CFS Contacts - Foster VC Kids

June/July
Foster VC Kids Manager Message
Greetings Dedicated Resource Families! “Casserian Engeri?”
The Masai, a fabled and accomplished African Tribe, were known for their fearsome might and intellect. Despite their recognition and prowess as
formidable warriors, the safety and wellbeing of their children reigned supreme. Hence the standard greeting among its people, “Casserian Engeri,”
translation, “And how are the children?” They placed a high value on the peace and safety of their children, acknowledging that the health of their
community depended upon the proper care and protection of the young and vulnerable. This was their culture’s greeting whether a person had
children of their own, or not. The traditional reply was, “All the children are well.” This affirmed their society was functioning properly and responsibly
for the future health of all. I want to thank you once again for accepting the charge of caring for the wellbeing of our community by caring especially
for our children in need.
I also want to take this moment to offer a special thank you for our Peer Partner Educators who ask many of you each week “And how are the
children?” In addition to looking after children in foster care, they look after many of our foster and relative caregivers to ensure that you have
the resources and support you need. Through sharing their knowledge and experience, they have helped hundreds of caregivers find support and
stability, so that you can say “I am well” and “the children are well.” Thank you for the service of the following Peer Partner Educators this last year:
Wendy Homan, Rodrigo Diaz, Imelda Clemons, Carole Bradley, Leah Davis, Maria Gomez, Alexa Schumacher, Gina Baxter, Lupe Cervantes, Leah Davis,
Sylvia De Santiago, Laura Figueroa, Bill Lehtonen, Rose MacKay. As our PPE programs expand, please let us know if you would like to join the ranks of
those who ask “And how are the children?”
May all of our children be well. Thank you for all you have done in partnership with us, thank you for all the children you have helped to heal, and
thank you for what you will continue to do to make our communities well.
Very truly yours,
Elizabeth Thasiah, Program Manager
“Casserian Engeri” Acknowledgement to Gregory McKay, Director of Arizona Department of Child Safety
CFS Contacts
Recruitment, Development & Support Info Line
RDS Manager
CFS Hotline Licensing- NEW NUMBER! Relative Approval
Placement Vacancy Line
RFA Officer of the Day Adoptions
Youth Services Division
654-3220
654-5594
654-3200
654-3405
654-3405
289-1900
654-3405
240-2700
240-2700
Rx for Kids Public Health Program
Children’s Health & Disability Prevention Nurse
General Info Emergency Response & Court Units
General Info Ongoing Unit
General Info East County
General Information Family Support & Collaboration CSA Reimbursements
Field Based Case Aids ILP Coordinators
Eligibility Officer of the Day
289- 9308
240-2700
654-3444
240-2700
955-2290
654-3405
654-3220
654-3444
240-2700
654-3409
National Foster Parent Association &
National Kinship Alliance for Children
2016 National Convention
Better Together: Collaborating for Kids!
June 22 through June 25, 2016
Flamingo Hotel- Las Vegas, NV
The National Foster Parent Association (NFPA) and the
National Kinship Alliance for Children (NKC) are pleased to
present a combined national convention.
For more information please log onto to
http://nfpaonline.org/conv2016
Aspiranet
Strengthening Children, Youth, Families, and Communities. Aspiranet
had a wonderful article published in the May issue of Parents Magazine,
just in time for National Foster Care Month. Click on the link below to
read about one of their inspiring foster moms who became a forever
family to six beautiful sisters! http://www.parents.com/parenting/
adoption/stories/love-times-six-meet-the-foster-mom-who-adopteda-half-dozen-sisters/
21st Century Foster Parenting Preservice
Classes Open To All Caregivers!
CFS has updated its preservice training for caregivers going through
the approval process. This change in the preservice was effective in
July, 2015. The new training has an emphasis on trauma informed
care, partnering and co-parenting. For those caregivers who have
not had the opportunity to take the new classes, you are welcome to
sign up for them to earn training hours towards your annual licensing
requirement. It is recommended to take sessions 1, 2, and 3 for the
greatest benefit and are encouraged to take all 8 sessions. Childcare is
available. For more information please call RDS at 654-3220.
