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"It's not easy being green." - Kermit the Frog
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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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WHY WE CELEBRATE
CELEBRATE TRADITION AND CULTURAL AWARENESS WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
A publication of Southwest Human Development.org
Cultural awareness and tradition play important roles in helping young children develop a positive sense of identity and build self-esteem. Studies show that cultural appreciation and awareness contribute to building a positive self-image. Developing a strong foundation of belonging and acceptance through cultural celebration and education helps children to create a diverse social network while transitioning into adulthood. There are many ways that foster care providers can teach children about their own cultures while exploring others.
Teach the language
Teaching children to be bilingual or multilingual has many advantages. Language is a powerful tool that can provide enhanced insight into family history, stories, and traditions. Children who are literate in multiple languages can better comprehend family stories and history. Being multilingual also allows children to form a relationship with their family’s heritage by reading family recipes and stories, understanding traditional songs, and more. Learning multiple languages promotes an overall sense of cultural appreciation and understanding.
Celebrate holidays and traditions
The importance of holidays and traditions spans across most cultures. Participating in the celebration of holidays creates a special experience that can help bond young children with their family’s cultural traditions. Foster parents can help teach children about a range of holidays and traditions to help them build an understanding that their personal traditions may be different than their friends at school. Talk with your child to explain that not all children celebrate the same holidays or have the same beliefs.
Mix it up in the kitchen
Inviting children into the kitchen while cooking a traditional meal creates a special time for bonding and an opportunity for cultural conversation. Talking about traditional recipes is an enjoyable and tasty avenue to teaching children about family heritage. Authentic meals, snacks, and treats can help children develop a bond with their cultural identity, especially when the ingredients are native to a particular heritage. Traditional meals packed in school lunches can double as a conversation piece as young children share their culture with their peers at school.
Share stories of family history
Stories passed down through generations are likely to be peppered with life lessons, tradition, and cultural history. Tales of cultural history can provide a well-rounded view of cultural heritage. When you help your child explore their family tree, you may find that your child’s heritage is rich and diverse.
When you must take a step beyond explaining the family tree, and talk with your child about how family history is important to understanding diversity. Having a better understanding of family, in whatever ways you are able, can help children be confident in their identity. Photos are a great tool for parents to take an extra step to provide visuals in helping their children explore the family tree.
Explore new cultures
There are a variety of ways to encourage acceptance and education of new cultures. Help children to learn about various cultures by watching foreign movies, listening to cultural music, and getting crafty in the kitchen. Museums are also a great family-fun place to generate excitement about learning other’s cultural heritage.
The world is vast and there are nearly endless customs to explore. Foster parents can get creative by letting their children pick a place on the globe and research a new language together. When children are raised to have well-rounded cultural values, they are more likely to be open and accepting to new cultures they learn about as they grow into adults.
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DID YOU KNOW?
Foster and Kinship Providers can track all reimbursement from the State by creating an account on the Vendor Payment Portal. Simply go onto www.vermonttreasurer.gov and click on vendor payment portal login. Create an account by completing the information and providing the vendor/supplier number which is located at the top right corner of a reimbursement check. This will allow foster and kinship providers to track their reimbursement including monthly reimbursement, mileage, respite, expenses, and damage claims.
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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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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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REGISTRATION OPEN
Project SCOPE Vermont:
Supporting Children of the Opioid Epidemic
https://www.uvm.edu/cess/cdci/2022-project-scope-vt-trainings
Project SCOPE (Supporting Children of the Opioid Epidemic), is a national training initiative to build provider capacity and confidence in applying evidence-based practices in screening, monitoring, and interdisciplinary support for children and families impacted by opioid use, trauma, or related exposure. Visit the national website to learn more.
Project SCOPE Vermont brings these trainings to anyone in Vermont working with young children and families affected by opioid use including healthcare providers, children’s integrated services providers, educators, and more. All trainings are free, remote (Zoom), and use the ECHO framework to share best practices in an engaging all teach, all learn model. Each session includes an expert presentation on the topic, an interactive case presentation, and group discussion. Attend one, a few, or all sessions at no-cost.
