April 2014 Issue - Alberta Foster Parent Association

April 2014
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE ALBERTA FOSTER PARENT ASSOCIATION
THE BRIDGE
Coming Together
for Canada’s Children
Canadian Foster
Family Association
Annual Conference
Edmonton, Alberta
June 9 – 15, 2014
FEATURING...
•
•
•
•
CFFA Annual Conference Information
Children’s Summer Camp Information
Helping Kids Handle Worry
Spring and Summer Workshops
Canadian Publication Mail Agreement
Number 40036752
NOTICE
Deadline for submissions for next BRIDGE
June 1, 2014
Return undeliverable Canada addresses to:
Alberta Foster Parent Association
9750 - 35 Avenue NW
Edmonton, Alberta T6E 6J6
TABLE OF CONTENTS
President’s Report ...................................
Page 2
Executive Director’s Report ...................
Page 3
Board Member’s Reports .......................
Page 4
FAST Members .........................................
Page 5
CASA After Hours Crisis Support ............
Page 6
Children’s Mental Health Series ............
Page 6
CFFA Annual Conference Info ..............
Page 7
CTRI Spring Workshops ............................
Page 7
Mental Health First Aid ............................
Page 8
Children’s Summer Camps ....................
Page 9
Kids These Days .......................................
Page 10
Aboriginal Awareness Weekend ...........
Page 10
Helping Kids Handle Worry .....................
Page 11
Membership Application Forms ............
Page 12
AFPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
Norm Brownell
13719 Deer Run Blvd. SE
Calgary, AB T2J 6L3
(403)271-9011 (h)
DIRECTOR - CENTRAL REGION
Heather Guard
RR1, Site 2, Box 24
Winfield, AB T0C 2X0
(780) 682-2272 (h)
VICE-PRESIDENT
Sylvia Thompson
Box 7873
Drayton Valley, AB T7A 1S9
(780) 727-3745 (h)
DIRECTOR - CENTRAL REGION
Rene Rajotte
Box 3213
Wainwright, AB T9W 1T2
(780) 842-2098 (h)
DIRECTOR - ABORIGINAL CENTRAL
Treaty 6
Vacant
DIRECTOR - EDMONTON REGION
Linda Krauskopf
9505 - 95 Street
Morinville, AB T8R 1H9
(780) 939-5035 (h)
DIRECTOR - ABORIGINAL SOUTH
Treaty 7
Peter Strikes With A Gun
Box 13
Brocket, AB T0K 0H0
(403) 965-2241 (h)
DIRECTOR - SOUTH REGION
Marlin Meyer
2127 - 16 A Avenue
Coaldale, AB T1M 1J9
(403) 345-4128 (h)
DIRECTOR - CALGARY REGION
John Starkey
606 Oakhill PL SW
Calgary, AB T2V 3X8
(403) 281-4691 (h)
DIRECTOR -NORTH CENTRAL
REGION
Beverly Towe
4609 - 46 Street
Bonnyville, AB T9N 1M1
(780) 826-4129 (h)
DIRECTOR - NORTHWEST REGION
Mary Legeyt
RR# 2
Sexsmith, AB T0H 3C0
(780) 568-2186 (h)
DIRECTOR, NORTHEAST REGION
Vacant
BRIDGE EDITOR
Norm Brownell
PUBLISHER
Melissa Jones
2
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Norm Brownell
Hello foster families, it’s the end of March
and still looking for spring to arrive. Katherine
Jones and myself were invited to attend
a press conference held in Calgary at Hull
Home where we got the opportunity to briefly
speak with our new Minister, the Honourable
Manmeet Bhullar. We are looking toward
great communication between the Ministry and the AFPA.
The collaboration committee has not been active for several
months partly due to changes within the Ministries. We will be
meeting in the later part of April. We still have some outstanding
business to finish as well as new business to address.
On April 25-27 we will be having a work bee at the camp. There
are many things to take care of to get the camp up and running
for the season. If you can make any part of this weekend that
would be wonderful. We need to know ahead of time so we can
buy the food for the weekend. Please check our website for more
information.
There will be two children’s camps in early July and Aboriginal
Awareness Weekend in September. Please go to our website for all
the information regarding the above.
The AFPA is hosting the CFFA conference from June 9-15, 2014.
“Coming Together for Canada’s Children” is the theme for the
conference. All the information on the conference is on our
website.
Have a great spring!
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Katherine Jones
Once again I am reminded that it is time to prepare this report for the Bridge. I can’t believe how the
time slips away from us. It seems like yesterday we were at conference and here it is the end of March
already!
We have been extremely busy at the AFPA office preparing for our year end, working on budgets and
grant applications, organizing the 2014 CFFA Conference that we are hosting in Edmonton in June, and
planning for the children’s summer camp programs. I am very grateful for the work my staff does on a
day to day basis to keep the office and programs running smoothly.
I would like to thank Kathy Chronopoulos for her work on the Mentorship Program and wish her all the best in her new
endeavours. It was a pleasure working with you Kathy. I also wish you and Tony a life of joy and happiness as you soon begin
your journey as parents.
In addition, I am very happy to advise everyone that Amey Carey will be working full time with the AFPA as of April 1, 2014. She is
such an asset to our Association.