Nurses Corner: Medi-Cal Expansion for Undocumented Children
Book Review: The Connected Child
Did you miss the opportunity to attend the Empowered to Connect
Simulcast in April? If you did, you can learn more about the therapeutic
parenting techniques featured at the conference by reading The Connected
Child, by Dr. Karyn Purvis, Dr. David Cross, and Wendy Lyons Sunshine. Their
research shows that traumatized children heal through loving relationships,
and only through connections can we help our children to correct
maladaptive behaviors. The Connected Child is an easy read outlining the
techniques of TBRI®, or Trust Based Relational Intervention®.
Children who have experienced trauma over an extended period of
time have chronically elevated levels of stress hormones that impair
their ability to learn and cope in healthy ways. This results in behavior
that may appear to be “willful misbehavior”, but is in reality a “brain
problem” where they are stuck in a primitive fight, flight, or freeze
response. By building safe, loving relationships with our foster children
we can literally help their brain chemistry to change by reducing the
levels of stress hormones (Cortisol) in their system. This in turn helps
them to access the parts of the brain that control executive functioning,
or critical thinking and decision making so they can learn healthy ways
of coping and responding to stress.
Did you know that Governor Jerry Brown expanded Medi-Cal to
all lower-income California children younger than 19, regardless of
immigration status? Medi-Cal provides free or low-cost preventive
medical care and treatments including vision, dental and mental health
care. Undocumented and mixed-status families who are incomeeligible for Medi-Cal should know that their children will be eligible for
full-scope Medi-Cal starting this month.
Therapeutic parenting may seem counterintuitive, and in fact
many believe that it actually rewards children for bad behavior!
However, this is not the case at all! Therapeutic parenting allows
for - and requires - correction of a child’s misbehavior, but in a
loving way rather than a punitive manner. By reducing the child’s
level of stress hormones through loving relationships, they are actually
more receptive to learning and making long term positive change.
All kids with restricted-scope Medi-Cal (also known as “emergency
Medi-Cal”) will automatically transition to full-scope Medi-Cal without
having to fill out a new application. This is a great opportunity for
undocumented children to get the health care they deserve.
CFS encourages foster parents to utilize positive parenting techniques
including TBRI®. You can receive foster parent training hours by reading
The Connected Child and completing the Foster Parent Self Guided
Training Record. For more information please contact RDS at 654-3200.
To learn about the “5 Things You Need To Know About Medi-Cal
Expansion For Undocumented Children” click here http://vcportal.
ventura.org/hsa/docs/brochures/pdf/2016-04-06_5Things_MediCalExpansion_Eng.pdf .
Working With Your Channel Islands Respite Caregiver
Since 2010, Channel Islands Social Services (CISS) has been partnering with
the County of Ventura to provide free In-Home Respite Care to Foster and
Kinship Caregivers. In that time amazing relationships have been developed
between the families and the CISS Respite staff. Foster/Kinship Caregivers
are looking for someone to come into their home who are reliable, take their
job seriously and follow the existing family routines. Families and Respite
Caregivers often comment that the biggest factor that increases satisfaction
and collaboration for everyone is having open and ongoing communication.
When a child is initially placed in the home, everyone is new to the relationship
and is assessing needs. Over time, relationships develop and routines are
established. CISS Respite Caregivers find it beneficial when they are informed
and kept up to date on this process. Here are some helpful tips from Respite
Caregivers to involve them in the family and child’s circle of support:
•
•
Discuss family routines and expectations with the Respite
Caregivers. This includes which chores/responsibilities each child
has and how behaviors should be addressed. Many of the children
have experienced trauma and the Respite Caregivers want to make
sure to address the child’s behaviors and communication needs in
the best way.
If the child had a difficult visit with their birth parent, let the Respite
Caregivers know when they come to support you. Often, a child’s
demeanor and behavior intensify after a visit. Let the caregivers
know what the “do’s and don’ts” are so they can help ease the
child’s anxiety.
•
Go over what type of communication works best for you and for
your caregivers and review how support will be scheduled. Some
families schedule their hours for the entire month while others text
the caregiver on an as needed basis. Is texting, a phone call or an
email preferred as a way to confirm the appointment? At the end of
the respite shift, how will debriefing take place? Will it be a verbal
debriefing or something written in a care log for the child, or by a
short text once the caregiver is out of the house?
•
Give yourself time to meet and do some training with the Respite
Caregivers that is specific to your home and your children. This
allows the child to feel comfortable with the new person in the
home and allows you to assess if the person will be a match. Review
information on emergency contacts, location of first aid kit, any
behavior plan in place, and other relevant information regarding all
children.
