OKDHS Resource Family Connections

S10108 OKDHS
Issued 12/2010
This publication is authorized by the Oklahoma Commission for Human Services in accordance with state and federal regulations and
printed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services at a cost of $1,255.00 for 12,550 copies. Copies have been deposited with
the Publications Clearinghouse of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.
Oklahoma Department of
Human Services
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Children and Family
Services Division
P. O. Box 25352
Oklahoma City, OK 73125
Oklahoma City, OK
Permit No. 238
Oklahoma Department of Human Services
NEW!
Quilts of Caring
---- Page 2
OKDHS Names
Adoptive Families
---- Page 6
Top 10 Tips for
Managing Stress
---- Page 10
Numbers to Know
A D O P T I O N AND
POST-ADOPTION
SERVICES
Deborah Goodman (918) 794-7544
Programs Administrator
Jacquelyn Hill-Anderson
(405) 522-2467
Post Adoption Services
Programs Manager
FOSTER CARE
Joani Webster (405) 521-4360
Programs Administrator
Margaret Linnemann (405) 521-3438
Programs Manager
Nellie Caldwell (405) 521-2881
Program Field Representative
Beverly Smith (918) 684-5362
Program Field Representative
Winter 2010/11
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OKDHS Resource Family
In Sites
For those who have or are
considering adoption
http://www.nrcadoption.org/
Stress management and other
topics for resource families
http://www.
wifostercareandadoption.org
Child Care Warmline
Developing a Stress
Management Plan
---- Page 11
1-888-574-5437
To listen to recorded
messages on a wide variety
of child care topics, or to talk
with a child development
specialist.
Foster Parent Hotline
Here to Help
To assist you with problems
regarding payments, policy
clarification, grievance or
other foster care issues.
1-800-376-9729
Barbara Wells, Editor
The University of Oklahoma
Outreach National Resource
Center for Youth Services
Foster and
Adoptive Parent
Recruitment Hotline
1-866-612-2565
Connections is published
quarterly by the Oklahoma Department
of Human Services, Children and Family
Services Division.
Celebrating Success in Adoption
November was National Adoption
Month, and in Oklahoma, that’s
something to celebrate. Oklahoma’s
SWIFT Adoptions Program was
created in 1999 as a response to
the passage of the Adoption and
Safe Families Act of 1997. SWIFT
Adoptions is a specialized unit
designed to focus on removing
barriers to adoption and permanency
for children in Oklahoma’s child
welfare system who are in need of
permanent placements. By recruiting,
training and maintaining a group of
approved potential adoptive families,
Oklahoma has been able to shift from
a program of “waiting children” to one
of “waiting families.”
Adoption specialists are assigned
to every area of the state and serve
as consultants to each permanency
planning
group. Once
the court has
determined
that
reunification
is not in the
child’s best
interest,
adoption
specialists
assist the
permanency
staff with the
process of moving children quickly
toward the goal of adoption. An
adoption specialist is responsible
for adoptive family recruitment,
assessment of the families for
placement potential, and supervision
of newly created families who are
moving toward finalization.
Under the direction of Deborah
Goodman, programs administrator
for adoptions, SWIFT Adoptions
has been instrumental in changing
the face of adoption in Oklahoma.
Families are recruited for children
with the understanding that few will
emerge unscathed from a history of
abuse, neglect and loss. Families are
prepared for the special needs their
children will bring into the family and
are offered a variety of post-adoptive
services to help them successfully
transition into a stable family unit.
One of the many changes in
the adoptive program is the focus
on adoption by kinship providers,
both relative and non-relative. The
implementation of Bridge and inclusion
of kinship families in planning for
permanency
has been an
important shift
in Oklahoma’s
adoption
success. During
the 2009
fiscal year, 87
percent of the
1,177 children
authorized
into adoptive
placement
were in kinship
families. For many of these children,
this was a non-relative home that they
first entered as a foster placement.
Because of that placement, a kinship
bond was formed.
Although reunification is always
Continued on page 4
Quilts of Caring
Area I Foster Care Supervisor
Jamie Beck has a dream. She
wants to provide Oklahoma’s
foster children with something
soft, warm and comforting…
something with durability,
flexibility and reliability;
something that, figuratively
speaking, would wrap them up
and protect them from life’s
harsher elements. Something
like a big quilt…or a dedicated
resource family.
Falling back on
her love for quilting,
Beck, (who supervises
resource staff in Kay,
Noble, Pawnee, Payne
and Logan counties) had
the idea to create a quilt
around artwork created
by children in foster
care. The plan was for
the quilt to travel to
various counties in
Area I, where it would
Jamie Beck with a selection of Area I’s recruitment quilts.
OKDHS staff members
were routinely taking part in
recruitment events by setting
up booths at local events such
as fairs, carnivals and festivals.
People attending the events
were, just as routinely, turning
their heads as they walked by,
looking away toward something
more fun, more emotionally
comfortable than abused and
neglected children.
“We needed a draw,” Beck
said, “something to grab their
attention and bring them into our
booth. Something that would
generate their interest so they
would stop and talk to us.”
Page 2
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be displayed for recruitment
events. Knowing how few people
can resist the bright colors and
beautiful stitching of fine quilt
work, Jamie was hoping the
quilt, with its unique artwork,
would catch the eye of those
passing by, drawing them in to
find out more about the quilt and
the children who had helped
create it.
Jamie took the idea to her
staff in May 2010. Since the
project was started, an explosion
of interest and community
involvement has taken place in
Area I around the production of
these quilts. Through the hard
Developing a Stress Management Plan
The approach of the busy
holiday season can be especially
stressful for resource families
of every type. Along with the
pressures that all families
deal with during the holidays,
resource parents have the
added stress of parenting
children separated from their
family of origin. For children in
care, emotional and behavioral
crisis is often a partner to the
excitement and fun of the holiday
season. Family visits or the
absence of family contact can be
equally challenging for children,
placing an added burden upon
caregivers.
work and ingenuity of resource
specialists and others across Area
I, what started with one quilt quickly
became a plan to produce 13 to be
shared by Area I counties.
Understanding that the shared
interest of quilters forms a
community of its own, Beck and
her staff went to quilt shops, quilt
guilds and fabric shops all over Area
I, explaining their purpose. Many
shops and individuals donated fabric
and supplies. They also provided a
venue to circulate news about the
project. The OKDHS workers of Area
I asked that quilters pledge to make
a quilt for them. Each quilter making
the pledge would receive a package
containing 26 quilt pieces of original
artwork created by children in foster
care, four OKDHS logo squares, and
Whether your family is
providing temporary care for a
kinship child, is involved in a
traditional foster care relationship
or is a permanent adoptive
family, the ghosts of holidays
past will likely be a factor in your
holiday celebrations. Recognizing
the underlying issue and
preparing for the emotional and
physical challenge of the season
are the first steps in managing
your stress.
Reducing and managing stress
is more effective when a plan
is put into place. In the article
“Stress Management: Develop
a Stress Management Plan,”
Ann Logsdon suggests nine
statements to get started on
developing a stress management
plan. The worksheet to the right
will help you get started.
Adapted from http://learning
disabilities.about.com/od/
emotionalhealth/a/
stressmgtplan.htm
1.
Reducing stress is important to me because
2.
Making a commitment to myself to create and follow my stress
management plan will help me in the following ways
3.
A major source of stress in my life is
4.
Some things I can do that would help me feel better are
5.
Two things I can do today to help my stress level are
6.
Taking care of myself is important and will help me in the following
ways
7.
Some ways I could take care of myself are
8.
Of these things listed above, the thing I could most like to try and
will stick with is
9.
I expect that now everyone will support my efforts to reduce stress
in my life, and when this happens, some things I can do to stay with
my plan are
To develop your stress management plan, you may want to answer all the
questions at one time or just one statement a day and write the questions
and answers in a journal. You can then use your responses as a guide
for creating your stress management plan and increasing your emotional
well-being for holidays and every day.
