RESOURCES
iFoster –
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Happy Holidays from iFoster! |
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Your iFoster Community grows by leaps and bounds |
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Two months ago we quietly launched a small pilot to test whether iFoster could make a difference in the foster care community. Thanks to you embracing iFoster and spreading the word, 8 weeks later we have members from 48 states raising 116,000+ children! And we continue to grow at over 70% per month! Thank you so much for being part of this community and helping us towards our goal of helping every single child in foster and adoptive care. (PSST - If you know anyone in the foster communities in North and South Dakota, please let them know about us) | |
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Who's signing up? 49% are resource families (foster, kin), 30% are legal guardian / adoptive families, 3% are transition age youth, 3% are group homes and transitional housing, 3% are multi-service agencies, and 11% are other support organizations like CASA. | | |
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What we're working on... |
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Making our Member Discount Program even better
100,000 discounts nationwide is just a start. We're focusing on getting the biggest discounts, group pricing, and gifts-in-kind for the products and services most needed to help raise our children. Our most often requested retailer is Walmart. Sorry, we don't have them yet, but we're working on it. If you have any senior level contacts at any major retailer, please let us know! And keep providing your input on what products and services are most needed by posting to our Feedback Forum or dropping us a note at sup...@ifoster.org. | |
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iFoster Basic Needs Marketplace
In the new year we'll be launching a marketplace for trading items, information, and advice. We're looking to build a virtual depot for the clothing, school supplies, and basic necessities that every child needs. There have been some great name suggestions for this new program and we plan on having a community vote before we launch. | |
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Funding Our Tremendous Growth
iFoster has the potential to improve the lives of 2 million of our country's most at-risk children and youth by helping heroes like you who raise them. To continue to build on the momentum of these last 8 weeks, iFoster is investing in developing the programs that address your most pressing needs, as well as scaling our virtual platform and organization. iFoster is actively seeking funding to fulfill this goal. | | |
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Spread the Word |
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Help us help you raise more children in foster and adoptive care. Please tell your friends and agencies about iFoster. If you are an organization, please tell your beneficiaries and have them sign up. The more members we have the better discounts, gifts-in-kind, and group deals we can provide. |
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North and South Dakota - we miss you! Please join us at www.ifoster.org |
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iFoster on Facebook |
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We're listening! iFoster is now on facebook! Like us, share us, and join our cause at |
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facebook.com/ifosterorg |
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What's Hot! |
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Top Discounts |
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In the last two months, our most popular discounts were groceries, restaurant.com, movie tickets, Macy's, and Walt Disney passes. |
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Notable State and County DHHS Members |
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We are pleased to have members from the state and county departments of CA, CO, CT, ID, IA, MO, NY, OH, PA, TX, VA, WV, WY. Note - Children represented by these members are not included in our 116,000 stat. |
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Who's Spreading the Word |
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We're very pleased to hear that members have joined due to recommendations from: Annie E. Casey Foundation, CASA, Casey Family Programs, the Dave Thomas Foundation, National Foster Parents Association, North American Council on Adoptable Children, and many large multi-service foster and adoptive care agencies. And thanks to the hundreds of others who have spread the word and helped grow iFoster! |
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Archived Webinar – Girls and Trama
Webinar To Discuss the Effects of Childhood Trauma in Girls' Lives
On December 14, 2010, at 2 p.m. E.T., the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health will present a Webinar on the effects of trauma over girls' lifespans.
Lifecourse Effects of Trauma in the Lives of Girls: Findings from the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study will explore the frequency of trauma in girls' childhood and discuss how that trauma affects women's physical and mental health and behavior. Participants will learn best practices in trauma-informed care and identify ways to integrate these practices when providing services to trauma victims.
Inspiring Story – Youth Adopted at age 21.
