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June 2022 Issue 51

June is National Reunification Month

As all caregivers know, the goal of foster care is reunification. It is not always easy to actively support and encourage reunification, and it comes with its own unique sense of accomplishment, which is also tinged with grief and loss. Nevertheless, we forge on in the best interest of the children in our care and do what we can to put their family back together.

What is the difference between actively and passively supporting reunification?

Foster parents who actively support reunification understand that reunification is most often in the child's best interest and are committed to doing what is best for the child, even if it involves complexity or loss for the foster family. They are an engaged member of the team working toward reunification, and they have a clear role on that team. They embrace the approach of shared parenting, and they are committed to building a positive, child-focused relationship with the birth family. They see themselves as an important resource for the birth family, and they view the birth family as experts of the child's needs and care.

In contrast, a foster parent who passively supports reunification doesn’t interfere with the achievement of the plan goal but doesn’t work toward it. They understand that foster care is temporary and that the system will seek to reunify the child with their family, but they don’t see themselves as part of the team working toward that goal. They are committed to providing warm and loving care for the child, but they see this as the only role they play.

Ideally, all caregivers should actively support reunification. Here are some tools and resources to help children and families on this journey.

Respect the birth parents and be compassionate. This seems simple enough, but it can be difficult to remember this, especially when we see that the children are hurting. Often, so are the parents, and they are trying the best that they know how to care for their children. Some ways to put this into practice are:

  • Express genuine concern for the family's well-being.
  • Communicate to the family (through words and actions) that your goal is to help them get their children back.
  • Use the terms "Mom" and "Dad" when referring to the parents.
  • Assume positive intent. Few parents set out with the goal to harm their children, and they may make mistakes. Keep this outlook when working with families.
  • Look for ways to break down barriers. Attempt communication, even when you get none in return.
  • Act as a support for the family, both during the dependency and post-reunification, when possible.

Encourage visitation and regular contact. Visitation is a right that DCS must provide to the family. There can be challenges, including children not wishing to attend, parents not attending consistently due to barriers, etc. There are some ways to encourage visitation:

  • Advocate for increased or modified visitation. DCS typically offers 4 hours per week, but if you feel that the children would benefit from additional time, reach out to the Specialist. Or if the current schedule is not working, ask for a change. Be sure to state why it is in the child's best interest, while also considering how the change will support reunification.
  • Encourage the children to have regular phone calls or video chats with their parents or other family members, as approved by DCS.
  • Invite the parents to community events for visitation, when safe to do so. Or make arrangements for a visit the parent wouldn't be able to afford, such as a zoo trip.
  • Transport the children to or from visits, if possible and safe.
  • Send the children with snacks or activities to visits.

Communicate with the family regularly. DCS encourages Shared Parenting to help build a strong relationship between the family and the caregiver. The family should be seen as the expert on their child, and it will help alleviate some of their anxiety and fear (possibly anger, as well) to know how and what their child is doing.

  • Ask the parents about the child's life and history before DCS involvement, medical history, likes and dislikes, etc. The more you know, the better you can support the child and family.
  • Send pictures, artwork, report cards, etc. to visits with the children.
  • Ensure that the parent is aware of medical and behavioral health appointments, and invite them to attend. If they cannot, provide them updates following the appointment.
  • Include parents in decisions about their children. They retain educational and medical rights, but including them in other decisions shows that you value their expertise on their child.
  • Involve parents or other family members in school functions/meetings. Invite them to sporting events, Parent Teacher Conferences, the science fair, etc., as is safe and appropriate.

Remember that safe reunification is best for the children. Children benefit from being with their family whenever possible. Keep this in mind in your words and actions.

  • Reunification is the first and best option.
  • It is comforting to children to know that their caregivers understand their wish to be with their family.
  • Remember, it is not about the adults in the situation, it is about the child's best interest, which is to be with their family.
  • All caregivers could benefit from additional training on reunification. There is always more to learn and consider. Be open to new experiences!

The American Bar Association has compiled resources for National Reunification Month that include articles, webinars, videos, podcasts, a calendar of activities (from 2021 but still helpful!), and more!

For more information or ideas to help support reunification, reach out to Rhiannon Schaudt-Hobkirk.

Reasonable & Prudent Parenting Standard: Travel

It's that time of year again where 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 needs (i.e. they need regular medical 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 required to provide, as those visits can be made up. In this case, court-ordered means that DCS has been specifically ordered by the court to ensure that the child is at the visitation.). 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. 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 order 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.

Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth During Pride Month and Beyond

LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bixexual, Transgender, Queer, and more) Pride Month is celebrated each June to recognize and honor the impact that LGBTQ+ individuals have had on history. The celebrations include parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia, concerts, and thousands of other events. In Phoenix, the Pride Festival was moved to October for 2022, but other cities may still have celebrations. Bisbee, Flagstaff, and Navajo Nation have events planned for June! Check your area to see what Pride events are happening. Be sure to use your best judgment regarding age- and developmental-appropriateness!

If events aren't in your wheelhouse or locale, there are plenty of other ways to support LGBTQ+ youth. Pride Month is a great excuse for a conversation starter, if you've been unsure how to broach the subject in the past, but support should be 24/7/365!

  • Listen to LGBTQ+ youth and be understanding.
  • Don't make assumptions about people’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
  • Speak out against homophobia, transphobia, and anti-LGBTQ+ harassment and discrimination.
  • Be a role model for kindness and inclusion. Speak out against the use of antigay slurs, stand up in the face of discrimination, educate others on how to support LGBTQ+ youth.
  • Be supportive of anyone who chooses to come out, including using their pronouns. Show them that they are safe to be authentic around you.
  • Attend LGBTQ+ events.
  • Read, learn about, and discuss LGBTQ+ issues and the rights of LGBTQ+ students.
  • Wear or display LGBTQ+-friendly buttons, stickers, or posters.
  • Be available to meet with school faculty or staff about these issues, including holding the school accountable for violating the school district’s nondiscrimination policy or state laws.
  • Help organize events like celebrations for LGBTQ+ History Month.
  • Be supportive but also seek support. PFLAG has a recommended reading list for the "coming out journey," and the Family Acceptance Project has a searchable map to locate resources in your area. Also, check out one-n-ten's Support Groups listed below!

For more information on how DCS and caregivers can and should support LGBTQ+ youth, review the official LGBTQ+ Policy and Practice Guidelines.

DCS Resources

When you open your home to a child in care, you will often hear various versions of "every case is different." While this is absolutely the truth, some things are set by law or policy, which should apply in the majority of cases. No one can be expected to know every law or policy, however we can provide the tools to help caregivers feel educated and empowered.

DCS Program Policy

This manual is the Department's interpretation of applicable federal and state laws and administrative code. This manual provides overall guidance for Department of Child Safety field staff, however, practice is implemented upon individual case circumstances. [Links to forms found in the DCS Policy and Procedures manual are not enabled for external users; however, forms referenced in the DCS Policy and Procedures Manual that have been approved for public view (and use) may be accessed through the DCS website at: https://dcs.az.gov/data/dcs-forms. If you have difficulty accessing a particular form, please free to contact us at PolicyUnit@azdcs.gov for assistance.]

Arizona Revised Statutes - Title 8: Child Safety; Chapter 4: Department of Child Safety

This online version of the Arizona Revised Statutes is primarily maintained for legislative drafting purposes and reflects the version of law that is effective on January 1st of the year following the most recent legislative session (which convened January 2022). The ARS covers how the Arizona Department of Child Safety must operate, including general operational policies, how children should be placed in homes, termination of parental rights, the ICPC process, permanency determination, and everything in between.

The "Go-To Guide:" A Guide for Foster and Kinship Caregivers

This Guide provides basic information about the child welfare system in Arizona to help you understand how children come into care, why they are there, and the rules and policies that have been created to protect children in out-of-home care. It has information about the roles and responsibilities of the people connected to the child welfare and court systems who may work with a child, his or her family, and your family.

Kinship Foster Care: Relatives Caring for Children in DCS Custody

This booklet isn't as much about policy as it is about resources and information for kinship caregivers. When families become licensed, they have their Licensing Worker and Agency to lean on for support, but kinship caregivers are usually learning as they go. This booklet may help answer some of the basic questions, such as what support they can receive and what community resources are available.

Guardian Navigation

Licensed Caregivers will be registered for Guardian when the license is entered by DCS. Information will be sent when it is completed.

As a Kinship Provider for Placement of a child(ren) who is in DCS custody, you need to register for the Provider Portal to submit invoices for payment, view history of payments, update payment preferences, and view the placement packet. [Note: Do not self-register for the Provider Portal. You will receive an email invitation with a unique link to register for the Provider Portal as a Kinship Provider after the child is placed in your home. If you have not received this invitation within 30 days of the child being placed, contact the Warmline for assistance.]

Below are some instructional videos for common functions of the Provider Portal:

Warmline

The Warmline is available to assist you in resolving issues, such as payment discrepancies or delays, updating Guardian information, or providing contact information for the current DCS Specialist. They will gather the necessary information and forward it on to the team that can meet your needs. When you call 877-543-7633 option 3, leave a message with your name and callback number, Provider Number (if you know it), a bit about the issue you are experiencing, and the name, date of birth, and date of placement of the affected child. You can also email your issue to kinship@azdcs.gov.

