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Foundation Seeks Families For Teens 09 VOLUME FEBRUARY 2010 A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR FOSTER & ADOPTIVE PARENTS IN UTAH Foster families willing to care for teens and older youth are needed throughout the state of Utah, now more than ever. Families may be nervous or unwilling to care for teenagers and older youth because of the perceived risks associated with fostering older children. “Many families who call us about foster parenting say they want children under age 5,” said Kelly Peterson, CEO of Utah Foster Care Foundation. “The truth is that teenagers are in foster care for the same reasons as younger children—because of neglect and abuse in their biological families. These children are not usually in foster care because of something they did.” The impact of a loving and understanding foster family can be everlasting for teens and older youth in care. Eddie Ballesteros, now 20, credits his foster parents, Rachel and Don Wilson, with helping him to make good choices throughout his time in their care. Ballesteros said, “If you have that person that you can call or that you can contact that will help you, you won’t turn to things that aren’t good for you.” In 2008, 219 teens “aged out” of Utah’s foster care system without a place to call home. On January 13, 2010 the Foundation launched a campaign to find new foster parents to care for teens. The campaign will include billboards and materials aimed at highlighting the importance of teens having lifelong connections with caring adults. Currently licensed foster families with an interest in providing homes for teens and older youth may be able to make a difference immediately. If you are a currently licensed foster family and are interested in providing a home for teens or older youth, please call 1.877.505.KIDS. in this issue Foundation Seeks Families For Teens P.1 1st Annual Foster Care Symposium P.2 Fostering Healthy Children P.3 Facilitating Healthy Attachment Seminar P.4 fosterroster STATEWIDE UPDATE Utah Foster Care Foundation Offices Murray 5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400 Murray, UT 84107 Phone: 801.994.5205 Fax: 801.994.5206 Toll Free: 877.505.KIDS Ogden 1181 Christmas Box Lane Ogden, UT 84404 Phone: 801.392.1114 Orem 252 N. Orem Blvd. Orem, UT 84057 Phone: 801.373.3006 Price 475 W. Price River Dr. #152 Price, UT 84501 Phone: 435.636.0210 Roosevelt Phone: 435.724.0959 Vernal 1052 W. Market Dr. Vernal, UT 84078 Phone: 435.781.4224 Moab 180 S. 300 E., Ste. C Moab, UT 84532 Phone: 435.259.3345 St. George 321 N. Mall Dr. #B102 St. George, UT 84790 Phone: 435.656.8065 Richfield 201 E. 500 N. Richfield, UT 84701 Phone: 435.896.1232 (2,1) -1- FosterRosterFEB2010Southwest.indd 1/27/2010 10:58:33 AM (2,1) -1- FosterRosterFEB2010Southwest.indd 1/27/2010 10:58:33 AM

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“Many families who call us about foster parenting say they want children under age 5,” said Kelly Peterson, CEO of Utah Foster Care Foundation. “The truth is that teenagers are in foster care for the same reasons as younger children—because of neglect and abuse in their biological families. These children are not usually in foster care because of something they did.” Utah Foster Care Foundation Offi ces Moab 180 S. 300 E., Ste. C Moab, UT 84532 Phone: 435.259.3345 A M O N T H L Y

Citation preview

Foundation Seeks Families For Teens

09V O L U M E

F E B R U A R Y2 0 1 0

A M O N T H L Y

N E W S L E T T E R F O R

F O S T E R & A D O P T I V E

P A R E N T S I N U T A H

Foster families willing to care for teens and older youth are needed throughout the state of Utah, now more than ever.

Families may be nervous or unwilling to care for teenagers and older youth because of the perceived risks associated with fostering older children.

“Many families who call us about foster parenting say they want children under age 5,” said Kelly Peterson, CEO of Utah Foster Care Foundation. “The truth is that teenagers are in foster care for the same reasons as younger children—because of neglect and abuse in their biological families. These children are not usually in foster care because of something they did.”

