"Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder.”
― E.B. White
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Look for Fostering Vermont each week and be sure to send your news, events and other items of importance and interest to: mary.collins@vermont.gov THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: TUESDAY, NOON.
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CAN YOU HELP?
reaching out to communities statewide
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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, like yourself, who might be interested in foster care, please let your District office know and please subscribe to your community's Front Porch Forum. Email: mary.collins@vermont.gov
Please note: Front Porch Forum messages are not stories of specific children but composite stories of children who may have been in our care. We use stories to illustrate the experiences of children and youth and to help find appropriate foster care for all. Do YOU have a story to share with us about your experience as a Foster parent? If so, email: mary.collins@vermont.gov
Here is one of these messages:
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Can you be there for her?
There are times when a child in foster care may be hospitalized. It could be a newborn; a youth in crisis, or for any number of reasons. And so, we may need caregivers to sit with children during that hospitalization.
Might you be someone who could provide this kind of short term, specialized care? If so, we would love to hear from you - or, from someone you know who you might consider this special need.
Someone within your district service area will be in touch and will help you through the process of registering to become a care provider to a child or youth in need. Thank you!
Here's how to reach us!
http://dcf.vermont.gov/foster-care-inquiry.
You can also call your local Family Services District Office and ask to speak to the Resource Coordinator. http://dcf.vermont.gov/fsd/contact-us/districts
KEEP LOCAL KIDS LOCAL.
Contact the Vermont Department for Children and Families, Family Services Division to find out more about caring for a child or youth in your community. https://dcf.vermont.gov/foster. Thank you.
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V.F.A.F.A. NEWS
helpful news and information from our VFAFA partners
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VFAFA NEWS
 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!
The newly elected VFAFA board members taking office in October are as follows:
Steve May, President
Kara Haynes, Vice President
Lisz Graves, Secretary
Linda Couture, Treasurer (Returning)
VFAFA holds its Board of Directors meeting on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Members are welcome and encouraged to join these board meetings. Our next meeting is Tuesday, October 13th from 7pm-9pm.
During the Covid-19 restriction time VFAFA is meeting via online or phone. You can join the ZOOM meeting here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85822727984?pwd=dncwMGFHQ2U3Zmp6alYxTXBTdTF3dz09
Meeting ID: 858 2272 7984
Password: 288400
One tap mobile
+16468769923,,85822727984#,,,,0#,,288400#
Dial by your location: +1 646 876 9923
Meeting ID: 858 2272 7984
Password: 288400
In addition to the above information, you can always find a link on the VFAFA Facebook page.
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NEWS YOU CAN USE
helpful news and information
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Vermont's Health Commissioner Urges Vermonters to Get Flu Shot!
Getting a flu shot is important every year, but it’s even more vital during the current pandemic, said Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD at Friday’s press conference.
This year, there are many more unknowns, said Dr. Levine. Like how common it would be to get the coronavirus and the flu, or if having the flu makes you more susceptible to getting COVID-19. We also don’t know whether a surge in cases of COVID-19 and the flu could happen at the same time — overwhelming our health care system and putting people at risk.
“Simply put: we know more about the flu than COVID-19, and we already have a vaccine to prevent it,” Dr. Levine said. “So please, get your flu shot. And make sure your children do too — anyone over 6 months old, with rare exceptions, should be vaccinated.”
It’s especially important for anyone in a high-risk group or who has underlying health conditions to get vaccinated.
The Health Department has ordered more flu vaccine than usual to prepare for the increased demand, and is working closely with providers in getting their patients vaccinated. We are encouraging community partnerships to provide clinics where access may be limited, like at schools, community centers or assisted living facilities.
Get your flu shot through your doctor’s office, your local pharmacy, or look for a clinic near you. If you don’t have insurance, reach out to your local health office.
And keep up those actions that have helped Vermont prevent the spread of COVID-19 — they also help with whatever flu season may have in store.
Learn more at healthvermont.gov/flu.
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Child Protection In Context
V O I C E S F O R V E R M O N T ' S C H I L D R E N P R E S E N T S :
Understanding the bigger picture for Vermont's children, youth, and families.
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Conversations about the unique needs of children and families
in Vermont's system of child protection.
Weekly from 12:30-2:00 pm:
10-7 | The Office of Child Advocate: Navigating a healthy child protection system.
Free Registration required tickets: bit.ly/VoicesFallSeries
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Vermont CWTP Fall 2020 Course Offerings
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Vermont Child Welfare Training Partnership: Fall 2020 Available Courses
| These courses are for kin, foster, and adoptive families and those who work with them. |
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Fall Courses:
Join us virtually via Zoom (video conferencing)
for any of these courses!
Click on the title below for more information about a specific class or keep scrolling to review all available classes!!