Page 11
Tips for Managing Stress
Stress is an everyday occurrence
that either motivates or
overwhelms. The following 10 tips
may help you manage stress and
decrease the stress blues.
1
Choose to Make
Organization a Priority
Dust off the family
calendar and determine the
house schedule. Set clear
timelines and priorities for
the tasks that need to be
done. Remember that what
is prioritized does occur.
This can create a sense of
empowerment and control.
2
Work Out the Stress
Decide to exercise
away the stress
mentally and physically.
The intention is to divert
your mind and body from
that which is stressful and
connect to what brings
balance.
3
Simple Strategies
Life can sometimes
be repeatable.
Use past experiences to
make plans to deal with
unexpected situations, such
as back-up rides for children
from school or an event or
having quick-to-fix meals
available.
4
Take a Time Out and
Breathe
Taking a quick fiveminute break just to gather
your thoughts can make a
world of difference during
a stressful time. Build
segments of time in the day
to catch your breath and
detach for a moment.
SWIFT Adoptions Hosts Adoption Month Events
The Oklahoma SWIFT Adoptions Program hosted three special events
in November in recognition of adoption month. In Tulsa, events included
an adoptive parent training day Nov. 6 and a recruitment event on Nov.
20. A statewide adoption celebration took place at the Moore-Norman
Technology Center in Moore on Nov. 17
5
Use Goals that are Real
Keep daily goals wellfocused, task-oriented
and realistic. It increases the
likelihood that the goals will
be achieved.
Nap
Studies have shown
that 15-20 minute nap
breaks can improve mood,
outlook and stress-handling
ability.
6
7
Picture It
Keep life interesting.
Take pictures
throughout the day with
a phone camera while
participating in everyday tasks
and hobbies. They can make
great discussions around the
dinner table.
8
Eat Colorfully
Think rainbow when
planning meals. Select
fruits and vegetables of
different colors to ensure a
well-balanced diet and energy
throughout the day.
9
Plan to Play
Spend time each day
in activities that are
fun and enjoyable. Make sure
laughter is included when
possible.
10
Connect
Stay connected by
making time to get
together with friends and
family.
Page 10
Lawrence and Allison Holt and family
a list of fabrics and other donated
supplies.
Word of mouth caused the idea
to spread. Soon, challenges were
springing up between quilt groups
and individuals. More successful
than they ever dreamed, Beck and
her staff now have pledges for 22
quilts and the finished
quilts are beginning to trickle into
the Area I offices. Some of the
quilts will come in as tops only
and will be finished by Beck on her
“long arm” – a large, specialized
sewing machine used for quilting.
The machine sits proudly where
Beck’s dining room table once
stood.
The artwork used in the
quilts was gathered by Area I
permanency, intake and resource
workers. Fabric squares and
fabric crayons and markers
were donated, in large part, by
Beck. Creating the artwork was
regarded as a way to enhance
and build relationships with the
children involved. It became part
of parent/child visitation, worker/
child visits and even an activity to
keep children entertained during
meetings and visits with placement
providers. Completion of the 22
pledged quilts will require a total
of 572 pieces of children’s original
artwork and 88 logo squares,
which then have to be pressed and
packaged into quilting kits.
“This has definitely not been
something I did on my own,”
Beck laughed, recalling one Area
I Resource Unit meeting where
“everyone brought ironing boards
and we pressed squares while we
held our staff meeting.”
Not surprisingly, the quilts
become very personal and
meaningful to their creators. Some
named their quilts and stitched
the names onto the quilt itself.
Others, like Beck and Area I Child
Welfare Field Liaison Terri Leeper,
developed an attachment to the
artwork because of the children
who create it. Beck’s original
quilt was donated to the Foster
Care and Adoptive Association
of Oklahoma for sale in the silent
auction fundraiser at this year’s
Oklahoma Pathways to Adulthood
Together We Can! Conference.
Once the donation had been
made, Beck and Leeper found
themselves unwilling to let the
quilt go. Instead they pooled their
money and bought it back for
Area I.
Beck shared a wonderful story
about a sibling set who had
experienced multiple placements
and for whom “it seemed we
couldn’t do anything right.” After
yet another placement, this one
with a single foster mother, the
worker returned from a visit to
the home with quilt squares
colored brightly to represent a
happy, smiling family unit… with
messages of thanks for “my new
home.” Those squares went
to court, just as the children’s
unhappy artwork had in the past.
This allowed the judge and others
to see the change in the children’s
affect and attitude in their new
placement.
And just how well are the quilts
working as recruitment tools?
“Well,” Beck said, “since most
people think about foster care for
around seven years before they
apply, it’s probably too soon to
tell. But they have created a lot of
interest. People are stopping at our
booths to ask questions about the
quilts, and they’ve generated a lot
of opportunities for us to give mini
in-services on how many children
are in care, how long they stay and
why we need homes. Being able to
raise public awareness of the need
is enough for us.”
By choosing to make and use
quilts as a recruitment tool, Area I
staff just may have discovered the
perfect metaphor for a resource
home. Both are designed to
provide comfort, care, warmth,
safety and protection from the
harsher elements in life. Beck
and the Area I staff would like to
challenge other areas to “wrap up
the state” in quilts of caring. She’ll
be glad to provide advice and
encouragement, but not artwork.
“They’re on their own there,”
she laughs.
Foster Family
Computers
The Foster Care Association
of Oklahoma, in partnership
with OKDHS, will award
computers to selected
Oklahoma resource families
throughout the year. County
OKDHS staff and local foster
care associations will identify
and nominate a family or
families in each county they
believe will benefit from a
computer. Following the
award, each family chosen
will provide a six-month
report on how they have
used their computer. Other
stipulations and agreements
will be explained to recipients
upon their selection. If you
have an interest in this
program, please contact your
local resource specialist and
log on to www.fcao.org for
additional information and
the award application form.
For more information, contact
Lana Freeman at 405-3875052 or [email protected].
Page 3
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Cont. from page 1
the ideal outcome for children
in out-of-home placement,
there are times when it cannot
be accomplished. When this
happens, Bridge resource parents
are encouraged to consider
adoption of the children placed
with them. This practice can
allow a smoother transition
for children because they are
remaining with a family they
know and with whom they have
formed a bond. Goodman and
the SWIFT Adoptions Program
have been instrumental in the
design and support of Oklahoma’s
Bridge model, a philosophic
system that raises awareness
of the importance of maintaining
children’s connections throughout
their lifetime.
Since the creation of the SWIFT
Adoptions Program, Oklahoma
has more than quadrupled the
number of children authorized for
placement in permanent homes
each year. Prior to 1999, the
agency placed approximately
300 children per year in adoptive
homes. Since that time, SWIFT
has averaged approximately 1,300
placements per year. During the
10 years since its inception, the
program has received numerous
awards and accolades. The true
measure of its success, however,
is the more than 11,700 children
who have found a new chance
at safe and happy lives with
adoptive families. Now that’s
something to celebrate!
Sources:
Adapted in part from the article,
Goodman, Deborah. “Oklahoma
Swift Adoptions Program Excels in
Moving Children to Permanency,”
The Roundtable, Vol. 24, No.
1, 2010, National Resource
Center for Adoption, pgs. 1 & 4,
from http://www.nrcadoption.org/
roundtable/v24/Volume%2024%20
-%20No%201%20-%202010.pdf.
Page 4
OKDHS Prepares to Rollout Phase
One of the Children’s Health Passport
House Bill 1734, signed into law
last year, mandated the creation
of a Health and Education
Passport for children in OKDHS
care. The initial phase of the
passport should be ready for
rollout to OKDHS resource
families by early 2011. This
passport will provide the child’s
caregiver password protected,
web-based internet access to
the child’s medical history. The
information used to create the
passport will be collected from the
Oklahoma Health Care Authority
and OKDHS data.