Did you see this story, about a 21 year old who was adopted? Thought you might be interested.
http://www.ketv.com/station/26029072/detail.html
Through the Eyes of the Child Newsletter
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December 2010 E-Newsletter |
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The National Association of Counsel for Children (NACC) is accredited by the ABA to certify attorneys as Child Welfare Law Specialists. Funding has been made available to offset a portion of application costs for attorneys in several states including Nebraska. The NACC is hosting an informational conference call on December 15th at 12:30 pm CT for Nebraska attorneys. The call-in number is 866-931-7845 / Code 999605. Click here for more information about certification.
Job Opening – Court Liaison on Infants and Toddlers. The Through the Eyes of the Child Initiative and Nebraska Court Improvement Project would like to announce the availability of a temporary, part-time job contract that focuses on the issues of young children in the abuse/neglect court system. Read more.
Spotlight Issue: Parent Plans: Giving Parents a Voice
by Matthew Headley, Madison County Deputy Public Defender
I am a Nebraska fan and have been one my entire life. After the Husker’s heart-breaking loss to Texas a week before I went to Austin for the Achieving Equity for Children and Family Conference put on by the National Association of Counsel for Children (NACC), I was a little reluctant to tell anyone that I was from Nebraska. However, by the end of the conference, I had learned that no matter if you wear the burnt orange or you are part of the Big Red, children, parents and the juvenile system are similar all over the United States. Read more
Spotlight Teams: Seven Nebraska courts celebrate National Adoption Day
On November 19 and 20, 2010, seven courts across Nebraska celebrated National Adoption Day. Judges in Scottsbluff, Norfolk, Hastings, Kearney, Grand Island, Lincoln and Omaha opened their courthouses to finalize adoption and celebrate the creation of permanent relationships of children in foster care to their caregivers. In Norfolk, Judge Ross Stoffer led a celebration that included swimming, laser tag, face painting, gifts and door prizes. An online photo album of the adoptions of eight children in Grand Island which was led by Judge Mac Martin is available here. The Omaha courts celebrated their 11th National Adoption Day where 29 children were adopted. Read more.
News
Nebraska
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Through the Eyes of the Child Initiative
Phone: 402-472-3479
Web: www.throughtheeyes.org
This e-newsletter is a free service of the
Center on Children, Families, and the Law
If you have not yet registered to receive these e-newsletters,
please visit our Web site to join the mailing list. |
Info about a Health Special Program in Omaha
http://www.omaha.com/article/20101127/NEWS02/711279995/1010 <http://www.omaha.com/article/20101127/NEWS02/711279995/1010>
Hello, Friends of Project Everlast!
I hope this finds you staying warm during these blustery days!
Above is a link to an article that appeared in Saturday's Omaha World Herald regarding our partnership with One World Community Health Center. This partnership, as well as a similar partnership with Charles Drew Health Center, was formed as a result of information received from members of the Nebraska Foster Youth Council. Many members, particularly those over 19, reported lacking access to health care, having no medical insurance, and a general lack of knowledge of their healthcare needs. Some youth reported having huge outstanding medical bills, either because they didn't know how to access financial assistance resources or because they rely on emergency departments for their health care.
This anecdotal information is mirrored in our own data collection efforts. In an April, 2010 survey of 85 local young people, 45% reported having no medical insurance coverage. Furthermore, nearly 30% reported needing medical care in the past 6 months but not seeking it, either because they couldn't pay or because they didn't know where to go.
One World Health Center and Charles Drew Health Center have each appointed or hired a Youth Navigator to serve as a friendly face and first point of contact to help young people assess their health care needs, access financial assistance services, and make the necessary appointments with doctors, dentists, and/or other services. They also have dollars to help youth pay for physicals and other health care services.
We are thrilled with this partnership. If you know of a young person who is currently in foster care or is an alumni of foster care and is aged 14-24, please provide them the following contact information to access this resource:
One World Health Center
Beth Hansen
402.734.4110 ext 320
Charles Drew Health Center
Bree Schweigart
402.457.1200 ext 246
Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions about this partnership or these services.
As always, thank you for your time and energy devoted to improving the lives of youth in foster care and alumni.