The impact of a loving and understanding foster family can be everlasting for teens and older youth in care. Eddie Ballesteros, now 20, credits his foster parents, Rachel and Don Wilson, with helping him to make good choices

throughout his time in their care.Ballesteros said, “If you have that person that you can call or that you can contact that will help you, you won’t turn to things that aren’t good for you.”

In 2008, 219 teens “aged out” of Utah’s foster care system without a place to call home. On January 13, 2010 the Foundation launched a campaign to fi nd new foster parents to care for teens. The campaign will include billboards and materials aimed at highlighting the importance of teens having lifelong connections with caring adults.

Currently licensed foster families with an interest in providing homes for teens and older youth may be able to make a difference immediately.

If you are a currently licensed foster family and are interested in providing a home for teens or older youth, please call 1.877.505.KIDS.

in this issueFoundation Seeks Families For Teens P.1

1st Annual Foster Care Symposium P.2

Fostering Healthy Children P.3

Facilitating Healthy Attachment Seminar P.4

fosterroster

STATEWIDE UPDATEUtah Foster Care

Foundation Offi ces

Murray5296 S. Commerce Dr. #400Murray, UT 84107Phone: 801.994.5205Fax: 801.994.5206Toll Free: 877.505.KIDS

Ogden1181 Christmas Box LaneOgden, UT 84404Phone: 801.392.1114

Orem252 N. Orem Blvd. Orem, UT 84057Phone: 801.373.3006

Price475 W. Price River Dr. #152Price, UT 84501Phone: 435.636.0210

RooseveltPhone: 435.724.0959

Vernal1052 W. Market Dr. Vernal, UT 84078Phone: 435.781.4224

Moab180 S. 300 E., Ste. CMoab, UT 84532Phone: 435.259.3345

St. George321 N. Mall Dr. #B102St. George, UT 84790Phone: 435.656.8065

Richfi eld201 E. 500 N.Richfi eld, UT 84701Phone: 435.896.1232

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Attachment in Perspective: Keeping the Big Picture in View

1st Annual Utah Foster Care Foundation Symposium with Keynote Speaker Dr. Doug Goldsmith

Special thanks to:

Eli A.

Birthday: 05/1999 Grade in School: 4th Heritage: Caucasian

David Beckham, Michael Jordan, and Tom Brady better keep an eye on Elijah. Whether it’s soccer, basketball, or football, this guy loves them all!

Elijah, who likes to be called “Eli” is quite the well-rounded athlete and has talent to spare. He enjoys using his skills in many different ways such as biking, skateboarding, building and drawing.

Eli is a very creative kid who likes to learn and try new things.

Eli is a bright fourth grader, with great things ahead of him in his future. He is quick to learn and has a passion for science.

For more information, please contact:

The Adoption Exchange801. 265.0444

www.utdcfsadopt.org

2

Utah Foster Care Foundation invites you to attend our 1st annual symposium on Children and Foster Care.

Topics at the symposium will include: Trauma & Brain Development, Discipline for Traumatized Teens, Reactive Attachment Disorder, Hope for the Family, Tools for Handling Diffi cult Children, and others.

This symposium is intended for caseworkers, RFCs, supervisors, clinicians, mental health professionals, foster parents and other interested parties.

Register early; space is limited. CEUs

are pending approval.

About Doug Goldsmith of The Children’s Center: Doug Goldsmith has worked with the pre-school population in a clinical setting since the early 1980s. Dr. Goldsmith has lectured widely along the Wasatch Front and participated with many organizations in developing strategies for providing a variety of services to young children and their families. He has published two articles on the application of attachment theory to clinical practice and holds adjunct faculty appointments at The University of Utah in the departments of Educational Psychology, Psychology, and Psychiatry.

Register Online Starting February 10

April 21- 22, 2010

This is symposium is FREE of charge

CEUs may have an addt’l cost

Rooms start at $90+ per nightPlease book your room early

Above: Dr. Doug Goldsmith with a child at The Children’s Center in 2008. Keith Johnson, Deseret News

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Fostering Healthy Children

• All children in foster care must have an annual well-child exam, dental exam (if over age 3), and a mental health exam (if over age 5). Those children 5 and under receive the Ages and Stages and Social Emotional forms. These forms should be completed and returned within one week.