By collecting information
on a weekly basis through an
interface with the OHCA system,
information about services
provided to the child through
the state’s Medicaid system will
become available to placement
providers much quicker. This
will support consistent and
complete medical care for custody
children. According to Amy White,
OKDHS programs administrator,
the medical information available
will also include services the child
received prior to entering care
if those services were provided
through the Medicaid program.
In the future, OKDHS placement
providers will receive a letter with
information on how to create a
user ID and password for internet access.
Save the Date!
National Foster Parent
Association
2011 Conference
June 24-27, 2011
Mobile Alabama
For more information,
go to www.nfpaonline.org.
Smith Named OKDHS Children and
Family Services Director
Deborah Smith was recently
named director of the Children
and Family Services Division of
the Oklahoma Department of
Human Services, overseeing the
state’s child welfare and family
services programs.
Smith has demonstrated
valuable leadership skills in
multiple roles within the agency
and has expertise in Child and
Protective Services, Permanency
Planning and Foster Care. She
helped develop and implement
Oklahoma’s child welfare practice
standards and enhanced practice
model. Smith’s combination of
direct practice experience in rural
and metro Oklahoma counties
and her working knowledge of all
six geographic areas of the state
provides her with the experience
needed to lead OKDHS in
achieving better outcomes for
Oklahomas children and families.
Smith holds a master of social
work degree with an emphasis
in administration, as well as
a bachelor’s degree from
the University of Oklahoma.
From 1999 to 2010, she was a
practicum supervisor for social
work undergraduate and graduate
students for three universities
- University of Oklahoma,
Northeastern State University and
East Central University.
Reference: Adapted from OKDHS
News Release, August 5, 2010
http://www.okdhs.org/library/news/
rel/2010/08/hsc08052010.htm
the home after experiencing
great difficulty and can be
very challenging. After finding
permanency with this family,
each has been transformed into
a happy, healthy, emotionally
secure and responsible child.
The Boardmans allow the
children to develop their own
interests and support them. They
have a degree of commitment
that simply doesn’t allow them to
give up on a child.
The commitment Dale and
Elena make is echoed by the
children in the home. Before a
new child is adopted, the issue
is first weighed and discussed
until all family members are
in agreement. Following the
placement there are no signs of
jealousy or resentment among
the children. Adoption by Dale
and Elena means being adopted
by the whole family.
Advocate of the Year –
Jennifer McBee
Jennifer McBee has been
appointed as the child’s attorney
on numerous deprived cases
in Leflore County. She takes a
personal interest in each child
and makes immediate contact
with the child and placement
provider. McBee develops more
than a professional relationship
with each of her children. She
often visits the child in the foster
home, and on one case she
made several trips to Ponca
City to visit with a child who
resided in the American Legion
Home – more than a six-hour trip
roundtrip from Poteau.
McBee is a resource to child
welfare staff in interpreting legal
issues. She attends permanency
planning reviews and offers
thoughtful and informed
comments regarding the juvenile
cases being reviewed. She often
agrees with OKDHS’ position or
recommendation on a particular
case, and she remains mindful
that she represents the child.
McBee’s knowledge of her
clients, preparation and articulate
cross-examination of witnesses
has made her a pivotal force in
many juvenile cases. Because of
her dedication and willingness to
go an extra step, McBee greatly
increases her clients’ chances to
secure permanency through the
legal system.
Area VI
Adoptive Family of the Year –
Lawrence and Bernita Norwood
Lawrence and Bernita Norwood
began fostering in the summer of
2009. The day they signed their
contract, the resource specialist
told them about a sibling group of
four boys, ages 10, 14, 15 and 17
who were currently in the shelter.
These four young men needed a
safe and stable two-parent family.
The Norwoods are co-pastors
and have provided the children
with a great deal of love, structure,
compassion and understanding.
They have maintained the
children’s connection to their kin,
culture, race and community by
allowing their biological mother
to join the family at church and
at Sunday dinners. This was
extremely important for these
boys.
The Norwoods provided
temporary care until the children
were legally free for adoption,
and in August 2010 finalized the
adoption on all four siblings.
The Norwoods remain an open
traditional foster care resource,
providing temporary care for teen
boys. Following reunification,
the Norwoods maintain their
connection to their former foster
children by making them and their
families welcome in the church and
at Sunday dinners. They remain
willing to open their home and
hearts to OKDHS custody children.
Advocate of the Year – Leanne
Williams, Reasor’s LLC
Reasor’s LLC, Tahlequah, has
been a strong supporter of the
Area VI adoption party. It has
donated gift cards, goods from
the store, and checks totaling
$1,500 to assist in offsetting the
party supply costs. The company’s
involvement has been invaluable
and consistent for the past four
years. Donations have helped
with the purchase of drinks, ice,
desserts, paper goods, candy
and many other items. This has
enabled Area VI adoption staff
to give children and adoptive
families a very memorable party.
Area VI would like to recognize
Reasor’s and its representative,
Leanne Williams, for its continued
support and partnership in finding
permanency for
children. Area VI
deeply appreciates
the contributions to
creating a relaxed
and enjoyable
atmosphere for
children and
potential families
to meet and begin
to form lifelong
connections.
Lawrence and Bernita Norwood and family
Page 9
and honors the families she
serves.
Area IV
Family of the Year –
Ronny and Kelly Gould
Ronny and Kelly Gould became
foster parents in 2008 and
accepted their first adoptive
placement in 2009. Since
that time, they have adopted
four children, including three
teenagers…and they aren’t
finished yet. The Goulds continue
to foster and plan to adopt again.
They have great patience and a
lot of staying power. They seldom
complain or ask for help. They
mix love with their discipline and
are willing to give children the
time they need to work through
problems. This technique has
been very successful with
children, as evidenced by the fact
that four children have become
permanent members of the family.
This is an active family, with
children included in all activities,
but they still make sure that each
child gets one-on-one time with
both parents. There is an open
invitation to children who have
passed through the Gould home
to come by or call. The Goulds
are committed to the children and
families they serve, whether foster
or adoptive, and the children are
better for having known this family.
Advocate of the Year –
Regina Meyer
Regina Meyer, an Okemah
attorney, is a special friend
and advocate for children and
families in Okfuskee and Lincoln
counties. Regina is willing to
handle adoption cases on very
short notice and with very limited
compensation.
She even
completed
one private
adoption pro
bono because
the family
couldn’t afford
to pay. Meyer
always puts
adoptive
families first
and is willing
to drive
paperwork to
them for signatures so they won’t
have to take off work to come
to her. At finalization hearings,
Meyer tells each child what a
wonderful day it is and how
excited she is to be part of putting
the new family together. She also
tells the judge something special
about each child being adopted.
Adoptive parents love her positive
attitude about adoption.
Meyer is dedicated to adoptions.
She keeps a large display board
in the waiting area of her office
that is decorated with pictures of
children she has worked with over
the years. She refers to adoptions
as her “happy law.” She goes
Kelly and Ronny Gould
Page 8
Regina Meyer, center, and friends
above and beyond for children and
families, easing the legal process
and making finalization day a
happy memory for them.
Area V
Adoptive Family of the Year –
Dale and Elena Boardman
University of Phoenix Offers
Scholarships
The University of Phoenix is
offering 50 scholarships to
youth who have exited foster
care and to resource parents.
The university’s First Chance
Scholarship program offers
resource parents and graduates
of the foster care system an
opportunity to earn either a
bachelor’s or master’s degree.
The National Foster Parent
Association has partnered
with the Foster Care Alumni
of America to offer these
scholarships nationwide. A
complete list of eligibility criteria
may be found at
www.nfpalonline.org.
Citizens Caring for Children
Citizens Caring for Children
is a not-for-profit organization
dedicated to helping meet
the needs of OKDHS custody
children living in Canadian,
Cleveland, Grady, Lincoln, Logan,
Pottawatomie and Oklahoma
Counties. Designated for the
exclusive use of custody children
from birth to 21, CCC is a
supplemental resource to help
placement providers meet the
need for clothing and other items
for children in OKDHS custody.
