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Message from the Caregiver Supports Team
As the first days of spring approach, we look forward to the sunshine, the snow melting, the green grass and the flowers. At Children’s Services there are a few things happening this spring that we are excited to share with you. At the top of that list is the annual Spring Caregiver Training Conference! The conference planning committee is working diligently to offer you a top-notch training and networking weekend on May 25, 26, and 27, 2018. Don’t forget to mark your calendars and start making childcare arrangements. Further conference details will be coming your way shortly.
At the conference, you will have a chance to meet our new Regional Director, Bonda Thompson. Bonda joined Central Region on January 8, 2018. She most recently served as the Regional Director in North Central Region, and spent 14 years living in the community of Cold Lake. She is a proud military spouse to husband Glenn who is a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Bonda and Glenn have no flesh babies, but have one fur baby. Bonda is very excited to be a part of the Central Region team and working alongside those serving vulnerable infants, children, youth, and families in Central Alberta.
Even though you are still crunching snow under your feet or avoiding slushy puddles, it is time to start planning for summer. We have included information about a few summer camps and encourage you to discuss ideas and options for summer camp or vacation with your child’s caseworker as soon as possible.
Winter 2017
Spring 2018
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Name Change
Have you heard? The Alberta Foster Parent Association (AFPA) has changed their name to the Alberta Foster and Kinship Association (AFKA). While the name has changed, the association still provides the same supports and services. Kinship families are welcomed and have worked with the association for some time. The name has been adjusted to reflect this relationship. The association website has been updated to reflect the name change as well: https://www.afkaonline.ca/
Caregiver Allegations Support Team (CAST)
The association name change has also led to a name change for one of the association’s programs. The Foster Allegations Support Team (FAST) has been renamed the Caregiver Allegations Support Team (CAST) and the program is now available to foster and kinship caregivers in Alberta. CAST members are experienced foster and kinship caregivers who are trained to support caregivers when an allegation is made. If you need to connect with a CAST member, please refer to the association website for the most up to date information: https://www.afkaonline.ca/contact/fast-representatives/ . You may also contact the AFKA office at 1-800-667-2372 for further assistance.
Bursary Fund
AFKA offers a bursary fund to assist foster children, former foster children, and adoptive or biological children of foster families to pursue further education in a college, university, vocational institution, or for other special educational pursuits.
The bursary application is available for download online at: https://www.afkaonline.ca/programs/bursary/ . You can also request a bursary application by mail by contacting the AFKA directly. Bursary applications must be postmarked no later than June 1st. Award recipients will be notified by July 1st.
Summer Camps AFKA Summer Camp @ Brownell Children’s Retreat July 8 – 13, 2018: Girls ages 6 to 12 July 15 – 20, 2018: Boys ages 6 to 12
Deadline for registration is June 5, 2018. Camp registration forms and additional information for caregivers, campers, Jr. Leaders and volunteers can be found online at: https://www.afkaonline.ca/campground/summer-camp/
Camp Alexo
Youth HQ offers summer camps for children and youth throughout the summer. More information can be found at: http://youthhq.ca/organization/camp-alexo/
Alber ta Foster and Kinship Associat ion (AFKA)
Seasonal Infor mation
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Seasonal Infor mation cont inued
Spring Cleaning
Spring is a beautiful time of year. As we open our windows for some fresh air, we often experience a renewal of energy. For some of us, it is the time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine, while others are inspired to de-clutter and clean.
How about a fun way to break down some of those spring cleaning tasks? Many hands make light work and with Spring Cleaning Bingo, the whole family can take part and have fun! Print out a few cards and see who can get the first row, all four corners, or even a black out. Break it up over a few days or tackle it all in a day.