• Turn in each health visit report or computer generated report from the Dr.’s offi ce to the R.N. assigned to the case within 3 days of the exam. This allows for timely entry into the child’s health record, and prevents us from calling to remind you unnecessarily. If you need more health visit report forms or envelopes, contact Fostering Faster Follow-up.

• If a physician requests

a special procedure or equipment and tells you it is NOT covered by Medicaid, we are still required to receive the denial PRIOR to any appeal or processing of the needed item. DO NOT pay for any item you are

told isn’t covered without FIRST going through the authorization process. The R.N. assigned to the child’s case can help you with this.

• Remember that over-the-counter medications and co-pays, for those over 18, are the responsibility

of the caretaker (or the child if he/she is working or has another source of income). If there are problems affording the co-pays, you should speak with the caseworker assigned to the child.

• All follow-up referrals ordered by the physician need to be completed as soon as possible after the referral is made. If you need help in fi nding a provider please contact the nurse assigned to the child.

• YOU must keep the child with the medical plan and medical providers that they have seen before custody except in special circumstances. Make sure you check your Medicaid Card to see which HMO the child is assigned to before making an appointment.

3

Michaela L.

Birthday: 08/1994 Grade in School: 10th Heritage: Caucasian

Meet Micheala!

This intelligent young woman with the sweet personality loves to read and is often caught with a book in her hands. Micheala is an outgoing and likeable teen who makes friends easily. She has great relationships with her peers. Besides her love of books, Micheala also enjoys dancing and acting. Her dreams include someday becoming a successful actress and being adopted by a loving family.

For more information, please contact:

The Adoption Exchange801.265.0444

www.utdcfsadopt.org

Special thanks to:

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FOSTERADOPTIVED A D O F T H E YEAR AWARDS“My Dad is...”

The Foster/Adoptive Dad of the Year Awards for 2010 are almost here!Utah Foster Care Foundation will begin a c cep t i ng on l i n e nominations on March 1, 2010 at http://www.u tah fos te r ca re .o rg/fosterdadoftheyear.html Please note: this site will be inaccessible until March 1, 2010.

This year’s theme is “My Dad is...” so think about what your Dad is to you and let us and the world know.

TWO NEW UFAFAOFFICERSELECTED

Two new offi cers for Utah Foster Adoptive Families Association offi cers have been elected to serve your needs beginning February 2010.

President: Jennifer GardnerPhone: 435.723.3369Email: [email protected]

Treasurer: Beth Hardman

Congratulations to these new offi cers.

Facilitating Healthy Attachment with Foster/Adoptive Children

Touchstone Therapy Center invites you to attend a conference on faciliating healthy attachment in foster and adoptive children.

7 CEUs are available to professionals attending the conference.

This conference is also approved for foster parents and can be used for training hours towards relicensure. For more information, contact your region trainer, found on page 8.

Prices for this conference are as follows:

Early Bird: $125.00Standard: $139.00At the Door: $150.00

Conference Dates and Locations:

Ogden Marriott HotelFriday, May 14, 20108:30am-5pmNote: early bird registration for this

date has passed. Discounted room

rates are available.

Salt Lake City (Location TBA)Friday, September 10, 20108:30am-5pmNote: early bird registration ends April

30, 2010.

Registration begins at 8am.

