June 2023 Issue 63

Strengthening Fathers

When we think of foster care, the focus often tends to be on the child and their needs for love, stability, and support. The relationship focus is typically on the mother as the primary caregiver. While these aspects are undoubtedly crucial, it is equally important to recognize the vital role that fathers play in their child’s life. Fathers possess unique qualities and perspectives that can greatly impact a child's well-being and development. Parents that do not feel that their presence is valued or necessary will fail to engage at the level that their child deserves, and it may impact the feasibility of reunification. In your foster care journey, as you share the caregiving responsibility with the parents, make a conscious effort to include fathers in the conversations. Show them that they are just as central in their child’s life as the mother and that they are worthy of success.

• Positive Male Role Models: Fathers, like mothers, are essential role models in a child's life. They provide guidance, discipline, and a sense of stability. The presence of a caring and involved father figure can help children in out-of-home care build resilience, develop healthy relationships, and shape their overall identity.
• Emotional Support: Fathers contribute to a child's emotional well-being by providing love, empathy, and support. They play a crucial role in helping their children heal from past traumas, develop a positive self-image, and form healthy attachments. Their engagement also provides tangible evidence to their child that they are loved and supported, despite their current separation.
• Enhancing Social Skills: Fathers often bring a distinct parenting style that complements a mother's approach. They tend to engage children in activities that foster independence, problem-solving skills, and social interaction. By involving fathers actively, children in out-of-home care can benefit from a diverse range of experiences, expanding their social and cognitive abilities.
• Co-Parenting and Family Reunification: For many children in foster care, the ultimate goal is reunification with their biological families. Engaging fathers throughout the foster care process is crucial for successful family reunification. Fathers who are supported, educated, and involved are more likely to contribute positively to the reunification process and provide a stable home environment for their children.

Fathers play an invaluable role in foster care, offering unique perspectives and essential support to foster children. Recognizing and supporting fathers is crucial for the overall well-being and success of these children, both during their time in foster care and beyond. In Arizona, several organizations recognize the significance of fathers in foster care and are dedicated to empowering fathers, providing them with the necessary tools and resources to be actively involved in their children's lives. If the relationship you have built allows, encourage fathers to engage beyond the services and supports that DCS provides. By prioritizing and nurturing the involvement of fathers, we can create a foster care system that truly supports the best interests of the children it serves.

• Child Crisis Arizona: Child Crisis Arizona is one of the only educational providers in the area that offers classes specific to a father’s unique role in parenting. Certain services are also offered in Spanish.
• Family Involvement Center (FIC): Family Involvement Center is a family-run organization driven by parents who have experienced challenges of their own. It isn’t always easy for fathers to find the support they need. The Family Involvement Center understands the value of fathers sharing their perspectives, knowledge, and experience.
• Father Matters: Father Matters is a non-profit organization in Arizona that recognizes and supports the importance of fathers in the lives of their children, including those in foster care. Their programs aim to educate, engage, and empower fathers through workshops, counseling, and mentorship. They provide a safe space for fathers to share experiences, learn effective parenting strategies, and access resources for personal growth.
• Fathers Helping Fathers: Fathers Helping Fathers is an Arizona-based organization that focuses on providing support and resources specifically to fathers involved in foster care. Their services include counseling, peer support groups, parenting classes, and assistance with legal issues. They strive to empower fathers and encourage them to maintain a positive presence in their children's lives.
• Native American Fatherhood and Families Association (NAFFA): NAFFA is an Arizona-based organization that provides programs to strengthen families through responsible fatherhood and motherhood. Their programs are one of a kind, creating a real passion in parents to take a leadership role in keeping families together and growing healthy children.

Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth

Every child deserves a safe and nurturing environment in which to grow and thrive. However, for LGBTQ+ children in out-of-home care, the journey can be especially challenging. Many come from backgrounds of rejection, abandonment, or family conflict due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Their unique experiences often expose them to additional hardships and increased vulnerability, impacting their mental health significantly, including depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. Investing in the mental health and overall well-being of LGBTQ+ children in out-of-home care has wide-ranging positive outcomes:

• Enhanced Mental Health: Supportive environments decrease the risk of mental health disorders, promote emotional resilience, and facilitate healing from past traumas. This, in turn, improves their overall quality of life.
• Improved Educational Outcomes: When LGBTQ+ youth feel safe and supported, their educational outcomes improve. By addressing their mental health needs, we empower them to focus on their studies, pursue higher education, and achieve their goals.
• Positive Self-Identity Development: Providing affirming environments allows LGBTQ+ youth to explore and embrace their identities. Self-acceptance and self-esteem grow, leading to healthier relationships and a stronger sense of belonging.
• Decreased Risk of Homelessness and Substance Abuse: Supporting LGBTQ+ youth in out-of-home care reduces their risk of homelessness and substance abuse, which are prevalent among this population. By fostering a supportive environment, we reduce the likelihood of these negative outcomes.