Best regards,
Rosey Higgs, MSW
Program Officer, Project Everlast
Nebraska Children and Families Foundation
115 South 49th Avenue
Omaha, NE 68132
P: 402.618.8544
F: 402.476.9486
rhi...@nebraskachildren.org
Family Matters (Out of Home Reform) Policy notes from the Legislative Briefing
DHHS’s Action Plan and other handouts from today’s meeting with the Health and Human Services Committee can be found at http://www.dhhs.ne.gov/Children_Family_Services/OHReform/index.htm#LegislativeBriefing
LAN Resource Guide (Attached)
This is a resource guide created by a Practicuum student of Rosey’s. It is mostly Omaha specific, but is a great example of something that would be beautiful in every community/region.
Transitioning Youth Webinar – 12/116/2010
http://gucchdtacenter.georgetown.edu/resources/2010calls.html#Dec
2010 National TA Center Webinar Series
December 16, 2010, 1:00 - 2:30 PM E.S.T.
Strengthening Outcomes for Cross-over Youth Transitioning into Adulthood: Lessons Learned from Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice
Webinar Description: This Webinar will be focused on recommendations as identified in a white paper, Supporting Youth in Transition to Adulthood: Lessons Learned from Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice, sponsored from the Center for Juvenile Justice Reform at Georgetown University. The primary author is Dr. David Altschuler of Johns Hopkins Institute of Policy Studies and the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative.
Presenters will provide an overview of the seven overall recommendations found in the white paper which are: 1) promoting policies and practices that address family relationships and permanency; 2) engaging youth to work with their case managers in formulating a plan that includes the goals they wish to achieve by age 25; 3) ensuring that the services available to youth are developmentally appropriate; 4) using federal funding to create programs for older youth and track their outcomes; 5) developing policies and practices that support prevention and developing specific skills and competencies necessary for adulthood success; 6) strengthening collaboration between the juvenile justice and child welfare systems to efficiently target service provision and improve outcomes for crossover youth; and 7) engaging with the community to create broader support systems for transitioning youth.
Through a facilitated peer learning discussion, strategies will be identified by participants that will improve outcomes for cross-over youth transitioning into adulthood, including the implications for both child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Following a review of the recommendations, participants will be lead in a brainstorming session on strategies they might prioritize for their community or agency to better promote better outcomes for cross-over youth transitioning into adulthood.
Facilitators
Debra Cady, M.S.W., L.C.S.W.
Senior Policy Associate, National TA Center for Children's Mental Health
Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development
Washington, DC
Presenter(s)
Simon Gonsoulin, M. Ed.
Principal Research Analyst Technical Assistance Partnership for Child and Family Mental Health American Institutes for Research
Washington, DC
Related Materials: Youth Advocacy Webinar Series Flier
Right Turn Newsletter
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Monthly Newsletter |
December, 2010 | |
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Right Turn is post adoption and guardianship program for families who are providing permanency for children previously in Nebraska foster care. Check out our website for program updates, overview of services, and to view our training and support calendar. Our calendar is updated daily and has events, conferences, family fun activities, and youth enrichment activities that can also be a planned respite option!
Right Turn Website
Right Turn is a Collaboration between Nebraska Children's Home Society and Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska
Visit Nebraska Children's Home Society Website
Visit Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska Website | |
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DID YOU KNOW....?
Adopted Children comprise about 2 percent of the overall U.S. child population -nearly 1.8 million children. Of these,
- 37% through the foster care system,
- 38% through private domestic, and
- 25% were international adoptions.
One out of four children adopted from foster care was placed at age 4 or older.
Nearly half of children adopted in the U.S. are adopted by a relative and/or someone they knew prior to the adoption.
Right Turn serves post-adoptive and post guardianship families who have provided permanency for children previously in Nebraska foster care. It is important that all families know there are services to support them in their parenting journey. The Right Turn program has served over 200 families. Right Turn incorporates post-adoption best practice by offering six core services that are built to the needs of each individual family needs: Case management, peer mentoring, respite, training/education opportunities, mental health referrals, and support group.
