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“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” —Seneca
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Look for Fostering Vermont every other week. Send your news, events, and other items of importance and interest to: mary.collins@vermont.gov DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: TUESDAY, NOON.
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VACCINATION FOR CHILDREN AGES 5-11
The State of Vermont provides delivery of vaccination to children aged 5-11. Delivery sites are public schools, pediatric offices, community clinics, and 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
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As we continue to work to safely navigate Covid-19, please rely upon your District Office should you need support during this critical time. Here is a link to each of our District Offices: https://dcf.vermont.gov/fsd/contact-us/districts
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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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We are in need of caregivers who are willing to be contacted by Centralized Intake to support after-hours emergency needs. If you might be interested in serving this need, please reach out to the Resource Coordinator in your district. Thank you.
Here is a link to each District Office: https://dcf.vermont.gov/fsd/contact-us/districts
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CHANGE TO MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT RATE
The State of Vermont has announced a change to the reimbursement rate for mileage. It has increased to .585 per mile effective 1/1/2022. This affects and includes foster parent mileage reimbursement. All foster parents’ mileage reimbursement requests should be updated with the new rate for services from January 1, 2022, going forward. Thank you.
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ADOPTION NEWS
children and youth who are eligible for adoption in Vermont
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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:
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 Meet Brandon (16 year old)
My favorite foods: I am learning to eat new and healthy foods. I am willing to try everything once.
Activities I enjoy: Cheerleading, being helpful and useful to others, arts and crafts, and being hugged.
What we want you to know about Brandon: He would do best with parents who can provide him with lots of one-on-one attention and support. Parents who will provide him opportunities for growth and development. He likes to be funny, and has a great sense of humor. He enjoys being around adults and helping them out with daily tasks.
What we are seeking in a family for Brandon: Brandon needs parents who: • Active household • Can provide a nurturing environment, set clear and firm limits, and provide consistent boundaries; • Are willing to participate in any recommended training and therapy sessions; • Can be patient and loving even when his behaviors are a challenge; • Can be affectionate and patient; and • Are energetic, outgoing, and active.
For more information about Brandon, please contact: Ashley Sargent at ashleys@lundvt.org or 802-527-6144
 
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VERMONT CHILD WELFARE TRAINING PARTNERSHIP
Here is the link to our training catalog:
Vermont Kin, Foster, and Adoptive Families Training Catalogue ~ January 2022
This also includes a link to our online training catalog
Kin, Foster and Adoptive Families ONLINE TRAINING Catalogue
Please reach out if you have questions!!
https://vermontcwtp.org/
VT Child Welfare Training Partnership
University of Vermont
208 Colchester Ave.
Burlington, VT 05405
802-656-3376
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Vermont BPC Breakthrough Parent Curriculum:
Navigating Trauma Across Generations
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.
Trauma-Informed Parenting can make all the difference!
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
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Welcome to the Field Podcast (rebroadcast)
The podcast is now available on iTunes, Spotify & Google Play,
Full transcription and show notes available on our website:
https://vermontcwtp.org/field-podcast/
Subscribe and catch all our upcoming episodes!
Reading to Promote Healing
While there are many reasons why a family becomes involved with the child welfare system, one truth is always present, that a young person’s move away from their parent(s) causes feelings of grief and loss for everyone in that family. In this episode, Sharon O’Neill talks with Jamie Blouin, Stephanie Reale, and Jonathan Clark about using literature to help heal grief and loss with young people who have a trauma history.
with Sharon O’Neill, MAT, Sharon has been a Kin, Foster, and Adoptive Family Training and Coaching Specialist at VT-CWTP for 14 years. She comes to this role with 30 plus years of working with and advocating for Vermont children and their families.
Guests: Jaime Blouin, Resource Coordinator Barre District DCF Office. She has a Master’s of Science in Children’s Integrated Mental Health and is licensed as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. She’s been working for the Department for Children and Families for the last 6 yrs. as a Family Services Worker and Resource Coordinator and with children and families for over 20 yrs. in a variety of capacities focusing on prevention, education, mental health services, and child safety interventions.