Foster caregivers play a crucial role in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth in out-of-home care. By providing a safe, supportive, and affirming environment, caregivers can have a profound impact on the well-being and development of these young individuals. To address the mental health needs of LGBTQ+ youth in out-of-home care, it is crucial to create a supportive and inclusive environment.

• Education and Awareness: Caregivers should educate themselves about LGBTQ+ identities, terminology, and issues specific to LGBTQ+ youth. This understanding fosters empathy and helps create an inclusive environment.
• Open Communication: Encourage open and honest communication with the youth in your care. Provide a safe space for them to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and actively listen without judgment.
• Respect and Validation: Respect the youth's gender identity and sexual orientation, using their preferred name and pronouns. Validate their feelings, experiences, and identities to promote a positive self-image.
• Advocate for Their Needs: Be an advocate for LGBTQ+ youth within the foster care system, ensuring their rights are protected and their unique needs are met. Collaborate with social workers, educators, and therapists to create a comprehensive support network.
• Cultivating Safe Spaces: Creating safe spaces where LGBTQ+ youth can express their identities without fear of judgment or discrimination is vital. When possible, encourage participation in LGBTQ+-affirming organizations, support groups, or community centers. This sense of belonging fosters self-acceptance, self-esteem, and resilience.
• Trauma-Informed Care: Many LGBTQ+ youth in out-of-home care have experienced significant trauma. Implementing trauma-informed care practices, such as understanding the impact of past trauma, providing stability, and utilizing therapeutic interventions, can significantly contribute to their mental well-being. Check with your licensing agency to inquire about trauma-informed trainings in your area.
• LGBTQ+ Supportive Policies: As of December 2021, DCS has updated the LGBTQ+ Policy, which provides a foundation and framework for supporting the emotional and physical safety and well-being of children who self-identify or are perceived as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Questioning/Queer (LGBTQ+) and gender diverse children in out-of-home care. This policy applies to individuals who hold a foster care license or child welfare agency license and their employees that also provide out-of-home care to children in the care, custody and control of the Department of Child Safety. There are no exceptions or exemptions. The full policy is linked below, however here are some highlights:

Licensed caregivers will promote the positive development of LGBTQ+ children in their care by demonstrating respect for all children, reinforcing respect of differences, and encouraging the development of healthy self-concept.

All children, regardless of gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, have the right to feel safe and be safe in their living arrangement to achieve positive outcomes. Licensed caregivers shall:

1. treat all children with dignity and respect;
2. promote the positive development of all children in the care and custody of the Department, or who are served by the Department;
3. model expected behavior, including demonstrating respect for all children, reinforcing respect for differences, encouraging development of healthy self-concept, and helping children build skills to educate others on the concerns and needs of LGBTQ+ and gender diverse children;
4. provide LGBTQ+ and gender diverse children with access to learning opportunities, including therapeutic, rehabilitative, recreational, and other programs and services that are supportive and affirming;
5. offer opportunities to participate in individualized activities and programs and services that are affirming of each individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression; and
6. adhere to policies that promote positive development for all children and ensure to the greatest extent possible that LGBTQ+ children have the opportunity to participate in experiences similar to those of their peers;

Licensed caregivers and any direct care staff employed by a licensee shall:

1. address children by their chosen names and pronouns in all settings at the direction of the child, except when a child identifies a safety concern or situation and would prefer the chosen name or pronouns not be used;
2. use respectful and inclusive language;
3. not refer to individuals by using derogatory terms, language, or inaccurate associations that convey bias or hostility against LGBTQ+ or gender diverse individuals;
4. not imply, tell, or knowingly allow others to imply or tell LGBTQ+ or gender diverse individuals that they are abnormal or deviant based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, or that they can or should change their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

If there is any doubt that the caregiver is able to adhere to this policy, they should let the placing party (DCS Placement Unit or DCS Specialist) and their licensing agency know so that an alternative placement situation can be located for the child. If there are concerns for a child already placed in a home that may not be following these policies, please reach out to the Hotline (888-SOS-CHILD) if it is a matter of immediate child safety, or email Rhiannon Schaudt-Hobkirk to assist in facilitating communication regarding the matter.

Supporting the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth in out-of-home care is imperative. By providing nurturing environments, access to LGBTQ+ competent mental health services, and inclusive policies, we can make a significant impact on their well-being. Empowering these young individuals to embrace their identities, heal from past traumas, and flourish will enable them to lead fulfilling lives and contribute positively to society. It is our responsibility to ensure that every child, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

There are several organizations that are available, both locally and nationally, to assist in supporting LGBTQ+ youth.

one-n-ten is a Phoenix-based organization that supports LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, ages 11-24. They offer a variety of empowering social and service programs that promote self-expression, self-acceptance, leadership development, and healthy life choices. Their programs include Housing and Homelessness Services; Life Skills, Workforce Readiness, and Financial Literacy classes; Suicide Prevention, Camp OUTdoors; the Youth Center and Satellite Sites; Parents' Group; and more.

Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s Gender Support Program provides outpatient services that support the physical, mental, and social health of gender expansive children and youth and their families as they progress through gender identity development. They offer a variety of services, including consultations with families, readiness evaluations for hormonal therapies, referrals to mental health providers, support and advocacy for patients and families, education and training, and more.

Pride Guide Arizona is a listing of businesses and organizations that serve the LGBTQ+ community. They have listings for Northern Arizona, Phoenix Metro, Tucson Metro, and Southern Arizona. Categories include activities, churches, community resources, events calendar, professional services, and more. The listed businesses have submitted their information to Pride Guide, affirming that they are a safe, supportive business for LGBTQ+ Arizonans.

Arizona Trans Youth & Parent Organization (AZTYPO) is a support group to empower children, teens, and their families in a supportive and inclusive environment in which gender may be freely expressed and respected. Parents, legal guardians and extended family can discuss the challenging issues, raise questions, seek and share resources, and listen to the experiences of others. The meetings take place on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of every month via Zoom.

The Southern Arizona Gender Alliance (SAGA) is a nonprofit that offers support, social, and discussion groups for various trans and gender nonconforming (TGNC) folks and their loved ones.

As an organization dedicated to inclusiveness, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona values and celebrates the diversity and individuality of every child, volunteer, employee, board member, family and community partner. BBBS partners with one-n-ten Youth Center to provide mentors to children who identify as LGBTQ+. They will meet at least twice per month to spend time participating in activities they both enjoy.

Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies. PFLAG is committed to creating a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed. With over 400 chapters nationally, PFLAG provides confidential peer support, education, and advocacy to LGBTQ+ people, their parents and families, and allies. Arizona chapters are located in Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, Sierra Vista, and Sedona/Verde Valley.

The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) believes that every student has the right to a safe, supportive, and LGBTQ-inclusive K-12 education. They advise on, advocate for, and research comprehensive policies designed to protect LGBTQ+ students as well as students of marginalized identities. They empower students to affect change by supporting student-led efforts to positively impact their own schools and local communities and have thousands of registered Gay/Straight Alliances nationwide. Every day GLSEN works to ensure that LGBTQ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment, with the goal of transforming our nation’s K-12 schools into the safe and affirming environment all youth deserve. Find resources, research, and programs at their website. There are chapters in Phoenix and Yuma.

Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award®-winning short film TREVOR, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25. They offer a telephone lifeline, live chat, and secure texting crisis interventions. They also offer suicide prevention trainings and resources, including suicide prevention techniques for adults, ally training to help adults support the unique needs of LGBTQ+ youth, and a free coming out handbook for LGBTQ youth.

LGBTQ Family Acceptance Project has a searchable map to access resources to increase support for LGBTQ+ youth and families. There is also information for crisis and support lines; culture-, evidence-, and faith-based resources; videos and webinars; and national resources.

Foster caregivers have a unique opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth in their care. By creating a supportive and affirming environment, fostering open communication, and connecting with community resources, caregivers can empower these youth to thrive and reach their full potential. Together, we can build a nurturing community that embraces and supports all young individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Reasonable and Prudent Parenting Standard: Travel

It's that time of year again when we want to get out of the heat for a while, visit family in another state, or even take a cruise. So how does that work when you have a kiddo in your care? Check out the Reasonable and Prudent Parenting Standard regarding travel below!

Here are a couple of additional things to keep in mind:

