SW Roster August 2010

09V O L U M E

A U G U S T2 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

in this issueChalk Art Festival P.1

Letter from DCFS P.2

Real Salt Lake P.3

UFAFA Update P.4

Southwest Region Update Begins P.5

fosterroster

STATEWIDE UPDATE

Utah Foster Care Foundation Offices

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

Ogden3340 S. Harrison Blvd. #200Ogden, UT 84403Phone: 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

Richfield201 E. 500 N.Richfield, UT 84701Phone: 435.896.1232

By Deborah LindnerUFCF Community Relations Mgr.

Those of us at the Utah Foster Care Foundation (UFCF) never forget that the Chalk Art Festival has an important message. Across the state, you will see the five devoted Foster/Adoptive Dads of the Year tell their stories in your local newspapers (check your regional Roster too). Every time they relate what it’s like to be a foster or adoptive parent, chances increase that another family will listen and decide that they, too, can help a child in foster care.

The Deseret News captured that message on June 19, 2010:

Kayla Farnsworth, 14, was one artist crouched over the once blank pavement, with elbows, knees and hands shaded in blues and greens. She was helping to create a mermaid.

But Farnsworth wasn’t just an artist in the festival. She learned about Utah Foster Care Foundation when she was 6, as a foster child. Farnsworth came from a home

troubled by alcoholism. She had been beaten. Now happily adopted by her foster family, she will be starting eighth grade next year. Farnsworth recalled, “but now I feel safe, like no one is going to hurt me.”

Thanks to all of the foster/adoptive parents who volunteered at the festival. Families can hear it from us, but they REALLY want to hear it straight from you.

Remember, each time you talk about foster parenting, you may be influencing someone’s thoughts and feelings about helping children in your neighborhood who deserve all the help they can get.

Festival Not Just About Art

(2,1) -1- Southwest August 2010 Foster Roster.indd 7/28/2010 4:09:15 PM(2,1) -1- Southwest August 2010 Foster Roster.indd 7/28/2010 4:09:15 PM

Special thanks to:p

What Every Child Needs

Fun Take time to laugh and play and share the wonders of life with me.

Affection Warm hugs will nurture me and make this world a friendlier place.

Respect Treat me like an important and valuable person and I will learn to respect and honor myself and others.

Praise Tell me all the thingss you appreciate about me so I know how wonderful I really am.

Security Give me boundaries that will allow me to grow safely, feel secure and overcome my fears.

Honesty Share your real feelings and admit your mistakes to me, so I will learn what it means to be a real person.

Patience Be understanding when I make my own mistakes: remember, even when it does not seem like it, I am trying to do my best.

Love If you care for me in all these ways, you will be giving me the best life has to offer.

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DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES PALMER DEPAULIS Executive Director

Division of Child and Family Services

BRENT PLATT Director

State of Utah

GARY R. HERBERT Governor

GREG BELL Lieutenant Governor

Division of Child and Family Services, 195 North 1950 West, Salt Lake City, Utah 84116 telephone (801) 538-4100 facsimile (801) 538-4420 www.hs.utah.gov

July 13, 2010

RE: Follow Up to Notice of Provider Rate Reductions

Dear Resource Family,

The Division of Child and Family Services is sending this letter as a follow up to the letter you received regarding provider rate reductions. To begin with, we apologize for any confusion the previous letter may have caused. Any miscommunication regarding rate reductions was unintentional. Please understand that we truly do value our partnership with each of you, and realize that you are working hard everyday to serve the children in our care. We appreciate your dedication, and we acknowledge that your care and devotion are invaluable.

The last five years have seen a number of changes to the provider rates and specifically to the Foster Care rates. In Fiscal Years (FY) 2008 and 2009, Foster Care rates increased. This was long awaited and well deserved. However, in dealing with the recent challenging economic times, the Utah State Legislature reviewed all programs and services within the Department of Human Services. One of several areas identified for potential savings was the Provider Rates for all services within the Department of Human Services and unfortunately, the Foster Parent Reimbursement Rates were included. There is really no area in the Department that was spared from the Legislative reductions.