2022 ECHO SESSION PROGRAM
(All sessions Mondays 12-1:30 pm) Date Session Topic
March 21
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
March 28
Monitoring Child Development and Linking to Services
April 4
Having Difficult Conversations
April 11
Trauma, Addiction, and Health
April 25
Understanding Reacting to Emotions and Behaviors of Trauma Exposed Children
May 2
Partnering Effectively with CIS to Address Developmental Delays
May 9
Models of Care ( Presented in collaboration with the Improving Care for
Opioid Exposed Newborns Annual Conference
This program is offered at no cost to participants through a collaboration between the Center on Disability and Community Inclusion, Vermont Child Health Improvement Program, Wyoming Institute for Disabilities, and the Vermont Department of Health.
Visit our website to learn more, register, and sign up for updates.
Questions? Email: vchip.icon@med.uvm.edu or visit Project SCOPE Vermont at go.uvm.edu/scopevt
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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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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 Michael!
(14-year-old)
My favorite things: I like to clean and organize things. I like to garden. I love to read! I love Legos. I want to visit LEGOLAND someday. Science is my favorite class.
Things I do not like: I do not like sports. I do not like kids being mean to me.
Favorite foods: Pizza...Homemade Mac and Cheese with Broccoli...Pasta with red sauce...Quesadillas
What I want in a family: I want a family to love me and take care of me. I want a family who can help me be a good person. I would like a quiet family that is not too busy for me.
What I want families to know about me: I am a kind and good kid. I like to read and clean. I have sensitive skin and only use Dove soap. Do not expect me to like or participate in sports. I want to have a good life.
What we want families to know about Michael: Michael needs a family committed to work with him in therapy. A family who will embrace Michael's love of reading. A family that understands he does not want to be an athlete. A family who can support Michael and work as part of a team to address any of his needs. He will need help growing up into a young man and family that understands that. A family that can show patience, be caring and understand childhood trauma. Michael should be the only child.
For more information please contact KirkB@lundvt.org or 802-772-0703
 
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Apply for the Vermont Homeowner Assistance Program
Vermont HAP provides help for homeowners who have experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19
Find out if you qualifyApply Now
The VERMONT HAP program is now accepting applications.
Program Information
Eligible Vermont homeowners will be awarded Vermont HAP funds for the purpose of preventing home foreclosure and homeowner displacement. This can include assistance with overdue mortgage payments, homeowners association fees, property taxes, and/or utilities.
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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 – March 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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Sign up for NOFA-VT's Farm Share Program!
NOFA-VT’s Farm Share Program encourages families to sign up or share with others who may benefit from the program.
We are working with NOFA-VT in an effort to provide targeted nutrition education classes for Farm Share recipients who qualify for EFNEP (parents/caregivers with limited resources, at or below 185% FPL). Thank in advance for your help and support!
Maire
Maire (pronounced “Maura”) Folan, MS RDN
Statewide Coordinator
Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)
UVM Extension Newport, 802-334-7362
www.uvm.edu/extension/efnep
UVM Extension...Cultivating Healthy Communities
Maire.Folan@uvm.edu
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SAVE THE DATE...TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
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The Vermont Child Welfare Training Partnership
“VT CWTP”
SAVE THE DATE!!
Friday, May 20, 2022
Youth Justice Summit
The day will be spent learning from one another and the people that we serve while taking a restorative justice approach to our work.
Together we will:
Learn the basic principles and values of Restorative Justice.
Experience restorative principles and practices as methods to acknowledge and address the effects of harm.
Apply a restorative lens to your role in engaging youth involved with the justice system.
Capital Plaza Conference Center, Montpelier
Time: 8:30 – 3:30 PM
FRIDAY, 5.20.22
A separate email will be sent with registration directions and Zoom information. Stay tuned for our REGISTRATION OPEN email in the coming weeks!
Contact Emma Baird and Christa Mordoff with questions
VT Child Welfare Training Partnership
University of Vermont
208 Colchester Ave.
Burlington, VT 05405
802-656-3376
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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 President, Debbie Boyce.