The Omaha Right Turn staff hosted their monthly support group on November 8th with a speaking from one of the local mental health providers who shared some very helpful information for families seeking mental health services. In the New Year we will host support groups in Omaha, Lincoln and Grand Island with topics such as: parenting the adopted teen, managing open relationships in adoption and guardianship, and more.
Right Turn staff attended the most recent LB 603 meeting with the Legislature in Lincoln on November 16, 2010 to update the Committee on the progress on post adoption services being provided to our families. LB 603 appropriated money for post-adoption services to Nebraska families. Legislatures learned about the success Right Turn has in meeting family needs, connecting families to services, and the challenges the system places on families when accessing mental health services.
Right Turn was represented on National Adoption Day, November 20, 2010 at Douglas, Hall, Scottsbluff, Lincoln, Stanton, and Lancaster County Courts. Right Turn would like to take this opportunity to honor and thank the many adoptive parents and legal guardians for providing the gift of family to so many children.
The Omaha Right Turn Staff will be hosting their Holiday party on December 13th at the Nebraska Children Home Society. All adoptive/guardianship families are welcome! Please RSVP to Suz at 402-661-7107.
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Facts about ADHD
ADHD is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), and in some cases, are overly active.[1]
Signs and Symptoms
It is normal for children to have trouble focusing and behaving at one time or another. However, children with ADHD do not just grow out of these behaviors. The symptoms continue and can cause difficulty at school, at home, or with friends.
A child with ADHD might:
· have a hard time paying attention
· daydream a lot
· not seem to listen
· be easily distracted from schoolwork or play
· forget things
· be in constant motion or unable to stay seated
· squirm or fidget
· talk too much
· not be able to play quietly
· act and speak without thinking
· have trouble taking turns
· interrupt others
Types
There are three different types of ADHD, depending on which symptoms are strongest in the individual:
Predominantly Inattentive Type: It is hard for the individual to organize or finish a task, to pay attention to details, or to follow instructions or conversations. The person is easily distracted or forgets details of daily routines.
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: The person fidgets and talks a lot. It is hard to sit still for long (e.g., for a meal or while doing homework). Smaller children may run, jump or climb constantly. The individual feels restless and has trouble with impulsivity. Someone who is impulsive may interrupt others a lot, grab things from people, or speak at inappropriate times. It is hard for the person to wait their turn or listen to directions. A person with impulsiveness may have more accidents and injuries than others.
Combined Type: Symptoms of the above two types are equally present in the person.
Causes of ADHD
Scientists are studying cause(s) and risk factors in an effort to find better ways to manage and reduce the chances of a person having ADHD. The cause(s) and risk factors for ADHD are unknown, but current research shows that genetics plays an important role. Recent studies of twins link genes with ADHD.1
In addition to genetics, scientists are studying other possible causes and risk factors including:
· Brain injury
· Environmental exposures (e.g., lead)
· Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy
· Premature delivery
· Low birth weight
Did you Know?
While some individuals, including many professionals, still refer to the condition as "ADD" (attention deficit disorder), this term is no longer in widespread use. For those who may have been diagnosed with ADD, the corresponding diagnostic category, using current terminology, would most likely be "ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type".
Research does not support the popularly held views that ADHD is caused by eating too much sugar, watching too much television, parenting, or social and environmental factors such as poverty or family chaos. Of course, many things, including these, might make symptoms worse, especially in certain people. But the evidence is not strong enough to conclude that they are the main causes of ADHD.
Get Help!
If you or your doctor has concerns about ADHD, you can take your child to a specialist such as a child psychologist or developmental pediatrician, or you can contact your local early intervention agency (for children under 3) or public school (for children 3 and older).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sponsors the National Resource Center, a program of CHADD - Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Their Web site has links to information for people with ADHD and their families. The National Resources Center operates a call center with trained staff to answer questions about ADHD. The number is 1-800-233-4050.
To find out who to speak to in your area, you can contact the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities by logging on to http://www.nichcy.org/or calling 1-800-695-0285.