For more information and to register for the above conferences, please visit the Touchstone Therapy Center web site at: www.touchstonetherapyinc.com

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in this issueHow to Reduce Stress P.5

2009 Giving Tree Donors P.6

Partners in Parenting P.7

Training Updates P.8

SOUTHWEST REGION UPDATE

St. George Offi ce

321 N. Mall Dr # B102St. George, UT 84790Phone: 435.656.8065

Fax: 435.656.8071Toll Free: 877.656.8065

Area Representative

Debbie Hofhines

Trainer

Cliff Farnsworth

Retention Specialist

Diane Callister

Richfi eld Offi ce

201 E. 500 N.Phone: 435.896.1232

Toll Free: 877.656.8065

Foster/Adoptive Family Recruiter/

Retention SpecialistMarissa Douglas

How to Reduce Stress in a Busy, Chaotic World

You’re exhausted and you desperately need a breather, but thinking about the dishes you have to wash also stresses you out. So when you fi nally have 15 minutes, will doing chores or putting your feet up provide you with the greatest stress relief? “Taking a break causes physiological changes in your body that counteract the harmful effects of stress,” says Herbert Benson, M.D., president of the Mind/Body Medical Institute, in Chestnut Hill, Mass. Instead of doing the chores, sit and do what benefi ts you most, and is relaxing to you. Here are a few instant de-stressors:

HUMORSimple, old-fashioned humor relieves tension because it puts distance between you and your problems.

DEEP BREATHINGDeep breathing helps you to focus on your breath and takes your mind away from

your stress. Sit or lie in a relaxed position and breathe in slowly through your nose, as you count to fi ve. Imagine you are pushing air deep into your abdomen. Then breathe out slowly through your mouth as you count to eight and contract your abdominal muscles. Do this for a few minutes while focusing on a pleasant image.

SOOTHING MUSICResearch shows that listening to music can reduce tension, slow breathing, and lower your blood pressure. Songs with a slow, meditative tempo work best.

MASSAGEWith all the lugging around we do these days—children, laptops, groceries—our muscles need to be loosened. No money or time for a spa appointment? Try a massage chair, or a hand held massager.

continued on page 7...

FEBRUARY 2010

5

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Utah Foster Care Foundation’s Southwest Region offi ce would like to express our gratitude to all the community members listed below.

Without these wonderful people, our Giving Tree and Christmas Carnival Craft Day in St. George would not have been possible. Both were a huge success! We feel overwhelmed with the sense of unity in working together to care for some of the youngest and most tender members of our community:

Black Sheep Harley Davidsons for Christ

Zion’s Harley Davidson StoreSun River Arts and Crafts GroupThrivent Financial for LutheransTrinity Lutheran SchoolShadow Mountain Neighborhood FundCedar Neighborhood FundGreen Valley 6th Ward-Young Women’s GroupMaurine AdamDr. Ellen ArchSeanne & Demi RimerCatherine StevensPatti & Kellie WinnEmily BroughTom, Alie, and Jessie Callister

Thank You to 2009’s Holiday Donors

Utah Foster Care Foundation has funds available to meet the special needs of children in foster care when DCFS is unable to meet these needs for any reason. Funds are limited.

Requests MUST include the following:• Child’s fi rst name, last initial and age• Foster parent’s name and home address• Caseworker’s name and contact information• The item being requested and the associated costs• Brief description of how the child will benefi t

Request should come in writing by a foster parent, the child in care or the caseworker.

PLEASE NOTE:• Dispersal of funds can take up to 4 weeks.• Checks are mailed to the foster parent’s home address.• Funds are for children in foster care ONLY. • Items covered by the foster care reimbursement or by Medicaid are not eligible.• Only requests previously denied by DCFS are eligible.

VACATIONS:• A child in care can receive vacation funds only ONCE in their lifetime.• Vacations are restricted monetarily & may not cover all costs.

SUBMIT REQUESTS TO:Diane CallisterUtah Foster Care Foundation321 N. Mall Dr. #B102St. George, UT 84790

ORdiane.callister

@utahfostercare.org

6

Wishing Well Funds

UFCF on Facebook

Utah Foster Care Foundation is now on Facebook. We have an open group: Utah Foster Care Foundation. We also have a closed group for just the Southwest Region. No one will see this group except for the foster/adoptive/kinship parents who want to be on it. This is another way to communicate with each other, learn about upcoming trainings, and activities. To be invited to join, please send Diane an email: [email protected].

