these histories any less legitimate. (Please note: I say “First Nations” not "Indian" and not "Native American" because those two terms originate from a conqueror's language.)

In my family, the most well-documented history is of an ancestor who served as a scout for Samuel de Champlain around 1620 and of his daughter who was adopted out to a more prominent White family who then raised her in the French/Canadian language, culture, and religion. Hers was also one of the first recorded marriages between an indigenous woman and a European man. Because of it, the marriage is archived in written records. This ancestor was also educated. To have had any formal education in the 1600s was rare. It was rarer still for a woman and exceptionally uncommon for an indigenous woman. But, that she was by Ursuline nuns. Her name was Marie. Mine is Mary. It's a name that has seen use through many generations.

But what of Marie's earlier education that came from her birth mother? From her birth father? What of the ancestry that shaped who she came into the world as a woman of Huron (Wendat) ancestry? And how did that history become secondary to the whims of a European hegemony?

And what does this have to do with our conversation about diversity and inclusion today?

It means I have an evolving radar about what constitutes who I am and how that has been interfered with by a conqueror mentality. You don’t have to be an explorer heading off to the “New World” to have it. In today’s world, conquerors are about power and privilege, and what those two experiences exact from those who are not recipients of it.

We see a lot of this in the world of foster care. Children are born from and into all kinds of families that bring with them a range of challenges. Chances are, children and youth in foster care have parents and grandparents who also experienced some form of trauma – whether it was understood or not. Poverty, lack of education, physical, emotional or psychological trauma - It’s all relevant, and it’s all hard to shake.

Our focus as a society is not always kind to those who struggle. We have a pecking order.

In her book, “Caste”, Isabel Wilkerson delves deeply into the roots of racism. She says, “Racism in the United States is an aspect of a caste system – a society-wide system of social stratification characterized by notions such as hierarchy,  inclusion and exclusion, and perceived purity.”

So, in the work that I and others do and in the way I view the world; I spend a lot of time in contemplation trying to untether myself from judgments about how and why anyone does what they do, or if I might have a sense of superiority about how another person’s challenges get resolved. Truth is, I don’t have any more of a clue about it than anyone else.

Anthony Bourdain, the late great chef, and chronicler of human nature suggested that we should all stop being tourists and start being travelers. A traveler is invited to sit at your dining table eating what you eat as a guest among your kin. A tourist gets served the most popular dish in restaurants, pays with a credit card, and never connects to the origin of the food, the life that gave it, or the persons who prepared it.

This is the way in. To be among a people rather than stand above them. It's the only way to form an understanding and alliance with anyone.

_________________

(LOOK FOR PART TWO OF THIS ARTICLE IN THE DECEMBER 9TH EDITION OF FOSTERING VERMONT)

VACCINATION FOR CHILDREN AGES 5-11

On November 8^th the State of Vermont began delivery of vaccination of children aged 5-11. Delivery sites are public schools, pediatric offices, community clinics, and, in the future, pharmacies.

For children in DCF custody, parental consent to vaccination is required. Some parents may be unsure about giving consent for their child to be vaccinated. We have asked Family Social Workers (FSWs) to make every effort to engage the parent in conversation geared toward understanding the benefit of vaccination. Oftentimes, some basic vaccine education and reassurance regarding any worries the parent may have, helps them to make a decision to support vaccination.

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

Here are some talking points FSWs will be encouraged to share to engage parents regarding giving consent for their child to be vaccinated:

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.
Getting vaccinated brings big benefits to children.
- Getting vaccinated will help keep your child safe and healthy and stop the spread of COVID-19.
- Getting vaccinated means more freedom so kids can be kids.
- They can see vaccinated friends with less worry, travel to visit family and friends outside of Vermont, and can skip the need to quarantine if they are identified as a close contact.

Get vaccinated for their health and for the health of others who can’t get vaccinated.
Get vaccinated to ensure COVID doesn’t get in the way of your family’s goals

If you would like more information, please visit these resources more information:

Vaccination clinics for ages 5-11: find one near you!

Children can be vaccinated at a school-located clinic, community vaccination site, or their pediatrician’s office. Visit healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine for more information about registration and appointment scheduling. Pharmacies will have vaccines available soon.
New vaccination options are being added regularly.

Thank you for your ongoing efforts to keep kids safe and healthy!

Brenda Gooley

Brenda Gooley, MSW
Director of Operations
Family Services Division
Department for Children and Families
(802)760-0610

Send us news of what's happening in your community and district.
We'll post highlights here. Email to: mary.collins@vermont.gov

Share your experiences, ideas, and thoughts, on how to make things better and more consistent for foster parents and the children/youth we work with. Every voice and experience is important and valuable!

