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“Having somewhere to go is home. Having someone to love is family. And having both is a blessing.”
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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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JUNE IS NATIONAL REUNIFICATION MONTH
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June is National Reunification Month
Celebrated in June each year, National Reunification Month recognizes the people and efforts around the country that help families stay together.
National Reunification Month is also a time to celebrate the families who have overcome obstacles to providing a safe and loving home for their children and are able to reunify after their child was placed in the child welfare system. Most often, the child’s parents are struggling with substance abuse disorder or find themselves in a situation involving domestic violence.
The trauma that family separation causes to children and parents is immeasurable and often permanent. The goal of the child welfare system is to keep families together whenever possible and to reunify separated families as quickly as possible.
Given the right circumstances and supports, parents can make the necessary changes in their lives to become a positive influence for their children. Being empathetic and offering encouragement to make the necessary changes is our hope and goal. We are a support system for those who need skills, resources, and a hand-up to help them become the parent they want to be and their children need.
Follow this link to read a family reunification story here in Vermont!
A Family Reunification Story! | Department for Children and Families (vermont.gov)
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Department for Children and Families
Agency of Human Services Family Services Division
280 State Drive, HC 1 North
(phone) 802-241-2131 (fax) 802-241-0918
Waterbury VT 05671-1030
June 10, 2021
Dear Vermont Foster Caregiver,
On May 14th, AHS Secretary Young sent a memo stating employees who can perform their job duties while working remotely may continue to telework through September 1st, 2021, with approval of the appointing authority. Following this memo, DCF- Family Services Management provided district staff guidance effective June 15th outlining work expectations, which were informed by Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Vermont Department of Health (VDH) guidance, as well as the Governor’s orders.
Highlights of FSD’s Internal Staff Guidance- effective June 15th
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Staffing the Office
The FSD internal guidance aimed to help districts prioritize the business needs while also supporting the flexibility to continue some remote work. Districts are encouraged to consider June and July as a time of experimentation and exploration and to be prepared to provide feedback in early August on what worked well and where were the challenges.
Foster and Kin Caregivers, Parents, and Community Partners can expect that district staff will be rotating time in the office at least two days per week. There will be leadership staff on-site each day and a minimum of one administrative support staff from 7:45 – 4:30 to answer phones, greet visitors, and help manage the traffic and business needs.
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Masks and Physical Distancing while in the Office
The FSD internal guidance highlights AHS Secretary Young’s May 20th memo, which is based on the new CDC recommendations and Governor Scott’s executive order:
- Masks need to be worn by those that are not vaccinated and do not need to be worn by those who are vaccinated.
- Physical distancing needs to be practiced by those that are not vaccinated and does not need to be practiced by those that are vaccinated.
- Those who are vaccinated and want to wear a mask may continue to do so.
- Proof of vaccination is not required.
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Universal Guidance
The FSD internal guidance also highlighted the following for staff:
- stay home if sick and/or have symptoms of COVID;
- to wear masks and maintain six feet of distance if unvaccinated;
- practice good hygiene; and
- to think before making travel plans.
Staff is encouraged to use good judgment knowing the division’s internal guidance will be evolving based on CDC, VDH, and the Governor’s orders.
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In-person Service Delivery
- Child Safety Interventions: Policies 50, 51, and 52 will be reverting to pre-covid processes. Interviews and home visits will be in person.
- In-home cases: Monthly face-to-face and home visits will be in person.
- Family Support
- Conditional Custody (CCO)
- Probation
- Youthful Offender
- Custody cases: Monthly face-to-face and home visits will be in person. This represents a return to our pre-COVID practice. FSW’s will be reaching out to Caregivers to schedule a time to visit. Supervisory or Director approval can be given to support virtual face-to-face contacts in extenuating circumstances.
- RLSI/Licensing activities: Foster care licensing activities will return to in-person service delivery, including routine regulatory tasks and interventions, per policy requirements. District-approved placements will return to Policy 221 and 91 requirements, including an in-person inspection at the time of placement and complete Suitability Assessment.
- Family time: Family Time has already mostly been in-person and should continue.
- Family time, masks, and physical distancing: Masks need to be worn by those not vaccinated and do not need to be worn by those who are. This means that children between the ages of 2 and 12 should wear masks, just as they do in school and childcare settings. Physical distancing is not expected between parents and their children during family time, and physical connection is supported.
