August 2022 Issue 53

Keeping Siblings Together

We in the foster care community understand better than most that blood isn't necessarily what makes a family. But in some cases, it can help.

When children come into DCS custody, they lose everything that is familiar to them: their parents, their home, and their community. For many of them, their brother or sister has been the only constant presence in their lives. A brother or sister may be the only person who understands and shares their experiences and can help them make sense of their new lives. Research suggests that siblings placed together experience lower risk of failed placements, fewer moves, and many emotional benefits. Siblings placed together often feel more secure and are able to help each other adjust to their new family and community. Keeping siblings together can prevent a lifetime of longing and searching for lost brothers and sisters.

Approximately two-thirds of children in foster care in the United States have a sibling in care. Many of these children will be separated from their siblings. A common reason given for these separations is that workers could not find a permanent placement for all of the children. This could be due to practical reasons, such as safety concerns or licensing restrictions. If a child is a member of a sibling group, priority will be placed on ensuring a living arrangement is found that will keep the siblings placed together when possible. Placing a sibling group in a family-like setting is the Department’s first choice; this allows for some exceptions when it comes to a foster license.

The Department may place a child in excess of the number of children allowed and identified in the foster parent's license, if the Department reasonably believes the foster home has the ability to safely handle additional children and if there are no outstanding concerns, deficiencies, reports, or investigations regarding the foster home, and if the child meets one of the following criteria:

• the child is part of a sibling group that currently resides in the foster home;
• the child is part of a sibling group that is being considered for a foster home but because of the maximum child limit, would otherwise have to be separated;
• the child previously resided in the foster home; or
• the caregiver is a kinship caregiver for the child.

If siblings cannot be placed together, regular contact is critical to maintaining their relationships. Caregivers play a crucial role in ensuring contact between siblings, particularly after adoption or guardianship. The DCS Specialist can facilitate initial communication between caregivers.

Sibling groups of 3 or more are eligible for a Special II foster care rate.

One Last Summertime Hurrah

Schools across Arizona are starting up in the next few weeks, and summer break will come to an end. If you're looking for one last family outing before closing out the summer, check out these events around Arizona. (NOTE: DCS is not affiliated with nor do we endorse any of these activities or organizations. This is simply for informational purposes.)

Seeing The Invisible - Tucson Botanical Gardens - 9/25/21 to 8/31/22 - The most ambitious and expansive exhibition to date of contemporary artworks created with augmented reality (AR) technology premiered at TBG in September 2021 as one of 12 participating gardens across six countries. Seeing the Invisible will feature new works by more than a dozen international artists.

Apple Annie's Orchard - Willcox - Multiple Events - Apple Annie's is a family farming operation that began in the 1980s with 6,000 apple trees. The farm has grown and now hosts a variety of events each year, including Peach Mania (August 6-7, 13-14), Green Chili Roast (August 13-14, 20-21), and Apple Harvest Celebration (August 27-28, September 3-5).

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live - Gila River Arena, Glendale - 8/6-8/7 - For the first time ever, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live will visit Gila River Arena from August 6-7 for three epic performances. Fans of all ages will enjoy an exciting lineup of monster trucks as they experience the thrill of watching the iconic Hot Wheels Monster Truck toys come to life in a full-size, kid-focused, immersive Hot Wheels experience.

Saturday Morning Summer Rides - Verde Canyon Railroad, Clarkdale - Saturdays 7/30-9/17 - What a great way to start your day, an Arizona canyon adventure viewed while the landscape is fresh and dewy. The on-train appetizers feature assorted sweets, fresh fruit, and a champagne toast. Returning to the depot at 1:30 p.m. means visitors still have a full afternoon for additional Sedona area adventures.

Annual Hopi Arts & Cultural Festival - Continental Country Club, Flagstaff - 8/27-8/28 - The Hopi Festival brings to Flagstaff public education by way of art, traditional social dances, and information on Hopi culture. The event is a bridge that allows the City of Flagstaff and surrounding communities to come together and learn from one another through unity, happiness, and stewardship of the earth from all people of different walks of life.

Park After Dark - Downtown Tempe - 2nd and 4th Saturday June-September - Summers are cooler in Downtown Tempe. Kick back and relax with us the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month, from 7 PM - 10 PM at 6th Street Park for live music, outdoor entertainment, cold drinks, and good times. Park After Dark kicks off June 11 through September 24.