Distribution of clothing, shoes,
socks, underwear, pajamas,
coats, books and other items is
accomplished by appointment
only. School supplies and other
seasonal items are also available
through CCC.
As an additional service, CCC
sponsors a mentoring program for
OKDHS custody children between
the ages of 6 and 18 living in
the specified counties. Trained
mentors are matched with children
to provide extra time, attention and
emotional support.
The efforts of CCC on behalf
of OKDHS custody children are
made possible by cash donations
and foundation grants. Donations
of new clothing, toys and seasonal
items are also accepted for
distribution. For information on our
programs, new location, eligibility
guidelines and appointments
please call 405-753-4099.
Dale and Elena Boardman and family
Dale and Elena Boardman
completed their first adoption in
2007 when they adopted a brother
and sister they had known for
over a year. The Boardmans, who
became therapeutic foster parents
in 2005, became acquainted
with the children when they were
placed in the home of friends who
were a therapeutic foster family.
They have since adopted two
of their own foster sons and are
currently in trial adoption with an
eight-year-old girl. The Boardmans
have two birth children in the home
as well as one adult son.
The family now has eight
children (seven living in the
home). The Boardmans continue
to provide a supportive, nurturing
and structured atmosphere.
They are not afraid of the hard
work connected with a child’s
adjustment to their family, or
the emotional and behavioral
challenges the child comes to
them with.
Children from a therapeutic
placement background come into
Page 5
�
OKDHS Names 2010 Outstanding Adoptive Families
and Advocates
The SWIFT Adoptions Unit is
pleased to announce the 2010
Adoptive Families and Advocates
of the Year for 2010. Nominated
by OKDHS workers in each area
of the state, these families and
child advocates were honored
at the 2010 SWIFT Adoptions
statewide Adoption Celebration
on Nov. 17. Adoptive families
were selected because of their
dedication and perseverance in
overcoming the challenges to
providing permanency to children
within their homes and families
and for their efforts in maintaining
connections to their adoptive
child’s culture and kin. Advocates
of the Year are professionals
and volunteers whose work
has demonstrated exceptional
determination, creativity and
caring through their efforts to
help children and families achieve
permanency through adoption
during 2010.
Area I
Adoptive Family of the Year –
Travis and Tonya Ratcliff
The Ratcliffs became a foster
family in 2007 in order to provide
Travis and Tonya Ratcliff and family
Page 6
emergency care for a child
hospitalized in the infant care unit
where Tonya Ratcliff worked. In
2009, Tonya and Travis adopted
two of the children placed
in their home. In 2010, they
became adoptive parents for two
additional children. The Ratcliffs,
who have one birth child and are
expecting another, quickly went
from a family of three to a family
of six. Their adoptive children
include one sibling set, which
was adopted separately.
The Ratcliffs exemplify the
OKDHS Bridge program in
many ways. They understand
the importance of maintaining
connections to family members
and actively work with extended
biological family to maintain their
children’s important connections.
This includes siblings in other
placements and even one
biological mother, whom they
included in their adoption. The
Ratcliffs provide a loving and
safe environment for their family,
playing active roles in their daily
lives and advocating for them in
every way.
Advocate of the Year –
James Schaefer
James Schaefer, a
Ponca City attorney,
was approached by a
prospective adoptive
mother to complete
her adoption of the five
children that she had
in her home through
foster care. Schaefer
worked diligently to
overcome barriers
to the adoption and
help these children
achieve permanency.
Schaefer knew the
biological mother had
in OKDHS custody. Schaefer
is a true advocate for OKDHS
children and families in helping
them achieve permanency
through adoption.
Area II
Adoptive Family of the Year –
Richard and Rachael Shirley
James Schaefer and Lydia Connelly, OKDHS
consented to the adoption by the
foster mother because the children
were doing well in the placement
and eager to make this their
permanent home. The potential
adoptive mother and the children’s
biological mother had even
reached an agreement for open
adoption with ongoing visitation
for the biological mother and the
children. Despite the obvious
advantages to this placement, the
case judge was reluctant to finalize
the adoption of five children by a
single mother.
Under his direction, the children
were the subjects of a statewide
adoption staffing. Still, no twoparent families expressed an
interest in adopting this sibling set.
Despite the lack of an alternative
placement, the judge remained
unwilling to finalize with a single
mother.
After waiting a few weeks,
Schaefer, with paperwork in order,
moved forward, filing the adoption
petition and setting an adoption
hearing date. After consideration,
the judge recused himself from
the case and the adoption was
finalized on Sept. 2, 2010.
Without Schaefer’s
determination, the adoption would
not have happened and this
sibling group of five would still be
Richard and Rachael Shirley
wanted to adopt children to
provide a good home and keep a
sibling group together. Rachael,
who has three biological children,
and Richard felt that they could
provide a safe, stable home for
children who were in need. The
Shirleys accepted placement of
a sibling set of eight children in
2009. During an extended trial
placement period, it became
evident that the mental health
needs of the two oldest siblings
were so severe that it impacted
the safety of the younger six
siblings. The Shirleys were great
advocates for all the children,
but eventually the two older
children had to be removed from
their home. Rachael continued
to attend therapy sessions with
these children and to advocate
for the mental health treatment
they needed even after they were
separated from the sibling set for
adoption.
The Shirleys were able to keep
a sibling group of six together
for adoption. These children will
grow up together as brothers
and sisters and will have loving,
nurturing parents to support them
throughout their lives. They have
a stable routine and two devoted
parents who are willing to do
anything for them. The children
are very happy and relieved to be
out of OKDHS custody and in a
forever family.
Advocate of the Year –
Linque Gillette
Linque Gillette, a former OKDHS
adoption specialist and current
Katrina Hasty, OKDHS, Linque Gillette,
Rachel Williamson, OKDHS
Oklahoma City attorney, has
contributed his professional
services to represent families
pursuing adoption in OKDHS
Areas II and III. Gillette’s
experience as an adoption
specialist gives him a unique
perspective into the process
and importance of achieving
permanency for children in
OKDHS care.
Gillette has repeatedly
demonstrated a willingness to
assist families in overcoming
the barriers to adoption, even
when they are financially unable
to compensate him for his work.
Because of his dedication and
generosity, Gillette has helped
OKDHS staff make permanency
a reality for hundreds of OKDHS
children and adoptive parents. He
represents the true spirit of the
practice standards adopted by our
agency.
Area III
Adoptive Family of the Year –
Gertrude Cooper
Gertrude Cooper became a
kinship foster parent when
her grandchildren came into
OKDHS custody. A single
person, Cooper lived on a very
small income. Despite her lack
of financial resources, Cooper
wanted her grandchildren to
stay together and remain with
their own family. In 2007, she
adopted her granddaughter,
the oldest of the sibling set of
three. Two years later, the child
was diagnosed with leukemia
and in May 2010, succumbed
to the disease. Throughout this
ordeal, Cooper provided care
and comfort to all three children.
She remained steadfast in her
pursuit of adoption for the younger
children, completing their adoption
disclosure just one week after the
death of her older granddaughter.
Cooper also lost her sister to
cancer during the same period.
Cooper is the maternal
grandmother of the children as
well as the adoptive mother. Their
adoption was finalized this year.
She understands the importance
of them growing up together and
remaining connected to family.
Cooper is very passionate about
education and encourages
and supports their efforts to
excel. She loves these children
unconditionally. Despite the
tragedy of losing their sister, the
children are happy and well-caredfor in their adoptive home. Cooper
exemplifies the value of keeping
children connected to their culture,
kin and community.