I am sure most of you are aware of the Round Table gathering regarding the publication ban on information regarding
deceased children and youth who had ties to Human Services. It was a two day event that I was fortunate to be invited to as
the representative of the AFPA. I learned a great deal from everyone in attendance, especially from the very articulate, brave
youth who shared their stories. I would like to thank the Honourable Minister Manmeet Bhullar and his staff for the work they are
doing to make Alberta an even better place to live than it already is.
I hope that many of you will make an effort to attend the CFFA Conference here in Edmonton this June. This is a great
opportunity to meet people involved in the fostering world from across Canada. Check out our webpage for details,
www.afpaonline.com.
In closing, I thank all the volunteers who make our work possible,
the Board of Directors for your hard work and dedication, Norm
Brownell, President and Sylvia Thompson, Vice President for all you
do.
Wishing everyone a wonderful Spring!
AFPA
Provincial Mentorship Program
The Alberta Foster Parent Association’s Provincial
Mentorship Program focuses on providing mentoring, by
experienced foster parents, to new foster parents. If you
believe you would make a great mentor, or feel you would
benefit from some added support as a new foster parent,
please contact our office to find out more information!
We are now taking referrals and applications in
South Region, Central Region, Edmonton Region,
Northcentral Region, and Northwest Region
If you are interested in becoming a mentor or a mentee in your
region, please contact our office for more information!
Phone 1-800-667-2372 / 780-429-9923
Together we can have a positive impact
on the lives of children and those who care for them!
AFPA OFFICE STAFF
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Katherine Jones (Direct Line 780-701-4089)
ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Melissa Gee (Direct Line 780-701-4090)
ACCOUNTING OFFICER
Brenda Rabie (Direct Line 780-701-4091)
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Amey Carey (Direct Line 780-701-4088)
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
Rebecca Potts (Direct Line 780-701-4092)
RECEPTION
Shelly Morin (780-429-9923)
AFPA CONTACT INFO
LOCAL (780-429-9923)
TOLL-FREE (1-800-667-2372)
FAX (780-426-7151)
E-MAIL: [email protected]
WEBSITE: www.afpaonline.com
3
AFPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ REPORTS
SOUTH REGION
Marlin Meyer
Oh goodness! I sure hope it’s warm by the time this newsletter is published.
Our local Society had its annual bowling and pizza night this February with
a record 140 parents and children who came out in the cold to enjoy a
great time at the Holiday Bowl. Thanks to Teresa, Lonnie and all the rest who
helped with this event.
With the changing of our regional boundaries it seems that my area of
representation has increased a great deal. I will now be representing the
foster parents in the Medicine Hat/ Brooks region. I look forward to meeting
parents and workers from that part of our region and supporting them
wherever and however possible.
Here’s to a beautiful spring!
CALGARY REGION
John Starkey
The Calgary District Foster Parent Association is planning numerous events
for the first half of the year; there will be activities such as laser tag, glow
bowling, roller skating and outings to the Science Center, Shakers and
Calgary Zoo. Our foster children will be kept quite busy with these various
activities.
Our home studies are done at present but we are continuing to screen
and recruit even though we have an abundance of 100 empty beds in the
region.
Calgary will be donating $25,000 to the Brownell Children’s Retreat; coin
box collections continue to yield great results for the camp.
I am looking for spring to arrive and get out of this “DEEP FREEZE” we are
experiencing.
CENTRAL REGION
Heather Guard & Rene Rajotte
Region 4: Leigh Chisom is Regional Investigator, now heading up the
Investigations for Central Alberta. Rene and I look forward to representing
this large area.
Region 5: Hope this finds everyone well after a cold long winter,one thing
that is great is the extra day light, and we know spring is on the way. The
old Region 5 is still having local meetings throughout the region. People are
still wondering where boundaries will be, are looking forward to finding out
more, and moving forward with the new changes. We are looking forward
to Spring and seeing many of you at the CFFA in June.
EDMONTON REGION
Linda Krauskopf
The year has started with a lot of changes happening already. I have
been asked to attend meetings with the Kinship Care Sector. I was very
interested in this after attending a meeting with Dr. Joe Crumbley, as he
made you think about the differences between Fostering and Kinship Care.
These meetings will happen once a month and I will keep you all informed
of anything important.
I have been attending meetings for a project led by the Transitioning Youth
in Care to Independence Advisory Group. As this project comes to an end,
we will have a finished resource booklet available for download. We hope
to have everything finished by the end of April, 2014. This resource will help
caregivers help children in care transition to independence and also help
the children in care be more ready for adulthood. I will keep you informed
of the dates for release.
4
Regional Council is busy getting ready for the Caregiver Conference, which
is always full with people on a waiting list. It is a great time to connect
with other caregivers and get some excellent training. This is happening
on Friday, April 11th all day with a nice banquet following a long day of
training. Saturday is with Bruce Perry all day and will be open for Human
Service Workers to enjoy this great speaker.
Also, the Canadian Conference is being held in Edmonton at the
Doubletree by Hilton. The conference dates are June 9-15, 2014. This is a
great time to meet other caregivers from other provinces and talk about
differences and similarities you each may have.
I have been asked to sit on a Committee around medication and will also
keep you informed.