In order to make sure your child reaches his or her full potential, it is very important to get help for ADHD as early as possible.
Info from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Website: cdc...@cdc.gov
Remember mental health treatment success is rooted in the therapeutic relationship the provider builds with the client.
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Goodwill GoodGuides Mentoring Program
The overall goal of the Goodwill GoodGuides program is to help youth build career plans and skills and prepare for school completion, post-secondary training and productive work by providing structured and supportive relationships with trusted adult mentors. Our GoodGuides Youth Mentoring Program is unique in that it gives the mentor a defined time of commitment and also career development related activities to do with their mentee. Our hope is that this might ease the concerns of those who are interested in volunteering.
Mentors meet with their mentee(s) one hour a week. Goals are set for the mentee to complete within the year, individualized incentives are given as goals are accomplished. Mentors guide youth through every aspect of career exploration, from initial assessments to determine career interest to job shadowing and scholarship opportunities. In addition to the career piece, mentors support and encourage youth by entering their worlds. Mentors have attended sporting events, assisted with employment and have helped with obtaining driver's licenses. Woodmen of the World provides monthly job readiness and skills building training for all mentees. Sessions have included, mock interviews, goals setting and overcoming barriers.
Youth have been referred by agencies, organizations, guidance counselors, parents and other mentees. The enrollment process is quick and easy, once a referral is received the parent/guardian is contacted to schedule an orientation, where they can ask questions and sign up on the spot.
GoodGuides is part of a national mentoring program designed to assist youth in overcoming disadvantages and avoiding delinquency by helping teens finish high school and transition into productive careers through the guidance of trusted adults. The Goodwill GoodGuides program is made possible through a two-year grant that's part of a $19.1 million award to Goodwill Industries International from the U.S. Department of Justice and dispersed to 56 independent Goodwill agencies around the country to provide career-focused youth mentoring so that youth can build career plans and skills as they prepare for school completion.
The initial grant allowed us to meet the needs of youth ages 14 through 17. An additional grant through Building Bright Futures increased the age of youth we serve to 21 who are pursuing a high school diploma.
Contact Miriam Blair at (402) 522-7238 if you would like to be a mentor or refer a mentee!
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Just the Facts
More than one in ten (12%) children adopted from foster care has a parent who says the adoption would have been unlikely without a subsidy.
The cost of adoption was an important factor in choosing to adopt from foster care.
For many adopted children, the adoption is trans-racial, trans-ethnic, or trans-cultural.
Many children adopted in the U.S. have post-adoption contact with birth family members:
- 39% from foster care,
- 68% from private domestic, and
- 6% of international adoptions.
Information provided by Sharon Vandivere. Child Trends, from a 2007 National Survey of Adoptive Parents. |
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Message
Please remember to check our website often at:
www.RightTurnNE.org Newinformation and resources are added daily!
November is National Adoption Month!
To contribute to the Right Turn Newsletter, please contact Lorilee Couture at lcou...@lfsneb.org
Have a topic idea? Let us know and we will respond to requests for information!!
Your ideas and feedback are appreciated
jvand...@RightTurnNE.org
Upcoming Events
Support Group - Omaha
for teens and parents
December 13, 6pm-7:30pm
4939 So. 118th St.
RSVP to Suzalyn Bittner at 402-661-7107
Support Group - Lincoln
for teens and parents
December 16th
6pm-7:30pm
4700 Valley Road
RSVP to 402-483-7879
We know of over 20 support groups each month throughout the State!! Check out our website calendar for details.
SAVE THE DATE!
Right Turn
Conference
Hosted by NCHS and LFS
April 8, 2011
Visit the Right Turn website for details!!
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Partners Corner: Department of Health and Human Services
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Important tips from our partner, DHHS:
Requesting an increase in monthly subsidy payments:
In order to request a change in the monthly subsidy payment, the client will need to contact their subsidy worker. The worker will explain the process and send out the necessary paperwork that needs to be completed.