Spring Cleaning Bingo SPRING CLEANING CHALLENGE
P R I NT
Spring Cleaning
CHALLENGE
O R G A N I Z E P O T S & P A N S
D R A W E R
W I P E
A L L L I G H T S W T I C H E S & D O O R K NO B S
C L E A N O U T
U N D E R B E D S
V A C U U M
C O U C H
S W E E P & M O P
U N D E R
F R I D G E & S T O V E
C L E A N &
S A N I T I Z E
K I T C H E N S I N K
C L E A N &
S A N I T I Z E
M I C R O W AV E
R O T A T E / FL I P
M A T T R E S SE S
W I P E F R I D G E
S H E L V E S &
D O O R S E AL
W I P E F R O NT
O F K I T C H E N
C U P B O A R D S
C L E A N
U N D E R
F U R N I T U R E
S W E E P B A C K
S T E P
S P O T W I P E
W A L L S
W I P E L I G H T
F I X T U R E S &
C E I L I N G F A N S
O R G A N I Z E
K I T C H E N
U T E N S I L
D R A W E R
W I P E
A L L B A S E
B O A R D S
O R G A N I Z E
P L A S T I C
C O N T A I NE R S
& L I D S
O R G A N I Z E S H O E A R E A
W A S H
C O U C H
C U S H I O N S &
B L A N K E T S
S W E E P
F R O N T S T E P
C L E A N &
S A N I T I Z E
K I T C H E N S I N K
S A N I T I Z E K I T C H E N
T R A S H C A N S
O R G A N I Z E
L A U N D R Y
A R E A
C L E A N
I N S I D E O F
A L L
W I N D O W S
C L E A N
M I R R O R S
S A N I T I Z E
B A T H R O O M
T R A S H C A N S
C L E A N O U T /
D O N A T E F O O D
F R O M P A N T R Y
W I P E I N S I D E O F
D I S H W A S H E R
F R E E
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From the Kitchen
Strawberry Breakfast Bites
https://mykidslickthebowl.com/strawberry-breakfast-bites/
Yield 30 Balls
Ingredients:
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 cup oats
1/2 cup sunflower seeds 1/2 cup coconut flour
2 Tbsp coconut oil Finely grated coconut
Instructions:
1. Place first four ingredients in a food processor with 1 Tbsp of coconut oil.
2. Whiz, whizz, whizz, it will take some time, be patient.
3. Eventually it becomes a fine paste and forms a ball.
4. If the mixture looks dry, add the second tablespoon of coconut oil. It depends on how much oil is
released from the sunflower seeds.
5. Use a teaspoon to scoop balls.
6. Roll the balls in the coconut.
7. Refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
Notes:
If extra sweetness is required, try adding 1 to 2 Tbsp of honey or maple syrup (no honey for kids under one year of age). This recipe is wheat free but not gluten free as it uses traditional oats.
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Youth HQ - Mentorship for Children & Youth in Care
Did you know that Youth HQ offers mentoring programs in Red Deer and surrounding areas such as Sylvan Lake, Innisfail, Delburne, Bowden, Penhold, Springbrook, and Elnora?
In 2014, Youth HQ piloted the mentoring program for children and youth in care or involved in government supports. This community-based program offers regularly scheduled outings (minimum of six hours a month) between a mentor and child or youth.
Mentors in this program receive enhanced training so they are confident in their role and know where to go when they need additional support. Some of the training includes trauma and brain development, fostering a strength-based relationship, cultural awareness, and attachment.
If you feel a child or youth in your home may benefit from a mentorship relationship, please speak with their caseworker. More information is available at: http://youthhq.ca/programs/children-youth-care-mentoring/ .
Caregiver Recruitment Training
Word of mouth and firsthand experiences are the most effective tools for recruiting new caregivers. Do you have a neighbor, friend, or family member who has asked you questions about being a caregiver and may be interested in joining the caregiver team? Please consider making a referral so we can connect with them directly. Feel free to share the Caregiver Recruitment contact information with people who want to learn more about becoming a caregiver: 403-755-6104 (toll-free by calling 310-0000 first and then entering the 10-digit phone number). Inquiries can also be sent by email to: [email protected]
Helping At-Risk Youth
What does the term ‘high-risk youth’ mean to you? Many people are uncertain what exactly this means and may think of larger scale social issues such as youth homelessness or addictions. These issues may seem daunting and can keep caregivers from exploring the benefits of caring for at-risk youth.
In his video ‘Every Kid is ONE Caring Adult Away from Being a Success Story’ Josh Shipp shares his story of being a youth pushed the limits. Josh had a challenging childhood and bounced around in many different foster homes, until he had a handful of caring adults reach out to him. He now passes this knowledge on and strives to be a caring adult to children like him. You can find more information on Josh’s website at: https://joshshipp.com/
If you are willing to learn more about caring for at-risk youth, contact your support worker to discuss the needs and opportunities in your area. If you know someone who is great with young people, please encourage them to reach out and consider becoming a caregiver or supported independent living resource.