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http://www.istockphoto.com/fi le_thumbview_approve/8601846/2/istockphoto_8601846-exercise.jpg http://www.istockphoto.com/fi le_thumbview_approve/8601846/2/istockphoto_8601846-exercise.jpg http://www.istockpho-to.com/fi le_thumbview_approve/8601846/2/istockphoto_8601846-exercise.jpg

Southwest Region Partners in ParentingPartners in Parenting are local businesses that want to show their appreciation for all you do by offering discounts and specials to foster families.

Just present your Resource Parent ID Card to take advantage of these offers, and be sure to let these businesses know that you appreciate their support!

While the Utah Foster Care Foundation is sincerely grateful to our Partners in Parenting, we cannot endorse any of the services or products offered. A statewide list and description of all Partners in Parenting is available at our website: www.utahfostercare.org.

The Resource Parent ID Card identifi es you as one of our valued foster care providers and allows you to enjoy the benefi ts and savings from local merchants.

You MUST have your Resource Parent ID Card to access discounts from these businesses. Please do not ask for exceptions.

If you do not have a Resource Parent ID Card, please call Darcey at 877.505.KIDS.

If you are aware of any business that would like to become a Partner in Parenting, please call Tina at 801.994.5205.

7

MLB Studio

Community Mortgage Co.

Shine’s Black Belt AcademyCalvary Carpet, Upholstery & Tile Cleaning

Big Scoop Café

Hurricane Barber Shop

10% off any package 435.674.5211

50% off program fee

20% off cleaning up to

20% off any menu item

$2.00 off

Brent Hofhines: 435.229.3245

435.688.7282,

435.656.2300, St. George435.656.3440, St. George435.635.8260

...continued from page 5

EXERCISEWe all know exercise can improve our health by reducing weight, and it can also eliminate stress and help the brain release feel-good endorphins. The best exercises for reducing stress are Yoga or Tai Chi. Studies have found that Yoga can reduce and help manage anxiety, headaches, high blood pressure and asthma. For foster parents, these tips are sometimes not enough and we need a good listener who is familiar with our unique situations. A good person to call is your local Cluster facilitator listed on page 10. If you need further contact they can give you the name and number of your RFC/adoption specialist.

Yoga is a great way to reduce stress.

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Southwest Region TrainingMonthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents

First Placement Meeting/PMT

72-Hour Kits Available

Foundations for Youth

Date: March 30, 2010Time: 5:30pm - 9:30pm

Location: Manti City BuildingDownstairs Conference Room

55 South Main Street

Presented byCliff Farnsworth

This training is a Pre-service refresher as well as a chance to address specifi c issues with your current placement. Prin-ciples from the Practice Model will also be reviewed.

Required in the fi rst year of licensure.

Sponsored by the Manti Cluster

Utah Foster Care Foundation has 72- hour kits available for children in foster care. You must be licensed through DCFS in order to request 72-hour kits for children in your home.

If you have a child in your home who does not have a 72-hour kit, please contact Diane at 435.656.8065 or [email protected].

FFY #1: Building Trusting RelationshipsFFY #2: Adolescent Behavior

FFY #3: Assessing, Planning & TeamingFFY #4: The Goals of Transitions

to Adult LivingPresented by

Cliff Farnsworth

To Register For Classes:

Contact: Cliff Farnsworth

Southwest Region Trainer

Phone: 435.656.8065

Email: cliff.farnsworth

@utahfostercare.org

Toll Free:

877.656.8065

Please be ready with your name, phone number & the title of the class you would like to be registered for.

Notes on In-Service Trainings:

• Classes are for licensed foster parents ONLY

• Training hours will beapplied to re-licensing requirements

• Primary caregivers arerequired to attend 12+ hours of In-service training per year

• Secondary caregivers are required to attend 4+ hours of in-service training per year

• ADULTS ONLY unlessotherwise specifi ed

• Classes start on time

• You must attend the entire class to receive credit

Director of Education Mick Woolsey, LCSW

Phone: 435.229.8808Email: mick.woolsey @utahfostercare.org

It is essential to help youth build a solid foundation upon which they can more easily make the transition to living as adults and build connections for greater stability.