We hope to have our Citation Banquet in October and appreciation event
later in the year. Hope everyone is enjoying your new calendar. Please
send in your pictures made by your children for next year’s calendar.
AGM was held and the new Capital Region Caregiver Council is:
Chairperson: Stacy VanCingel - HM: (780) 484-8958 Cell: (780) 887-4211
Co-Chair: Jules Pinney-Reeves - HM: (780) 465-3554
Secretary: Paulette Kopp - HM: (780) 921-3393 Cell: (780) 916-8447
Treasurer: Joanne Crowley - Cell: (780) 966-9942
AFPA: Linda Krauskopf - HM: (780) 939-5035 Cell: (780) 940-4465
NORTH CENTRAL REGION
Bev Towe
It has been a busy and trying time for Region 7. We would like to send out
our farewells and thank you to all the staff that have left us. Region 7 is short
staffed for many different reasons; medical, new jobs, bringing new joys
into the world etc. so hopefully early in the spring the foster care workers
positions will be filled.
We have had some great training, be it by video or the disrupted
attachments workshops and transition process.
Our training retreat is well into its planning stages; please mark the dates
of April 25th, 26th and 27th, 2014 on your calendars. I hope to see you all
there. Your registration package should be in the mail soon, please register
as soon as possible.
I hope everyone has a wonderful spring; it will be nice to have some warm
weather in Alberta.
I am available by phone to chat with each and every foster parent, just call
my cell 780-207-1041.
NORTHWEST REGION
Mary LeGeyt
Hopefully the cold weather will be over soon and warmer weather is on the
way. Training is happening around the region.
Recruitment events were held during the month of March at different
locations around the Northwest.
We are about to welcome Slave Lake into our group. I can’t wait to meet
new friends and reconnect with old friends.
Here’s to a beautiful spring and an even nicer summer!
Board Reports - Continued on Page 9
FOSTER ALLEGATION SUPPORT TEAM MEMBERS (F.A.S.T.)
Alberta Foster Parent Association is responsible for the F.A.S.T. Program.
Alberta Foster Parent Association
9750 - 35 Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB T6E 6J6
Tel: (780) 429-9923 Fax: (780) 426-7151
Toll-Free: 1-800-667-2372
E-Mail: [email protected]
CHAIRPERSON
Marie Brownell
13719 Deer Run Blvd. SE
Calgary, AB T2J 6L3
Tel: (403) 271-9011
Fax: (403) 217 - 3029
SOUTH REGION
Linda Faye Campbell
2209 - 19th Avenue S
Lethbridge, AB T1K 1E7
Tel: (403) 380-6528
Andrew Kippers
Site 10, Comp 20, RR8
Lethbridge, AB T1J 4P4
Tel: (403) 394-2478
James & Marie MacGregor
5204 - 51 Street
Taber, AB T1G 1M3
Tel: (403) 223-0423
David Maiers & Bev Tailfeathers
Box 593
Cardston, AB T0K 0K0
Tel: (403) 737-2014
Jeffrey Solberg
Box 921
Raymond, AB T0K 2S0
(403) 388-9711
Heather Thibault
PO Box 1763
Fort Macleod, AB T0L 0Z0
Tel: (403) 737-3967
Tammy Beach
Box 358
Redcliff, AB T0J 2P0
Tel: (403) 548-7998
David Chow
27 Valleyview Drive SW
Medicine Hat, AB T1A 7K5
Tel: (403) 548-6890
Christy Parsons-Donnelly
28 Rossmere Bay SE
Medicine Hat, AB T1B 2L7
Tel: (403) 580-2066
Lynette Slack
2392 Hatcher Drive NE
Medicine Hat, AB T1C 1X5
Tel: (403) 527-8084
Wade & Debbie Holland
Box 1627
Hanna, AB T0J 1P0
Tel: (403) 854-2217
Cindy Margetts
35 Terrace Crescent NE
Medicine Hat, AB T1C 1Z9
Tel: (403) 580-3494
Charleen Leslie
3 Spruce Close
Lacombe, AB T4L 2L3
(780) 782-7503
CALGARY REGION
Marie Brownell
13719 Deer Run Blvd. SE
Calgary, AB T2J 6L3
Tel: (403) 271-9011
Marlene & Mike Robertson
57 Kennings Crescent
Red Deer, AB T4P 3M8
Tel: (403) 346-1487
Roxanne Droppo-Treme
Box 1048
Crossfield, AB T0M 0S0
Tel: (403) 946-0054
Doreen Heide
Box 562
Cochrane, AB T4C 1A7
Tel: (403) 637-3911
Verna Isley
RR#1
Airdrie, AB T4B 2A3
Tel: (403) 948 - 4558
Donald & Susan Stephenson
43 Stagecoach Trail
Rockyview County, AB T4A 0P4
TEL: (403) 226-5610
Sylvia Thompson
Box 7873
Drayton Valley AB T7A 1S9
Tel: (780) 727-3745
Samara Stonehocker
RR#1
Wainwright, AB T9W 1W1
Tel: (780) 842-3419
Rick Thornton
Box 56
Chipman, AB T0B 0W0
Tel: (780) 764-2636
EDMONTON REGION
CENTRAL REGION
Kathleen Burnett
RR1
Clive, AB T0C 0Y0
Tel: (403) 784-2412
Graham Jones
170 Blackburn Drive West
Edmonton,AB T6W 1B6
Tel: (780) 432-7442
Paulette Kopp
Box 539
Bon Accord, AB T0A 0K0
Tel: (780) 921-3393
Brenda Day
RR1
Sundre, AB T0M 1X0
Tel: (403) 556-3895
Vina McKee
10112 - 171A Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5X 4L4
Tel: (780) 456-8665
Heather Guard
RR1, Site 2, Box 24
Winfield, AB T0C 2X0
Tel: (780)682-2272
Linda Krauskopf
9505 - 95 Street
Morinville, AB T8R 1H9
(780) 939-5035
NORTH CENTRAL REGION
Brian & Joyce Golding
14528B Township Rd 532A