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| Additional Guidance for Caregivers |
What is the Family Services Division’s position on vaccination for children or youth in care?
Family Services Policy 77 Medical Care for Children and Youth in DCF Custody will guide our response to vaccinating eligible children against COVID-19. For a link to policy 77 click here.
National news outlets have reported that eligible children in foster care settings are being vaccinated at lower rate than eligible children who are not in foster care. The Children’s Bureau is urging child welfare administrators to work together with state and local public health departments to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccinations for all involved with the child welfare system. The Children’s Bureau highlights that youth ages 12 and older in foster care, young adults in extended foster care, alumni of foster care, foster parents, kinship care providers, agency caseworkers, families receiving prevention services, child protective services investigators, and other key staff are all populations that child welfare agencies should assist in securing access to critical vaccines.
If you have specific questions about having a child in your care vaccinated, please consult with the child’s primary care physician. If you are encountering any difficulties accessing vaccine for a child in your care, please alert your FSW. Please notify your Family Services Worker when a child in your care has been vaccinated. The Division is monitoring data to ensure that eligible children are appropriately vaccinated.
For more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about the COVID vaccine for children and adolescents please click here.
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Am I allowed to travel with my foster child now?
As part of Vermont's phased reopening plan, there is new travel guidance. Except for international travel, travel no longer requires testing or quarantine.
Travelers should follow the guidelines of the state or country they visit. These rules may be different state by state or country by country. Click here for more information.
Travel plans should be discussed with your FSW. Please make sure that you have a Caregiver Authorization Letter signed by your FSW. Click here for more information.
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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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Nicole Tufts - One Tuff Mama
By Mary L. Collins (For DCF)
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 "Fostering to forever" is a term Nicole Tufts knows well.
In 2018, the toddler she and her husband had fostered since he was six weeks old, became their son through adoption. Noah was joined by a baby sister just last year and together, the family of four, couldn't feel more complete or right to their proud and "tuff" mama!
"It's been quite a journey," she admits. "At the time, my husband and I had not been able to conceive and felt fostering was a good choice for us. Then, within months of becoming Noah's adoptive parents, I discovered I was pregnant with our daughter. We consider both children our "miracle babies."
For Nicole Tufts, loving children and making an impact through foster care was an important way for she and her husband to create and support our family and others. The Tufts story is more of a happy "beginning" than it is an ending. Now as parents of two young children, having settled into a new home, and continuing to be advocates for children, fostering continues to be a good choice for them. After a short hiatus to welcome their second child, they hope to foster again.
"At the time we first fostered, and in order to honor our son, I was trying to find a way to make his adoption party a way for our extended family to give back to the foster community. We're big gift-givers and I have a huge extended family. So, we learned about Tatum's Totes and asked family to make donations. It became the Capstone to our time as foster parents."
Since then, Tufts became more involved in Tatum's Totes. For the past four years, she continues to support families and children as the co-manager of the Springfield District affiliate of the nonprofit organization. Tufts provided a list below of needs and requests that Tatum's Totes provides to children and youth who enter foster care.
She said, "It's our way of trying to bridge the gap of a difficult time in children's lives. We work closely with founder Elizabeth Grimes, for which we are deeply appreciative. It matters how and what we contribute to children and youth that is thoughtful and supportive to where they are in their lives. We look to DCF and our partnership with Carmina and Kim to help us know what is needed and how we can support each child transitioning into foster care." She adds, "They have been terrific partners!"
Over the course of a year, approximately 100 Tatum's Totes bags are created and for Tufts, it's the way to serve the foster community when and how they need it. "We've been fortunate enough to get what families need help with, whether it's snowsuit or something else. We've found that's helpful to the community and very much appreciated by the foster care providers who are often not prepared for the particular child's needs when they arrive."
The enthusiasm Tufts and her partner Sherry Boudro provide to DCF has become a close connection. "They're wonderful to work with. We have a great rapport with Carmina and Kim and feel very supported. It's a good partnership!"
She calls it "a well-oiled machine" and relies on the partnership with DCF to make a tough situation a bit easier for the child and family. And for someone named "Tufts" that's a good thing to be reminded of!
Here is more information about Tatum's Totes and how foster families, donors, and volunteers can connect to Nicole and Sherry.
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Tatum’s Totes of the Springfield Region
(Serving foster children in Springfield, Windsor, Bellows Falls, Chester, Ascutney, Ludlow, and throughout the Springfield District region.)