Required for all foster parents of youth 14 and older.

Parenting Tip of the Month

8

Spend at least 30 minutes each day with your child doing things he/she enjoys to help strengthen your relationship and build everlasting bonds of trust and understanding.

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Southwest Region TrainingMonthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents

Upcoming In-Service Trainings

7pm-9pmDCFS Regional Offi ce

Topic TBA

Join us for a night of In-service training and support. If you have questions please call your Cluster facilitator, Amy at 435.586.7403

Sponsored by the

Cedar Cluster

6pm-9pmBeaver DCFS Offi ce

The Relationship Factor

Presented by Susan Goodman, LCSW

Learn to better connect emotionally with children in foster care.

Sponsored by the

Beaver Cluster

February 10th

6pm-9pmRSVP for location

Strengthening Marriage

Presented by Cliff Farnsworth, CSW

Being foster parents can strain on marriages. Keep your marriage strong and come learn about the three Cs.

Sponsored by the

St. George Cluster

7pm-9pmAmy’s Home

Impact of Domestic Violence on Children

Presented by Cliff Farnsworth

Many children in foster care have witnessed DV in their lives. Learn about the impact it has on children

Sponsored by the

Cedar Cluster

1pm-5pmSteve’s Steakhouse

Richfi eld

Fireproof Your Marriage

Presented by Michael Blair, MFT

Learn techniques to bet-ter communicate with your spouse and build on your relationship.

Sponsored by the Manti

& Richfi eld Clusters

.

Time TBA

Cultural Awareness Breakfast

Presented by Guest Speaker

Celebrate the diversity in our community & enjoy a delicious breakfast. Learn more about other cultures.

Sponsored by the

Richfi eld Cluster

February 17th February 20

March 17th April 14th April 17th

Training Tips:

• Approved Trainings-In-service trainings provided and approved by Utah Foster Care Foundation.

• Foundations for Youth-FFY is required for families caring for youth 14 and up.

• Community & Partner Trainings- Call your regional trainer (found on page 8) for approval prior to attending a class or conference that is held within the community and is not a pre-approved training.

• BRMT- You must attend the entire session of Behavioral Replacement Model Training.

• Approved On-line Training- Families may visit the web site: www.fosterclub.com for up to 2 hours of online training per year.

• 1st Placement/PMT- 4 Hours of Practice Model Training must be completed within the fi rst year of licensure.

• Peer Parent Training and Resource Family Consultant (RFC) Training- 6 hours each per year may be used toward licensure. RFC Training must be provided by DCFS RFCs.

REMINDER: Family team meetings do

not count toward in-service training hours.

IMPORTANT:TO REGISTER FOR A TRAINING THAT IS CLUSTER-SPONSORED, YOU MUST CALL YOUR AREA CLUSTER FACILITATOR, FOUND ON PAGE 10.

9

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Southwest Region Cluster ConceptsMonthly Cluster announcements for currently licensed foster parents

Clusters are groups of foster, adoptive and kinship families that meet together on a monthly basis.

Clusters can help you:

• Obtain In-service training hours

• Meet other foster, adoptive and kinship families

• Get support

• Arrange respite care

• Attend fun family activities

Call the Cluster facilitator nearest you our contact Diane Callister at 435.656.8065 for more information.

For more information on upcoming Cluster trainings, see “Upcoming In-Service Trainings” on page 9 .

What are

Clusters?

Manti

February 20th; 1-5pm @ Steve’s Steak-house. Fireproofi ng Marriage in 6 Steps

In-service, presented by Michael Blair.