Fall 2020 Virtual Courses:
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10/12 & 10/19 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
This class is for caregivers adopting from foster care. It is REQUIRED prior to submission of your adoption assistance agreement. It is typically taught as an in-person class, however due to COVID-19 restrictions it will be taught as a two-part virtual (Zoom) class to prepare caregivers for adopting from foster care. Each class will meet two times (You must attend BOTH classes in order to receive your certificate of completion!). You can take the class in September or October.
For October Class: Click here to register! |
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"Deeper Dive Into Adoption" (Virtual)
Shared Connections and Communication in Adoption: Fall 2020
3 Part-Saturday Morning Series - Adoption Family Panel
Saturday November 7th, 14th, and 21st 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Join us for this special 3-part series (plan to attend all three) featuring video clips from a panel of Vermont youth and their adoptive parents, discussing issues important to them:
(1) Talking about Adoption with Children and Youth
(2) The Tough Stuff: Talking About More Difficult Things
(3) Connections with Birth Families: How Youth Feel About It
Click here to register! |
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Substance Use Series (Virtual)
A 3-part series for those caring for youth with substance use issues. Late-fall dates and times to be announced soon! The three 90-minute sessions will include:
- Dependency and Testing
- Treatment Options
- Town Hall Meeting with Youth
To register for this course, please contact Emma Baird - Emma.Baird@uvm.edu |
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Saturday October 10th, 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM |
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This 2-hour self-paced online training paired with 4.5 hour Zoom virtual classroom is designed for those who support youth ages 12-18. This course will teach you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders.
To register for this course, please contact Emma Baird - Emma.Baird@uvm.edu |
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Kinship Connections Series: Fall 2020 (Virtual)
These classes are designed to offer kinship caregivers, and those who work with them, practical ideas to increase their awareness and skill around each given topic, while strengthening their relationships with the children and youth in their care.
#5 - Helping Children and Youth Honor Their Stories (with Catherine Harris)
Thursday 10/22 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Click here to register!
#6 - Easy Ways to Practice Mindfulness and Self-Care (with Janine Beaudry)
Tuesday 11/17 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Click here to register!
#7 - Making Art with Children and Youth (with Sharon O'Neill)
Wednesday 12/9 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Click here to register! |
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Home But Not Alone: Connection Series (Virtual)
Internet Safety for Children & Youth (with Sharon O’Neill)
Wednesday, October 7 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
As children and youth increasingly turn to digital tools for school and socialization, online safety matters more than ever. Join and engage in conversation about safety strategies.
Click here to register!
Health Matters (with Renee Kondos)
Wednesday, November 4th 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Join to learn more about the role of physical health has in managing children’s challenging behaviors. Nutrition, routines, sleep, physical activity will be topics for this important conversation.
Click here to register!
Seeing Color Matters (with Sharon O’Neill)
Wednesday, December 2nd 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
When people say "I don't see color" with regard to race they likely believe this is an inclusive, "We are all the same," statement. However, not acknowledging race means: "I don't see you." "I don't hear you." "I don't understand you." Join us as we focus on talking to children about race.
Click here to register! |
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| Kinship Care: Beyond the Basics |
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| This class will be an online, self-paced, advanced training for licensed kinship caregivers. The class will look at ways to manage the adjustments that kinship caregivers often need to make to their life plans and expectations, relationships, and parenting styles. It will take approximately two hours to complete. |
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Shared Connections in and Communication in Adoption - Online Version
This will be an online version of the Shared Connections course featuring video clips from a panel of Vermont youth and their adoptive parents, discussing issues important to them. |
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Copyright © 2020 VT Child Welfare Training Partnership, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.
Our mailing address is:
VT Child Welfare Training Partnership
208 Colchester Ave
Burlington, VT 05405-1757
Add us to your address book |
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“RPC+ TIPS for Tuning In”
Trauma Informed Parenting Skills: Fall 2020
Statewide Virtual Class For Kin or Relative Caregivers (FREE)
RPC+ TIPS for Tuning In:
is 10-week long workshop that educates kin or relative caregivers (foster care or adoption) about the impact of early childhood trauma and loss on development, attachment, emotions and behaviors. The workshop will provide a safe space for parents and guardians to access compassionate training, learn concrete strategies to manage daily and ongoing challenges, enhance relationships with their children and build a network of support and connections with fellow kinship/relative caregivers.