Yellowhead County, AB T7E 3G5
Tel: (780) 723-2855
Susan & Stephen Lander
Box 96
Cherry Grove, AB T0A 0T0
Tel: (780) 594-0904
Pat Mahe
Box 129
Vincent, AB T0A 3B0
Tel: (780) 635-2648
Joanne Ruck
19 Lyons Crescent
Whitecourt, AB T7S 1B9
Tel: (780) 706-7397
NORTHWEST REGION
Seth & Holly Barnfield
Box 4, Site 4, RR2
Sexsmith, ABT0H 3C0
Tel: (780) 568-4009
Sara Foley
PO Box 179
Whitelaw, AB T0H 3T0
Tel: (780) 596-3016
Sheila Wolfe
Box 11
High Level, AB T0H 1Z0
Tel: (780) 926-3437
NORTHEAST REGION
Northeast Region is currently being
serviced by FAST Reps from other
Regions.
If you are interested in becoming a FAST
representative for your region, please
contact the AFPA for more information.
Paulette Kopp
Box 539
Bon Accord, AB T0A 0K0
Tel: (780) 921-3393
5
Upcoming Children’s
Mental Health Learning
Series Sessions
AFTER HOURS CRISIS SUPPORT
CASA (Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health) is partnering
to provide After-Hours Mental Health consultation to support CFSA
Crisis Unit services. Qualified CASA therapists are on site 4PM -12AM
Monday to Friday, 8AM-12AM Saturday/Sunday, and via On Call
12AM-8AM seven days a week. Non-urgent enquiries from Crisis Unit
staff can be relayed as needed via a CASA email for a timely response.
CASA therapists are available to provide direct telephone support
and/or indirect consultation, mentorship and /or to identify
community referral options for caregivers (foster, bio family/kinship
and permanent placement adoption PPA parents) of children in
provincial care.
Through the provision of this mental health support improved
outcomes will include:
•
Relieving the immediate concerns of caregivers. Brief
Solution-Focused interventions will be delivered via telephone
to caregivers who are referred to the service by Crisis Assessors.
Interventions will be confined to the specifics of each individual call.
•
Improving the ability of the caregiver to manage the child, the
presenting concern and/or the relational dynamics.
•
A CASA education specialist will collaborate with the Crisis
Unit staff to consolidate and/or develop educational resources for
caregivers (i.e. videos, webinars training) .
•
Increased capacity for the Crisis Unit staff to respond to mental
health concerns through real time individual case consultation.
Partnership in Action:
When Crisis Unit staff identify a call with mental health concerns it
can be transferred to the On Site CASA therapist and/or via the On
Call procedure. Collaboration and/or follow-up responses can include:
•
Behavior strategies
•
On site face to face consultation between Crisis Unit staff and
walk in children, youth and/or caregivers at the Crisis Unit.
•
Mentoring and/or education for Crisis Staff in regards to
mental health issues for children, youth and/or caregivers.
•
Crisis Unit staff will address any intervention concerns; while
CASA therapists are available to respond to mental health concerns
questions and/or service options directly with the caller, child/youth,
caregiver and/or through consultation with the Crisis Unit staff.
The nature of the service is intended to be brief and one-time;
therefore the direct client service will terminate at the end a call.
Processes for documentation, tracking data and ensuring the transfer
of information to the relevant services providers will be developed
collaboratively with the Crisis Unit.
Please first call your local Crisis Unit at 1-800-638-0715
6
Check out these sessions being offered in Edmonton and
Calgary on current children’s mental health issues. All sessions
are offered via live webcast and have limited in-person
seating. There is no fee to attend.
Session #8 - Baby Steps and Giant Leaps: Infant Preschool
Mental Health
Tuesday, May 13, 2014 10:30 am to 12 noon in Edmonton at The
Radisson Hotel Edmonton South
The objectives of this presentation are to provide an overview
of a framework that helps us understand brain development
and function; define toxic stress and describe its impact on
early development; highlight the importance of caregiver-child
relationships for healthy brain development; outline red flags
that indicate the infant or preschool child is struggling with
social emotional development; and review the mental health
assessment process and intervention options for caregivers and
young children.
Session #9 - Promoting Social and Emotional Well Being in
Children
June 16, 2014 in Calgary at The University of
Calgary’s MacEwan Conference and Event
Centre
The focus of the presentation will
be to review the different adult and
environmental supports children require for
healthy social and emotional development.