The Foster and Kinship Respite Program is a wonderful service provided to
eligible families that does not exist in most Counties throughout the State.
Ventura County H.S.A. funds this family strengthening service to help recruit
and retain foster and kinship families. At CISS, we are always looking for ways
to improve the quality of our services. Any suggestions or concerns, please
contact our office- (805) 384-0983 or the Family Services Manager- Edith
Wysinger, M.S., at [email protected]
n Event for Current
Milestones Celebratio18
and Older
and Former Foster Youth
This event has historically been a “Graduation celebration”
each June. However, in recent years, it has evolved into
“Milestones” and recognition has expanded to include
other achievements by current and former foster youth as
well. This year will be even more inclusive and will honor:
1. Completion of high school
2. Receiving a TEACh scholarship
3. Being over 18 and reaching a “significant” milestone
This can be anything the youth would like to celebrate
publicly. For example:
• Completing a semester of college
• Receiving a vocational certificate
• Getting an internship, job or a promotion
• Reconnecting with a sibling or family member
Any youth that is turning 18 or older, has ever been in
foster care in Ventura County at any time, and can identify
something that they would like to celebrate with their
peers and supporters, is encouraged to contact Milestones
to receive an invitation.
Milestones will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at
California State University, Channel Islands and will include
a keynote speaker, dinner, music, and a photo booth, as
well as gifts and prizes for the youth being honored. The
honorees are encouraged to bring 2 guests. The event is
funded entirely by donations from individuals, agencies,
churches and businesses in our community. There is no
cost for any of the honorees or their quests. For more
information about Milestones, please go to the website at
www.milestonesvc.org or e-mail [email protected].
Regal Summer
Movie Express 2016
Admission to the Summer Movie Express is only $1.
Tickets available for purchase at the box office and all
movies start at 10:00 am. Each week both movies play
on both days. A portion of the proceeds goes to the
Will Rogers Institute. For more information and to see
the movie listings for this summer, visit the website
here http://www.regmovies.com/Movies/SummerMovie-Express?
Ventura County Office of Education
- Career Education Center
The Career Education Center provides a great opportunity for
youth to enhance their education and career goals. Formerly
known as ROP, the Career Education Center is on a mission
to recruit more foster youth into the program. The courses
are offered county-wide, some at high schools and some at
the central Camarillo campus. Students who are interested
in signing up for these courses should meet with their
counselors NOW – and get registered for fall. The courses
are mainly offered to juniors and seniors but there are some
exceptions. For more information and to view the course
catalog which shows all of the different courses now offered
through the program, please visit the website at http://www.
vcoe.org/cec
CSA Summer Camp Directory 2016
The Children’s Services Auxiliary is pleased to offer scholarships for camp expenses for Ventura County’s court-dependent children who wish to
experience the excitement of residential or day camp. Caregivers may select any camp that meets the child’s needs. Camp scholarships are offered
year-round until funds are exhausted. There is a limited amount of funding so be sure to process your request early! Funds will be distributed on a
first come first served basis. For more information on reimbursement and to see the 2016 camp directory, please log onto the Foster VC Kids website
at http://fostervckids.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/2016-CSA-Summer-Camp-Directory-final1.pdf
Beyond Royal Family Kids Camps - New Teen Reach Reach nature in the great outdoors. They will be encouraged to reach their
Adventure Camp for Youth Ages 12 to 15 in Ventura County! own personal goals and set new ones! Teamwork, trust, and selfGirls Camp: 6/30 to 7/3
Boys Camp: 7/7 to 7/10/16
Have your kids graduated from Royal Family Kids Camp and now they
are too old to attend? Not to worry! Now there is a free Teen Reach
Adventure Camp (T.R.A.C.) endorsed by Royal Family Kids Camp. These
are three day, single gender camps where youth ages 12-15 and residing
in foster care can enjoy the outdoors while learning teamwork and
participating in activities that improve trust, self value, and teamwork.
Teen Reach gives campers the opportunity to work hard and play hard
while learning to value themselves and others. T.R.A.C. is a safe place
for youth with safe people who care about them - and is geared for the
camper's success!
Campers will learn how to work with their team on a challenge course,
go hiking, fishing, horseback riding, practice archery, and learn about
value are emphasized at every T.R.A.C. Each camper is given positive
affirmation and encouraged to set goals they can achieve! For more
information and to learn how you can register youth for T.R.A.C. contact
Camp Directors Nick and Jess Mehle at [email protected] or
call 805-377-1360.