Around the Region
Suppor t ing Central Region Caregivers
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Train ing
By Carlin Doeksen, Regional Caregiver Training Coordinator:
I really appreciate hearing about your discoveries and your stories. Keep them coming! In person, at class, or at [email protected], it is good to hear from you. It is always a joy to work with you and your family!
I am so excited to be involved in writing fresh content for two sets of provincial core training modules: The “System Caregiving” series (formerly the A-Series: Fostering by the Act, etc.) The “Keeping Kids Safe” series (topics like addiction, recovery, digital safety, self-injury, and sui-
cide) In response to your feedback, I am also developing learning material that will support Caregiver’s bio-logical children with the caregiving experience. Updates on training will be provided when more information is available.
Story, Empathy, and Discovery in Caregiver Learning
Are you aware of the incredible value that you as caregivers bring to our caregiver learning environments? Here are three examples of the value that you bring: Story, Empathy, and Discovery.
1. Story
“Long before the first formal business was established…the six most powerful words in any language were ‘Let me tell you a story.’” – Mathews & Wacker, What’s Your Story
Before training policies, classrooms, and video conference sessions, there were stories. To this day, one of the most powerful ways to learn is to tell our stories to one another.
The value of caregivers telling their stories to one another is equally significant. In fact I think of our classroom times together as structured story times. Keep telling your story to your colleagues!
2. Empathy
Story cultivates empathy.
When you listen to your colleague’s stories, without judgement or interruption, two things happen:
Your “circle of concern” is expanded. Empathy grows as you “zoom in and zoom out”, tuning in carefully to others while taking in multiple perspectives and experiences.
You learn to identify feelings. By tuning in to the feelings of others, empathy expands your ability to discover your own feelings.
Check out this great article from the Harvard Graduate School of Education “Making Caring Common” Project: https://mcc.gse.harvard.edu/parenting-resources-raising-caring-ethical-children/cultivating-Empathy
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3. Discovery
Empathy creates permission for discovery.
Because of the empathy you show for one another, our training classes continually create new questions and new content for future learners.
Recently, I had the opportunity to pilot new training material about self-injury with several caregivers. Be-cause the discussion was respectful and caring, the stories became personal and the questions genuine. As a result, the training material will become more relevant and useful.
Thank you for bringing incredible value to the caregiver learning environment!
Training Expense Claims
Please ensure completed expense claims are submitted to Jennifer Mazurkewich at the Regional Office within 30 days of training. This allows time for review and submission to the AFKA. Following the review, Jennifer forwards all claims directly to the AFKA for payment processing. Submitting without delay to Jen-nifer will ensure claims are forwarded within the 60 day timeframe outlined in the AFKA guidelines. Please feel free to contact Jennifer at 403-755- 6119, or by email at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
Train ing cont inued
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Involvement of the Band Designate - by Ingrid Tenkate
The Ministry of Children’s Services has maintained that First Nations children who have been placed in
care must maintain connection to their families and community, thereby preserving and supporting
cultural identity. Band Designates play an important role through their assistance in family finding and
supporting First Nation children to maintain their inherent right to culture, tradition, family, community
and Treaty Rights.
Through legislation, Chief and Council appoint a First Nation Designate whose role is to maintain rela-
tionships with Child and Family Services with respect to member children served off-Reserve. The Child,
Youth and Family Enhancement Act (CYFE) (2010) (s.67 and s.107) refers to the role of the First Nations
Band Designate in planning for Aboriginal children and youth to remain connected to their communities.
The importance of helping Aboriginal children and youth preserve their cultural identity is clearly recog-
nized in these sections of CYFEA. The Band Designate is the primary contact person for the First Nation.
The potential of the Band Designate is also referenced in the “Matters to be considered” portion of the
CYFEA Section 2 (p), “if the child is an Aboriginal child the uniqueness of Aboriginal culture, heritage, spir-
ituality and traditions should be respected and consideration should be given to the importance of pre-
serving the child’s cultural identity.”
Children’s Services staff members engage with the Band Designate, focusing on cooperative case plan-
ning in the best interests of the child. Examples of meaningful involvement with the Band Designate in-
clude: identifying potential placement resources, assisting the child to understand the make-up of their
immediate and extended family, supporting and enhancing the child’s cultural connectedness through
nurturing the child’s relationship with their family and their First Nation community, and providing infor-
mation to the child regarding their Treaty rights.