Observing with NASA - Scottsdale Museum of the West - 7/21-8/31 - Out of more than 100 institutions that applied, Western Spirit (a Smithsonian Affiliate) is proud to be one of the first 10 to host an interactive “Observing With NASA” (OWN) kiosk through the end of August. Visitors to this touchscreen kiosk will choose from a range of activities and be introduced to the tools, data, and skills that NASA scientists use to create the images of deep space objects that we know and love. Images can be emailed directly to their devices for further study, artworks and keepsakes, and to appreciate the wonder and beauty of the universe. The launch of the James Webb telescope has created a new enthusiasm for images of the universe.

Flagstaff Symphony: Family Pops Concert - Pepsi Amphitheater, Flagstaff - 8/13 - Your kids will love FSO’s Family Pops Concert: Musical Animals on Saturday, August 13! This festive outdoor event includes a program of exciting animal-themed music, face-painting, and an instrument “petting zoo” where they can pick up an instrument, learn how to hold it, and even try playing it!

Summer Safari Nights - Reid Park Zoo, Tucson - 5/28-8/13 - Enjoy the Zoo and cooler evening temperatures as you watch the sunset at this series of themed nights featuring different keeper chats, animal encounters, artifact stations, and special activities. Refresh with dinner and a cold drink at the Zoofari Market, and listen to live music by some of Tucson’s best bands. Take a ride on the Cox Jungle Carousel, and play games with Tucson Parks and Recreation’s "Ready, Set, Rec!" There will be a different theme each week, so every visit brings something new and plenty of photo opportunities to remember a great evening.

Warmline Tips & Tricks

In recent weeks, the Warmline has received a larger-than-normal volume of calls. Our staff is working diligently to keep on top of the calls. Here are some ways to help expedite a resolution:

Lean on your Licensing Worker. If you are licensed, your agency's role is to support your family and help you problem-solve. They should be your primary contact for anything that is not related to the safety or well-being of the child in your care. While they may not be able to resolve the issue for you, they can help determine what route you need to take to locate the solution.

Request a Kinship Support Specialist through the child's DCS Specialist, if you are an unlicensed kinship caregiver. A KSS is a temporary support that can help you navigate the beginning of the case, such as setting up Portal access, applying for TANF, and learning how the dependency process works.

Update your information in Guardian via the Portal. Make sure we have your current address, phone number, and email address. It is difficult to follow up with you if we can't reach you. If you are licensed, you must first update your address with your agency, and they can assist you in updating it in the Portal. Step-by-step instructions are available.

Do not verify incorrect invoices. It will take more time to research, correct, and reissue an invoice, possibly resulting in an offset (deduction) on a future reimbursement, than it would to deactivate that invoice and create a new one. If something is incorrect or missing, contact your Licensing Worker who can reach out the Service Approval team on your behalf to get it corrected. Unlicensed caregivers should contact the Warmline.

If you need to call the Warmline, you MUST leave a message. If there is no message, we cannot call you back.

Provide details in your message. The voicemail system is secure and is only accessed by Warmline staff. Please leave your name, phone number, and Provider Number, if you have it. Don't be afraid to spell out your name if it's uncommon; it is appreciated. Please also describe what the issue is, i.e. child is not matched in Guardian, haven't received an invoice for date A to date B, etc.). Provide as much information as possible for each child involved with the issue, including the child's name, date of birth, and dates of placement, as well as any invoice numbers or dates that were affected, etc. We can resolve the issue quicker if we have all of the necessary information up front rather than having to call to gather it.

Allow us time to respond. Warmline voicemails are typically processed the next business day, and it can take 1-2 additional business days for a return call. If the issue is urgent/time-sensitive, please attempt to reach the assigned Specialist or Supervisor first. If it is not urgent, please leave your message and give us a few days before calling back. As always, if it is a matter of child safety, contact the Child Abuse Hotline at 888-767-2445.

Warmline: 1-877-KIDSNEEDU (1-877-543-7633), Option 3

Immunization Policy and Schedules

When a child is placed in your home, a copy of their immunization records should be provided to you. If it is not, the primary care provider (PCP) can access it at the Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) appointment that is required within 30 days of initial placement in out-of-home care and annually thereafter.