Presenter: Dr. Christina Rinaldi
Dr. Rinaldi is a registered psychologist with the College of
Alberta Psychologists and a Professor in the Department of
Educational Psychology in Faculty of Medicine at the University
of Alberta. Her research focus is in the area of social and
emotional development of children and adolescents with
an emphasis on family, peer, and school relationships. Her
interests and research activities concentrate on children’s
primary relationships (i.e. family and peer) and their links to
the development and maintenance of social competencies
in early and middle childhood as well as adolescence.
Currently, she is investigating how mother-child and fatherchild relationships in early childhood foster (or hinder)
adaptive social and academic behaviours. As well, as part
of a larger team research study she is examining parents’
and adolescents’ understanding of bullying and the various
strategies and supports they use when dealing with school
social issues.
To register for a session, please visit:
http://www.research4children.com/admin/contentx/default.
cfm?PageId=10001522
Coming Together
for Canada’s Children
SPRING WORKSHOPS
June 9 – 15, 2014
Edmonton, Alberta
The Alberta Foster Parent Association will be
hosting the
The Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute Inc. is offering the following
workshops in Alberta this Spring
2014 Canadian Foster Family
Association Annual Conference
Register early - save 10%
at the DoubleTree by Hilton in West Edmonton from
June 9 – 15, 2014. Delegates will be attending from
Provincial and Territorial Foster Parent Associations
across Canada. Be sure to mark the dates on your
calendar as this will be a great networking and
training opportunity!
Check our website at www.afpaonline.com to
download the registration package today.
Be sure to register asap
as space is filling up fast!!
Accommodation information is included in the
package.
National Volunteer Week
(April 6-12, 2014)
National Volunteer Week is a time to recognize, celebrate
and thank volunteers across Canada for the amazing work
they do.
The Alberta Foster Parent Association would like to take
this opportunity to thank all of its volunteers. Volunteers
are an essential part of our association and in helping it
to grow. We have volunteers who help
with our many programs such as our
children’s camps, Aboriginal awareness
weekend, work bees at the camp and
many others.
Volunteers, this week and every day we
salute you and honor you for all of the
work you do for our association!
THANK YOU!!
DSM-5 - What's New...What's Different
Calgary: April 23, 2014, 9 am-12 noon (early rate deadline April 2)
Edmonton: April 25, 2014, 9 am-12 noon (early rate deadline April 4)
With the release of the DSM-5 comes new diagnosis and changes to the
way some mental illnesses are viewed. While not an exhaustive review,
participants will learn about the more significant and controversial changes
to the DSM. This workshop is intended for doctors, psychologists, social
workers, senior clinicians and professionals working in the field of mental
health.
ANXIETY - Practical Intervention Strategies
Calgary: April 22, 2014 (early rate deadline April 1)
Edmonton: April 24, 2014 (early rate deadline April 3)
Participants of this workshop will explore the natural purpose of anxiety and
how it can become 'disordered,' including the link with panic, depression,
trauma and other health concerns. The main focus of this training will be to
learn practical and accessible strategies to assist both adults and children in
reducing anxiety.
SELF-INJURY BEHAVIOUR IN YOUTH - Issues and
Strategies
Edmonton: May 13-14, 2014 (early rate deadline April 22)
Calgary: May 21-22, 2014 (early rate deadline April 30)
This workshop will begin with a general overview to assist participants
in understanding the experience and motivations of adolescents who
intentionally injure themselves. The content will then focus on practical
strategies for working with youth struggling with this complex issue.
DISORDERED EATING - From Image to Illness
Edmonton: May 15, 2014 (early rate deadline April 24)
Calgary: May 23, 2014 (early rate deadline May 2)
Disordered eating can range from problematic tendencies such as excessive
dieting to a mental health diagnosis such as anorexia or bulimia. Beginning
with a general overview, this workshop will examine symptoms, contributing
factors and the experience of living with an eating disorder. Participants will
also explore practical strategies for supporting individuals struggling with
disordered eating. For further information please visit the website at:
www.ctrinstitute.com
7
April 2014
Dear Foster Parent/Kinship Caregivers
Re: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) For Adults Who Interact with Youth
Mental Health First Aid Basic Training is a 14 hour course to help people
become aware of the signs and symptoms of mental health problems,
provide initial help and guide the person towards an appropriate mental
health professional. The MHFA for Adults who Interact with Youth
workshop focuses on mental health problems and first aid for youth ages
12 to 24. The workshop is open to caseworkers and caregivers.
This workshop is of no cost to participants. A grant has been provided
to the Alberta Foster Parent Association (AFPA) to support caregivers
attending this workshop by reimbursing training expenses (mileage,
lunch and babysitting costs). Please contact the AFPA for the form to
request training expenses. Please return it with receipts to the AFPA for
payment
If you are interested in attending an upcoming workshop, please contact
Julie Burton, National Program Coordinator, who can arrange the
registration and let you know if there are any other workshops planned
for your area. Julie can be reached at 1-866-989-3985 or jburton@
mentalhealthcommission.ca.
Thank you.
spring gardening craft for kids
SPRING WORKSHOPS
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
Training for Adults Who
Interact with Youth
DATE
April 22-23
April 24-25
April 29-30
May 12-13
May 20-21
May 22-23
May 27-28
LOCATION
Medicine Hat
Vegreville
Ft. McMurray
Edson
Peace River
Calgary
Bonnyville
Start with an empty, but clean baby food jar, any size
Let the kids choose craft items to make a face- we used googly
eyes, sparkle glue and a pompom nose for one, a bead for the
other. (pipe cleaner makes a great smile, be creative if you have the
supplies)
Anything flat and light will be able to stick with regular white glue,
but heavier or hard things like that bead nose needed the help of
the glue gun.