Shared Parenting Journal Feedback

We have run out of the initial printing of our Shared Parenting Journal! This means that many of you are using this tool to engage better with families, and we are so proud of your efforts! Before we print a second run of journals, we'd like to hear your feedback. If you have used the Shared Parenting Journal between April 2020 and now and are willing to complete a short survey to help improve the next edition, please email Rhiannon Schaudt-Hobkirk with the subject "Journal Feedback."

DCS CHP Urgent Care vs. Emergency Care

Save My Summer is Back!

AFFCF'S popular Save My Summer award category is back by popular demand! The category will be open May 16 - July 29, 2022 ONLY. Requests made after July 29 will not be considered.

A ONE TIME ONLY AWARD of up to $100 may be made for each child in your home so that you can purchase items for children that will SAVE MY SUMMER! Slip and slide? Board games? Water table? Science experiment? Arts and crafts? You name it...we will consider funding it.

Here's how it works:

  1. APPLY at affcf.org/apply, if you are a licensed or unlicensed foster parent or CASA. Caseworkers are not invited to apply at this time for a Save My Summer award.
  2. COMPLETE one application for each child you're requesting. Let us know what specific item(s) you're requesting in the description box on the application.
  3. GET approved for the award by AFFCF (You'll be notified via e-mail.). This is a VERY important step. If you make a purchase before your request is approved, we CANNOT reimburse you.
  4. PURCHASE the item(s) totaling up to $100 per approved award.
  5. SUBMIT your original receipts to AFFCF.
  6. LOOK for your reimbursement check in the mail.

Car Seat Safety Resources

The number one killer of children in Arizona is motor vehicle crashes. One simple item that could help save countless children is a properly installed child safety seat.

  • Did you know that 4 out of every 5 child car seats are installed incorrectly?!
  • Did you know that one third of children are riding in the wrong restraints for their age and size?
  • Over 1/3 of children use the wrong restraint for their size and age.
  • Children 5 - 8 years old should be riding in belt-positioning booster seats.

The Phoenix Fire Department can help you check or install a car seat to ensure safety. Make a reservation at one of the four locations!

Another fact: there is a special phone number to call to report a child unbuckled in a moving vehicle. Call 1-800-505-BABY and provide the license plate state and number, the city where the violation occurred, and the location of the child within the vehicle. The vehicle owner will receive a letter saying that an unbuckled child was observed and that the law requires children under five to be properly secured. The letter is not a ticket but serves as a chance to inform the owner of the vehicle about keeping children safe in the car.

Foster Ed

Supplemental School Tuition

Did you know that every school-age child in the care of DCS has up to two allowances of $165 per year to help pay for summer school or other tuition fees? Simply request it via the DCS Specialist, and they will submit a service request as they would for any other special allowance.

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!

Summer Movie Fun at Harkins

If it's summertime, that means two things: blockbuster movies and the Harkins Summer Movie Fun program for kids. For nearly 50 years, Harkins Theatres has brought back some of Hollywood's best family films to keep kids entertained and cool during the summer.

Make Harkins Summer Movie Fun an annual tradition for your family. Kids can enjoy a movie a week for 8 weeks, for just $1 per film. All adults must be accompanied by children. Guarantee your seats by purchasing your pass at the theatre box office!

Juneteenth

Juneteenth commemorates the day (June 19, 1865) that the remaining 250,000 enslaved Americans in Galveston Bay, Texas, were informed that the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed by President Abraham Lincoln, granting them freedom. Although Juneteenth does not hold significance to all Black/African descended peoples, the holiday is still important and can be celebrated and observed by people of all ethnic and racial backgrounds. According to Emanuel H. Brown, executive director of Acorn Center for Restoration and Freedom, "Juneteenth symbolizes the promise of freedom by any means necessary."

How can your family observe and celebrate Juneteenth? Check out some of the resources below!

Chauncey Ranch Camp

Gilbert Royal Family Kids Camp

We're hosting our 4th annual free summer camp for foster children ages 7-11. "Royal Family Kids" is a non-profit organization that hosts camps all over the world. The camp serves foster children ages 7-11 and takes place in Payson, AZ from July 18-22, 2022. We have a pediatrician and social workers on site 24/7 all week at camp, and every volunteer has completed a background check and has received training on trauma-informed care. Each camper has a camp counselor who devotes all their time to their 1 or 2 campers. We have horseback riding, arts and crafts, and three healthy meals a day. It's a great place for foster children to make positive memories at a summer camp. Applications for camp must be received by June 15, 2022.