Per DCS Policy, all children in out-of-home care must be immunized. If possible, request parental consent prior to immunization. If the parent objects on any grounds other than religious grounds, the child may be immunized unless medically contraindicated. If the parent objects to immunization based upon religious grounds, the DCS Specialist will elevate the issue. In this situation, do not immunize the child until the Specialist advises (in writing) that it is permissible.

If the child is behind on immunizations, consult with the PCP regarding the plan to get the child caught up. If possible, invite the parent to all medical appointments, but especially appointments that may be difficult, such as getting several shots at once. It may be a comfort to both the parent and the child to be together.

Therapeutic Foster Caregiver Information Sessions

Dear Caregivers,

We thank you for your ongoing commitment and support to the children and families you support in our community. We are writing today to discuss a growing need in our community to support more children in a family setting. There are opportunities to support children in need by being a Therapeutic Foster Caregiver. We believe that many community caregivers have the skills and experience needed to be successful serving children with higher therapeutic needs. Children in therapeutic foster care need consistent and stable caregivers with behavioral health experience and skills in order to help them on the path to succeed in their next family environment.

We would like to invite you to attend a virtual information session with the agencies that support Therapeutic Foster Care, to help share information regarding the licensing experiences and differences from community care. These information sessions will review specific guidelines and requirements for becoming a Therapeutic Foster Caregiver. We hope that you will consider attending to learn more and see if this is something that you and your family might be interested in pursuing. If it is not right for you, consider that you may know someone who is a good fit. If so, please recommend this opportunity to them.

Information Session dates below:

• 7/28 Thursday 6-7pm
• 8/4 Thursday 10-11am
• 8/9 Tuesday 6-7pm

Thank you so much for your time and dedication to children and families in need.

Sincerely, Gillian Vanasse, Assistant Director for Foster Care Supports

Mercy Care Events

August 25 - 9:00-10:30am - Listening Session - AHCCCS, Department of Child Safety (DCS), and Mercy Care Comprehensive Health Plan (CHP) are collaborating on a listening session, where we want you to share your thoughts, concerns, and successes! Register here.

August 31 - 6:00-7:30pm - Transitional Aged Youth (TAY) Services and Programs - Northbridge presentation on High School and College support services; Vocational Rehab to share information on their TAY services; Recovery Empowerment Network with present on their two different TAY programs; Child and Family Support Services (CFSS) will present on their TAY programs; Open discussion around services and resources. Register here.

September 28 - 6:00-7:30pm - IEP 101 Training - Diane with family involvement center will provide an informative training on how to request and IEP and maintain an appropriate IEP for your child. Open discussion around IEP’s will conclude the training. Register here.

October 26 - 6:00-7:30pm - Birth to 5 Training - Mercy Care Children’s System of Care will provide an informative training resource to the community around Birth to 5 supports, trauma informed care, and resources in our community. Open discussion around services and resources will conclude the training. Register here.

November - No CFAP Meeting

December 7 - 6:00-7:30pm - Parent/Caregiver Self-Care Training and Resources - This is an informative training on how we as parents can take care of ourselves. Resources will be provided for supports to allow parents and caregivers support when needed. Open discussion around services and resources will conclude the training. Register here.

Aviva's Annual Sew-A-Thon

Reading 2gether

Reading 2gether is a program in Pima County that helps children and parents strengthen their relationship by reading a book together via phone or video chat twice per week. The parent can request a referral through their attorney or DCS Specialist. If you are informed that the parent has requested this service, please support and encourage the child's engagement with their parent.

GAP Ministries Training

CPR/1st Aid and Abuse/Neglect/Exploitation Trainings

Casa de los Ninos is offerring in-person/online hybrid CPR/1st Aid traning and an Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Awareness training (DDD-required for CDH-licensed homes) for just $35 per person.

CPR/1st Aid

• Saturday, August 20, 9-12pm
• Saturday, September 17, 9-12pm
• Saturday, October 8, 2-5pm
• Saturday, November 5, 9-12pm
• Saturday, December 3, 9-12pm

CPLC Training Classes

Chicanos Por La Causa is offering a free class for tweens/teens ages 11 - 18, as well as a parenting class for their caregivers.

Our teen class goes by the name of "Sowing Seeds" and centers around drug abuse prevention education. The curriculum we use in the class is research-based and is called Project TND (Toward No Drug Abuse). We know that this topic is not one of the "fun" topics to cover, but we aim to keep conversations very open and honest in a judgment-free zone.