Tatum's Totes provides backpacks, diaper bags, and duffle bags filled with special items that stay with the child no matter where they go.
The Springfield District has some of the highest numbers of children in State custody averaging nearly 80-100 children at any given time. The project is managed by Nicole Tufts and Sherry Boudro.
The goal of Tatum’s Totes is to ensure that each child has something they can call their own during a stressful time in their lives. The bags are currently made for five age groups of both genders; infants, toddlers, elementary, middle, and high school. The children will receive a quality backpack or diaper bag that contains items to help them feel safe and secure. The bags contain items such as; a stuffed animal, blanket, book, toy, water bottle, personal hygiene products, and more.
Tatum's Totes is sustained solely by donations. They graciously accept monetary and material donations. And, as new children continue to enter into foster care, the need is ongoing.
For more information about the Springfield District Tatum's Totes program, please contact Sherry or Nicole for more:
Sherry Boudro at (802) 674-9374, or by email at: boudro616@comcast.net
Nicole Tufts at (802) 376-3157, or by email at: OneTuftsMomma@yahoo.com
Visit or message them on their new Facebook Page: www/facebook.com/Tatum’s Totes of the Springfield Region.
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Water Safety Tips!
As summer is about to begin and people are preparing to safely return outdoors, Safety.com has created a water safety guide for kids. Their safety experts have created this guide specifically designed for children with special needs, in collaboration with experts in the field.
Safety.com reviews considerations on water safety unique to pools and natural bodies of water, and the precautions that should be taken with each. Also included is a shareable infographic illustrating the top water safety tips for children with special needs, to make this information even more accessible for the community.
You can view the guide here:
https://www.safety.com/water-safety-guide/
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05/10/2021
Greetings, and thank you for being a foster parent with Vermont Department for Children and Families: Family Services Division!
This year we are offering state park passes to all eligible children in the state’s custody. What is different this year is that we have an online submission form you can use. You will find it on the Foster Parent Corner page on our website:
https://dcf.vermont.gov/resources/foster
Last year approximately 200 children received these. In years past we served over 500. FSD also obtains punch card passes to our state parks that we issue to some Foster Parents who apply for them. If you are interested, please reach out to your Resource Coordinator.
A reminder: these season passes are specifically for children in the custody of the Family Services Division. Children under 4 years old do not need a park pass to enter the Vermont State Parks.
If you prefer, a physical request form can be requested and submitted. Please EITHER:
Contact Josh Cook at Joshua.Cook@vermont.gov and he will get a form out to you. OR, Contact your Resource Coordinator and they will provide one for you.
Joshua Cook
System of Care Unit Administrative Coordinator
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VERMONT CHILD WELFARE TRAINING PARTNERSHIP
Here is the link to our updated training catalogue:
Vermont Kin, Foster, and Adoptive Families Training Catalogue June 2021
This catalogue also includes a link to our online training catalogue
We will send you an updated catalogue link once a month.
Please reach out if you have questions!!
https://vermontcwtp.org
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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.
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/
June 16th
Parenting LGBTQ+ Children and Youth with Mara Iverson
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
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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 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
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During the Covid-19 restriction time VFAFA is meeting via online or phone. You can join the ZOOM meeting here:
The link for monthly board meetings:
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: 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 NEWS
helpful news and information from the Youth Development Program
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Re-entering Foster Care
In December, a law passed to give youth who left foster care at age 18 or after during the pandemic (between January 27, 2020 and September 30, 2021) the option to re-enter care.
If this applies to someone you know who may want to re-connect, DCFmay be able to support you with services and housing.
The Youth Development Program (YDP) can also provide assistance and funding. If you or someone you know wants to reconnect with services, contact YDP or DCF.
Contact your child's DCF Worker or reach out to your local Youth Development Coordinator at:
vtyouthdevelopmentprogram.org to learn more.
Support for youth formerly in foster care is available!
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VSAC News You Can Use
college planning, financial aid, and more
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"Green Mountain Grad"
The Vermont Legislature, Vermont State Colleges System, and VSAC have teamed up to give the graduating class of 2021 – and last year’s class of 2020 – a special graduation gift: one tuition-free course at any of the Vermont State Colleges: Castleton University, Community College of Vermont, Northern Vermont University at Johnson or Lyndon, or Vermont Technical College.
