January 2022 Issue 46
National Hobby Month
Children need opportunities to express themselves and build self-esteem. Hobbies are an excellent way to do that! They can also be educational, by teaching them about the world around them or helping them set and achieve goals, solve problems, and make decision. They can also help determine what your child does later in life, as hobbies often turn into lifelong interests or careers. Provide your child with space for their hobby, and provide them with guidance, support, and encouragement. Teach them about perseverance even when things get tough and they want to quit; teach them personal responsibility and show them how to care for their tools and keep their work space clear. Hobbies can also help with developmental delays/deficiencies by having the child work on fine or gross motor skills, balance, counting, etc. Try consulting with your child’s service providers to see what hobbies they could try that may help enhance the areas where they struggle.
There is a plethora of hobbies that are great for children. As always, this is not an all-inclusive list. Check out your local community for resources. Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation may be able to help cover the cost of classes and supplies. Feel free to post your local resources on the Newsletter post in the foster groups on Facebook!
The programs through Free Arts are built using a trauma informed approach. Each program is constructed based on our program model ART + MENTORS = RESILIENCE and is led by trained staff, teaching artists, or volunteer mentors. Programs are evaluated on an ongoing basis to measure impact and ensure that children feel connected, creative, and cared for. Programs include a Weekly Mentor program, Professional Artist Series (focused art-making sessions designed to develop skills and self-efficacy, including painting, drawing, cooking, dancing, drumming, and beat-making), Camp Series, and more. In response to the pandemic, Free Arts has created Ready-To-Go Projects, Art Heals Videos, and Bravery Boxes, if in-person activities are not advised.
BICAS (Bicycle Inter-Community Art & Salvage) is a worker self-directed nonprofit 501(c)(3) bicycle center located just north of downtown Tucson. Relying largely on generous donations from our community, and responsible stewardship of those donations, BICAS is able to provide a variety of programs to learn how to fix a bicycle, earn a bicycle, create unique art from recycled materials, and provide programs specifically targeted towards youth. We believe in bicycles and other human-powered machines as essential vehicles for transportation justice, and we are always striving to make them more accessible to our community. Youth programs include Earn-a-Bike Classes (ages 8-12 and 13-18), Kids Fix It Classes (ages 5-8), and Youth Drop In (ages 8-18 but currently on hold due to COVID-19).
Childsplay’s mission is to create theatre so strikingly original in form, content or both that it instills in young people an enduring awe, love and respect for the medium, thus preserving imagination and wonder, those hallmarks of childhood that are the keys to the future. Their programs are extensive, including drama classes, Youth Ensemble Theatre, Inc., Young Playwrights for Change, Conservatory, Homeschool Classes, and more.
Phoenix Center for the Arts provides arts and culture opportunities for all through education, programming, and advocacy. The Center strives to be the premiere provider of arts and cultural experiences that improve, stimulate, and unite the communities we serve. The Center offers classes in art, music, theatre, writing, and dance classes for youth ages from ages 6 to 18.
Sunshine Craft Co prides itself on curating quality workshops for the creative crafter. Each student is able to learn a new skill during our workshop classes and put it into practice while receiving tips and tricks as they go. With our small workshop environment, each student will receive one-on-one attention and individual help. Each month our calendar of events changes to include a variety of macrame classes, painting experiences, community events, and visiting guest artists! We also sell a curated collection of craft kits, materials, and tools for getting creative at home.
Arizona Science Center's CAMP INNOVATION will inspire and engage curious minds through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) learning. Camps vary throughout the year and include hands–on activities connected to fun and exciting themes.
University of Arizona offers Youth & Family programming at UA Campus Recreation. We strive to provide the best care possible for your children throughout the school year, building the way for future Wildcats.
Lowell Observatory will be holding early learner camps throughout the year, as well as elementary and middle school summer science camps for 2022.