Our parenting class is facilitated by Pam Cambell, who is a certified trainer of trainers of the "Active Parenting of Teens" curriculum. Pam takes a trauma-informed care approach to facilitating these classes. The focus of the class overall is to strengthen the bonds between caregivers and their youth by going over different parenting styles, demonstrating effective communication, and learning about how to have talks with their children about sexuality and substance abuse prevention.

CPLC Parenting Arizona does provide all course materials. At the end of all 6 sessions, participants earn a "Family Toolkit" that comes with journals, pencils, a medical lockbox, a "How Well Do You Know Me" game, and other useful things for families to practice what they learned in class. We also do provide a certificate of completion to caregivers that lists 12 hours of class time completed. Parenting classes are open to Foster/Kinship/Adoptive parents and also to professionals who work with foster/kinship/adoptive youth.

Scheduling varies by need, so please reach out to Ashley Avila for more information.

Car Seat Safety with Phoenix Children's Hospital

Love Your Texture - African American Hair Care

Love Your Texture is an organization that answers questions and educates foster caregivers on hair products and styling all textures of hair. The organization is eligible for funding through Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation (under Ethnic Hair Care).

Boys & Girls Club

Foster Ed

Advocacy31nine

Are you a caregiver of a student in foster care? Do you need support navigating the special education system to get help for your student? Does your student have difficulty at school or exhibit behaviors that have a negative impact at school?

Advocacy31nine provides educational advocates at no cost for students impacted by foster care, kinship, or adoption in Arizona. Our trained advocates help you navigate the confusing maze of special education and help students get the support they need to THRIVE!

one-n-ten Support Groups

one-n-ten provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth to connect with others, engage in fun, empowering programs, and get resources to be their best self. They also offer a monthly Parents' Group that is open to parents, teachers, counselors, or other trusted adults to ask questions about on-n-ten programs and services and how to best support their LGBTQ+ youth. For questions about Parents' Group, contact Gina at 602-279-0894 or gina@onenten.org

Arizona Grandparent Ambassadors

We are a statewide support and legislative advocacy network of, by and for grandparents raising grandchildren and non-parent caregivers raising children. We are the families who give these children safe, stable homes and keep them out of the foster care system. Join us as we work with legislators and policymakers to create positive changes for our families. Check out our website for information and resources, including parenting classes, respite services, support groups, therapy and parenting help, and more!

Raising Special Kids

Raising Special Kids began in 1979 as a grassroots effort of families, professionals, and community leaders determined to provide support and information for parents of children with disabilities and special health care needs. Today, Raising Special Kids serves as Arizona’s Family-to-Family Health Information Center, and as Arizona’s Parent Training and Information Center. Helping parents access information about health care, community resources, and support services so they can make informed decisions regarding their children’s care has been our mission from the beginning. We support thousands of Arizona families each year through our programs and services.

Raising Special Kids provides programs and services at no cost to families. No eligibility determinations are required. Any parent or family member of a child with a disability can take advantage of services provided in English, Spanish, and other languages.

• Individual Consultation - Our staff of Family Support Specialists is comprised of parents and family members of children with disabilities who can relate to the challenges facing parents and family members who call for support. Our staff receives ongoing training on Federal and State programs, as well as community-based programs and resources, available to individuals with disabilities and special health care needs. We provide families with support for the full spectrum of issues a family may encounter from birth through age 26, and sometimes beyond. Raising Special Kids staff specializes in information and training in the areas of Education, Health Care, Behavior Support, and Transition to Adulthood. Families who contact us or are referred for individual consultation will receive: a call from one of our Family Support Specialists by the end of the following business day; compassion and understanding from our staff of professional, experienced, fellow parents or family members of a child with a disability; information, resources, problem-solving support, and strategies to help parents access and advocate for the support their child needs.
• Parent-to-Parent support has always been the heart of Raising Special Kids. Each year, more than 300 families in Arizona are connected with veteran “mentor” parents who have walked a similar path and who understand the challenges of raising a child with a disability or special health care need.
• Raising Special Kids’ Positive Family Coaching (PFC) program provides enhanced support to families of children receiving behavioral health services through AHCCCS. Through the child’s Child & Family Team (CFT), Raising Special Kids can provide support with education, health care system navigation, development of effective advocacy skills, and strategies for positive behavior support. Currently, Raising Special Kids PFC program is only available to families of children with Mercy Care and United Healthcare plans through AHCCCS, with more plans to come soon. If you have Mercy Care or United Healthcare and would like to receive Positive Family Coaching from Raising Special Kids, please contact your child’s case manager to request our Positive Family Coaching services. For more information, please call us at 602-242-4366.
• Events & Trainings - At this time, most events and trainings are being held virtually. Trainings/workshops include topics such as Talking to Your Child About Sexuality, Understanding 504, IEP Training, High School Transition, Early Childhood Education, Positive Behavior Support, and more.