I stick the jars on a blob of playdough to hold them on their backs
without rolling around until the glue has a chance to dry.
Head to the garden and fill the
jars up with dirt
Add a little grass seed to the top
and water
Care for the little Hairy men with
water and sunlight and watch
their hair grow!!!
So much fun!!!
Idea from http://momvstheboys.com ... check out the website for more great ideas!!
8
Brownell Children’s Retreat
2014 Children’s Summer Camps
We invite you and your children to join in this year’s
children’s summer camp program
located at Brownell Children’s Retreat near Sundre, Alberta.
Your children will be participating in:
crafts, games, water sports, physical activity and enjoy great food, too.
Fun will be had by all!
Wee, Wet & Wild Camp
July 6 – 12 ( ages 6-9 only)
Camp Lil’ Stars
July 13 – 18 (ages 10-12 only)
The cost is $210.00 per child.
If the child’s parent would like to volunteer for the week, the cost will be only $125.00 per child.
We are once again having the
Junior Leader Program
for youth ages 15 – 18 years of age.
This is for those youth with a keen interest in gaining leadership skills,
independence
and who wish to feel part of a great team!
Junior Leader Applications are due
by May 23rd, 2014.
Junior Leader training will commence just prior to the
beginning of each children’s camp.
We are looking for
adult volunteers
for both weeks, so if you know of anyone who may be interested,
please have them call us.
Volunteers will be provided with a certificate for their volunteer
hours.
Registration begins immediately!
Send your application to us ASAP. Registrations can be downloaded off our website at www.afpaonline.com.
For more information or to register please visit our website at www.afpaonline.com
or contact Amey by calling toll-free 1-800-667-2372 or direct at 780-701-4088.
Board Reports - Continued from Page 4
ABORIGINAL SOUTH TREATY 7
Peter Strikes With a Gun
Oki,
Healthy greetings to everyone as we move into a New Year. My
thoughts and prayers at this time is for a change restoration. My
spouse Jeannie and I have been approached in recognition to attend
different organizations pertaining to spiritual, human, implementation
of programs, cause factor and recovery. We had the Awards Night
in December for the Foster Parents and I was impressed that our
Community Centre was packed with families and support. We had a
four day men’s healing retreat and majority of the group had direct
experience in foster care and are now living adults sharing their fears
and anger. Some highlights were a traditional ceremony on the Tsuu
T’ina Nation, University Mount Royal College and Piikani to begin a
project regarding home assessment to be more effective in the need of
our children’s source and identity.
Treaty 7 Caregivers Conference empowering our children and our
Senior Representative voiced the concern of the difficulty to relate
to the new generation that don’t have the language gifted to us
to use. Hearing all these concerns verifies my project “Custom and
Governance” is two separate issues. The concern to the social standard
to date is immense to the point that the new generation choices may
have drifted to new technology such as smart phones, Ipods, Xboxes,
etc. which is contagious to new influences on our First Nations. The “Old
School” techniques may still have little effect however, research, fact
finding and experimental process is urgent for the right and dignity to
be restored. The project “Customs and Governance” brief presentation
is very assuring and plans and dates are being scheduled by various
Universities, Schools and Conferences. Our engagement with these
organizations seem to be a wakeup call for us to know that success
may result in term “unique” to its hereditary right to language, custom
and beliefs. A dialogue with no boundary needs to be expressed to
define the purpose of family deterioration. Recent news articles titled
“First Nations Education must include language culture” and “Alberta
K-12 students to be taught painful legacy of Indian Residential School”
should be mandatory to all native children in foster care by the
Province.
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Kids These Days: A lesson
from the tortoise about raising
children?
By Dr. David Rideout
An old children’s fable tells the story of a
slow-moving tortoise who challenges a swift
and boastful hare to a foot race. You know how the story ends: the overconfident rabbit strays from the course nibbling grass, pausing to nap while
the tortoise plods steadily onward to the finish line.
The moral of the story, of course, is that “slow and steady wins the race.”
Unlike the hare, who flitted hither and yon, the diligent tortoise became a
folklore example of how “fast” does not always mean “best.”
Nowhere does the old tortoise’s lesson ring more true than when it comes
to raising children. In the race to give kids the best of everything, some
people think parents today are overloading their children—filling their
days with an endless array of extracurricular activities—sports, swimming,
dancing, music lessons and so on. Of course, none of these things are bad
in and of themselves. But the difficulty comes when there are so many of
them that parents are run ragged, or become financially exhausted from
trying to keep up with the endless costs associated with them.
There is a growing reaction by some observers that well-meaning parents
may be pushing their children to unhealthy levels of physical and emotional
stress by all these activities. Instead of letting children explore the world
at a more leisurely pace, the treadmill of planned and structured activity
can leave kids with little capacity to cope with free time. This leads them
to complaining because they are "bored" when their calendar is not full,
rather than creating their own variety of play opportunities.