Virtual RPC+ Kinship Caregiver Class
Starting on the following dates and running for 10 weeks
October 13th Tuesdays @ 6:00pm – 7:30pm
OR
October 14th Wednesdays @ 12:00pm – 1:30pm
OR
October 15th Thursdays @ 9:00am – 10:30am
All classes meet virtually on Zoom
If you are interested in this class, contact:
Amy.Bielawski-Branch@uvm.edu
(802) 578-0426
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DCF | FAMILY SERVICES | FOSTER CARE IN THE NEWS
The impact of COVID on foster parents and children in their care was recently discussed with WCAX news by Brenda Gooley, Director of Operations, Family Services, Department For Children and Families. Ms. Gooley also shared the state's outreach efforts for respite care. Here is a link to that video:
https://www.wcax.com/video/2020/09/24/vt-dcf-sees-new-challenges-finding-foster-families-during-pandemic/
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PARENTS AS CHANGEMAKERS:
TRAINING ANNOUNCEMENT
Available Online
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Do you have ideas that would strengthen foster care in your area? Are you committed to ensuring that foster parents have the training and support they need to best serve children? Not sure where to start to advocate for the changes you want? Come learn how you can make a difference!
NFPA is working with CHAMPS (Children Need Amazing Parents), a national campaign to ensure bright futures for kids in foster care by promoting the highest quality parenting. Our goal is to help foster/adoptive/kinship parents make policy changes in your state. In this workshop, we will review the CHAMPS policy goals and discuss working with legislators, executive branch officials, and the media. You’ll learn how to advocate for policy reforms.
- Participants will learn effective techniques and strategies for systems advocacy
- Participants will learn to tell their personal stories and develop effective messages for advocacy
- Participants will learn about working with partners, developing an ask, and working with the media
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| Training certificate provided at the end of this course. |
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| Combining the child welfare expertise of the NFPA and Centene will allow us to disseminate training to caregivers more broadly, which will further support and empower them in providing the best possible care to our children and youth. We are committed to collaborate to create new curriculums and trainings that will give caregivers quick and easy access to education that addresses targeted issues commonly encounter. |
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YOUTH JUSTICE PRACTICUM 2020
Centering Youth In Practice
Enrollment is now open for the 2020 Youth Justice Practicum (YJP). The inaugural YJP is designed to deepen practice and strengthen your skills working with Vermont youth who are involved with the youth justice system.
The Juvenile Justice staff and CWTP have been working hard to deliver a comprehensive training for staff and Foster/Kin families to enjoy a collaborative learning opportunity.
Participants will embark on a 6-week virtual educational experience to expand knowledge, develop lenses and practice the following:
Restorative Justice (10/20 & 10/23 1-3 PM)
Motivational Interviewing (10/27 & 10/29 1-3 PM)
Positive Youth Development (11/4 & 11/6 1-3 PM)
Harm Reduction (11/10 & 11/12 1-3 PM)
Transitioning to Adulthood (11/17 & 11/19 1-3 PM)
Deepening Practice (11/24 1-3 PM)
In order to earn the practicum certificate, participants must complete all 11 sessions. Sessions meet for 2 hours, twice a week. There is a maximum of 25 participants in the practicum.
Can’t make the commitment? We encourage you to attend the following portion of the Practicum. Please follow the enrollment instructions below. Thank you! Hope to see you at the training.
Positive Youth Development (11/4 & 11/6 1-3 PM)
Harm Reduction (11/10 & 11/12 1-3 PM)
Transitioning to Adulthood (11/17 & 11/19 1-3 PM)
Register for the Youth Justice Practicum in LINC by 10/15/20 and you will be automatically enrolled in all six sessions. Alternatively, you can enroll in any one of the three single events open to all. Questions? Contact Tabitha Moore at Tabitha.Pohl-Moore@uvm.edu or by phone at (802) 774-8657.
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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 shelter in place and remain safe from exposure to Covid-19, here are some helpful tips you and your family can use to make the experience less stressful. As always, contact your District Office, should you need support during this critical time. Here is a link to our District Offices: https://dcf.vermont.gov/fsd/contact-us/districts
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Please contact your district office at: https://dcf.vermont.gov/fsd/contact-us/districts for information on resources and services available in your district.
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VOICES OF FOSTER PARENTS VIDEO
Foster Parents,
We encourage all caregivers to access the video "Voices of Foster Parents" with a hope that you will be interested in joining your local association and making connections to other local caregiving families. We would like to acknowledge Resource Coordinator, Ellie Fetzer, for suggesting that this important message be shared statewide. Here's what Ellie had to say:
"This is an 18 min video called "Voices of Foster Parents". It was produced by Amy Anderson, a foster/adoptive parent in Central Vermont. She interviewed 24 foster parents who discuss the challenges and rewards of foster parenting.
The easiest way to access the video is by sending a Facebook friend request to "Foster Anderson" and let Amy know which district you are from . Amy can show the video to about 5 people per day; more if people watch the video shortly after she gets it to you and you let her know you've done so."
Thank you!