Victory for Kids MMA is a non-profit organization based in Chandler that provides quality martial arts training activities for children in foster care and teaches them self-control, confidence, self-reliance, empowerment, and leadership skills. Classes are currently held at Boxing Therapy & Fitness (6170 W Chandler Blvd Unit 4, Chandler, AZ 85226), Monday-Friday 4:30pm-5:30pm or 5:30pm-6:30pm for ages 5 to 14. Victory for Kids MMA has discounted the rate to $50 for children in care, however they will help apply for an award through Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation to cover the fee, and they will provide a free pair of boxing gloves. Contact James Koo Kang for more info: 480-313-0845
Tempe Yarn & Fiber (TYF), a family owned and operated local yarn shop, is committed to providing you the best products and the tools needed to be successful. We firmly believe: "it's not just a yarn shop....it's a community!" Classes include knitting, crochet, and spinning. We even have a weekly knit night to build up the fiber arts community!
At Sewin’ Asylum, we believe that sewing gives individuals an opportunity to be creative, problem-solve, and learn new things. When a child learns a new skill, they express joy and confidence. In this world we live in, sewing creates an opportunity to recycle, be self-reliant, and be bold. Let your child experience his or her creativity while sewing clothing, crafts, or quilts. We provide them the experience to learn something new while encouraging a growth mind-set and utilizing math-skills.
Spilled Batter is dedicated to whisking up confidence, creativity, and collaboration in kids by teaching them lifelong skills in the kitchen. From cooking and baking basics, to more elaborate meal preparation, Spilled Batter is the go-to school in Scottsdale, Arizona for children ages 3-13 to attend single classes, birthday parties or other themed sessions, and seasonal camps.
Outschool offers Over 140,000 Interactive Online Classes to keep kids ages 3-18 engaged with thousands of classes and camps on the topics they're most passionate about!
YouTube has videos about just about any craft or subject imaginable! Check it out for tutorials and informational videos!
Your local Parks and Recreation is a fantastic resource for a variety of hobbies, from sports to the arts to practical skills. Phoenix // Tucson
Bonus points: Involve your kiddo's family members in the hobby! Invite them to classes or send supplies with the child for parenting time to share. Send completed projects as gifts for the parent's birthday or upcoming holidays. Ask the parents about their hobbies and ask them to share with the child during parenting time.
Provider Indemnity Program
Did you know that the State of Arizona provides liability coverage for foster caregivers while caring for a child in DCS care? The Provider Indemnity Program, better known as PIP, provides insurance to cover losses caused by an occurrence or wrongful act resulting from the actions of an individual provider or a covered client. The claim does NOT go through DCS or your licensing agency, nor do you need permission to file a claim; it should be submitted directly to the Office of the Attorney General.
The Therapeutic Parenting Podcast
The Therapeutic Parenting Podcast is brought to you by the Centre of Excellence in Child Trauma. We are committed to providing people living and working with child trauma with proven strategies to achieve the best possible outcomes for families. *Note: The views in this podcast do not reflect the views of the Arizona Department of Child Safety.
Adoption Tax Credit
Tax season is coming up quickly. Be prepared and knowledgeable regarding how foster care and adoption affect your tax preparation. Note: DCS employees are NOT tax professionals and CANNOT answer tax questions. Your assigned Specialist can provide you with the SSN of the children in your care or a letter stating placment dates if an audit occurs. Consult a tax professional for further questions.
Shared Parenting Tips
What is shared parenting? Shared parenting is the relationship between an out of home caregiver, like a foster parent, and the birth parent(s) of the child in their care. This relationship is important for making the child's transition into care as comfortable as possible. In addition to making them feel comfortable, throughout this journey of building a new family, you must remember that safe reunification is what’s best for the children in your care. It’s comforting to them when they know you understand they want to be with their birth parents and to keep that relationship in focus.
Going forward, each issue of Thrive will have tips and info regarding shared parenting and how to engage better with families. If you have tips, information on activities, want to share success stories, or are in need of a Shard Parenting Journal, email Rhiannon Schaudt-Hobkirk.
Tip: Michael's Arts and Crafts has in-store events each week with a free make-and-take craft. Upcoming crafts include painted jars, tube snowman, a bookmark, a watercolor painting, and several more. These would be great activities for the parent to do during parenting time, if they want to arrange to have their visit near a Michael's store, or you can have the child make the craft and gift it to their parent. Check your or parent's local store for the schedule!