Attend and share your thoughts on agenda items during the Foster Parent Workgroup collaborative virtual meetings:

Thursday, December 16, 2021 10am-12pm

Email Lindsay Barron (Lindsay.Barron@vermont.gov) to ask a question about the workgroup or to join and receive meeting invitations, agendas, and notes.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7RMLXNC

The information gathered through this tool will be used to create future agendas for discussion and bring change to processes, policies, and practices. Come back to this tool whenever you have an experience, thought, or idea that needs to be considered for change. This is a live document and can be used as many times as you want.

An RPC+ type class for birth parents who are involved (or at risk of being involved) with the child welfare system.

Caring for a child or youth who has experienced trauma can be challenging, especially when you may have had similar traumatic experiences. Unresolved trauma can negatively impact parenting and interfere with healthy decision-making.

The experience of trauma can lead to traumatic stress reactions that can be confusing, frustrating, and overwhelming for both parents and children. Traumatic stress reactions and other responses to trauma can cause children to behave in ways that may baffle you. Their relationship with you, with other adults, and even with their peers may feel shaky or unpredictable, and usual approaches to parenting may not work with them.

Vermont BPC is a free 10-week long course for birth parents who have been (or are at risk of) being involved with the child welfare system. It educates parents about the impact of trauma on themselves and their children while providing information, skills, and strategies for understanding, healing, hope, and growth.

This is a new national course being piloted in Vermont through NFI (Northeastern Family Institute) in partnership with the UVM College of Education and Social Services and Vermont Care Partners.

There will be two virtual offerings – one starting in January and the second in March.

Contact Tina Bleau at NFI for more information or to share with any birth parents who might be interested: TinaBleau@nafi.com

DCF is seeking families able to consider adoption. This bi-weekly feature will introduce you to these children and youth. Some of the children have requested a pseudonym. You will know by those names listed in quotes. For more information, please visit:

Meet Kyla!
(17 year old)

Kyla: Kyla is 17 years old. Here's what she would like you to know about her.

Kyla’s favorite activities: Taking care of animals, being with friends, and watching movies. Soccer, Field Hockey, Cheerleading, lacrosse, swim, snowboarding, and hike. Going to the movies, going to the mall, and sleepovers with friends.

Kyla’s favorite foods: All types of food. I am not that picky.

Things Kyla does not like: I do not like when I am disappointed because it makes me feel mad and upset. When I am angry I need space.

What we want you to know about Kyla: She would like to work with animals and rescue them. Kyla has a good sense of humor and she enjoys being with others. Kyla likes all music and warm temperatures. She would like to have pets. She tries really hard in school; however, she struggles academically and needs assistance from others to complete assignments. She would like to go to Florida because it is warm and to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower. She enjoys English because she likes to read. She is organized and she likes to decorate. Family means a lot to her.

What we are seeking in a family for Kyla: • A nurturing family • A family that understands childhood trauma and are willing to learn. • Also someone who can help her develop self-esteem and coping skills. • Parents who are willing to attend ongoing therapy and medical needs with her.

For more information about Kyla, please contact: Ashley Sargent Project Family at Lund 76 Glen Rd., PO Box 4009 Burlington, VT 05406-4009 (802) 782-2092 or ashleys@lundvt.org

The Youth Development Program serves Vermont youth ages 14-23 who have experience within the foster care system. YDP aims to ensure that youth exiting the foster care system in Vermont have the opportunity to rise above risk factors, find resilience, and not only survive, but thrive.

Each year we work with more than 500 young people!

PLEASE CONFIRM THAT EVENTS OF INTEREST POSTED ON THIS CALENDAR ARE HAPPENING. CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS MAY OCCUR WITHOUT NOTICE.

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

PLEASE FOLLOW ALL VERMONT STATE SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES AND BE SURE TO CHECK IN ADVANCE TO CONFIRM THAT EVENTS OF INTEREST ARE STILL HAPPENING.

Al Larsen
Through Nov. 28
Champlain College Art Gallery
375 Maple St., BurlingtoN
If you think the title “Four Feet Forward: Objects, Excess & Illusion” sounds curious, well, you should see the show. Al Larsen’s exhibition at the Champlain College Art Gallery in Burlington is a multimedia extravaganza. It offers snippets of an in-progress doll animation based on William Shakespeare’s The Tempest (iPads and headphones provided); handmade figures that “perform” in the videos; synthesized soundtracks; wall-hung assemblages incorporating tiny figures, toys, and fresh fruit; image projections; light and shadow; and life-size sock puppets. Oh, and there’s a large red-white-and-blue motorcycle ramp from a rock opera about daredevil Evel Knievel. Spoiler alert: A video game is involved. 802-865-8980