Advocate of the Year –
Lee A. Dickens
Lee Dickens is an assistant
public defender working out of
the Juvenile Justice Center in
Oklahoma County. She is very
active with the cases of the
children she represents in juvenile
court. She is always willing to
attend family group conferencing
meetings and arrives prepared
to actively participate. Dickens
is prompt in replying to workers’
questions and concerns. She
enjoys visiting with the children
when they attend hearings and
is always aware that her task is
representing what her clients want
as well as what is in their best
interests. She truly listens to the
voices of children and respects
Page 7
OKDHS Names 2010 Outstanding Adoptive Families
and Advocates
The SWIFT Adoptions Unit is
pleased to announce the 2010
Adoptive Families and Advocates
of the Year for 2010. Nominated
by OKDHS workers in each area
of the state, these families and
child advocates were honored
at the 2010 SWIFT Adoptions
statewide Adoption Celebration
on Nov. 17. Adoptive families
were selected because of their
dedication and perseverance in
overcoming the challenges to
providing permanency to children
within their homes and families
and for their efforts in maintaining
connections to their adoptive
child’s culture and kin. Advocates
of the Year are professionals
and volunteers whose work
has demonstrated exceptional
determination, creativity and
caring through their efforts to
help children and families achieve
permanency through adoption
during 2010.
Area I
Adoptive Family of the Year –
Travis and Tonya Ratcliff
The Ratcliffs became a foster
family in 2007 in order to provide
Travis and Tonya Ratcliff and family
Page 6
emergency care for a child
hospitalized in the infant care unit
where Tonya Ratcliff worked. In
2009, Tonya and Travis adopted
two of the children placed
in their home. In 2010, they
became adoptive parents for two
additional children. The Ratcliffs,
who have one birth child and are
expecting another, quickly went
from a family of three to a family
of six. Their adoptive children
include one sibling set, which
was adopted separately.
The Ratcliffs exemplify the
OKDHS Bridge program in
many ways. They understand
the importance of maintaining
connections to family members
and actively work with extended
biological family to maintain their
children’s important connections.
This includes siblings in other
placements and even one
biological mother, whom they
included in their adoption. The
Ratcliffs provide a loving and
safe environment for their family,
playing active roles in their daily
lives and advocating for them in
every way.
Advocate of the Year –
James Schaefer
James Schaefer, a
Ponca City attorney,
was approached by a
prospective adoptive
mother to complete
her adoption of the five
children that she had
in her home through
foster care. Schaefer
worked diligently to
overcome barriers
to the adoption and
help these children
achieve permanency.
Schaefer knew the
biological mother had
in OKDHS custody. Schaefer
is a true advocate for OKDHS
children and families in helping
them achieve permanency
through adoption.
Area II
Adoptive Family of the Year –
Richard and Rachael Shirley
James Schaefer and Lydia Connelly, OKDHS
consented to the adoption by the
foster mother because the children
were doing well in the placement
and eager to make this their
permanent home. The potential
adoptive mother and the children’s
biological mother had even
reached an agreement for open
adoption with ongoing visitation
for the biological mother and the
children. Despite the obvious
advantages to this placement, the
case judge was reluctant to finalize
the adoption of five children by a
single mother.
Under his direction, the children
were the subjects of a statewide
adoption staffing. Still, no twoparent families expressed an
interest in adopting this sibling set.
Despite the lack of an alternative
placement, the judge remained
unwilling to finalize with a single
mother.
After waiting a few weeks,
Schaefer, with paperwork in order,
moved forward, filing the adoption
petition and setting an adoption
hearing date. After consideration,
the judge recused himself from
the case and the adoption was
finalized on Sept. 2, 2010.
Without Schaefer’s
determination, the adoption would
not have happened and this
sibling group of five would still be
Richard and Rachael Shirley
wanted to adopt children to
provide a good home and keep a
sibling group together. Rachael,
who has three biological children,
and Richard felt that they could
provide a safe, stable home for
children who were in need. The
Shirleys accepted placement of
a sibling set of eight children in
2009. During an extended trial
placement period, it became
evident that the mental health
needs of the two oldest siblings
were so severe that it impacted
the safety of the younger six
siblings. The Shirleys were great
advocates for all the children,
but eventually the two older
children had to be removed from
their home. Rachael continued
to attend therapy sessions with
these children and to advocate
for the mental health treatment
they needed even after they were
separated from the sibling set for
adoption.
The Shirleys were able to keep
a sibling group of six together
for adoption. These children will
grow up together as brothers
and sisters and will have loving,
nurturing parents to support them
throughout their lives. They have
a stable routine and two devoted
parents who are willing to do
anything for them. The children
are very happy and relieved to be
out of OKDHS custody and in a
forever family.
Advocate of the Year –
Linque Gillette
Linque Gillette, a former OKDHS
adoption specialist and current
Katrina Hasty, OKDHS, Linque Gillette,
Rachel Williamson, OKDHS
Oklahoma City attorney, has
contributed his professional
services to represent families
pursuing adoption in OKDHS
Areas II and III. Gillette’s
experience as an adoption
specialist gives him a unique
perspective into the process
and importance of achieving
permanency for children in
OKDHS care.
Gillette has repeatedly
demonstrated a willingness to
assist families in overcoming
the barriers to adoption, even
when they are financially unable
to compensate him for his work.
Because of his dedication and
generosity, Gillette has helped
OKDHS staff make permanency
a reality for hundreds of OKDHS
children and adoptive parents. He
represents the true spirit of the
practice standards adopted by our
agency.
Area III
Adoptive Family of the Year –
Gertrude Cooper
Gertrude Cooper became a
kinship foster parent when
her grandchildren came into
OKDHS custody. A single
person, Cooper lived on a very
small income. Despite her lack
of financial resources, Cooper
wanted her grandchildren to
stay together and remain with
their own family. In 2007, she
adopted her granddaughter,
the oldest of the sibling set of
three. Two years later, the child
was diagnosed with leukemia
and in May 2010, succumbed
to the disease. Throughout this
ordeal, Cooper provided care
and comfort to all three children.
She remained steadfast in her
pursuit of adoption for the younger
children, completing their adoption
disclosure just one week after the
death of her older granddaughter.
Cooper also lost her sister to
cancer during the same period.
Cooper is the maternal
grandmother of the children as
well as the adoptive mother. Their
adoption was finalized this year.
She understands the importance
of them growing up together and
remaining connected to family.
Cooper is very passionate about
education and encourages
and supports their efforts to
excel. She loves these children
unconditionally. Despite the
tragedy of losing their sister, the
children are happy and well-caredfor in their adoptive home. Cooper
exemplifies the value of keeping
children connected to their culture,
kin and community.
Advocate of the Year –
Lee A. Dickens
Lee Dickens is an assistant
public defender working out of
the Juvenile Justice Center in
Oklahoma County. She is very
active with the cases of the
children she represents in juvenile
court. She is always willing to
attend family group conferencing
meetings and arrives prepared
to actively participate. Dickens
is prompt in replying to workers’
questions and concerns. She
enjoys visiting with the children
when they attend hearings and
is always aware that her task is
representing what her clients want
as well as what is in their best
interests. She truly listens to the
voices of children and respects
Page 7
and honors the families she
serves.
Area IV
Family of the Year –
Ronny and Kelly Gould
Ronny and Kelly Gould became
foster parents in 2008 and
accepted their first adoptive
placement in 2009. Since
that time, they have adopted
four children, including three
teenagers…and they aren’t
finished yet. The Goulds continue
to foster and plan to adopt again.
They have great patience and a
lot of staying power. They seldom
complain or ask for help. They
mix love with their discipline and
are willing to give children the
time they need to work through
problems. This technique has
been very successful with
children, as evidenced by the fact
that four children have become
permanent members of the family.
This is an active family, with
children included in all activities,
but they still make sure that each
child gets one-on-one time with
both parents. There is an open
invitation to children who have
passed through the Gould home
to come by or call. The Goulds
are committed to the children and
families they serve, whether foster
or adoptive, and the children are
better for having known this family.
Advocate of the Year –
Regina Meyer
Regina Meyer, an Okemah
attorney, is a special friend
and advocate for children and
families in Okfuskee and Lincoln
counties. Regina is willing to
handle adoption cases on very
short notice and with very limited
compensation.
