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May 2023 Issue 62

National Foster Care Month

As we all know, foster care is a vital and rewarding experience that provides children with stable, loving homes and families when they need it most. However, the need for foster families is constantly growing, and many communities struggle to find enough homes to meet the demand. Current and former foster families are in a unique position to help recruit others to foster. Here are some ideas for how you can do so:

  • Share your story. You can share your experiences and the joys and challenges of foster care with others. You can speak at local events, share your story on social media, or participate in panels to educate the community about the need for foster families.
  • Host information sessions. You can host information sessions or gatherings for others who are interested in fostering. You can invite representatives from your licensing agency to speak about the process and answer questions.
  • Connect with faith-based organizations. Many faith-based organizations are interested in supporting foster care initiatives. You can connect with your local churches, synagogues, or mosques to spread the word about the need for foster families and encourage members to get involved. Even if members are not able to foster, there are still so many ways they can support foster care!
  • Partner with schools and community organizations. Schools and community organizations are often looking for ways to give back to their communities. You can partner with these organizations to organize events and activities that raise awareness of foster care and recruit potential foster families.
  • Be a mentor. Current caregivers can serve as mentors to other families who are considering fostering. You can share your knowledge and experience, offer support, and help guide them through the process. Speak with your licensing worker about getting paired with a family!
  • Participate in recruitment campaigns. Licensing agencies and DCS constantly run recruitment campaigns to encourage more families to get involved, and we are always looking for families to share their story. If you have a story you think would benefit recruitment efforts, please reach out to see how you can become involved!
  • Host a foster care day. You can organize a foster care day in your community, where you can invite potential foster families to meet with current foster families, hear their stories, and learn more about the process.

If you are in need of materials, such as informational brochures or cards with the link to the DCS orientation, please reach out, and the DCS Recruitment and Retention team would be happy to get you whatever you need!

Foster Family Appreciation

Being a foster parent is challenging and rewarding. Foster parents like you open your heart and your home to the children that need you most and give so much to the Arizona community each day. At DCS, we recognize this service and are thankful for you all year round, but this month, Foster Care Month, signifies a time for us to do a little more to show our appreciation.

It is because of foster parents like you that the children of Arizona have a safe place to call home. Over the next month, we hope you’ll enjoy these deals, discounts, and freebies from DCS and some of our friends.

Arizona Science Center and Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation invite you for a FREE day of wonder and imagination! Arizona foster families are invited to explore Arizona Science Center with free general admission on Saturday, May 13, 9:30-4:00pm. 1,000 tickets are available, limit 4 tickets per family. This is a first come first served event. Tickets cannot be reserved ahead of time, and you must present a valid foster license to claim your free tickets.

Additional tickets can be purchased for $3 each (limit 4 per family) with code 5854 at online checkout or on site throughout the month of May. Visit azscience.org or call 602-716-2000 for more information.

Explore all of the appreciation offers available this month below:

  • Arizona Science Center - Get $3 self-guided admission tickets (limit 4 per family). Ticket discount redeemable ON-SITE only. Valid all of May.
  • Arizona State Park Pass - FREE annual pass to Arizona State Parks for foster families. Good for one car holding up to 11 people. Request a pass. You must include your first and last name, as well as your mailing address. Valid all year.
  • Boyce Thompson Arboretum - Free admission to Boyce Thompson Arboretum with the presentation of valid Foster Parent identification at check-in (Active Foster License or NTP). Valid all of May.
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria - $10 off entire purchase for dine-in/ carry-out/delivery (can be redeemed at all stores). Promo code: "AZDCS23". Valid all of May.
  • OdySea Aquarium - Receive $8 off adult admission and $6 off kids admission on-site at the OdySea Aquarium with valid Foster Parent identification (Active Foster License or NTP). Valid Saturday and Sunday May 20th and 21st ONLY.