November Bird Monitoring Walk
Sat., Nov. 27, 8-9 a.m.
Birds of Vermont Museum
900 Sherman Hollow Rd., Huntington
Birders at every experience level join museum staff in recording all the feathery friends living on the grounds. BYO binoculars. 802-434-2167

'Nick of Time'
Sat., Nov. 27, 11 a.m.
Chandler Center for the Arts
73 N. Main St., Randolph
An astronaut and his trusty hoverbot get sucked into a time warp in this rollicking puppet adventure from No Strings Marionette. 802-728-9878

'The Nutcracker'
Sat., Nov. 27, 3 p.m.
Flynn Main Stage
153 Main St., Burlington
Albany Berkshire Ballet presents its 47th annual tour of Tchaikovsky's beloved Christmas spectacle. 802-863-5966

Festival of Trees: Downtown Tree Lighting & Fireworks
Sat., Nov. 27, 5-7 p.m.
Taylor Park
Main St., St. Albans
Revelers take in the lights, warm themselves by the bonfire, and enjoy hot cider and cookies. 802-524-2444

Thanksgiving Weekend
Fri., Nov. 26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat., Nov. 27, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sun., Nov. 28, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Billings Farm & Museum
5302 River Rd., Woodstock
Fun farm activities like wagon rides, pie baking, and cow milking make for a delightfully down-home holiday. 802-457-2355

Strafford Holiday Craft Sale
Sat., Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Barrett Memorial HallJ
ohnson Memorial Hwy., South Strafford
Holiday shoppers come from far and wide to browse the high-quality crafts at this intimate village market. Masks and proof of vaccination are required. 802-765-4076

Putney Craft Tour
Fri., Nov. 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat., Nov. 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun., Nov. 28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Various Putney locations
127 Main St., Putney
Jewelers, glassblowers, cheesemongers, and more open their studios to shoppers meandering through the area. See putneycrafts.com for participating locations. 802-387-4032

2021 Holiday Craft Market
Sat., Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Yester House Galleries,
Southern Vermont Arts Center
West Rd., Manchester
More than 25 artisan craft vendors offer baskets, ceramics, decorative and wearable fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper, and wood. 802-362-1405

Winterzauber
Sat., Dec. 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Highland Center for the Arts
2875 Hardwick St., Greensboro
Families enjoy a bustling artisan market, carols, unique eats and good cheer during the darkest days of winter. 802-533-2000'

The Catamount in Vermont'
through May 31, 2022
Vermont History Museum
109 State St., Montpelier
An exhibition that explores the feline symbol of Vermont through the lenses of art, science, and culture. 802-479-8500

Storytelling Salon
Through Dec. 10
Fleming Museum of Art, University of Vermont
61 Colchester Ave., Burlington
A selection of artwork from the collection by staff inspire thinking about the power of storytelling to enact change. The newly created space is for gathering ideas about what new kinds of stories can be told in the museum, sharing multiple perspectives, and inviting new voices. 802-656-0750

Social Sundays Family Art
Sundays. Continues through Dec. 26
MAG Art Center & Gallery
259 Route 7 South, Milton
Registered families pick up take-home kits to complete with video or typed instructions. 802-891-2014

We appreciate every Vermont community and individual for all the ways you support children and youth in foster care throughout Vermont. If you would like to learn more about ways that you or your organization can support a child in foster care, our Recruitment & Retention Specialists and Resource Coordinators would love to work with you!

SPECIAL THANKS TO DUNKIN DONUTS FOR PROVIDING GIFT CARDS AND MUGS TO FOSTER FAMILIES IN OUR ST. ALBANS DISTRICT. THANK YOU TO EVERY CAREGIVER FOR ALL YOU DO TO SUPPORT AND CARE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH! WE APPRECIATE YOU!

Do you have an idea or item that our foster families could benefit from? Reach out to your District Office. Here's how: Contact your District Office Recruitment & Retention Specialist and Resource Coordinator at: https://dcf.vermont.gov/fsd/contact-us/districts

JOBS WITH THE DEPARTMENT FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES AND THE STATE OF VERMONT CAN BE FOUND HERE: State of Vermont Careers

For all newsletter inquiries, please contact:
Mary.Collins@vermont.gov

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?

FOSTERING | VERMONT

November 25, 2021

IN YOUR DISTRICT

news from around the state

ADOPTION NEWS
children and youth who are eligible for adoption in Vermont

VFAFA NEWS
helpful news and information for our VFAFA partners

VKAP NEWS
helpful news and information from Vermont Kin As Parents

YOUTH NEWS
helpful news and information from the Youth Development Program
https://vtyouthdevelopmentprogram.org

VIRTUAL AND LIVE EVENTS
events of interest for vermont foster and kincare families

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