Public Pools in Ventura County - Have Some Fun in the Sun!
Stay cool this summer by taking advantage of the community pools in
your area! No matter where you live in Ventura County there’s a pool
near you for low to no cost. To find one that suits your needs for water
fun, take a look at the Conejo Valley Guide for community swimming at
http://www.conejovalleyguide.com/welcome/stay-cool-in-the-poolcommunity-swimming- .throughout-ventura.html .
Deep Sea Fishing Trip 2016
Calling all foster parents, relative caregivers, and guardians! Your
children 7 years old and up are invited to attend. If your child has
never fished, don’t worry! The Sports Fishing Club members will
teach them how! Fishing licenses (available at Big 5 & Wal-mart) are
required for all youth age 16 and over. (CSA can reimburse you for
this!) The Sports Fishing Club will provide all fishing equipment and
food for the kids. In addition to the fishing club members, there will
be other chaperones accompanying the kids on the trip, including
CFS staff. Permission slips & additional details will be sent to you
after a reservation is made. SPACE IS LIMITED! RSVP by 7/18/16!
Call the RDS team at (805) 654-3220 to reserve your space!
Thursday July 28, 2016
7:15 am – 3:00 pm
The boat will launch from Channel Islands Sportfishing located at 4151 S. Victoria Avenue in Oxnard, 93035. Be there by 7:15 a.m! Our boat is named “SPEED
TWIN” Directions to Channel Islands Sportfishing: Take the 101 Freeway, Exit Victoria Avenue. Head South on Victoria Avenue for 5 - 6 miles to the Channel
Islands Harbor. Continue straight until you reach 4151 S. Victoria Avenue. There is plenty of FREE parking. Look for the Pelican (Cisco) on the sign.
CSA Foster Family PicnicNEW Location this year!
Saturday, June 25, 2016
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Conejo Community Park, Thousand Oaks
1175 Hendrix Avenue, Thousand Oaks
BBQ provided by the Conejo Valley Kiwanis. Please bring a side dish
to share. There will be arts and crafts, games, jolly jumper, pony
rides and more!
Event Schedule Bike Raffle
•
•
•
Lunch 11:30 am
Kid’s raffle 1:00 pm
Adult raffle 1:45 pm
Proceeds go to the
Joan Gendreau 2016
Scholarship
WOSMOH hoops!
Women of Substance & Men of Honor, Inc is a non-profit community
organization dedicated to providing support to young men and women
throughout Ventura County and the state of CA. www.wosmohinc.org
WOSMOH is hosting a 3x3 basketball tournament to support foster
youth in Ventura County. The basketball fundraiser will be held Saturday
June 18 at Sycamore Canyon School in Newbury Park. ALL proceeds go
towards emergency housing for foster youth in Ventura County.
Date: Saturday, June 18, 2016
Location: Sycamore Canyon School 4601 Via Rio, Newbury Park 91320
Price per team: $75.00 per team (up to 4 players)
Registration Time: 8:00 a.m. Games Start: 9:00 a.m.
Phone: 805- 376-0472
To Register Online: http://wosmohhoops2016.eventbrite.
com?s=66583936
If you are interested in volunteering please call 805-376-0472.
See you on the court!
James Storehouse 2nd Annual
Back-to-School Shopping Event!
James Storehouse will be hosting their 2nd annual Back-to-School
Shopping event for foster youth and teens (guys and girls) ages 10-18.
It will be held in the barn at Casa Pacifica on Saturday, August 6th, from
9am-1pm. Youth can shop for FREE for cute clothing, accessories, new
backpacks with school supplies, and books. Located at 1722 S Lewis Rd,
Camarillo, CA 93012. For more info please e-mail jamesstorehouse@
gmail.com or call them at 805 499-7161.
Kudos Corner
Dana S.
Anne D.
Dana T.
RDS Staff Updates
Dana S. had a child in her care moving to unsupervised visits
on the weekend, requiring her to transport the child to a
meeting place for a drop off with the birth parent. She had
not previously met the birth parent and was feeling anxious.
Her commitment to the child’s needs and well-being was so
strong that even in spite of her apprehension she and her
husband worked out the transportation to ensure the child’s
reunification plan was successful. We are so grateful for your
dedication! Thank you Dana!