Mother's Day for ALL Mothers

Mother's Day is a special occasion that celebrates the love and dedication of mothers everywhere. For birth mothers of children in foster care, however, this day can be bittersweet. While they may still love and miss their children, the circumstances of their separation can make it difficult to fully participate in the holiday. That's why it's so important to include birth mothers in Mother's Day activities and celebrations, both for their own sake and for the well-being of their children.

First and foremost, including birth mothers in Mother's Day activities and celebrations can help to maintain the bond between mother and child. This bond is crucial for the child's sense of identity and can help to mitigate the trauma of being separated from their birth family. By involving the birth mother in the celebration, we are acknowledging the important role she plays in the child's life and showing that her love and care are still valued.

Secondly, including birth mothers in Mother's Day activities and celebrations can help to normalize the experience of foster care. As with any other holiday or special occasion, it's important to make sure that all members of the family feel included and valued. By including birth mothers in the celebration, we are sending the message that they are still a part of the family, even if they are not physically present.

Thirdly, including birth mothers in Mother's Day activities and celebrations can help to build trust and positive relationships between birth parents and foster parents. This can be especially important if the child is eventually reunified with their birth family, as it can help to smooth the transition and make it easier for everyone involved.

There are many ways to include birth mothers in Mother's Day activities and celebrations. For example, they could be invited to attend a special brunch or other gathering, or to participate in a virtual celebration if they are unable to be there in person. Foster parents could also make a special effort to include birth mothers in the day by having the child handmake a gift for her or by ensuring that any gifts made in school are given to her.

Of course, there may be situations where including birth mothers in Mother's Day activities and celebrations is not possible or appropriate. For example, if there are safety concerns or if the birth mother is not interested in participating. In these cases, it's important to be respectful and sensitive to the mother's wishes, while still doing everything possible to maintain the connection between her and her child.

In conclusion, including birth mothers in Mother's Day activities and celebrations is an important part of supporting children in foster care and maintaining positive relationships between birth parents and foster parents. By doing so, we can help to normalize the experience of foster care, build trust and positive relationships, and support the emotional well-being of everyone involved. Let's make sure that all mothers, birth and foster, feel loved and valued on this special day.

Guardian Tips - Payment Status

Did you know that you can track the status of your monthly reimbursement? If not, check out the process below!

  • Once submitted via Guardian, invoices will move to the “submitted invoices” tab.
  • The “payment processing” process/status will take 7-10 business days once the invoice is successfully submitted.
  • “Disbursed” means that the funds have been sent to the bank, however it will take an additional 2-3 business days for the bank to credit the deposit (depending on your bank).
  • Once the funds have been disbursed, the invoice will move to the “completed invoices” tab.
  • If you choose to receive a physical check, “warranted” means that the check was issued and likely mailed within 1-2 business days of the "warranted" date.
  • “Cashed” means that the direct deposit has been completed or the physical check has been cashed.
  • If it has been more than 10 business days since the invoice was submitted and the direct deposit has not been received or the check is showing as cashed but was not cashed by you, please contact PPU at 602-255-3300 to have it traced or reissued.

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 the the Warmline again regarding the same issue.

Finish the School Year Strong with AFFCF!

The school year is almost over, and AFFCF wants to help your children finish strong! Our tutoring award category allows a maximum amount of $400 per month for up to two hours per week of one-on-one tutoring.

Not quite sure where to look for a tutor? Check out AFFCF's preferred partners! From elementary to high school levels, our preferred partners provide a wide range of tutoring programs for your children.

Worried about your child losing their progress over the summer months? Tutoring awards are still available to help learning continue. Tutoring applications are awarded via direct pay by check and requests for tutoring reimbursements cannot be considered. Before you apply, be sure to review our tutoring guidelines.

Please note: You are not obligated to select an AFFCF preferred partner for tutoring. Our preferred partner program is meant to be a convenience for our caregivers and all the vendors on our partner list offer a discount for young people in foster care.

It's Summer Camp Season with AFFCF!