To apply for the Gilbert Royal Family Kids Camp, summer 2022, DCS Specialists or Caregivers can complete an online application at https://form.jotform.com/220858093856164. The online application allows you to upload additional required documents, including immunization records.

Our goal is to make sure each child can attend camp for free. The cost for camp this year is $375 per child, which is the same amount that Arizona Friends of Foster Children will provide as a grant for any foster child wanting to attend a camp. Please apply for the available grant through AFFCF online at: www.affcf.org/general-awards/award-application. When you're completing the grant application, the vendor is Redeemer Bible Church and the vendor contact is Melissa Taylor. Forward the email confirmation you receive from AFFCF to RedeemerAZRFK@gmail.com. When you apply for the grant, they will ask you for a Royal Family Kids camp flier (see below).

Free Gym Membership for Teens

Teens 14-19 can work out for free all summer with us through August 31 at Planet Fitness! No parents allowed! Just kidding. Sort of. Although parents are welcome at PF any time, High School Summer Pass™ is just for teens 14 - 19. Under 18? Sign up with a parent/guardian (online or in-club) from May 16 - August 31.

Arizona Helping Hands Back to School Drive

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

CPR/First Aid Certification

Mindful Kiddos

Mindful Kiddos exists to provide an easy-to-start path for children to develop a self-compassion practice that will serve them throughout their lives. Our easy-to-use tools empower parents of all kinds to help children grow into their emotions, cope with stress, and process trauma in a healthy way.

Mindful Kiddos is beneficial for all growing humans, with extra attention on children in the Foster Care System, knowing how important it is to have a way to manage some big life transitions, confusion, anger, loneliness, and stress. A tool that is free and entirely theirs. Something that no one can take from them.

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.

Child & Family Resources Youth Mentoring Services Program

Child Crisis Arizona Education Programs

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 Helping Hands Birthday Dreams Program - Personalized birthday packages are wrapped and decorated with love by our volunteers and include; toys, games, books, puzzles, a stuffed animal, and sometimes even a bicycle to make the child’s birthday special. Any foster parent with a Notice to Providers from DCS or other approved document can fill out our online application up to 4 weeks before their child’s birthday. We are happy to provide gifts for children in foster care turning 1 – 21! Please visit azhelpinghands.org to learn more and submit your Birthday Dreams request.

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

Arizona Early Intervention Program

Yavapai CASA for Kids

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 1870 W. Prince, Suite 54 in Tucson.

Respite Resource

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.

Jordan W.

Jordan is described as loveable, charming and an energetic young man. Jordon loves video games, playing outside, playing basketball, swimming and jumping on the trampoline. Jordan is very social and makes friends easily.

Jordan was born in 2013.

Haley S.

Haley is a wonderful young lady who really cares about others. She makes friends and creates relationships with ease. Haley is respectful, caring, and wise beyond her years. Haley enjoys spending time with friends. Haley's ideal day would be during the summer, spending time with family and friends at the park pool. Haley likes to have fun with the people she cares about and eat with them. Haley loves a good ice cream cone or cold slushie on a hot summer day. Haley would like to be a pediatrician and a foster parent when she grows up.

Haley was born in 2008.

Jessie and Logan

Logan is a talkative, opinionated, and laughter-filled young boy. He likes to do anything outside, especially swimming. He enjoys looking at fire trucks and hopes to be a firefighter one day. He is unsure what the perfect day would look like, but knows he would like to play outside all day. Logan enjoys playing soccer and dreams of joining a team. He enjoys watching TV and eating pizza.

Jessie is a talkative, adventurous, and daring teenage boy. He likes to run outside, ride his bike, and do anything fun. Jessie also has a particular interest in gaming and would love to play video games all day if he could! He is a good student and loves to read. The ideal day for Jessie would include playing video games and sports, especially baseball and football. He also expressed a recent interest in learning how to skateboard and starting to learn karate.

Logan was born in 2010. Jessie was born in 2008.

AZ Families Thrive is published monthly by the Arizona Department of Child Safety to inform foster, kinship, and adoptive families across the state. Rhiannon Schaudt-Hobkirk created this edition. Please feel free to email with questions, comments, or content you may be interested in seeing in future editions. Sign up to receive email updates when new issues are posted.

Interested in becoming a foster or adoptive parent? Call us: 1-877-KIDS-NEEDU (1-877-543-7633) or email us: FosterAdoption@azdcs.gov. Visit us online: www.azkidsneedu.gov.

To report child abuse or neglect: 1-888-SOS-CHILD

Created By
Rhiannon Schaudt-Hobkirk
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