To implement the cuts, the Legislature directed the Department to take the first of two cuts, in Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 which started on July 1, 2009. The second cut took effect during Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 which began on July 1, 2010. The result is that the rates were “rolled back” to the Fiscal Year (FY ) 2007 rates. The cumulative effect of these two cuts was offset last year with one-time monies from the Legislature. These one-time monies were not available this year, which means that the full brunt of the cuts is being felt this year. Please be aware that mileage rates have not been included in the roll back and remain the same for this year.

We realize this rollback to 2007 rates is painful. We hope that you will continue to work with the children in state custody and partner with us in this effort. The Division of Child and Family Services is working to improve the relationship with our foster parent partners. We have received valued feedback from foster parents and are currently focusing on ideas that will help foster parents be a more valued part of our child welfare system. Please feel free to email me, or your foster parent consultant with ideas or suggestions you may have!

Sincerely,

Brent Platt Director, Division of Child and Family Services


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Take Your Kids to a Soccer Match!

Don’t miss out on the chance to see Major League Soccer with your family! Thanks to a generous donor, foster families are being given the opportunity to attend a Real Salt Lake match…. for free!

The Real Salt Lake players are the reigning Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup champions, clinching the title in 2009. Three of their players were named to the MLS All-Star First XI team.

There are a limited number of match vouchers available, on a first come, first served basis. Please limit your request to your immediate family living in your home. If your family is interested in attending a Real Salt Lake match,

please contact: darcey.h i r s t@utahfostercare .org. You must include the following information:

1. Family name

2. Number of vouchers needed for your immediate family living in your home (parents & children under age 18 only, NO EXCEPTIONS!). This includes children in foster care, biological and adopted children.

3. Name of your Resource Family Consultant (RFC)

Vouchers can be used for any of the regular season home matches listed below:

• Saturday, August 14th (Real vs. Columbus Crew)

• Saturday, September 4th (Real vs. New York Red Bulls)

• Saturday, September 18th (Real vs. Chicago Fire)

• Saturday, September 25th (Real vs. Colorado Rapids)

• Saturday, October 16th (Real vs. FC Dallas)

All home matches are played at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy.

For more information about Real Salt Lake, visit RealSaltLake.com.

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Steven S.Birthday: 08/1996 Grade in School: 7th Heritage: Caucasian

With an enormous and creative imagination, it is no wonder Steven has such a love for reading, especially about Star Wars and science.

Between his ingenuity and intelligence, this kiddo can achieve just about anything he sets his mind to. His dream, however, is to someday become a helicopter pilot. He currently has two fish as his pets and enjoys caring for them.

If your family can provide Steven with the love and support he needs, we urge you to inquire.

For more information, please contact:

The Adoption Exchange801.265.0444

www.utdcfsadopt.org

Special thanks to:


UFAFA Executive Committee

President: Jennifer Gardner1st VP: Renee Calkins2nd VP: Cayce ThillSecretary: Michelle OstmarkTreasurer: Beth Hardman

www.myufafa.com

By Jennifer Gardner, President Utah Foster/Adoptive Families Assn. (UFAFA)

Like the title? Ultimately, that is where foster parents are caught. The soft place is our heart, our foster baby’s smile, our foster teen’s late night confiding sessions, our foster “tween’s” first reference to us as Mom or Dad, and the sadness mixed with joy as a family is reunited. The rock is the insurmountable boulder that is resources, or the lack of them.

Last month, all foster families received a letter from the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS), informing us that our daily reimbursement rates would be “rolled back” to the levels of July 2006. However, OUR utility bills, house payments, car insurance, and food costs do not magically “roll back.”

Sometimes it feels like the rock gets bigger each day, as we hear the foster care system is essential, yet undervalued. It’s a program that seems basic. But few people take the time to really study the internal workings and the repercussions of shortcuts. It seems to be the place that cuts can be made without a huge uproar or protest. Caseworkers and other DCFS staff grumble, but can’t speak up because of their positions.