Family Involvement Center Resources

For plenty of parents, teachers, and school staff, anxiety is running high as school is back to in-person learning, and COVID-19 cases are rising again. So we want to remind you that support is available right now. Our team is trained to help with recovering from the psychological effects caused by the pandemic. Thanks to our partnership with Resilient Arizona, you can receive confidential help at no cost in group or one-on-one settings. This includes for supportive crisis counseling, education and development of coping skills. Again, services are 100% free and confidential.

Resilient Arizona providers are located throughout Arizona. If you live in Northern Arizona, call (928) 440-6181. If you reside in Central Arizona, call (602) 704-0440. And if you live in Southern Arizona, please call (520) 485-5858.

The available support also includes assistance with finding food, paying house bills, accessing free childcare, and other essential services. You can also dial 2-1-1 anywhere in Arizona 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or visit www.ResilientArizona.org. Feel free to email us at pac@familyinvolvementcenter.org if you have any additional questions.

ASA Now

ASA Now is a non-profit organization that ADVOCATES for, SUPPORTS, and ASSISTS children and families impacted by foster care. We are passionate about providing support to families and professionals by restoring hope and empowering them to better serve these children in need.

Services we offer include tutoring & extracurricular activities, food pantry, clothing, and meeting basic necessities. Other services include life skills for youth, respite care, therapeutic programs, family activities, peer-to-peer support groups, education and training on utilizing Jacob's Law to obtain behavioral health services, providing resources to families and caregivers to successfully navigate the foster care system, raising awareness, recruiting new foster families, and advocating for families and their children.

Arizona Helping Hands

Arizona Helping Hands is the largest provider of essential items for children in foster care in Arizona. Their programs provide a safe place to sleep, clothing, hygiene items, birthday packages, backpacks filled with school supplies, licensing safety items, foster footlockers, and more. If needed, kinship and foster families with a current notice to provider are eligible to receive basic needs such as clothing, diapers, wipes, and hygiene items every four months.

Arizona Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents

AZAFAP wants to support you and the children in your family (foster, kinship, adopted, biological). We are a non-profit, statewide organization that serves families who adopt children and provide foster and kinship care. Working in partnership with child welfare professionals and the community, our purpose is to support, educate, empower and provide a unified voice for Arizona’s foster and adoptive families, with the goal of increasing the well-being and stability of Arizona’s most vulnerable children. AZAFAP’s programming is open to all foster, kinship, and adoptive families in Arizona. Basic membership is free and includes a subscription to our monthly newsletter with information and resources, our online support groups, and some of our training. Premier membership is available for an annual fee of $75 for two-parent families and a discounted rate of $50 for single-parent families. Premier members are eligible to participate in all program activities. Our programming includes Family Connections events like camps, picnics, and staycations, Family Support Services such as training, Children’s Basic Needs with new shoes, jackets, toys and bikes, and Community Awareness events. Join us today before the Family Camp registration opens! Visit www.azafap.org/membership for more information.

Sign up on our Event Calendar! If you aren’t a member yet, check out our free membership so you can sign up! Ever need adult conversation during the week? We also have weekly drop-in chats on the calendar on Tuesdays and Fridays!

Papa John's Partnership

Southwest Human Development Head Start

Southwest Human Development is offering Early Head Start and Head Start Programs. The in-person classes will be small to encourage physical distancing while being socially together. There will also be virtual programs that families can participate in from home. In-person groups will be limited to 8 children with 2 or 4 teachers, depending on the length of the program day.

For children under 3 years old, the Early Head Start program offers a 10-hour program for working families designed to provide a high-quality learning environment while encouraging physical distancing, as well as a virtual curriculum families can participate in from home.

The Head Start program has in-person, small group programs offering 10 hours, 6 hours, or 3.5 hours of care in a high-quality learning environment designed to limit close physical contact, as well as a virtual option for families to participate in from their home.