The Band Designate is appointed by Chief and Council of each First Nation. This individual has knowledge
and understanding as a member of the First Nation of clan and family connections can speak the tribal
language and demonstrates knowledge of child welfare service delivery: including the ability to under-
stand the language of the system, policy and legislation.
Guiding principles adhered to by the Band Designates include:
Best interests of children.
Accepting and respecting the Indigenous child’s inherent right to connection with family, community and culture.
Maintaining working relationships with Band Designates promotes meaningful involvement with chil-dren, families, caregivers and others.
Trust, faith and heart forming the foundation of working together for children.
Cultural Cor ner
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Acknowledgement of the collective Aboriginal and Treaty Rights of First Nations while balancing individu-al and collective rights.
Engaging families early in the planning process to ensure their voices are heard in case planning for their child.
Supporting the Child Intervention Framework Principles: Aboriginal Experience, Preserve Family, Strength-based, Connection, Collaboration and Continuous improvement.
Band Designates help Indigenous children remain culturally connected when they are able to be involved in decision-making regarding the future of the child from intake and assessment to post-intervention supports.
Band Designates are recognized as critical to support positive outcomes for Aboriginal children and youth in care. They connect Aboriginal children to their First Nation community and their culture and assist to main-tain these important relationships.
A joint effort is required of the Band Designate, the casework staff, and caregivers involved in the early inter-actions with a family in crisis to ensure the cultural and identity needs of children are taken into considera-tion. Band designates become a central link to the community members at large to identify potential alterna-tives to removing children from home or community. Where children are subject to temporary or permanent guardianship orders, the Band Designate can support children to have access to cultural and traditional events and opportunities. Caregivers can provide support to the children by attending the cultural and tradi-tional events with the child.
As part of their role, Band Designates report back to Chief and Council about each child’s living arrangements and overall care. As such they may be required to visit with the children wherever they reside. Caregivers are encouraged to welcome the Band Designates into their homes to further support the connection of the chil-dren to their culture.
When all parties work together, the child will benefit. The support and partnership of caregivers is essential for First Nations, Metis or Inuit children to maintain their cultural identity!
Central Region Band Designates:
Ermineskin Cree Nation: Marilyn Littlechild
Samson Cree Nation: Geraldine Omeasoo
Montana First Nation and Louis Bull Tribe:
Donna Twins-Hardy
Sunchild First Nation: Gail Goodswimmer
O’Chiese First Nation: Joanne Gladeau
Cultural Cor ner cont inued
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Since You Asked. . .
Dispute Resolution
(Adapted from the Foster Care Handbook, 2017 and the Kinship Care Handbook, 2017 and Enhancement Policy Manual 1.4 Adminis-trative Reviews and Appeals)
There will be times when a Caregiver will disagree with a decision made by Child Intervention staff in the best interests of a child. It is the hope that Caregivers and Caseworkers are able to discuss these matters and work together towards the child’s goals.
For those times when the matter cannot be resolved, the Foster Care Handbook provides direction about op-tions for next steps. Conflict resolution strategies are outlined on page 23 of the handbook which all Caregiv-ers receive a copy of. If you need to look it up online, please go to https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/c45f6b97-2e9b-43e0-90a7-f1788e5d8b25/resource/5f1183ba-a51a-4135-81d7-60e0d556469c/download/foster-care-handbook.pdf
If you have any questions about the process of dispute resolution, please contact your caseworker or support worker. The Alberta Foster and Kinship Association also offers support to foster and kinship families when they find themselves faced with a conflict they cannot resolve on their own. Please contact the AFKA directly at 1-800-667-2372 for more information or look online at www.afkaonline.ca .