Why? Where is the public outcry that happens when there is the threat to cut public education or public safety? You won’t see picket lines, protest marches or “the blue flu.” We can either quit when the financial cost is too high or go into debt. If foster parents walk off the job, where would that leave the children to whom we have dedicated our lives to protect?

The number of children in care is the highest we’ve seen in years; the caseworkers and DCFS staff numbers are the lowest. The needs of “our kids” keep rising and the budget to meet those needs sinks lower and lower. Please join us and unite the voices of the 1400+ families who have made caring for foster kids their lives and their passion!

Send your thoughts to us:[email protected]. Share them with your elected officials. Make comments on radio, TV and newspaper web sites. Talk to those around you: friends, neighbors, family, co-workers and make them aware. Join our website (www.myufafa.com) so we can keep you up-to-date in this effort to move the boulder that leaves us caught between it and a soft place.

Utah Foster/Adoptive Families Association Update

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Between a Rock and a “Soft” Place


in this issueRSVP P.5

Campout Wrap-Up P.6

Partners in Parenting P.7

Training Updates P.8

SOUTHWEST REGION UPDATE

St. George Office

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

Richfield Office

201 E. 500 N.Phone: 435.896.1232

Toll Free: 877.656.8065

Foster/Adoptive Family Recruiter/

Retention SpecialistMarissa Douglas

Répondez s’il Vous Plaît and Foster Parenting in the Southwest Region

What in the world is “Répondez s’il vous plait” and what does it have to do with foster care in the Southwest Region? “Répondez s’il vous plaît “is a French phrase that translates to “please respond” and word for word means, “Respond if you please.” It is with this meaning that invitation cards and similar documents are often marked with “RSVP.” It is standard practice to reply to an RSVP request whether confirming attendance or declining.

RSVP can also be short for “Restricted Seating Verify Participation.” Basically this means the person sending the invitation would like you to tell him or her whether you accept or decline the invitation. That is, will you be coming to the event or not? Many of our Cluster facilitators request an RSVP in order to attend their meetings or parties. Unfortunately, when foster parents do not RSVP, there are times when food and seats are less than sufficient, or precious funds are spent on too much food. The guessing game is like gambling when it comes to dollars and cents.

An RSVP at the last minute is better than none at all! Most helpful is at least 24 hours notice of your intent to participate. This allows time for the host/hostess to prepare for your arrival and ensure your needs are met. In these less than friendly economic times, I ask that as foster parents you do your best to RSVP when it is requested. If you forget to respond, don’t let it stop you from coming, but realize that those who RSVP will be considered first, and then be sure to respond for the next event you may attend.

Thank you for all that you are doing and sacrificing to serve Utah’s children in need. You are at the very least, simply amazing! Let us put a little French etiquette into Southwest Region foster parenting by taking action to “Répondez s’il vous plait,” or RSVP! Merci!

With Gratitude, Diane CallisterRetention Specialist

AUGUST 2010

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By Diane CallisterRetention Services SpecialistSouthwest Region, UFCF

This year, the annual Cluster campout was a little wet, but we still had a good turn out with 14 families and about 81 people in attendance. The sun did come out for Saturday’s lunch that was provided to all. Dutch oven chicken was served, along with potato salad, veggies, chips and drinks. There was a drawing with everyone going home with something. There were family games, and a whole lot of visiting.

Families from Mt Pleasant to St. George came to the campout, it is a wonderful time to get to know people that have the same interest, from different areas. We would love to see more families next year!

We try to do the event the second weekend in June, so mark your calendars for 2011! It is free camping Friday and Saturday night, free lunch on Saturday, along with some fun family games that can give you 2 hours in-service training. See you next year.

Southwest Region Cluster Campout 2010

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 first 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 benefit

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

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Wishing Well Funds


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 identifies you as one of our valued foster care providers and allows you to enjoy the benefits 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 Diane at 435.656.8065.

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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

Family Fun Activity

Have you ever heard of this? (It works great! Good for when all your family is together and no one has to wait for their special omelet.)