• Bio parent permission is NOT needed for any sort of travel. It is best practice and common courtesy to let them know about travel plans. If they wish to do so, they can file a motion with the court to object to it, but it is not in DCS policy or Arizona law that their permission is needed.
• Bear in mind that you do NOT need DCS Specialist permission for in-state or out-of-state travel of less than 7 days. You simply need to inform them of the plan and how you can be contacted. 24-48 hours should be sufficient notice.
• The DCS Specialist can deny out-of-state travel of more than 7 days, however the only major considerations should be if the child has medical/behavioral health needs (i.e., they need regular treatments that they would not be able to get while out of state) or if there is court-ordered visitation (not the standard visitation that DCS is court-ordered to provide, as those visits can be made up. In this case, "court-ordered visitation" means that DCS has been specifically ordered by the court to ensure that the child is at the visitation without exception.). There may be other issues at play, but they should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• If you wish to travel out of the country with the child, you will need permission of the court and a passport for the child. (Note: this includes Mexico and cruises, even if the child will not be leaving the ship in the other country.) First, notify the DCS Specialist as soon as you know the dates and destination. They will file a Motion for Out-of-Country Travel, which is what will grant you permission to take the child. They will also file a Motion to Apply for a Passport. It must have the caregiver's name listed as the person who will be granted permission to apply for the passport, otherwise it defaults to DCS. In addition to this court order, you will need a certified copy of the child's birth certificate, which the DCS Specialist can request, if it is not already in the file. You will need to take original, certified copies of both the orders and the birth certificate to the passport office. The child must have either a passport or passport card, depending on your method of travel. This is a US Department of State requirement. Please visit their website for additional information regarding passport and international travel requirements. Be sure to save your receipt and request passport reimbursement through the DCS Specialist.
• You will also need to purchase travel insurance for the child, as their Mercy Care DCS CHP coverage is not valid outside of the United States.
• If you experience challenges with the RPPS Guidelines, attempt to elevate the issue through the DCS Program Supervisor then the DCS Program Manager. If you still need assistance facilitating communication, reach out to Rhiannon Schaudt-Hobkirk.

Harkins Summer Movie Fun

Summer Movie Fun is BACK on the BIG screen at your favorite Harkins locations! For nearly 50 years, Harkins has brought the BEST family fun films back to the BIG screen, keeping kids entertained and cool during the summer months. What time is it?! Summer Movie Fun time! Tickets can be purchased at participating theatres. 8 Movies. 8 Weeks. Only $8.

AFFCF Funds Fun!

Chauncey Ranch Overnight Camps

PAX Tools Workshops

AHCCCS has teamed with Tucson-based PAXIS Institute to offer PAX Tools Workshops at no cost to Arizona families and caregivers!

What is PAX Tools?

PAX Tools is a set of practical behavioral strategies that adults can use in their daily interaction with young people. These strategies help improve cooperation, reduce unwanted behavior, and help build self-regulation and positive behavior.

Arizona Caregivers are Talking About PAX Workshops!

“Training was awesome, and I also like the app which will become very useful. I think all care givers should take the course and it should be part of the curriculum for foster care - love the program. I have been spreading the word. Thank you for a great training event.”

“The Trainer was amazing! She answered all of our questions and explained each kernel very well. I'm so grateful for this opportunity to help me grow as a parent. Thank you!”

Caregivers who participate in a 2-hour, virtual PAX Tools Workshop will receive all the materials needed to use PAX Tools in a variety of settings. Additionally, every participant in a PAX Tools Workshop will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card.

Here are upcoming PAX Tools Caregiver Workshop dates with links to register:

• June 6, 9am-11:30am MST
• June 15, 12pm-2:30pm MST
• June 21 6pm-8:30pm MST
• June 27 9am-11:30am MST

For more information, email paxarizona@paxis.org.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Summer Programs

African American Conference on Disabilities

Guardian Tips - Offset

At some point, you may see a deduction on a reimbursement payment and wonder where that came from. Or there may be an invoice that states there is an "offset." What does it mean?

If you have received an offset, it means that, at some point, there was an overpayment on your account. It could be that a service approval was not ended on the correct date, a rate was reduced but did not reflect on the invoice, or a number of other possibilities. If you are unsure of the cause or wish to review the payment history, you will need to contact the Payment Processing Unit (PPU) at 602-255-3300. Alternatively, you are welcome to contact the Warmline, and we will add you to the call list for the PPU team.

If you need assistance with anything and are unsure who to contact, please reach out to your Licensing Worker or the Warmline. If you contact the Warmline, you must leave a message with your name, provider number (if you know it), and the child's name, date of birth, and date of placement/departure: 877-543-7633, option 3. Please allow 1-2 business days before reaching out to the Warmline again regarding the same issue.

Therapeutic Foster Care Info 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 in 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.

Virtual Information Sessions:

• Every 2nd Thursday of the month (6pm)
• Every 4th Saturday of the month (10am)

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

Sincerely, Gillian Vanasse, Assistant Director for Foster Care Supports

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 provides essential needs for children in foster care in an effort to help every foster child feel safe and loved. Our programs provide beds, clothing, hygiene items, birthday packages, backpacks filled with school supplies, licensing safety items, foster footlockers, and more. Our services are open to kinship and foster families with a current Notice to Provider.

After hearing stories of caseworkers driving over six hours to pick up items like beds, clothes, and birthday gifts, we have decided to open a second Arizona Helping Hands location in Flagstaff, Arizona. This northern location is our first step in expanding access to our services across the state. To receive assistance from our Flagstaff location, please contact Matt Lipan at mlipan@azhelpinghands.org to schedule an appointment.

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, 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!

Christian Family Care Training

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.

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, a 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.

Aviva Children's Services - Tucson