Info: Child Welfare Information Gateway has some resources that may assist, including:
- Shared Family Care and Shared Parenting
- Birth Parent/Foster Parent Relationships to Support Family Reunification
- Preparing Foster Parents for Collaborative Relationships
- A comprehensive library of child welfare resources, where you can search for further resources on shared parenting and related keywords. If you are not finding what you are looking for, you can ask for assistance from our librarians via library@childwelfare.gov.
Tucson Free Training Programs - Young Adults 18+
GAP kitchen is now recruiting for our next session of our FREE Culinary training program. It will begin on 01/31/2022. If you know anyone with a desire to join the hospitality/culinary industry who would like to join our free 10 week program that serves under and unemployed individuals send them our way. Just a reminder.....it is a 40 hour a week culinary boot camp. We teach them everything they need to know to get a head start in the culinary field. We also provide financial education with life & leadership skills. A holistic approach to change people's lives! If you or someone you know could benefit from this program, help us get the word out to those in need! And have them return the attached application to GAP Kitchen via email, or they can drop it off at 2861 N. Flowing Wells 85705 Suite 161, Tucson.
MPG Tire and Auto, in conjunction with GAP Ministries, is looking for motivated, hardworking individuals with a desire to learn the automotive industry. This free10-week course is centered around the skills necessary to succeed as an entry level automotive service technician. The intention of this program is to ensure graduates that take full advantage of this course will be capable of finding employment within the automotive industry. Preferably with us at MPG. Previous automotive experience is welcomed but not required. The next session of classes begins 01/31/2022. Just a reminder.....it is a 400 hour automotive boot camp. We teach them everything they need to know to get a head start in the automotive field. We know that success is not just learning a trade, it must accompany financial & life/leadership training. Upon graduation, 100% of the students are offered jobs with MPG at one of their 13 locations in 2 states. Pretty amazing! If you or someone you know could benefit from this program, help us get the word out to those in need! And have them return the attached application to GAP Kitchen via email, or they can drop it off at 2861 N. Flowing Wells 85705 Suite 161, Tucson.
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 are parents and family members of children with disabilities and can relate to the challenges facing parents and family members who call for support. Our staff receives on-going 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.
This help 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 Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents
The Arizona Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents was founded in 2003 to serve the foster, adoptive and kinship families who care for Arizona’s most vulnerable children. We are all volunteers, and all foster and adoptive parents. We believe there is strength in numbers, and in speaking with one voice for Arizona’s foster and adoptive families. Please join us and help to make all of us stronger and better in our service to the children in Arizona!
Papa John's Partnership
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
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, authorizations for services, 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. Warmline staff are available during business hours. 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 from toddlers to teenagers. Some have special behavioral or medical needs, some are without siblings, and others are in groups of siblings.
Zoie
Zoie loves the Disney Channel and absolutely loves Halloween time! Dressing up is her favorite part of Halloween and you can find her picking out a witch costume each year. In addition to dressing up, Zoie loves getting as much chocolate candy as possible while trick or treating. Zoie is photogenic and she knows it! She loves having her picture taken, getting her nails and hair done as well.
Zoie was born in 2005.
De'Juan K.
De'Juan is a socialable and active boy. In his free time, he likes to play sports, video games, and card games. He especially enjoys playing basketball or football outside. His favorite professional sports team is the Seattle Seahawks. De'Juan also loves sub sandwiches and one of his favorite restaurants is Subway. De'Juan likes listening to music and likes to rap. When it comes to peronality, De'Juan can be very entertaining, outgoing and funny. De'Juan is a smart kid who enjoys learning new things. He says his favorite "subject" at school is recess because he gets to play football with his friends. In his free time De'Juan raps and looks forward to his future career goals of becoming a famous rapper.
De'Juan was born in 2008.
Nathan, Daisy, and Gilberto
Daisy is an active and happy child who loves to talk and is curious about the world around her and is sensitive. Daisy enjoys games, sports, school, trying new foods, riding her bike, arts and technology.
Gilberto is the middle child. Gilberto expresses joy and likes to be active outside, eating new foods and hands on activities.
Nathan is introverted, caring and a true older big brother and protector. Nathan enjoys athletics, riding his bike, trying new foods, video games, drawing, animals and socializing with his friends.
Daisy was born in 2012; Gilberto was born in 2011; and Nathan 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