During a recent TDM a birth mother thanked Dana for sending
a note to the child’s visit in the diaper bag telling her how
the child was doing. The mother was touched and told Dana
how comforting it was for her to receive the note during such
a stressful time. This TDM was their first meeting and the
note set the tone for the beginning of a positive co-parenting
relationship. Thank you Dana for your insight and compassion
for the children and families we serve!
CFS often has difficulty placing siblings together and Anne
D. made special accommodations in her home to enable her
to take placement of a sibling set for whom we had a great
deal of difficulty finding a foster home. Anne already had
one placement in her care and her openness to working with
the agency on creative solutions allowed for placement of
these highly distressed children on short notice. We deeply
appreciate your flexibility and dedication to ensuring these
children have a safe and loving home.
Additions - RDS staff is growing! Over the summer we will be adding
nine new members to our team to include two new supervisors and
seven new staff members! We will share more information in the next
newsletter as staff comes on board.
Departures – Congratulations to Vicky Gonzales who has accepted a
new position with Public Health! Her families will be reassigned to
other caseworkers in the unit. If you need assistance and do not know
who your caseworker is, please call RDS at 805-654-3220 to inquire.
Resource Corner
James Storehouse has a warehouse full of new and like-new clothes (girl and boy) from newborn to teen. They also have diapers, wipes,
baby gear, school supplies, accessories and shoes. Drop by their warehouse (or set up an appointment) Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Fridays from
9-2:00. They can be reached by email or phone at [email protected] and 805 499-7161. The warehouse is located at
3541 Old Conejo Rd. #117, Newbury Park.
Claudia’s Closet: has a warehouse full of new and like-new clothes (girl and boy) from newborn to teen. They also have diapers, wipes, baby
gear, school supplies, accessories and shoes. Drop by their warehouse (or set up an appointment) Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Fridays from 9-2:00.
They can be reached by email or phone at [email protected] and 805 499-7161. The warehouse is located at
3541 Old Conejo Rd. #117, Newbury Park.
Defending the fatherless: provides a love closet with gently used and new items for foster and adoptive families. They are happy to bring
you items upon placement or to help you set up your home as you become a foster parent. They also have cribs, toddler beds, strollers, car seats
and various infant items as well as backpacks. Contact Karen at [email protected].
Child Hope Services:
exists to provide financial assistance, clothing and additional resources to foster and adoptive families, before, during
and after placement contact them at www.childhopeservices.org
Rachael’s Closet: provides new and gently used second hand clothing, toys and baby supplies as well as larger items to foster families and
foster teens from a store front location in downtown Ventura. Please call to schedule an appointment. (805)501-4273
Heart To Heart: provides second hand clothing as well as larger items to foster families. Call to make an appointment. (805)500-3173
Children’s Services Auxiliary: provides funding for medical and dental expenses, youth sports scholarships, school activities, youth
classes, special clothing needs, music lessons and a yearly holiday toy store. Contact RDS at 654-3220 or visit their website at
www.csavc.org to learn more.
What’s Goin’ On?
Foster VC Kids Calendar of Events
Please don’t forget
to visit our Events calendar at www.fostervckids.org for up-todate information on training, networking groups, and other events. Be sure to also “like” Foster VC Kids on
Facebook to get regular updates about training, other Foster VC Kids events & read caregiver kudos.
Parenting Through the Fire (Central County)
Tuesday, May 31st and Tuesday, June 7th from 6:00-8:00
Ventura County Community Foundation Building , 4001
Mission Oaks Blvd. Camarillo, Community Room
Trainer: Corey Branchflower
Parenting Through the Fire is a two-part class that teaches parents
how to deal with extreme behaviors without giving in or being
overwhelmed.
Parenting Through the Fire Part One:
Learn the importance of self-care, structure and routine in the
management of children and teens with difficult behaviors.