She even
completed
one private
adoption pro
bono because
the family
couldn’t afford
to pay. Meyer
always puts
adoptive
families first
and is willing
to drive
paperwork to
them for signatures so they won’t
have to take off work to come
to her. At finalization hearings,
Meyer tells each child what a
wonderful day it is and how
excited she is to be part of putting
the new family together. She also
tells the judge something special
about each child being adopted.
Adoptive parents love her positive
attitude about adoption.
Meyer is dedicated to adoptions.
She keeps a large display board
in the waiting area of her office
that is decorated with pictures of
children she has worked with over
the years. She refers to adoptions
as her “happy law.” She goes
Kelly and Ronny Gould
Page 8
�
Regina Meyer, center, and friends
above and beyond for children and
families, easing the legal process
and making finalization day a
happy memory for them.
Area V
Adoptive Family of the Year –
Dale and Elena Boardman
University of Phoenix Offers
Scholarships
The University of Phoenix is
offering 50 scholarships to
youth who have exited foster
care and to resource parents.
The university’s First Chance
Scholarship program offers
resource parents and graduates
of the foster care system an
opportunity to earn either a
bachelor’s or master’s degree.
The National Foster Parent
Association has partnered
with the Foster Care Alumni
of America to offer these
scholarships nationwide. A
complete list of eligibility criteria
may be found at
www.nfpalonline.org.
Citizens Caring for Children
Citizens Caring for Children
is a not-for-profit organization
dedicated to helping meet
the needs of OKDHS custody
children living in Canadian,
Cleveland, Grady, Lincoln, Logan,
Pottawatomie and Oklahoma
Counties. Designated for the
exclusive use of custody children
from birth to 21, CCC is a
supplemental resource to help
placement providers meet the
need for clothing and other items
for children in OKDHS custody.
Distribution of clothing, shoes,
socks, underwear, pajamas,
coats, books and other items is
accomplished by appointment
only. School supplies and other
seasonal items are also available
through CCC.
As an additional service, CCC
sponsors a mentoring program for
OKDHS custody children between
the ages of 6 and 18 living in
the specified counties. Trained
mentors are matched with children
to provide extra time, attention and
emotional support.
The efforts of CCC on behalf
of OKDHS custody children are
made possible by cash donations
and foundation grants. Donations
of new clothing, toys and seasonal
items are also accepted for
distribution. For information on our
programs, new location, eligibility
guidelines and appointments
please call 405-753-4099.
Dale and Elena Boardman and family
Dale and Elena Boardman
completed their first adoption in
2007 when they adopted a brother
and sister they had known for
over a year. The Boardmans, who
became therapeutic foster parents
in 2005, became acquainted
with the children when they were
placed in the home of friends who
were a therapeutic foster family.
They have since adopted two
of their own foster sons and are
currently in trial adoption with an
eight-year-old girl. The Boardmans
have two birth children in the home
as well as one adult son.
The family now has eight
children (seven living in the
home). The Boardmans continue
to provide a supportive, nurturing
and structured atmosphere.
They are not afraid of the hard
work connected with a child’s
adjustment to their family, or
the emotional and behavioral
challenges the child comes to
them with.
Children from a therapeutic
placement background come into
Page 5
Cont. from page 1
the ideal outcome for children
in out-of-home placement,
there are times when it cannot
be accomplished. When this
happens, Bridge resource parents
are encouraged to consider
adoption of the children placed
with them. This practice can
allow a smoother transition
for children because they are
remaining with a family they
know and with whom they have
formed a bond. Goodman and
the SWIFT Adoptions Program
have been instrumental in the
design and support of Oklahoma’s
Bridge model, a philosophic
system that raises awareness
of the importance of maintaining
children’s connections throughout
their lifetime.
Since the creation of the SWIFT
Adoptions Program, Oklahoma
has more than quadrupled the
number of children authorized for
placement in permanent homes
each year. Prior to 1999, the
agency placed approximately
300 children per year in adoptive
homes. Since that time, SWIFT
has averaged approximately 1,300
placements per year. During the
10 years since its inception, the
program has received numerous
awards and accolades. The true
measure of its success, however,
is the more than 11,700 children
who have found a new chance
at safe and happy lives with
adoptive families. Now that’s
something to celebrate!
Sources:
Adapted in part from the article,
Goodman, Deborah. “Oklahoma
Swift Adoptions Program Excels in
Moving Children to Permanency,”
The Roundtable, Vol. 24, No.
1, 2010, National Resource
Center for Adoption, pgs. 1 & 4,
from http://www.nrcadoption.org/
roundtable/v24/Volume%2024%20
-%20No%201%20-%202010.pdf.
Page 4
OKDHS Prepares to Rollout Phase
One of the Children’s Health Passport
House Bill 1734, signed into law
last year, mandated the creation
of a Health and Education
Passport for children in OKDHS
care. The initial phase of the
passport should be ready for
rollout to OKDHS resource
families by early 2011. This
passport will provide the child’s
caregiver password protected,
web-based internet access to
the child’s medical history. The
information used to create the
passport will be collected from the
Oklahoma Health Care Authority
and OKDHS data.
By collecting information
on a weekly basis through an
interface with the OHCA system,
information about services
provided to the child through
the state’s Medicaid system will
become available to placement
providers much quicker. This
will support consistent and
complete medical care for custody
children. According to Amy White,
OKDHS programs administrator,
the medical information available
will also include services the child
received prior to entering care
if those services were provided
through the Medicaid program.
In the future, OKDHS placement
providers will receive a letter with
information on how to create a
user ID and password for internet access.
Save the Date!
National Foster Parent
Association
2011 Conference
June 24-27, 2011
Mobile Alabama
For more information,
go to www.nfpaonline.org.
Smith Named OKDHS Children and
Family Services Director
Deborah Smith was recently
named director of the Children
and Family Services Division of
the Oklahoma Department of
Human Services, overseeing the
state’s child welfare and family
services programs.
Smith has demonstrated
valuable leadership skills in
multiple roles within the agency
and has expertise in Child and
Protective Services, Permanency
Planning and Foster Care. She
helped develop and implement
Oklahoma’s child welfare practice
standards and enhanced practice
model. Smith’s combination of
direct practice experience in rural
and metro Oklahoma counties
and her working knowledge of all
six geographic areas of the state
provides her with the experience
needed to lead OKDHS in
achieving better outcomes for
Oklahomas children and families.
Smith holds a master of social
work degree with an emphasis
in administration, as well as
a bachelor’s degree from
the University of Oklahoma.
From 1999 to 2010, she was a
practicum supervisor for social
work undergraduate and graduate
students for three universities
- University of Oklahoma,
Northeastern State University and
East Central University.
Reference: Adapted from OKDHS
News Release, August 5, 2010
http://www.okdhs.org/library/news/
rel/2010/08/hsc08052010.htm
the home after experiencing
great difficulty and can be
very challenging. After finding
permanency with this family,
each has been transformed into
a happy, healthy, emotionally
secure and responsible child.
The Boardmans allow the
children to develop their own
interests and support them. They
have a degree of commitment
that simply doesn’t allow them to
give up on a child.
The commitment Dale and
Elena make is echoed by the
children in the home. Before a
new child is adopted, the issue
is first weighed and discussed
until all family members are
in agreement. Following the
placement there are no signs of
jealousy or resentment among
the children. Adoption by Dale
and Elena means being adopted
by the whole family.
Advocate of the Year –
Jennifer McBee
Jennifer McBee has been
appointed as the child’s attorney
on numerous deprived cases
in Leflore County. She takes a
personal interest in each child
and makes immediate contact
with the child and placement
provider. McBee develops more
than a professional relationship
with each of her children. She
often visits the child in the foster
home, and on one case she
made several trips to Ponca
City to visit with a child who
resided in the American Legion
Home – more than a six-hour trip
roundtrip from Poteau.
McBee is a resource to child
welfare staff in interpreting legal
issues. She attends permanency
planning reviews and offers
thoughtful and informed
comments regarding the juvenile
cases being reviewed. She often
agrees with OKDHS’ position or
recommendation on a particular
case, and she remains mindful
that she represents the child.