Stephanie Reale, Staff Safety Specialist and former Resource Coordinator, Barre District Office, graduated from the University of Vermont with a Bachelor of Social Work in 2013 and as a Master of Social Work in 2019. She has worked for the Department for Children and Families for 8 years in various capacities. Prior to her current position as a Resource Coordinator, she worked with children in custody, conducted child safety interventions, and held an internship with Residential Licensing and Special Investigations.
Jonathan Clark is the Youth Services consultant at the Vermont Department of Libraires. Before arriving in Vermont, Jonathan worked at the New York Public Library and has over 10 years of experience as a teacher/educator.
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VFAFA NEWS
helpful news and information for our VFAFA partners
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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 has a newly appointed President, Debbie Boyce, who will serve the remainder of the President's term (2022 Annual Meeting).
VFAFA is seeking people to fill both Board seats, coordinator positions, as well as accepting volunteer assistance. Specifically, VFAFA is seeking:
Vice President - This position should be held by someone who can act as President during the absence or disability of the President, and shall perform any and all duties which may from time to time be delegated to them by the Board.
Members at Large - these persons are members of the Board without being appointed by their local organization/association or by voting by the general membership. These positions are held by those who have expressed an interest in being on the Board to a current Executive Board member and the full Board votes on the 8 seats. Currently, there are 5 seats up for appointment as the Board has already appointed Jim Bulger, Lisa Steckler, and Brenda Hamlin.
Children's Activity Fund Coordinator - this person is responsible for receiving, reviewing, and processing applications for the use of the CAF funds following the guidelines as set forth by the Board.
District Representatives - A District Representative is a liaison between VFAFA and their local district foster parent organization/association/district. The following Districts are either have or are anticipating a vacancy:
- Brattleboro
- Hartford
- Morrisville
- Newport
If you are interested in being considered for one of the positions listed above, or just helping VFAFA, please contact the VFAFA Secretary at: VFAFASecretary@gmail.com.
Join us for our January meeting! Tuesday, January 11, 2022, 7 pm
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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.
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VKAP NEWS
helpful news and information from Vermont Kin As Parents
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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
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Our mission is to ensure that youth with foster care experience enter adulthood with the necessary support to build productive and fulfilling lives.
Youth who have experienced foster care are at higher risk for adverse outcomes such as homelessness, unemployment, and lower educational and vocational attainment. The 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.
We strive to be the program that partners with youth to help them knock down barriers, uncover interests and skillsets, provide opportunity, and help youth turn dreams into plans! We believe in providing services and supports that are strengths-based and fully driven by youth-identified goals.
WHAT WE OFFER
Case Management Local Youth Development Coordinators (YDCs) partner with youth to help them set goals, explore personal interests, connect with natural supports, and transition to adulthood successfully.
Financial Resources Flexible funding supports interests and goals of youth who are engaged in the program.
Extended Foster Care YDP helps foster families and other supportive adults care for youth beyond the age of 18.
Leadership & Advocacy Youth are empowered to participate in leadership training and advocate for improvements in the child welfare system and beyond.
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VIRTUAL AND LIVE EVENTS
events of interest for vermont foster and kincare families
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PLEASE CONFIRM THAT EVENTS OF INTEREST POSTED ON THIS CALENDAR ARE HAPPENING. CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS MAY OCCUR WITHOUT NOTICE.
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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.
Creepy Crawly Craft Party
Sat., Jan. 8, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Montshire Museum of Science1 Montshire Rd., Norwich
It's an all-day extravaganza of bug-themed art and activities. Daring little entomologists attend a meet and greet with the museum’s collection of critters. Future researchers look at insects through microscopes and draw their favorites. Hands-on crafters go crazy with rubber stamps, play with puzzles, and craft their own fuzzy caterpillar friends or beautiful butterfly toys. Along the way, everyone learns fun facts, such as what makes butterfly wings so colorful and why centipedes have so many legs. 802-649-2200
Cabot Village 12th Night Celebration
Sat., Jan. 8, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
Various Cabot locations, Cabot
Storytellers, musicians, dancers, and actors from around New England celebrate the end of the holiday season. See cabotarts.org for the full schedule. 802-793-3016
Pride Hikes: Forest Management at the Hinesburg Town Forest
Sat., Jan. 8, 12:30-3 p.m.