That fast pace is further accelerated by the constant stimulation that comes
to kids by way of the internet and social media. This instant access to
information can contribute to anxiety for both a parent and a child, putting
them on alert for real and imagined threats to their safety. Some parents
are too fearful to even let their children play unsupervised. As a result,
many children are over-protected and monitored excessively, with parents
keeping close tabs on them at all times.
But a new style of parenting is emerging today that calls for children to
set the pace. It’s called “slow parenting”—not slow as in sluggish, but
slow as in relaxed. It’s a more gentle, unscheduled approach to parenting
that lets children discover the world and, to a greater extent, figure it out
themselves.
In his book, In Praise of Slowness, author Carl Honoré wrote: “I think
children need slowness even more than adults do. It’s in those moments of
quiet, of unstructured time, of boredom even, that kids learn how to look
into themselves, how to think and be creative, how to socialize. We are
doing a great disservice to our children by pushing them so hard to learn
things earlier and earlier and by keeping them so busy. They need time and
space to slow down, to play, to be children.”
As the moderate tortoise reminds us, a gentler pace can still get us where
we need to be, and can allow more time to ponder life’s marvels along the
way.
Dr. David Rideout is a former teacher, principal and school board superintendent. He is a father of
two adult sons and the Regional Director of North Central Alberta Child and Family Services.
Feedback or comments are welcome and can be sent via email to [email protected]
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ALBERTA FOSTER PARENT ASSOCIATION
ABORIGINAL
AWARENESS WEEKEND
September 19 – 21, 2014
Tansi everyone!! Planning is well underway for the AFPA’s 2014
Annual Aboriginal Awareness Weekend! Registration is now
open. Please be sure to download your registration form from
our campground page on our website at www.afpaonline.com.
Prices are as follows:
Attendance Fees:
1 – 5 PeopleMembers: $100/wknd, Non-Members $125/wknd
6 – 8 PeopleMembers: $150/wknd, Non-Members: $175/wknd
Accommodations:
*you must bring your own toiletries*
Lodge (Sleeps 4 – 5 per room) $50.00 per night
Cabin (Sleeps up to 8)
$50.00 per night
RV with Hook-ups
$25.00 per night
Tent$15.00 per night
Included Meals:
Friday night1 Snack
Saturday 3 Meals
Saturday Night1 Snack
SundayBreakfast
You may also contact Amey
toll-free at 1-800-667-2372 or direct at 780-701-4088
for more information or reserve your spot!
Call Today! Don’t miss out!
The schedule will come in the next issue of the bridge and will
be posted online as soon as it is available.
Hope you can make it!
HELPING KIDS HANDLE WORRY
www.kidhealth.org
Kids don’t have to pay bills, cook dinners, or manage carpools. But —
just like adults — they have their share of daily demands and things that
don’t go smoothly. If frustrations and disappointments pile up, kids can
get stressed or worried.
It’s natural for all kids to worry at times, and because of personality
and temperament differences, some may worry more than others.
Luckily, parents can help kids learn to manage stress and tackle
everyday problems with ease. Kids who can do that develop a sense of
confidence and optimism that will help them master life’s challenges,
big and small.
What Do Kids Worry About?
What kids worry about is often related to the age and stage they’re in.
Kids and preteens typically worry about things like grades, tests, their
changing bodies, fitting in with friends, that goal they missed at the
soccer game, or whether they’ll make the team. They may feel stressed
over social troubles like cliques, peer pressure, or whether they’ll be
bullied, teased, or left out.
Because they’re beginning to feel more a part of the larger world
around them, preteens also may worry about world events or issues they
hear about on the news or at school. Things like terrorism, war, pollution,
global warming, endangered animals, and natural disasters can
become a source of worry.
Helping Kids Conquer Worry
To help your kids manage what’s worrying them:
Find out what’s on their minds: Be available and take an interest in
what’s happening at school, on the team, and with your kids’ friends.
Take casual opportunities to ask how it’s going. As you listen to stories
of the day’s events, be sure to ask about what your kids think and feel
about what happened.
If your child seems to be worried about something, ask about it.
Encourage kids to put what’s bothering them into words. Ask for key
details and listen attentively. Sometimes just sharing the story with you
can help lighten their load.
Show you care and understand. Being interested in your child’s
concerns shows they’re important to you, too, and helps kids feel
supported and understood. Reassuring comments can help — but
usually only after you’ve heard your child out. Say that you understand
your child’s feelings and the problem.
Guide kids to solutions. You can help reduce worries by helping kids
learn to deal constructively with challenging situations. When your
child tells you about a problem, offer to help come up with a solution
together. If your son is worried about an upcoming math test, for
example, offering to help him study will lessen his concern about it.
In most situations, resist the urge to jump in and fix a problem for your
child — instead, think it through and come up with possible solutions
together. Problem-solve with kids, rather than for them. By taking an
active role, kids learn how to tackle a problem independently.
Keep things in perspective. Without minimizing a child’s feelings, point
out that many problems are temporary and solvable, and that there
will be better days and other opportunities to try again. Teaching kids
to keep problems in perspective can lessen their worry and help build
strength, resilience, and the optimism to try again. Remind your kids that
whatever happens, things will be OK.
So, for example, if your son is worried about whether he’ll get the lead
in the school play, remind him that there’s a play every season — if he
doesn’t get the part he wants this time, he’ll have other opportunities.