McBee’s knowledge of her
clients, preparation and articulate
cross-examination of witnesses
has made her a pivotal force in
many juvenile cases. Because of
her dedication and willingness to
go an extra step, McBee greatly
increases her clients’ chances to
secure permanency through the
legal system.
Area VI
Adoptive Family of the Year –
Lawrence and Bernita Norwood
Lawrence and Bernita Norwood
began fostering in the summer of
2009. The day they signed their
contract, the resource specialist
told them about a sibling group of
four boys, ages 10, 14, 15 and 17
who were currently in the shelter.
These four young men needed a
safe and stable two-parent family.
The Norwoods are co-pastors
and have provided the children
with a great deal of love, structure,
compassion and understanding.
They have maintained the
children’s connection to their kin,
culture, race and community by
allowing their biological mother
to join the family at church and
at Sunday dinners. This was
extremely important for these
boys.
The Norwoods provided
temporary care until the children
were legally free for adoption,
and in August 2010 finalized the
adoption on all four siblings.
The Norwoods remain an open
traditional foster care resource,
providing temporary care for teen
boys. Following reunification,
the Norwoods maintain their
connection to their former foster
children by making them and their
families welcome in the church and
at Sunday dinners. They remain
willing to open their home and
hearts to OKDHS custody children.
Advocate of the Year – Leanne
Williams, Reasor’s LLC
Reasor’s LLC, Tahlequah, has
been a strong supporter of the
Area VI adoption party. It has
donated gift cards, goods from
the store, and checks totaling
$1,500 to assist in offsetting the
party supply costs. The company’s
involvement has been invaluable
and consistent for the past four
years. Donations have helped
with the purchase of drinks, ice,
desserts, paper goods, candy
and many other items. This has
enabled Area VI adoption staff
to give children and adoptive
families a very memorable party.
Area VI would like to recognize
Reasor’s and its representative,
Leanne Williams, for its continued
support and partnership in finding
permanency for
children. Area VI
deeply appreciates
the contributions to
creating a relaxed
and enjoyable
atmosphere for
children and
potential families
to meet and begin
to form lifelong
connections.
Lawrence and Bernita Norwood and family
Page 9
�
Tips for Managing Stress
Stress is an everyday occurrence
that either motivates or
overwhelms. The following 10 tips
may help you manage stress and
decrease the stress blues.
1
Choose to Make
Organization a Priority
Dust off the family
calendar and determine the
house schedule. Set clear
timelines and priorities for
the tasks that need to be
done. Remember that what
is prioritized does occur.
This can create a sense of
empowerment and control.
2
Work Out the Stress
Decide to exercise
away the stress
mentally and physically.
The intention is to divert
your mind and body from
that which is stressful and
connect to what brings
balance.
3
Simple Strategies
Life can sometimes
be repeatable.
Use past experiences to
make plans to deal with
unexpected situations, such
as back-up rides for children
from school or an event or
having quick-to-fix meals
available.
4
Take a Time Out and
Breathe
Taking a quick fiveminute break just to gather
your thoughts can make a
world of difference during
a stressful time. Build
segments of time in the day
to catch your breath and
detach for a moment.
SWIFT Adoptions Hosts Adoption Month Events
The Oklahoma SWIFT Adoptions Program hosted three special events
in November in recognition of adoption month. In Tulsa, events included
an adoptive parent training day Nov. 6 and a recruitment event on Nov.
20. A statewide adoption celebration took place at the Moore-Norman
Technology Center in Moore on Nov. 17
5
Use Goals that are Real
Keep daily goals wellfocused, task-oriented
and realistic. It increases the
likelihood that the goals will
be achieved.
Nap
Studies have shown
that 15-20 minute nap
breaks can improve mood,
outlook and stress-handling
ability.
6
7
Picture It
Keep life interesting.
Take pictures
throughout the day with
a phone camera while
participating in everyday tasks
and hobbies. They can make
great discussions around the
dinner table.
8
Eat Colorfully
Think rainbow when
planning meals. Select
fruits and vegetables of
different colors to ensure a
well-balanced diet and energy
throughout the day.
9
Plan to Play
Spend time each day
in activities that are
fun and enjoyable. Make sure
laughter is included when
possible.
10
Connect
Stay connected by
making time to get
together with friends and
family.
Page 10
�
Lawrence and Allison Holt and family
a list of fabrics and other donated
supplies.
Word of mouth caused the idea
to spread. Soon, challenges were
springing up between quilt groups
and individuals. More successful
than they ever dreamed, Beck and
her staff now have pledges for 22
quilts and the finished
quilts are beginning to trickle into
the Area I offices. Some of the
quilts will come in as tops only
and will be finished by Beck on her
“long arm” – a large, specialized
sewing machine used for quilting.
The machine sits proudly where
Beck’s dining room table once
stood.
The artwork used in the
quilts was gathered by Area I
permanency, intake and resource
workers. Fabric squares and
fabric crayons and markers
were donated, in large part, by
Beck. Creating the artwork was
regarded as a way to enhance
and build relationships with the
children involved. It became part
of parent/child visitation, worker/
child visits and even an activity to
keep children entertained during
meetings and visits with placement
providers. Completion of the 22
pledged quilts will require a total
of 572 pieces of children’s original
artwork and 88 logo squares,
which then have to be pressed and
packaged into quilting kits.
“This has definitely not been
something I did on my own,”
Beck laughed, recalling one Area
I Resource Unit meeting where
“everyone brought ironing boards
and we pressed squares while we
held our staff meeting.”
Not surprisingly, the quilts
become very personal and
meaningful to their creators. Some
named their quilts and stitched
the names onto the quilt itself.
Others, like Beck and Area I Child
Welfare Field Liaison Terri Leeper,
developed an attachment to the
artwork because of the children
who create it. Beck’s original
quilt was donated to the Foster
Care and Adoptive Association
of Oklahoma for sale in the silent
auction fundraiser at this year’s
Oklahoma Pathways to Adulthood
Together We Can! Conference.
Once the donation had been
made, Beck and Leeper found
themselves unwilling to let the
quilt go. Instead they pooled their
money and bought it back for
Area I.
Beck shared a wonderful story
about a sibling set who had
experienced multiple placements
and for whom “it seemed we
couldn’t do anything right.” After
yet another placement, this one
with a single foster mother, the
worker returned from a visit to
the home with quilt squares
colored brightly to represent a
happy, smiling family unit… with
messages of thanks for “my new
home.” Those squares went
to court, just as the children’s
unhappy artwork had in the past.
This allowed the judge and others
to see the change in the children’s
affect and attitude in their new
placement.
And just how well are the quilts
working as recruitment tools?
“Well,” Beck said, “since most
people think about foster care for
around seven years before they
apply, it’s probably too soon to
tell. But they have created a lot of
interest. People are stopping at our
booths to ask questions about the
quilts, and they’ve generated a lot
of opportunities for us to give mini
in-services on how many children
are in care, how long they stay and
why we need homes. Being able to
raise public awareness of the need
is enough for us.”
By choosing to make and use
quilts as a recruitment tool, Area I
staff just may have discovered the
perfect metaphor for a resource
home. Both are designed to
provide comfort, care, warmth,
safety and protection from the
harsher elements in life. Beck
and the Area I staff would like to
challenge other areas to “wrap up
the state” in quilts of caring. She’ll
be glad to provide advice and
encouragement, but not artwork.
“They’re on their own there,”
she laughs.
Foster Family
Computers
The Foster Care Association
of Oklahoma, in partnership
with OKDHS, will award
computers to selected
Oklahoma resource families
throughout the year. County
OKDHS staff and local foster
care associations will identify
and nominate a family or
families in each county they
believe will benefit from a
computer. Following the
award, each family chosen
will provide a six-month
report on how they have
used their computer. Other
stipulations and agreements
will be explained to recipients
upon their selection. If you
have an interest in this
program, please contact your
local resource specialist and
log on to www.fcao.org for
additional information and
the award application form.