VFAFA is seeking people to fill both Board seats, coordinator positions, as well as accepting volunteer assistance.
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 next meeting! Tuesday, April 5, 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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Vermont Foster and Adoptive Families Association (VFAFA)
2022 Annual Meeting Warning
The members of VFAFA are invited to join the annual membership meeting via the Zoom video conferencing platform on Saturday, April 23rd at 10 am.
Pre-Registration is preferred: https://forms.gle/MEPpvznaWBJ8mK8Z9
Meeting Zoom Info:
Join Online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85822727984
Join by Phone: (646) 876-9923
Meeting ID: 858 2272 7984
Password: 288400
The meeting agenda is as follows:
Reading of the ByLaws (Bylaws - https://vfafa.org/membership)
Vote on Incorporation
Association Update
Election Of Officers:
President (two-year term)
Vice President (remaining one-year term)
Secretary (two-year term)
Adjournment
INTERESTED IN A BOARD SEAT:
please forward a short (less than one page) biography to vfafasecretary@gmail.com
Candidate biographies will be posted to the VFAFA Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/VTFosterParents)
and
made available by request – simply email request to vfafasecretary@gmail.com.
Please note the following regarding the 2022 Annual Membership Meeting:
The meeting will NOT be recorded. Only members present at the meeting (via telephone or video call) will be allowed to vote.
Membership is defined as:
Upon payment of dues, the general membership shall be conveyed to foster parents, kincare providers, foster adoptive parents, private agencies, an association or organization of foster parents, social service workers or citizens interested in advocating for the goals of the Association. (VFAFA Bylaws Article 3, Section 3.1 (c), as amended 4-14-2018.)
Dues for 2022 are $30 per household, these must be paid prior to the meeting, and can be paid at: https://vfafa.org/membership (bottom of page).
Voting on open officer seats will be done via Survey Monkey and tabulated by a third party. All members voting from a single household will need to be present at the meeting and provide the Executive Board an individual email address for each voting caretaker. Should a separate email address not be available for each voting caretaker, this should be noticed in the pre-registration form.
Per the bylaws, those self-nominating or being nominated from the floor for open officer positions must pay their 2021 dues prior to accepting the nomination for the office. (VFAFA Bylaws - Article 4, Section 4.1, as amended 4-14-2018.)
All officers shall:
a) Either be licensed or formerly licensed foster parents and/or kincare provider in the State of Vermont and/or have served as Board members.
b) After leaving office, each officer shall deliver all books and/or records to the incoming officers before the next meeting.
c) The offices of President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer shall be for a two-year term which shall commence at the first Board meeting following the Annual Meeting.
d) In the absence or inability of an officer to complete his/her term as elected, the Board members shall select an individual to serve in place of such officer until the next Annual
Meeting.
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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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Youth Development Program
The Youth Development Program serves Vermont youth ages 14-23 who have experience within the foster care system. Each year we work with more than 500 young people! Training DCF Staff & Foster Parents. YDP youth advocates and young adult consultants train DCF social workers, central office staff, and foster parents by speaking on panels, giving presentations, and joining community conversations. These opportunities provide a space for youth to directly affect how adults approach working with youth. Youth are provided support and training so they are fully prepared to authentically engage in these activities in a healthy and meaningful way.
652 Granger Road, Berlin VT 05601
802.229.9151
ydp@wcysb.org
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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.
St. Patrick's Day Gold Hunt
MARCH 17, 2022
Bromley Mountain Resort
Embark on the ultimate St. Patrick's Day hunt and search for the gold at the end of the rainbow.
3984 Vermont Route 11
Peru, VT, 05152
https://www.bromley.com/
802-824-5522
events@bromley.com
Global Action: Climate Change Meetup for Kids
Online Sat., March 19, 4-4:45 p.m.
8-year-old Eliza Stone leads an action group for passionate kids ages 5 through 10. Bring art, ideas and a stuffed animal friend if desired. Presented by Bethel University.
Super Hero Character Breakfast
Sun., March 20, 9-11 a.m.