Parenting Through the Fire Part Two:
Learn why children behave the way they do, and some techniques
for managing behaviors such as tantrumming, food-hoarding,
defiance and disrespect. Participants will receive credit for 4 hours of
training upon completion the class. Please RSVP to debbieflowers@
vcccd.edu Sponsor: Oxnard College FKCE
The 5 Love Languages of Children (Central County)
2 Mondays: June 6th & 13th 6:00-8:30pm (2 parts)
Ventura County Community Foundation 4001 Mission
Oaks Blvd. Camarillo, Community Room
Trainer: Pam Lehtonen, Certified Parent Educator
Every one of us has a primary language of love, a way that fills
our “love tank” better than any other. In this class series we will
utilize the best-selling book The 5 Love Languages of Children by
Gary Chapman & Ross Campbell to inform our understanding of
the love languages of the children in our care. The first week we
will view the DVD, get an overview of the languages and complete
a personal love languages survey. In the following week, we will
more thoroughly explore each of the love languages based on the
reading and quizzes/observation you will do with your children at
home. This class has been specifically designed for kinship and
foster families. Come and benefit from Pam’s 25 years of teaching
in the public and private sectors as well as her personal experience
of raising her 3 birth children and 3 grandchildren (ages 19, 8 and
7.) Due to the nature of each class building upon the next, late starts
cannot be accommodated. Be prepared for a fun and interactive
class series! Participants will receive credit for 5 hours of training
upon completion of the class. Please RSVP to [email protected]
Sponsor: Ventura College FKCE
Sensory & Therapeutic Play NEW!
(East & West County options available)
June 8th 6:30-8:30pm in Ventura
East County location: 4364 Valley Fair St (across
from Cornerstone Church) Simi Valley
West County location: Day Road Center @ Ventura
College 71 Day Road Ventura, Large Training Room
Trainer: Adryana De La Rosa, Occupational Therapist
Facilitator: Pam Lehtonen, Kinship Parent
Do you know the amazing benefits that await you and your
child through “toys” and equipment designed to help during
daily routines and activities to calm and heal from past trauma?
Adryana De La Rosa is an Occupational Therapist who brings to
this class her wealth of experience. She will share how Foster
and Kinship families can set up their home environment to assist
in calming the dysregulated child. She will bring with her many
ideas of the types of play and toys that can be beneficial to your
child. Facilitator, Pam Lehtonen will bring personal experience
of many of these therapies to make her home a sensory and
therapeutic place of healing for her PTSD and ADHD adopted
grandchild. As a bonus, all who attend will have a chance to
go home with the beautiful child’s weighted blanket utilized in
class. Typical cost of these blankets is $100. Participants will
receive credit for 2 hours of training upon completion of the
class series. Please RSVP to [email protected] for the
May 14th in Simi and [email protected] for the June 8th in
Ventura. Sponsor: Ventura College FKCE
What’s Goin’ On?
Foster VC Kids Calendar of Events
Teach Me (West County)
Facilitator: Wendy Homan
Thursday, June 9th 6:30-8:30pm
Day Road Center @ Ventura College 71 Day
Road Ventura, Conference Room
A workshop based on the importance of positive parenting
experiences and how to begin practices that will result in permanent
connections. Foster parenting in a way that is lighthearted
and positive for the caregiver, family, and the kids in our care.
Wendy Homan has been a foster parent for 21 years and an FKCE
Instructor for about 7 years. Come learn from her tremendous
experience! Participants will receive credit for 2 hours of training
upon completion of the series. Please RSVP to rcarlson@vcccd.
edu. Sponsor: Ventura College FKCE
Foster Parent Networking (East County)
June 10th 9:00-11:00am
Cornerstone Church 2080 Winifred St., Simi Valley
Facilitator: Wendy Homan
An opportunity to receive updated information as to changes
related to foster care and network with other foster parents who are
geographically related. Specific topics will be addressed each month
and friendships will be made and resources revealed. Participants
will receive credit for 2 hours of training upon completion of the class.
Please RSVP to Wendy Homan at [email protected] or Debbie
Flowers @ [email protected] Sponsor: Oxnard College
Supporting Emerging Adults Networking
Group (rotates around county)
2nd Friday of the month: June 10th
Please RSVP for location and directions
Facilitators: Rhonda Carlson & Laura Welbourn
Typical young adults are staying at home longer and longer. The
average age of independence for young adults is almost 30! Yet
we expect our youth from traumatic backgrounds to begin to
be independent from 18-21 years old. Clearly a huge gap exists
for these emerging adults. Many former foster parents, kinship
providers, mentors and other “non-related” family members step
in to fill that gap by opening up their homes and/or providing other
financial, emotional and physical support, especially as young
people begin to “age out” of the resources available to them. If
you are one of the many care givers out there in this situation,
we’ve designed this group just for you. Please join Rhonda and
Laura (whose passion for youth overflow into every aspect of their
lives) for this new monthly Networking Group the second Friday
of each month. A specific topic will be explored each month: The
Impact of Trauma into Adulthood. Participants will receive credit
for 2 hours of training upon completion of each class. Please RSVP
to [email protected] or call Rhonda at 289-6181. Sponsor:
Ventura College FKCE
Mandated Reporting (West County)
Thursday, June 16th 6:00-8:00pm
Day Road Center @ Ventura College 71 Day
Road Ventura, Conference Room
Facilitator: Jeni Futvoye
Participants will learn how to recognize, respond and report
suspected child abuse and neglect under California Child Abuse
and Neglect Reporting Act. Participants will gain knowledge of the
role and responsibility as a mandated reporter and the mandated
reporting laws in California. Upon completion of this program,
participants will be able to identify who are mandated reporters,
understand the roles and responsibilities as a mandated reporter,
identify the criteria for reporting, be able to make a suspected
child abuse & neglect report and identify other key aspects of
mandated reporting and abuse prevention. Participants will
receive credit for 2 hours of training upon completion the class.