For more information, contact
Lana Freeman at 405-3875052 or [email protected].
Page 3
Quilts of Caring
Area I Foster Care Supervisor
Jamie Beck has a dream. She
wants to provide Oklahoma’s
foster children with something
soft, warm and comforting…
something with durability,
flexibility and reliability;
something that, figuratively
speaking, would wrap them up
and protect them from life’s
harsher elements. Something
like a big quilt…or a dedicated
resource family.
Falling back on
her love for quilting,
Beck, (who supervises
resource staff in Kay,
Noble, Pawnee, Payne
and Logan counties) had
the idea to create a quilt
around artwork created
by children in foster
care. The plan was for
the quilt to travel to
various counties in
Area I, where it would
Jamie Beck with a selection of Area I’s recruitment quilts.
OKDHS staff members
were routinely taking part in
recruitment events by setting
up booths at local events such
as fairs, carnivals and festivals.
People attending the events
were, just as routinely, turning
their heads as they walked by,
looking away toward something
more fun, more emotionally
comfortable than abused and
neglected children.
“We needed a draw,” Beck
said, “something to grab their
attention and bring them into our
booth. Something that would
generate their interest so they
would stop and talk to us.”
Page 2
be displayed for recruitment
events. Knowing how few people
can resist the bright colors and
beautiful stitching of fine quilt
work, Jamie was hoping the
quilt, with its unique artwork,
would catch the eye of those
passing by, drawing them in to
find out more about the quilt and
the children who had helped
create it.
Jamie took the idea to her
staff in May 2010. Since the
project was started, an explosion
of interest and community
involvement has taken place in
Area I around the production of
these quilts. Through the hard
Developing a Stress Management Plan
The approach of the busy
holiday season can be especially
stressful for resource families
of every type. Along with the
pressures that all families
deal with during the holidays,
resource parents have the
added stress of parenting
children separated from their
family of origin. For children in
care, emotional and behavioral
crisis is often a partner to the
excitement and fun of the holiday
season. Family visits or the
absence of family contact can be
equally challenging for children,
placing an added burden upon
caregivers.
work and ingenuity of resource
specialists and others across Area
I, what started with one quilt quickly
became a plan to produce 13 to be
shared by Area I counties.
Understanding that the shared
interest of quilters forms a
community of its own, Beck and
her staff went to quilt shops, quilt
guilds and fabric shops all over Area
I, explaining their purpose. Many
shops and individuals donated fabric
and supplies. They also provided a
venue to circulate news about the
project. The OKDHS workers of Area
I asked that quilters pledge to make
a quilt for them. Each quilter making
the pledge would receive a package
containing 26 quilt pieces of original
artwork created by children in foster
care, four OKDHS logo squares, and
Whether your family is
providing temporary care for a
kinship child, is involved in a
traditional foster care relationship
or is a permanent adoptive
family, the ghosts of holidays
past will likely be a factor in your
holiday celebrations. Recognizing
the underlying issue and
preparing for the emotional and
physical challenge of the season
are the first steps in managing
your stress.
Reducing and managing stress
is more effective when a plan
is put into place. In the article
“Stress Management: Develop
a Stress Management Plan,”
Ann Logsdon suggests nine
statements to get started on
developing a stress management
plan. The worksheet to the right
will help you get started.
Adapted from http://learning
disabilities.about.com/od/
emotionalhealth/a/
stressmgtplan.htm
1.
Reducing stress is important to me because
2.
Making a commitment to myself to create and follow my stress
management plan will help me in the following ways
3.
A major source of stress in my life is
4.
Some things I can do that would help me feel better are
5.
Two things I can do today to help my stress level are
6.
Taking care of myself is important and will help me in the following
ways
7.
Some ways I could take care of myself are
8.
Of these things listed above, the thing I could most like to try and
will stick with is
9.
I expect that now everyone will support my efforts to reduce stress
in my life, and when this happens, some things I can do to stay with
my plan are
To develop your stress management plan, you may want to answer all the
questions at one time or just one statement a day and write the questions
and answers in a journal. You can then use your responses as a guide
for creating your stress management plan and increasing your emotional
well-being for holidays and every day.
Page 11
�
S10108 OKDHS
Issued 12/2010
This publication is authorized by the Oklahoma Commission for Human Services in accordance with state and federal regulations and
printed by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services at a cost of $1,255.00 for 12,550 copies. Copies have been deposited with
the Publications Clearinghouse of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.
Winter 2010/11
OKDHS Resource Family
Oklahoma Department of
Human Services
Children and Family
Services Division
P. O. Box 25352
Oklahoma City, OK 73125
Oklahoma Department of Human Services
NEW!
Quilts of Caring
----Page 2
OKDHS Names
Adoptive Families
----Page 6
Top 10 Tips for
Managing Stress
----Page 10
Numbers to Know
�
A D O P T I O N AND
�
P O S T - A D O P T I O N
�
S E R V I C E S
�
Deborah Goodman (918) 794-7544
Programs Administrator
Jacquelyn Hill-Anderson
(405) 522-2467
Post Adoption Services
Programs Manager
FOSTER CARE
Joani Webster (405) 521-4360
Programs Administrator
Margaret Linnemann (405) 521-3438
Programs Manager
Nellie Caldwell (405) 521-2881
Program Field Representative
Beverly Smith (918) 684-5362
Program Field Representative
In Sites
For those who have or are
considering adoption
http://www.nrcadoption.org/
Stress management and other
topics for resource families
http://www.
wifostercareandadoption.org
Child Care Warmline
Developing a Stress
Management Plan
----Page 11
1-888-574-5437
To listen to recorded
messages on a wide variety
of child care topics, or to talk
with a child development
specialist.
Foster Parent Hotline Here to Help
�
To assist you with problems
regarding payments, policy
clarification, grievance or
other foster care issues.
1-800-376-9729
Barbara Wells, Editor
The University of Oklahoma
Outreach National Resource
Center for Youth Services
Foster and
Adoptive Parent
�
Recruitment Hotline
�
1-866-612-2565
Connections is published
quarterly by the Oklahoma Department
of Human Services, Children and Family
Services Division.
Celebrating Success in Adoption
November was National Adoption
Month, and in Oklahoma, that’s
something to celebrate. Oklahoma’s
SWIFT Adoptions Program was
created in 1999 as a response to
the passage of the Adoption and
Safe Families Act of 1997. SWIFT
Adoptions is a specialized unit
designed to focus on removing
barriers to adoption and permanency
for children in Oklahoma’s child
welfare system who are in need of
permanent placements. By recruiting,
training and maintaining a group of
approved potential adoptive families,
Oklahoma has been able to shift from
a program of “waiting children” to one
of “waiting families.”
Adoption specialists are assigned
to every area of the state and serve
as consultants to each permanency
planning
group. Once
the court has
determined
that
reunification
is not in the
child’s best
interest,
adoption
specialists
assist the
permanency
staff with the
process of moving children quickly
toward the goal of adoption. An
adoption specialist is responsible
for adoptive family recruitment,
assessment of the families for
placement potential, and supervision
of newly created families who are
moving toward finalization.
Under the direction of Deborah
Goodman, programs administrator
for adoptions, SWIFT Adoptions
has been instrumental in changing
the face of adoption in Oklahoma.
Families are recruited for children
with the understanding that few will
emerge unscathed from a history of
abuse, neglect and loss. Families are
prepared for the special needs their
children will bring into the family and
are offered a variety of post-adoptive
services to help them successfully
transition into a stable family unit.
One of the many changes in
the adoptive program is the focus
on adoption by kinship providers,
both relative and non-relative. The
implementation of Bridge and inclusion
of kinship families in planning for
permanency
has been an
important shift
in Oklahoma’s
adoption
success. During
the 2009
fiscal year, 87
percent of the
1,177 children
authorized
into adoptive
placement
were in kinship
families. For many of these children,
this was a non-relative home that they
first entered as a foster placement.
Because of that placement, a kinship
bond was formed.
Although reunification is always
Continued on page 4