Child Crisis Arizona Training

Child Crisis Arizona's spring program calendar is live! Classes include Adoption 101, Neurosequential Model in Caregiving, Trauma Informed Parenting Techniques, and more! All trainings are virtual via Zoom.

Email FCATraining@childcrisisaz.org to register for training or the support group!

STEP Training- TUCSON

Support, Tools, and Education for Parents (STEP) is designed to build positive relationships between family members. It provides a safe space to discuss topics that may be too difficult to talk about at home. These conversations are about peer pressure, stress, and the importance of working together as a team. When caregivers and children work together, it creates a stronger family! The Children’s Advocacy Center understands that family does not always mean a biological parent and child. STEP is a program that will benefit the whole family, including biological, foster, kinship, and adoptive families.

Families enrolled in STEP will meet virtually each week. Each session consists of different topics such as communication, stress management, substance abuse prevention and how to talk to your child about difficult topics (identifying potential child abusers, child abuse, healthy and concerning sexualized behavior), each session building on the next. Child care will be available when classes are offered in person again. For questions, please contact Jackie Ballesteros at jballesteros@soazadvocacy.org or 520-724-2148.

Christian Family Care Training

AZ.127 Foster Family Support & Connections

AZ.127 will be offering support via Facebook & Instagram mini-sessions of techniques and tools from the Trust-Based Relational Intervention program. Additionally, they will be matching mentor foster families with foster families in need of support.

Caring Connections for Special Needs

Yavapai CASA for Kids

Helen's Hope Chest

At Helen's Hope Chest, our mission is to engage the community to provide for the basic needs of children and teens in foster and kinship care. Helen's provides more than just clothes for kids in care. It is important that every youth who comes through our door feels a sense of confidence, acceptance, and dignity. Our boutique environment allows kids to choose their favorite items and feel like they are in a regular store, all at no cost to the foster/kinship family.

Families with a current foster or kinship placement are encouraged to call us at 480-969-5411 to schedule an appointment.

Christian Family Care Thrift Store

Did you know, Christian Family Care’s Thrift Stores have been around since 1996? Previously known as Family Attic, our Tucson and Phoenix thrift stores help fund our adoption, foster care, and counseling programs. Make a donation, shop, or volunteer at our thrift stores. Don’t miss out on all of the amazing discounts we offer. All foster/adoptive families in Arizona receive a 25% off discount when shopping at our thrift stores. Just show the cashier this Thrive article for the discount. Visit https://cfcare.org/get-involved/#thrift-stores to learn more!

Tucson Resources

Spreading Threads is a grassroots, nonprofit community clothing bank that provides free clothes to foster youth in southern Arizona. The organization was founded by two foster moms in Tucson who have fostered and adopted several children in Arizona. Your donations go directly to local children in need. The second Saturday of each month, foster, adoptive, and kinship families can visit the clothing bank. A Notice to Provider will be needed. The clothing bank events are held at 2945 N Flowing Wells in Tucson.

A Mighty Change of Heart

A Mighty Change of Heart provides FREE duffle bags to foster children with new, age-appropriate items inside: 2 outfits, shoes & socks, underwear, book, diapers/wipes, hygiene items, and more. These bags have the children’s names embroidered on them, and are something that they can call their very own. They have delivered over 3,500 bags across the state.

Please check out their website for more information: www.amchaz.com. If your family, business, church group or school would be interested in holding a donation drive, please contact A Mighty Change of Heart. Items are always needed.

Warmline Supports Kinship and Foster Families

The Foster Parent Warmline is available for kinship families and licensed foster parents. While not an emergency number, Warmline staff can assist with information, timely communication, and support. It is not intended to discourage or replace direct and regular communication between the DCS Specialist and the out-of-home caregiver. You can reach the Warmline by calling 1-877-KIDSNEEDU (1-877-543-7633) and selecting Option 3. Please leave a message with your name and contact information in order to receive a call back.

Children's Heart Gallery

More than 70 percent of the children in need of forever families are adopted by their relatives or foster parents. For the remainder, special recruitment efforts like the Heart Gallery are used to connect them with a forever family.

The children featured in the Heart Gallery represent all ethnic groups and range in age from toddlers to teenagers. Some have special behavioral or medical needs, some are without siblings, and others are in groups of siblings.

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