Please RSVP to [email protected]. Sponsor: Oxnard
College FKCE
What’s Goin’ On?
Understanding LGBTQ (West County)
Friday, June 17th 6:00pm-9:00pm (arrive by 5:30pm-5:45 for dinner)
Day Road Center @ Ventura College 71 Day Road Ventura,
Large Training Room Trainer: Nick Lawrence
This “special-event” workshop will introduce you to essential concepts and
culture of LGBTQ people. We will discuss how to be a foster/kinship parent to
an LGBTQ youth if your religious beliefs are in conflict and how the idea of being
a public servant can guide you to provide a loving and safe caregiver to LGBTQ
youth. This workshop is open to all of our community partners, including foster
& kinship youth, in Nick’s words “anyone who is old enough to consider human
sexuality”
After attending this training our goal is that you will:
• Understand what LGBTQ stands for and what that means to the LGBTQ
population
• Appreciate the number of LGBTQ population and how that compares to
genetic anomalies in the mainstream population
• Identify the significant overlap between typical male and female physical,
emotional and sexual traits
• Create a way to support LGBTQ youth in your home and community, even
if it is challenging to you personally.
Nick Lawrence holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from UC
Santa Barbara. He is a science and former sex education teacher having worked
with teens in public education. He has trained ministers and lay ministers for
both the Unitarian Society and the Episcopal Diocese of California. He is
currently the Program Coordinator for Foster and Kinship Care Education at
Santa Rosa Junior College and is a transgender man. To RSVP for the training,
email [email protected]. Sponsors: Oxnard & Ventura College FKCE
Navigating the Adoption Experience
Saturday, June 18th, 9:00-4:00
Location to be determined. Facilitator: Steve Mabry
This training will cover important core issues for those who are considering
adoption or for families that are currently walking the adoption journey. Join
in for a discussion on the core issues of adoption. You will be provided practical
ideas, a better understanding of the benefits and barriers of open adoption and
new ways of addressing the adoption issues that change as you and your child
move through these development stages. Some of the topics to be covered
include ‘Talking with Children about Adoption’, ‘Open Adoption & Transracial
Adoption’ and ‘Life Long Issues of Adoption’. Participants will receive credit for
6 hours of training upon completion the class. Please RSVP to debbieflowers@
vcccd.edu. Sponsor: Oxnard College FKCE
Operation Ventura
June 20th to August 13th.
The YMCA’s Operation Ventura has distributed more certificates for summer
activities. Registration is free for foster families and relative caregivers. The
summer session dates run from June 20th to August 13th. To get your
certificates please call RDS at 654-3220. The YMCA contact is Amber Stevens
at 805-642-2131 ext. 17. For more information on classes please visit the
new Aquatics and Youth Class Guide at: http://www.ciymca.org/ventura/cmsassets/documents/240318-416868.summerguide.pdf
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC)
Awareness & Identification (West County)
Wednesday, June 22nd, 6:00-9:00pm, dinner available at 5:45pm
Day Road Center @ Ventura College 71 Day
Road Ventura, Large Training Room
Trainer: James Carlson, MFT
Human trafficking is a horrible crime impacting young people in the
child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Many children do not
receive help because they are misidentified or not recognized at
all. This training will help participants understand the psychological
and social dynamics, life events, and contributing factors that can
lead to the sexual exploitation of a child. Participants will learn how
to recognize risks and warning signs associated with young people
in out-of-home care. Participants will receive credit for 3 hours of
training upon completion the class. Dinner will be provided. Please
RSVP to [email protected]. Sponsor: Oxnard College FKCE
West County Foster Parent Networking - Evening
Tuesday, June 28 and July 26, 6 pm-8 pm
Where: Ventura Missionary Church, 500 High
Point Dr., Ventura (Sanctuary Building)
An opportunity to receive updated information as to changes related
to foster care, receive support from your foster parent peers, and earn
training hours. Please RSVP [email protected] or 654-3220.