Hinesburg Town Forest
Economou Rd., Hinesburg
LGBTQ LGBTQIA++ hikers learn about logging, conservation, and forest ecology from Ethan Tapper, the Chittenden County Forester.
VDA Mini-Courses: Introduction to Cinematography & Video Editing
Sun., Jan. 9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Briggs Opera House
5 S. Main St., White River Junction
CATV leads a full-day filmmaking and editing workshop for dancers. 802-296-7000
Winter 2022 Book Discussion Group
Online Tue., Jan. 11, 6:30 p.m.
The Rokeby Museum and the Charlotte Library team up for a book club discussion of Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teaching of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer. 802-877-3406
P.E.N. Teen Creative Writing Group
Wed., Jan. 12, 3-4:30 p.m.
Morristown Centennial Library
7 Richmond St., Morrisville
TEENS Writers of anything from poetry to fan fiction convene to discuss their work.
Ages 12 through 18. 802-888-3853
Winter Discovery Hike for Families
Sat., Jan. 15, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and Sat., Feb. 19, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
North Branch Nature Center
713 Elm St., MontpelierTrail trekkers put on their "deer ears" and connect with the natural world. Families with kids ages 6 and up. 802-229-6206
Winter Regulars and Rarities in the Champlain Valley
Sat., Jan. 15, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Otter Valley Union High School
2997 Franklin St., Brandon
Rutland County Audubon takes birders on a tour of the inhabitants of Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area. Dress warmly and BYO lunch.
Winter Discovery Hike for Families
Sat., Jan. 15, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and Sat., Feb. 19, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
North Branch Nature Center
713 Elm St., Montpelier
Trail trekkers put on their "deer ears" and connect with the natural world. Families with kids ages 6 and up. 802-229-6206
Poetry Experience
Second and Fourth Saturday of every month, 1-3 p.m.
Fletcher Free Library
235 College St., Burlington
Local wordsmith Rajnii Eddins hosts a supportive writing and sharing circle for poets of all ages. 802-863-3403
Noon Time Hockey in White River Junction
Friday, January 07, 14, 21, 28 2022 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Friday, February 04, 2022 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Wendell A. Barwood Arena
451 Highland Ave
White River Junction, VT
Price: $5.00 to $80.00 —Per Play/Resident/Non-Resident Fees
Note: Valley Parents. For ages 15 and up. This program is open play. Participants are required to have some hockey experience and must have complete hockey gear to play. Purchase a Season Pass or pay $5 per play.
Contact Info: Karen McNall
Hartford Parks & Recreation
kmcnall@hartford-vt.org
802-295-5036
Urban Bush Women Movement Workshop in Hanover
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Hopkins Center For The Arts
4 E. Wheelock St.
Hanover, NH
Price: $5.00 to $10.00 —Youth tickets $5
Note: Advance Registration.
The groundbreaking company leads a movement workshop using its BOLD approach—Builders, Organizers & Leaders through Dance. Visit hop.dartmouth.edu for tickets
Hopkins.center@dartmouth.edu
603-646-2422
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COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Thank you for your generous support!
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THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS FOR YOUR GENEROSITY ON BEHALF OF VERMONT FOSTER AND KIN CARE FAMILIES!
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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!
WE WISH TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE GENEROSITY OF THE MOUNTAIN GAZETTE FOR ITS SUPPORT OF FOSTER FAMILIES DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON. MANY THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO AND FOR THE SPIRIT IN WHICH YOU GIVE!
Serving Bolton, Cambridge, Jeffersonville, Jericho, Underhill, Westford, VT
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
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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
DCF has numerous job opportunities available. To inquire and apply, visit the State of Vermont Job Website at: https://careers.vermont.gov
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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?
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Copyright © 2021
Vermont Department For Children and Families, Family Services Division
All rights reserved.
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Our mailing address is:
280 State Street HC1N Building B Waterbury Vermont 05671
Tel: (802) 241.0896
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