Facilitator: Nancy435.283.5020

[email protected]

St. George

February 17th; 6-9pm. Dinner & Date night, Strengthening Marriage In-service, presented by Cliff Farnsworth. RSVP

Facilitator: Brandee435.652.3979

[email protected]

Cedar City/Beaver

February 10th; 6:30pm-8:30pm. The Relationship Factor In-service, presented by Susan Goodman, LCSW

Facilitator: Amy435.586.7403

[email protected]

10

Facilitator: Lisa435.438.2651

Richfi eld

February 20th; 1-5pm @ Steve’s Steak-house. Fireproofi ng Marriage in 6 Steps

In-service, presented by Michael Blair.

Facilitator: Coylene435.896.2023

[email protected]

The Winner

The winner of a $100 Wal-mart card is Rhonda Stewart of Mt. Pleasant! The names of all families attending Cluster meetings throughout 2009 in the Southwest region were put into a drawing. If you attended six Cluster meetings in the year, your name was in there six times.

We will be doing this again for the year 2010. So, keep attending the Cluster meetings in the Southwest re-gion.

The more meetings you attend, the higher the chances for your family to win.

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Helpful Tax Tidbits for Foster/Adoptive Families

Do I have to declare foster care payments as income?

According to the new IRS Publication 525, “payments you receive from a state, political subdivision, or a qualifi ed foster care placement agency for providing care to qualifi ed foster individuals in your home generally are not included in your income.” See: http://www.irs.gov/publications/p525/ar02.html#d0e8383 for more information.

Can I claim an exemption for my adopted child or for the children in care in my home?

According to IRS Publication 17, an eligible foster child or adopted child may be claimed as a dependent if the child meets the rules of a “qualifying child.”

Please note: Utah Foster

Care Foundation is

providing this information

as a courtesy. We cannot

guarantee the accuracy

of this information. Please

check the IRS web site prior

to fi ling your taxes.

11

Trauma Sequence

Encouraging Resiliency in Children

Why do some children seem to bestronger or more resilient than otherswhen faced with adversity? What arethe signs of a resilient child? Wheredoes this inner strength come from?How can you foster the capacityfor young children to become moreresilient?

Resilience is a combination of natureand nurture. The constitutional“makeup” of some children allowsthem to keep going strong evenduring diffi cult times.

Resilient children or children whoseem to bounce back from adversityeasier than others typically havesome of the following qualities:

• Good self-esteem• Ability to connect with others/Cancommunicate their feelings• Have trusting relationships• View themselves as having animpact on their environment• Are hopeful• Regulate their behaviors• Are resourceful in knowing how toget their needs met• Feel a sense of achievement/accomplishment• Are not afraid to make mistakes

Often, resilient children may alsohave good problem-solving skills,easy going temperaments, and canfi nd humor in things.

More often than not, foster parentscare for children who cannot becomforted easily and are vulnerable tostress and anxiety. These are childrenwho have diffi culties self-regulating

their emotions and behaviors; havedevelopmental delays and diffi culttemperaments. They have sufferedprevious trauma, poor prenatalhistory or lack social support. Theycould possibly lack the inner strengthto recover during diffi cult times.

Some children are naturally resilient,and some need to be taught how tobe resilient. Is there anything we ascaregivers can do? Yes!

• Help children maintain positiverelationships in their lives• Create opportunities for children tocontribute or help within the family• Talk about feelings• Accept your child for who he or she isand celebrate his or her temperamentor personality• Respect and value your child• Listen and give undivided attention• Be reliable; do what you say you aregoing to do• Show your unconditional love• Help your child learn throughmistakes• Facilitate problem-solving• Provide clear expectations• Allow your child to have control bymaking choices• Help your child set realistic goals• Be fl exible

All children work hard to understand theworld and relationships around them.Take the time to talk and problem solvewith your children. Caring for a childwho needs to be taught resiliency is ajourney. Perhaps we may not see theresults immediately but it is importantto plant those vital seeds while we are able.

Excerpted from “Uncovering the Mysteries: The Bounce Back Factor” by NoelleHause Ed.D LPC. found on page 59 of the Nov/Dec 2009 issue of “Fostering Families Today”.

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