479 NAC 8-001.02E1 Increase in Subsidy:
The Department cannot arbitrarily reject a request for an increase in the subsidy. The worker must consider an increase requested by the adoptive parent(s). The amount of the subsidy increase must not exceed the amount the child would have received in foster care at the time of the request. It can be based on the child's special needs or on the life choices by the adoptive parent(s), such as resigning one's job to stay at home with the adopted child or to return to school. The family must complete and sign a Subsidized Adoption Renewal or Change Request. The worker and supervisor must approve or deny the request. If the request is approved, the worker and supervisor must sign the Subsidized Adoption Renewal or Change Request. The worker sends the original to the family, forwards a copy to State Ward Medical, and retains a copy for the case record.
If the request is not approved, the worker must send a Notice of Finding with a copy of the Subsidized Adoption Renewal or Change Request to the family with the reason for the denial of the requested changes.
Transferring of Medicaid:
If a client is moving out of the State of Nebraska, they will need to contact their subsidy worker with their new address. The worker will complete the necessary paperwork to have the Medicaid transferred.
479 NAC 8-001.02J1 Federal Subsidies:
Medicaid coverage of children is provided by the state of residence within that state's regulations and at that state's rate.
479 NAC 8-001.02J2 State Option Subsidies:
Medicaid coverage for children who are living out of state can be provided by the state of residence provided that state allows Medicaid coverage for state-funded children. If the resident state disallows medical coverage, the child's medical coverage continues to be provided by Nebraska. |
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Thank you for reading |
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We value, and appreciate suggestions. If there is anything you would like to see addressed in an upcoming newsletter, please email us. |
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Partners |
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Funding for this program is provided by Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services |
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Represent – Online Newsletter by Youth in New York.
http://www.youthcomm.org/Publications/FCYU.htm
This newsletter has great financial resource and activities from youth for youth. Also has good personal stories.
Good Guides Youth Mentoring Program (ATTACHED)
Goodwill’s GoodGuides Mentoring Program is designed to help young people finish high school and enter into a career path. What a wonderful resource for our community!
21 Things You Don’t Want to Leave Foster Care Without –
http://transition.fosterclub.com/article/21-things-dont-leave-foster-care-without-them
Youth Activity – Movie Night and Discussion
http://booster.fosterclub.com/take-action/movie-night
Lights, Camera, Action!
We've got a great line-up of movies that feature foster care themes. Watch 'em — then share 'em — to raise awareness and resources for kids in foster care!
Check out the great movie listed below, then plan a showing with your friends and family!
1) Plan a Movie Night! Raise awareness, or ask people to make a pledge: use our event planner to plan fun activities for your movie showing that FUNdraise and promote awareness!
2) Gather a group of people: youth, friends, family. Think about hosting a movie night for your church group, youth advisory board, class, or scout troop.
3) Print a FosterClub Movie Guide (available for the 3 movies below) to lead a thoughtful discussion after your movie showing.
Antwone Fisher
Antwone Fisher, a young navy man, is forced to see a psychiatrist after a violent outburst against a fellow crewman. During the course of treatment a painful past relating to his experiences in foster care is revealed and a hopeful future begins. Inspired by a true story.
Meet the Robinsons
After being abandoned at birth and spending 12 years in an orphanage as a foster youth, Lewis goes on a journey to discover the meaning of family. Lewis is a brilliant inventor who meets a mysterious stranger named Wilbur Robinson, who whisks Lewis away in a time machine. Together they team up to track down Bowler Hat Guy in a showdown that ends with an unexpected twist of fate.
Hotel for Dogs
No stray gets turned away. Two foster youth secretly take in nine stray dogs at a vacant house, making the dogs foster pups.
Have other ideas for movies we should add to this section? List them below in our comments section!
Traumatic Brain Injury (Attached)
Interesting study about Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD and a Nebraska project to address it. Especially interesting considering the increasing number of youth in care and former youth who have experienced both of these disorders.
Fostering Connections – Education Components
Great Document about the educational requirements of the Fostering Connections act.