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Central Region Caregiver Council
Central Region Caregiver Council email: [email protected]
President- Samara Stonehocker 780-806-3131 (email: [email protected])
Vice President- Eric McArthur 403-442-3010 (email: [email protected])
Secretary- Amanda Scott 403-597-2238 (email: [email protected])
Treasurer- Laverna Caal 780-542-1642 (email: [email protected])
Board Representative- Paulette McArthur 403-442-3010 (email: [email protected])
Local Foster Parent Association Representatives:
Camrose, Wainwright, Lloydminster & Area – Samara Stonehocker 780-806-3131 (email:[email protected])
Drayton Valley – Laverna Caal 780-542-1642 (email: [email protected])
Drumheller – Contact your Foster Care Support Worker
Olds/Didsbury – Paulette MacArthur 403-442-3010 (email:[email protected])
Red Deer – Jennifer Stinson 403-877-5058 (email: [email protected])
Rocky Mtn. House & Area – Theresa Houk 403-895-2343
Stettler – Contact your Foster Care Support Worker
Wetaskiwin – Contact your Foster Care Support Worker
Central Region Children’s Services Offices:
Camrose: 780-608-1800
Drayton Valley: 780-621-4021
Drumheller: 403-823-1767
Lloydminster: 780-871-6402
Olds: 403-507-8035
Red Deer Child Intervention: 403-340-5400
Red Deer Placement Supports and Permanency: 403-754-6244
Red Deer Regional Office: 403-341-8642
Rocky Mountain House: 403-845-8290
Stettler: 403-742-7515
Wainwright: 780-842-7502
Wetaskiwin: 780-361-4555
Contact Infor mation Contact Infor mation
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Central Region Children’s Services Staff
Melissa Elliott (Casework Supervisor - Camrose) 780-679-5168
Monica Danen (Camrose) Foster Care Support Worker 780-608-4034
Erin Keyzer (Camrose) Foster/Kinship Support Worker 780-608-1812
Sherri Kohle (Wainwright, Lloydminster) Foster/Kinship Support Worker 780-842-7510
JJ (Jennifer) Mackwood (Casework Supervisor - Drayton Valley, Rocky Mountain House) 403-845-8392
Gary Emo (Drayton Valley) Foster Care/ Kinship & Child Youth Support Worker 780-621-3059
Patrick Vassallo (Rocky Mountain House) Foster/Kinship Support Worker 403-845-8596
Krystal Armitage (Rocky Mountain House) Foster/Kinship Support Worker 403-845-8379
Jennifer Andrew (Casework Supervisor - Olds, Drumheller, Stettler) 403-507-4679
Janet Davis (Olds) Foster/ Kinship Support Worker 403-507-8075
Kathy Ferraro (Drumheller/Stettler) Foster/Kinship Support Worker 403-823-1685
Brant Adamson (Casework Supervisor - Wetaskiwin) 780-361-4552
Karen Bishop (Wetaskiwin) Foster/Kinship Support Worker 780-361-4543
Donna Gassner (Wetaskiwin) Foster Care Support Worker 780-361-4550
Jackie Graham-Loe (Wetaskiwin) Foster/Kinship Support Worker 780-361-4553
Ardis Petit (Wetaskiwin) Foster/ Kinship Support Worker 780-361-4554
Deborah Burton (Casework Supervisor - Red Deer) 403-340-4380
Justin Adams (Red Deer) Foster Care Support Worker 403-755-2086
Cathy Barnes (Red Deer) Foster Care Support Worker 403-754-3807
Nicole Herbert (Red Deer) Foster Care Support Worker 403-755-1453
Donna Ludtke (Red Deer) Foster Care Support Worker/SFP 403-340-7672
Marie Pedersen (Red Deer) Foster Care Support Worker 403-755-6122
Jodie Tofsrud (Casework Supervisor – Red Deer) 403-754-3805
Giselle Kutrowski (Red Deer) Kinship Care Support Worker 403-340-5825
Jennifer Swain (Red Deer) Kinship Care Support Worker 403-340-7623
Karen Morin Associate Director, Program Resources - Regional 403-755-6110
Brent Ochsner (Regional) Regional Manager, Program Supports 403-755-6159
Stacey Stradecki (Regional) Program Supports Supervisor & Caregiver Specialist 403-755-6189
Carlin Doeksen (Regional) Caregiver Training Coordinator- 403-754-6279
Priscilla Ristau (Regional) Regional Caregiver Recruiter 403-755-6104
Elysia Iversen (Regional) Agency Licensing Officer 403-754-3116
Lynn Gillis (Regional) Agency Licensing Officer 403-340-7791
Jennifer Mazurkewich (Regional) Support Services Administrative Assistant 403-755-6119
Contact Infor mation cont inued