Childcare provided by contacting Channel Islands Social Services at (805)
384-0983. *Please note the Morning Networking Group is cancelled due
to low attendance. *
CPR & FIRST AID Recertification Training
Participants must already possess a valid CPR and/or First Aid
card and are in need of RENEWAL of their current card. Priority
goes to Foster & Kinship parents in Ventura County. Preregistration is REQUIRED.
First Aid RecertificationFriday June 3rd 4:30-6:30pm (East County)
CPR Recertificationriday June 10th 4:30-6:30pm (West County)
CPR RecertificationSaturday, June 11th, 10:30-12:30 (Spanish)
First Aid & CPR Recertification(back to back) Saturday June 25th 10am-2pm (East County-Simi)
For more information on the above classes or to RSVP you
may call. (Please note Debbie’s NEW phone number.) Debbie
Flowers at Oxnard College 678-5144 or Rhonda Carlson at
Ventura College 289-6327 or email debbieflowers@vcccd.
edu or [email protected] Please note: The FKCE Programs
provide these classes at NO COST to anyone wanting to attend.
In all cases, first priority will go to Foster Parents and Kinship
Providers. All classes are subject to cancellation. Classes may be
cancelled due to lack of pre-registration or attendance.
Foster Care Snapshot:
The Critical Need Continues…
In the Month of February:
There were 906 children in care
251 children were in foster home placements (County and FFA)
428 children were in kinship/relative care placements
110 children were in guardian homes
13 finalized adoptions in February 2016 (21 total for
calendar year 2016)
48 children remained in group homes
50% of siblings are separated from each other; and
During the first quarter of 2016, we welcomed a total of
20 new foster homes into the Foster VC Kids family!
Useful Links
Arrow Child & Family Ministries
http://www.arrow.org/
Aspiranet
http://www.aspiranet.org/
California Youth Connection
http://calyouthconn.org/
Casa Pacifica
http://www.casapacifica.org/
CASA: Court Appointed Special Advocates
http://www.casaofventuracounty.org/
CFS Independent Living Program http://
www.ventura.org/ilp-youth/ilp-youth
Channel Islands Social Services http://
www.islandsocialservices.org/
Child Development Resources
https://www.childdevelopmentresources.org/
Child Hope Services
http://www.childhopeservices.org/
Children’s Services Auxiliary
http://www.csavc.org
Dark to Dawn
http://www.darktodawn.org/
Foster VC Kids
www.fostervckids.org
Hope 4 Kids Festival & Run
http://www.hope4kids.myevent.com/
iFoster
www.ifoster.org
Interface Children & Family Services
http://icfs.org/
James Storehouse
http://jamesstorehouse.org/
Kids & Families Together
http://www.kidsandfamilies.org/
Koinonia Family Services
http://www.kfh.org/
Macaroni Kid
http://www.camarillo.macaronikid.com/
National Foster Parent Association
http://nfpaonline.org/
Neighborhoods for Learning
http://first5ventura.org/parents-caregivers/
neighborhoods-for-learning
Parent Click
http://ventura-ca.parentclick.com/
QPI California
www.qpicalifornia.com
Rainbow Connection Family Resource Center
http://rainbowconnectionfrc.weebly.com/
TEACh Fund Scholarship
http://www.vccf.org/scholarship/tech/index.shtml
VC Foster Parent Association
http://www.vcfpa.com/
Ventura County Office of Education Foster Youth Services
http://www.vcoe.org/spes/FosterYouthServices.aspx
Women of Substance, Men of Honor
http://www.wosmohinc.com/
Foster Parent Training Websites
California Just in Time Training
http://www.qpicalifornia.org/justintime.shtml
Cenpatico U
http://www.cenpaticoU.com
Foster Care & Adoptive Community
http://fosterparents.com/
Foster Club
http://www.fosterclub.com/_booster/article/foster-parentonline-training
Foster Parent College
http://www.fosterparentcollege.com/