Ellie Fetzer
Resource Coordinator
ellie.fetzer@vermont.gov
(802) 251-2151
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YOUTH VOICE
helpful news and information in support of youth in foster care
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Vermont's Youth Development Program
The Youth Development Program’s virtual Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is in the process of working on multiple projects including providing suitcases to youth in care and creating an Alumni Network. We are actively recruiting passionate youth who want to make a difference within the child welfare system to help out with both of these important projects!
Big things are happening at YDP!!! We are excited to announce two new fall interns! The YDP alumni youth interns will lead two YAB (Youth Advisory Board) Ideas: 1. Alumni Network and 2. Higher Education
The Alumni Network will focus on creating the feeling of “someone on my side” for youth in foster care and the Higher Education Project will focus on providing financial assistance for youth in foster care who would like to attend higher education following high school. Both youth interns are actively recruiting additional youth to help with both projects. If you know anyone interested in getting involved, please contact Kayla @kaltobelli@wcysb.org
The YAB has been postponed while our new youth interns work on transforming some of our youth engagement opportunities. Stay tuned for future YAB, Alumni Network and Higher Education updates!! "
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Kayla Altobelli
Youth Engagement Coordinator
Youth Development Program
Washington County Youth Service Bureau
P.O. Box 627, 38 Elm St.
Montpelier, VT 05601
(802) 229-9151
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VIRTUAL EVENTS
virtual 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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FALL ACTIVITIES 2020
PLEASE FOLLOW ALL VERMONT STATE SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES
Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium Story Time Free Online
Saturdays, 10 a.m. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, 1302 Main St., St. Johnsbury
Small ones start off Saturday morning with a virtual story time, shared by the natural history museum in St. Johnsbury. 802-748-2372
Circus in Place Sat., Oct. 3, 12, 2 & 4 p.m. and Sun., Oct. 4, 12, 2 & 4 p.m.
Nimble Arts 416 Meadowbrook Rd., Brattleboro
Nimble Arts and Circus Minimus collaborate on an awe-inspiring outdoor spectacular — think aerials, acrobatics and juggling — for all ages. Sunday's noon performance includes a sign language interpreter. 802-318-2639
Merck Forest - Meet & Feed the Animals at Merck Forest
October 4, 2020 through October 11, 2020 3270 Rte. 315 Rupert VT
Join Merck staff on Sunday afternoons chores: get to know the sheep, horses, chickens, and pigs during this daily routine. Please visit www.merckforest.org/events/ for full details and to register. Sunday afternoons from May 24 through October 11, 3 to 4pm, $5/child. (802) 394-7836
Peck Farm Orchard Corn Maze Wednesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through Oct. 31 Peck Farm Orchard 750 Sibley Rd., East Montpelier
Festive families have fun on the farm with a leafy puzzle, PYO apples and pumpkins, and free hayrides on weekends. 802-249-1223
Fall Festival Free Saturdays, Sundays, 12-6 p.m. Continues through Oct. 24
Isham Family Farm 3515 Oak Hill Road, Williston
This family-friendly autumnal celebration boasts wagon rides, pumpkin picking and a corn maze. On Saturdays, visitors also find live music, vendors and food trucks. No alcohol, please. 802-872-1525
Mummy Luminaries Free Online Fri., Oct. 9, 4 p.m.
Fairfax Community Library 75 Hunt Street, Fairfax
Little ones light up the night with homemade lanterns. Pick up materials from the library on Thursday between 3 and 7 p.m. For ages 6 and up. 802-849-2420
The Enchanted Forest Fri., Oct. 9, 5-7:30 p.m. and Sat., Oct. 10, 4-7:30 p.m.
Hubbard Park 400 Parkway St., Montpelier
A magical stroll for kids and adults features art, music and performances. 802-223-1242
The Next Generation Fri., Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m.
Chandler Music Hall 71-73 Main St., Randolph
Classical instrumental training shines in this showcase for talented young musicians. In-person and live-streamed. 802-728-9878
Celebrate Indigenous People's Day at The Commons!
Oct 12 Noon The Commons Park, Summer Hill St., Springfield, VT
Enjoy stories, dancing and activities. We will also celebrate Earth Science week through appreciation of our earth's resources! This program is free and open to the public. Geared toward children pre-K to grade 3. COVID-19 safety guidelines of face coverings and physical distancing required as well as a temperature check upon arrival.
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COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Thank you for your generous support!
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Thank you to Vermont schools!
Returning to school this year has been a labor of love and great effort for parents, students, teachers and staff. We appreciate every Vermont community and school and all the ways you support every child and youth throughout Vermont.
Would your school like to know more about foster care? Contact your District Office Recruitment & Retention Specialist and Resource Coordinator. Here is a link to our district offices: https://dcf.vermont.gov/fsd/contact-us/districts
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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? For more information, contact:
Luciana.DiRuocco@vermont.gov.
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Copyright © 2020
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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