The Depot
50 Kingman St., St. Albans
Spider-Man, Batman, and Captain America partake in a breakfast buffet, games, and photoshoots. 443-798-5380
Zentangle Workshop
Wed., March 30, 2-4 p.m. and Wed., April 27, 2-4 p.m.
Doodlers ages 12 through adulthood learn how to draw intricate patterns as a form of meditation.
Presented by Norman Williams Public Library
10 The Green, Woodstock
21st Annual Sugar on Snow Party
3/20/22 - 3/20/22
Bakersfield
Bakersfield Historical Society
1:00 - 4:00pm Price: $5.00
This event will be held at the Bakersfield Historical Society, 80 East Bakersfield, Bakersfield, Vermont. Bring your family and enjoy an old-fashioned Vermont tradition, Sugar on Snow, a delectable combination of Vermont Maple Syrup boiled down to just the right consistency, poured over snow, and served up with homemade donuts and dill pickles.
Contact: Lisa Stone Phone: 802-582-2898 Email: Lastone9313@gmail.com
3/21/22 - 6/5/22
Spring Circus classes
Brattleboro
10 Town Crier Dr.
Trapezium: 10 Town Crier Dr. Or Cotton Mill Studios: 74 Cotton Mill Hill Brattleboro, VT 05301
Registration is open for our Spring Session of circus classes - online and in-person! Favorite classes include all levels of fabric, trapeze, and youth classes too! Spring into the circus and move your body in a new way. Beginners welcome.
https://necenterforcircusarts.org/training/youth-session-classes/ Weekly classes from March 21 - June 5
REGISTER: https://necenterforcircusarts.asapconnected.com/
Phone: 802-254-9780 Email: info@necenterforcircusarts.org
L.I.F.T. (LGBTQIA+ Inspiration & Friendship Among Teens)
Fourth Wednesday of every month, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Morristown Centennial Library
7 Richmond St., Morrisville
Queer and trans kids ages 13 through 18 build connections, pursue their interests and find empowerment together. 802-888-3853
Comics Club!
Second Wednesday of every month, 3-4 p.m.
Essex Teen Center
2 Lincoln St., Essex Junction
Graphic novel and manga fans in third through sixth grades meet to discuss current reads and do fun activities together. Hosted by Brownell Library.
802-878-6956
Gender Creative Kids
Second Sunday of every month, 2-4 p.m.
Outright Vermont
241 N. Winooski Ave, Burlington
Trans and gender-nonconforming kiddos under 13 and their families enjoy coloring, games, and snacks.
802-865-9677
Teen Songwriting
Tuesdays, 3-4:30 p.m. Continues through March 29
Morristown Centennial Library
7 Richmond St., Morrisville
Budding lyricists learn the basics of song structure in this month-long workshop. Ages 13 through 18.
802-888-3853
Kids in the Kitchen Online
Third Thursday of every month, 4 p.m. Continues through April 21
Chefs in training and their caretakers make dinner with a trained dietitian. Grades 1 through 5. Presented by Hannaford, Dorothy Alling Memorial Library and Brownell Library.
802-878-4918
Art Club!
Every other Tuesday, 3-4 p.m.
Waterbury Public Library
28 N. Main St., Waterbury
Artists ages 6 and up learn a new technique, style or craft every week.
802-244-7036
Baby Story Time
Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.
Norman Williams Public Library
10 The Green, Woodstock
Librarians and finger-puppet friends introduce babies 20 months and younger to the joy of reading.
802-457-2295
SHREK! THE MUSICAL, JR.
Saturday, March 26, 2022
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Produced entirely by Riverside sixth to eighth graders, in this story we meet an abnormally large ogre named Shrek, played by Jeronimo Deyhle, and his sidekick Donkey, played by Lydia Reimert. Shrek and Donkey embark on an adventure to find Lord Farquad, played by Macy Moore, and Princess Fiona, played by Camryn Reimert. Finding them in the midst of their wedding, Shrek interrupts and causes chaos!
Lyndon Institute Auditorium
168 Institute Circle, Lyndon Center
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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!
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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 © 2022
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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