The program covers summer courses that begin on or after July 1, courses in fall 2021, or courses in spring 2022. Students should act now because summer course options are limited and we expect demand for this opportunity to be high in the fall and spring.
We’ve provided a toolkit with materials to help you get the word out to your graduating seniors and their families, including a key visual (in different sizes for use in emails, e-newsletters, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter), a blurb describing the program which can inform emails or social media posts, two print-ready flyers (use one or use both to promote the program over time), and an extensive FAQ document.
Full details can be found at vsac.org/grad. |
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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
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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.
Local Lunch With the Gnomes of Weissner
Sat., June 12, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Wiessner Woods Edson Hill Rd., Stowe
On a guided woodland exploration, families keep their eyes peeled for clues leading to gnomes, who join participants for lunch.
Bees & Friends Dance Festival
Sat., June 12, 2-3 & 5-6 p.m.
Highland Center for the Arts
2875 Hardwick St., Greensboro
Ballet Vermont dancers portray fireflies, bumblebees, caterpillars, and ladybugs in a performance set to Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons." Arrive early to try local eats, learn about food systems and enjoy activities in a festival atmosphere.
Storytime & Activity
Tue., June 15, 3:30-4:30 p.m. and Tue., July 20, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Rokeby Museum
4334 Route 7, Ferrisburgh
Elementary-aged kiddos engage with books outside among historic farm buildings. Parents and caregivers, please bring blankets or chairs. 802-877-3406
Ladybug Walk
Sat., June 12, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Virginia Stranahan Memorial Town Forest
Thompson Rd., Marshfield
Julia Pupko of the Vermont Entomological Society elucidates these spotted insects on a woodland walk. Contact Jaquith Public Library for meeting point. Rain date: June 13 802-426-3581
Seed Bombs: A DIY Pollinator Garden
Sat., June 26, 12-2 p.m.
Mill Trail Property Mill Trail Cabin, Stowe
Budding gardeners ages 3 through 12 make plant starters to beautify the landscape and improve pollinator habitats.
'A Year With Frog & Toad'
Fri., June 25, 6:30 p.m., Sat., June 26, 4 & 6:30 p.m. and Sun., June 27, 4 & 6:30 p.m.
Greenberg Associates Architects 168 Westminster W. Rd., Putney
Based on the beloved children’s books by Arnold Lobel, this Tony Award-nominated musical drives home the importance of friendship, self-confidence and joy. Presented by Next Stage Arts. Lawn. 802-451-0053
Summer Unplugged Program Series
Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Continues through July 27
Whiting Library 117 Main St., Chester
Beavers and bats and bears, oh my! Weekly environmental education activities reveal information about Northern New England's unique ecology and landscape. Masks and social distancing are required. 802-875-2277
Virtual Abenaki Heritage Weekend
Online June 16-20
The Vermont Abenaki Artists Association presents a five-day cultural celebration complete with conversations and demonstrations centered on art, tradition, language, and stories: heritage_weekend@abenakiart.org
Farm Discovery Camp- Session 1 $$
Monday, June 21, 2021
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Additional Dates
Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Thursday, June 24, 2021, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday, June 25, 2021, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Billings Farm & Museum
69 Old River Road
Woodstock, VT
Montshire Summer Camp in Norwich
Monday, June 28, 2021
9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Additional Dates
Tuesday, June 29, 2021, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Wednesday, June 30, 2021, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Thursday, July 01, 2021, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Friday, July 02, 2021 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Montshire Museum of Science
One Montshire Road Norwich, VT
Price: $0.00 to $365.00 Scholarships are available, discount for members
Note: Advance Registration.Summer Guide.Valley Parents. The Montshire offers a variety of day camp programs for preschoolers to 6th graders, with opportunities to explore, learn, and play. Each week includes hands-on exploration, experiments, careful observation, quiet and active times, games, water play, and more.
Contact Info: montshire@montshire.org
8026492200
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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 IN RECOGNITION OF OUR FOSTER, KIN AND RESPITE 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!
Here's how: Contact your District Office Recruitment & Retention Specialist and Resource Coordinator at: https://dcf.vermont.gov/fsd/contact-us/districts
This month we want to thank our community partners who have provided generous support in honor and recognition of our foster care providers. From time to time, you may see one or more of their company logos/brands here. Thank you!!!
Shawntae Webb
Publisher
The Vermont Journal & The Shopper
802-228-3600 ads@vermontjournal.com
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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 © 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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