April 2020 Issue 25

Thank You!

For many of us, the last few weeks have been incredibly difficult, as we all have had to learn to navigate unfamiliar territory, during a time of stress and uneasiness. The DCS family understands that managing the needs of your family and work, coupled with the needs and expectations of being a foster family, has been no easy task. We want to thank you for your resiliency, efforts, and most of all, for maintaining a safe, loving, and stable home for children, as we move through the unprecedented experiences resulting from COVID-19. As we move into May, National Foster Care month, please know that we are forever appreciative of the sacrifices you have made to provide a sense of normalcy to the children in your care.

Please remember to use the Warmline with any questions you may have, we are here to assist. The Warmline number is: 1-877-543-7633. For Foster and Kinship questions, select option 3. The line is staffed from 8am to 5pm, and you can also leave a message.

Resources During COVID-19 Quarantine

If you are in need of diapers, baby wipes, formula, clothing, or other essential items, please send an email to volunteer@azdcs.gov. We will do our best to fulfill your request. Be sure to include the following information:

• Your full name
• Type of caregiver (foster, kinship, etc)
• Case ID, if known (located on child's Notice to Provider)
• Physical Address for delivery (also mailing address if different)
• Phone Number
• Description of need
• Name of DCS Specialist

Anxiety

During this time, all of us, including our children, may be experiencing higher than normal levels of anxiety. It is important to remember that anxiety will manifest differently in each individual. Below is a chart of some of the ways anxiety will present. It is important that we take time to manage our emotions and teach our children to do the same.

Neurosequential Model in Caregiving

Dr. Bruce Perry of the the Neurosequential Model in Caregiving is hosting “office hours.” Each week he hosts discussions to help manage the challenges associated with COVID-19. These discussions are recorded for later viewing. Please click below for more information.

The graphic above is from the recently launched foster parent recruitment campaign called "You are Essential". The campaign highlights the need for foster families as we navigate the uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you know of a family interested in becoming a foster family, please share the link below with them. Have them list your name in the "How did you hear about us" field, for you to be eligible for our $200 referral program. Referral bonuses are sent once the referred family is licensed and has been verified. Only referrals made through this link will be considered for the referral program.

Parenting Resources

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. Additional they will be matching mentor foster families with foster families in need of support.

Caring Connections for Special Needs

Free Arts of Arizona Programs

Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona transforms children’s trauma to resilience through the arts. And because we know how much children rely on the hope and creativity that Free Arts programs and mentors bring, we are excited to announce that we are putting alternate programs in place that comply with the current community safety guidelines. We hope you’ll use the links below to connect with us and continue bringing art to the children you serve (and to yourself!).

Art Heals Videos: A YouTube video series accessible to everyone that includes:

• Free Arts Family- Trauma-Informed videos for younger children with a "Mr. Rogers" feel, introducing basic self-awareness concepts and art-based coping tools
• Professional Artist Series-Teaching artist-led workshops or series
• Alumni Experience Videos-Real-life talks and art created by Free Art Alumni.
• Caregiver Community- A weekly online meting and corresponding Facebook group where partner agency staff members and foster parents can experience connection and Creativity!

Virtual Things to Do

Virtual Field Trips

Here is a list of virtual field trips that was put together by a middle school teacher, Mrs. Fahrney. There are lots of places across the world to explore.

Meal Assistance Programs

United Food Bank Information

If you are in need of food resources please check out the link below to United Food Bank. Food distribution is on Fridays from 8am-noon. Please click below for more information.

Please remember to check your local school districts which are offering meals to all people under the age of 18.

Arizona Science Center Launches Virtual Birthday Parties

Arizona Science Center is hosting virtual birthday parties! Led by our science educators, choose one of our interactive STEM experiences—chemical reaction experiments, rocket launches, bubble art or slime making—and delight your party guests with our new virtual birthday parties.

Learning at Home

Tucson Resource

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

Children's Heart Gallery

More than 70 percent of the children who are free for adoption 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 from toddlers to teenagers. Some have special behavioral or medical needs, some are without siblings, and others are in groups of siblings.

Matthew S.