Looking to send your children to a summer camp, but not quite sure where to look? Check out AFFCF's preferred partners! From sibling camps to adventure camps to sports camps, our preferred partners provide a wide range of camp opportunities for your children.

Remember, AFFCF guidelines allow for one week of camp one time per year, per child at a maximum of $425. Before applying, please check your AFFCF account (Step 4 - Status of Requests) to make sure you have not already used your child's camp award for 2023.

Please make sure to contact your chosen camp directly for availability and how to secure your child's place.

Please note: You are not obligated to select an AFFCF preferred partner for camp. Our preferred partner program is meant to be a convenience for our caregivers and all the vendors on our partner list offer a discount for young people in foster care.

UMPS CARE Charities All-Star College Scholarship

The All-Star Scholarship is open to children adopted at or after the age of 13 (or who have exited foster care to permanent guardianship) to provide increased opportunities for advanced education. Each year, one student will be selected to receive the scholarship. This student will be eligible to receive up to $10,000 annually to go towards tuition, books, and other college-related expenses.

EQ Festival Presented By Ser Kallai

Summer and Foster Family Camps

Kinship Fair - Flagstaff

AZ Youth Leadership Forum (AZYLF)

The Summer 2023 AZYLF Season is here!

Arizona Youth Leadership Forum (AZYLF) for Teens and Young Adults is an innovative multi-day conference that is free of charge to participants.

  • Arizona Youth Leadership Forum Western Region: June 5-9
  • Arizona Youth Leadership Forum Central Region: June 12-16

The Western and Central Region AZYLF conferences are for youth and young adults who have disabilities, who are either currently in high school, or who are under the age of 30 (whether or not they are students).

  • Arizona Youth Leadership Forum for Indigenous Youth & Young Adults: June 21-25

This AZYLF conference is for indigenous youth and young adults who do and do not have disabilities, who are either currently in high school, or who are under the age of 30 (whether or not they are students).

Project Wear Grant

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

PAX Tools

Arizona Caregivers are Talking About PAX Workshops!

“This is one of the best trainings I have taken in a while. The app is helpful.”

“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”

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

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.

Caregivers who participate in a 2.5-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:

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

More Than a Bed - Tucson

Spreading Threads - Tucson

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. On 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.

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.

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.

Bowie

Bowie is an incredibly kind and intelligent young person. They prefer the pronouns they/them. Bowie is super resourceful and able to learn technology very quickly. Bowie is also a gifted artist. They have a wonderful voice, and they love to sketch. Their newest venture is learning how to play the guitar.

Bowie was born in 2007.

Brandon, Logan, and Trevor

Brandon really likes superhero toys. His favorite are Spider-Man, Captain America, Black Panther, Hulk, Batman, and Captain Marvel. He also loves Pokemon, playing video games, and swimming. Brandon enjoys theater class, dance class, and whimsical, free-spirited activities, as well as arts and crafts.

Logan is into Paw Patrol, PJ Mask, and Legos. He loves visits with his brothers, the drama program at school, anything electronic, splash pads, and the Desert Museum. Logan loves to be outside. He would like to join gymnastics. His top three favorite things are movies, ice cream, and dancing crazy.

Trevor's favorite thing is his collection of stuffies! He is learning to take care of animals by being responsible for feeding the dog, learning how to pet them, and making them feel loved. Trevor also likes to go to the movies, play video games, and go out to McDonald's. Trevor wants to be a scientist or game developer when he grows up.

Brandon was born in 2014. Logan was born in 2016. Trevor was born in 2013.

Kevin

If you love superheroes, you're going to love Kevin! Kevin is an avid DC fan. His eyes light up when he sees a DC comic and will tell you all about the different characters and their stories (some he makes up on his own). Kevin also likes Legos, trucks, and coloring. Kevin has an amazing imagination that allows for some great adventures during playtime. Kevin loves school. He says that it is "Action Packed!" Who doesn't love an action-packed classroom? He enjoys spending time with his peers and playing games.

Kevin was born in 2013.

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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