Zip Lock Omelets

Have each family member write their name on a quart-size zip lock freezer bag with permanent marker. Crack 2 eggs (large or extra-large) into the bag (not more than 2) shake to combine them.

Put out a variety of ingredients such as:

· cheese · ham · onion · green pepper· tomato· hash browns

· salsa Each guest adds prepared ingredients of their choice to bag and shake. Make sure to get the air out of the bag and zip it up. Place the bags into rolling, boiling water for exactly 13 minutes. You can usually cook 6-8 omelets in a large pot. For more, make another pot of boiling water. Open the bags and the omelet will roll out easily. Be prepared for everyone to be amazed. Nice to serve with fresh fruit and coffee cake; everyone gets involved in the process!


Southwest Region Cluster ConceptsMonthly Cluster announcements for currently licensed foster parents

For in-service training details, see the training pages

Clusters are groups of foster, adoptive and kinship fam-ilies 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 or 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

ADHDSee training pages for details.

Facilitator: Nancy435.283.5020

[email protected]

St. George

Insight: The Whole TeamSee training pages for details.

Facilitator: Brandee435.652.3979

[email protected]

Cedar City/Beaver

Insight: The Whole TeamSee training pages for details.

Facilitator: Amy435.586.7403

[email protected]

Facilitator: Lisa435.438.2651

Richfi eld

Healthy Eating/CanningSee training pages for details.

Facilitator: Coylene435.896.2023

[email protected]

UFCF on Facebook

Foster families in the Southwest Region can now connect with each other on a private Facebook page. No one will see this group, except for approved foster/adoptive/kinship parents. It’s a great way to communicate with other parents, find out about upcoming trainings and activities.

You need to be invited to join, so send your request to [email protected].

There is also an “open” Facebook page for Utah Foster Care Foundation where you can communicate with families statewide.

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Southwest Region TrainingMonthly training announcements for currently licensed foster parents

Parenting Tip of the Month

Foundations for Youth

Insight Training

Foster parents may get up to 2 hrs of in-service training credit at an online web site www.fosterclub.com.

When using www.fosterclub.com website to obtain up to 2 hrs of inservice training, please remember to put your trainers email: [email protected] as a sec-ond email after you take the quiz!

Foster parents must help youth build a solid foundation upon which they can more easily make the transition to living independently.

This is a four part series that is required for all foster parents serving youth fourteen years of age and older.

Call Cliff if you are interested in this training.

Division of Child and Family Services359 E. Riverside DriveSt. George, UTSponsored by the St. George Cluster

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 specified

• 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

Insight Training is a panel discussion among foster parents & a panel of caseworkers. Dinner will be served at 5:00 pm that will have a small group discussion during dinner. You can earn 3-5 hours of in-service training by attending Insight! Childcare will be provided by the Family Support Center.

• August 18th, 2010; 3:00pm - 8:00pm sponsored by the Cedar/Beaver Cluster. Location: Iron County School District Office; 2077 West Royal Hunte Dr.Please call the Family Support Center to RSVP for your children.

• August 25th, 2010; 3:00pm - 8:00 pm sponsored by the St. George Cluster.Location: St. George DCFS Admin; 359 E. Riverside Dr.

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Upcoming In-Service Trainings

6:30pm-8:30pmNancy’s House

ADHD

Presented by Cliff Farnsworth, CSW

Come learn more about working with children with ADHD and the challenges they face.

Sponsored by the

Manti Cluster

August 11th

6:30pm-8:30pmRichfield DCFS201 E. 500 N.

Healthy Eating/Canning

Presented by USU Extention Service

Come learn how to take better care of yourself by eating healthy. (Dinner served)

Sponsored by the

Richfield Cluster

3:00 pm-8:00 pmIron County School District Office; 2077

West Royal Hunte Dr.

Insight: The Whole Team

Presented by Panel

Training is a panel discus-sion among foster par-ents and caseworkers. You can earn 3-5 hours of in-service training by attending. Dinner will be provided at 5pm. Small group discussion will hap-pen at this time.