Acknowledge how important this is to him and let him know that
regardless of the outcome, you’re proud that he tried out and gave it
his best shot.
Make a difference. Sometimes kids worry about big stuff — like terrorism,
war, or global warming — that they hear about at school or on the
news. Parents can help by discussing these issues, offering accurate
information, and correcting any misconceptions kids might have. Try
to reassure kids by talking about what adults are doing to tackle the
problem to keep them safe.
Be aware that your own reaction to global events affects kids, too. If
you express anger and stress about a world event that’s beyond your
control, kids are likely to react that way too. But if you express your
concern by taking a proactive approach to make a positive difference,
your kids will feel more optimistic and empowered to do the same.
So look for things you can do with your kids to help all of you feel like
you’re making a positive difference. You can’t stop a war, for example,
but your family can contribute to an organization that works for
peace or helps kids in war-torn countries. Or your family might perform
community service to give your kids the experience of volunteering.
Offer reassurance and comfort. Sometimes when kids are worried, what
they need most is a parent’s reassurance and comfort. It might come in
the form of a hug, some heartfelt words, or time spent together. It helps
kids to know that, whatever happens, parents will be there with love
and support.
Sometimes kids need parents to show them how to let go of worry rather
than dwell on it. Know when it’s time to move on, and help kids shift
gears. Lead the way by introducing a topic that’s more upbeat or an
activity that will create a lighter mood.
Highlight the positive. Ask your kids what they enjoyed about their day,
and listen attentively when they tell you about what goes great for
them or what they had fun doing. Give plenty of airtime to the good
things that happen. Let them tell you what they think and feel about
their successes, achievements, and positive experiences — and what
they did to help things turn out so well.
Schedules are busy, but make sure there’s time for your kids to do
little things they feel good doing. Daily doses of positive emotions and
experiences — like enjoyment, gratitude, love, amusement, relaxation,
fun, and interest — offset stress and help kids do well.
Be a good role model. The most powerful lessons we teach kids are the
ones we demonstrate. Your response to your own worries, stress, and
frustrations can go a long way toward teaching your kids how to deal
with everyday challenges. If you’re rattled or angry when dealing with
a to-do list that’s too long, your kids will learn that as the appropriate
response to stress.
Instead, look on the bright side and voice optimistic thoughts about
your own situations at least as often as you talk about what bothers or
upsets you. Set a good example with your reactions to problems and
setbacks. Responding with optimism and confidence teaches kids that
problems are temporary and tomorrow’s another day. Bouncing back
with a can-do attitude will help your kids do the same.
Reviewed by: D’Arcy Lyness, PhD
Date reviewed: July 2013
11
Added reasons to join the AFPA Membership:
Special Pricing is available to AFPA Members at The Brick, Hughes Car Wash and Gas Diesel Bar, West Edmonton Mall (Choice Passes), SilverBirch Hotels and
Resorts, Chateau Louis Edmonton, AVIS Car Rentals, Canar Rock Products Edmonton and Red Deer, Minute Muffler & Brake Calgary, and Koch Ford Edmonton
AFPA Membership Application
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014
PLEASE MARK “X” IN
THE APPROPRIATE BOX
NAME
NAME
NEW
RENEW
INDICATE CLASS OF MEMBERSHIP
WITH “X” IN THE CORRECT BOX
ADDRESS
CITY
PROVINCE
Regional Authority Name
DEPARTMENT FOSTER HOME
Regional Authority Number
POSTAL CODE
Classification
TELEPHONE
EMAIL ADDRESS
Name of Agency
DATE
PLEASE COMPLETE ALL AREAS
TO ENSURE ACCURATE INFORMATION TYPE OR PRINT
2.
3.
ASSOCIATE MEMBER
LIFETIME MEMBER
Method of Payment
MASTERCARDVISA
RETURN FORM AND MEMBERSHIP FEE TO:
Alberta Foster Parent Association
9750 - 35 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T6E 6J6
Phone (780) 429-9923 / 1-800-667-2372
Fax (780) 426-7151
1.
AGENCY FOSTER HOME
CASHCHEQUE
Credit Card Number
Authorized Signature
Expiry Date
CLASS OF MEMBERSHIP
Foster Home Member: an individual who is licensed by Alberta Human Services or equivalent
Associate Member: an individual or agency that is not a licensed foster parent
Lifetime Member: appointed lifetime members of the AFPA (fee waived)
The membership fee is $50.00 per household per year (one card for each parent will be issued). A fee of $10.00 will be charged for all NSF cheques.
If you would like your membership card laminated, please enclose an additional $0.75 per card.
Canadian Foster Family Association
Donor Membership Application
April 1, 2014 - March 31, 2015
New Member
Renewal
Foster FamilySocial WorkerOther
Name(s):
Address:City/Town:
Mail this form and membership fee to:
Prov./Terr.:Postal Code:
CANADIAN FOSTER FAMILY ASSOCIATION
c/o Sharon Joyal
Membership Chair
Box 1 Group 25 RR2
Ste Anne, Manitoba R5H 1R2
Phone: (
)
Email:
Family Membership Fee: $20.00 OR $100.00 for 6 years
Method of Payment:
ChequeMoney order
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