Sponsored by the

Cedar Cluster

August 18th August 18th

August 25th

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 for approval prior to attending a class or conference that is held within the community and is not a pre-approved training.

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

• 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.

3:00 pm-8:00 pmSt. George DCFS Admin;

359 E. Riverside Dr.

Insight: The Whole Team

Presented by Panel

Training is a panel discus-sion among foster par-ents and caseworkers. You can earn 3-5 hours of in-service training by attending. Dinner will be provided at 5pm. Small group discussion will hap-pen at this time.

Sponsored by the

St. George Cluster

September 17th

6:00pm-9:00pmSt. George DCFS Admin;


The Color Code

Presented by Brian Young, SSW

Come and enjoy a fun and informative way of looking at and under-standing yourself and your relationships.

Sponsored by the

St. George Cluster

September 18th

9:00am-NoonCedar DCFS Regional Office; 856 Sage Dr.

The Character Code

Presented by Brian Young, SSW

This training will review what we learned in the Color Code & take it to the next level. Character is a choice, not chance.

Sponsored by the

Cedar Cluster

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1111


Upcoming In-service Trainings, cont.

September 23rd September 24th - 25th

6:30 pm - 8:30 pmSt. George DCFS Admin;


Maternal and Fetal Effects of Alcohol,

Tobacco, and Drugs

Presented by Julia Robertson,

Program Manager, Utah Department of Health

Come learn about the impact of drugs and alcohol on mothers and their unborn children.

Sponsored by the

St. George Cluster

Women’s Retreat

Presented by Nancy Bean

Foster moms need pampering!

Come enjoy some time away from the family while relaxing at a cabin. 4 hours of training will be provided.

The fun begins at 6:00 pm on Friday in Antimony!

RSVP for complete details.

Sponsored by the

Manti & Richfield Clusters

Gerardo ReyesFoster/Adoptive Dad of the Year!

Gerardo Reyes of Moroni and his wife, Lori, never have a dull moment at their house. They have 9 children from age three up to college. They became foster parents after their two older children graduated. He loves his children and they love him. He’s the fun one, often taking his children to do activities such as 4-wheeling, sledding, camping, fishing, etc.

In the summertime Gerardo is often seen in the backyard playing a game of catch. There are also sleep outs under the stars. Neighbors comment about seeing him riding around the block on bikes with his little brood in tow.

Family is Gerardo’s priority and he strongly encourages good work ethics and educational opportunities.

He loves spending time as a family, whether it is out for a Friday night of fun or just home together watching movies.

His wife put it this way, “ I believe that our family truly thinks that they have the ‘Best Dad’ in the world.”

Foster/Adoptive Dad of the Year

Steve Goodrich of UPS, Foster/Adoptive Dad of the Year Gerardo Reyes and Kelly Peterson, CEO of UFCF.


Follow Us OnlineFor Regular

Updates:

Katy Andrews Community Volunteer

LeRoy Franke Division of Child & Family Services

Steve Goodrich, Vice ChairUPS

Kevin LaRue KSL Radio

Hank Liese, MSW, Ph.D., ChairUniversity of Utah

Mayor Dan McArthur City of St. George

Jean Nielsen, SecretaryHuman Services, Salt Lake County

Gary Ogden Fred A. Moreton & Co.

Fred Riley, Past ChairLDS Church

Lori Steele McCann Erickson

Jeff Tesch, LMFT Foster/Adoptive Parent

Kate Toomey 3rd District Court

Gloria Talley Wilkinson Zions Bank

Jayne Wolfe, Ph.D. Psychologist

Bruce Olson, Board Attorney Ray, Quinney & Nebeker

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDSALT LAKE CITY, UT

PERMIT NO. 579

5296 So. Commerce Dr. #400Murray, UT 84107

In partnership with the

Division of Child and Family Services

utahfostercare.org fosterateen.org

a private, non-profit organization

UtahFosterCare

Utah Foster Care Foundation

UtahFosterCare

Utah Foster Care Foundation Board of Directors

Change Service Requested


Documents

SW Roster August 2010