May 2025 Issue 86

National Foster Care Month

May is National Foster Care Month. The Arizona Department of Child Safety is grateful to the entire foster care community for your dedication to and support of children and families.

As we all know, foster care is a vital and rewarding experience that provides children with stable, loving homes and families when they need it most. However, the need for foster families is constantly growing, and many communities struggle to find enough homes to meet the demand. Current and former foster families are in a unique position to help recruit others to foster. Here are some ideas for how you can do so:

• Share your story. You can share your experiences and the joys and challenges of foster care with others. You can speak at local events, share your story on social media, or participate in panels to educate the community about the need for foster families.
• Host information sessions. You can host information sessions or gatherings for others who are interested in fostering. You can invite representatives from your licensing agency to speak about the process and answer questions.
• Connect with faith-based organizations. Many faith-based organizations are interested in supporting foster care initiatives. You can connect with your local churches, synagogues, or mosques to spread the word about the need for foster families and encourage members to get involved. Even if members are not able to foster, there are still so many ways they can support foster care!
• Partner with schools and community organizations. Schools and community organizations are often looking for ways to give back to their communities. You can partner with these organizations to organize events and activities that raise awareness of foster care and recruit potential foster families.
• Be a mentor. Current caregivers can serve as mentors to other families who are considering fostering. You can share your knowledge and experience, offer support, and help guide them through the process. Speak with your licensing worker about getting paired with a family!
• Participate in recruitment campaigns. Licensing agencies and DCS constantly run recruitment campaigns to encourage more families to get involved, and we are always looking for families to share their story. If you have a story you think would benefit recruitment efforts, please reach out to see how you can become involved!
• Host a foster care day. You can organize a foster care day in your community, where you can invite potential foster families to meet with current foster families, hear their stories, and learn more about the process.

If you are in need of materials, such as informational brochures or cards with the link to the DCS orientation, please reach out, and the DCS Recruitment and Retention team would be happy to get you whatever you need!

Mother's Day

Mother's Day is a special occasion that celebrates the love and dedication of mothers everywhere. For birth mothers of children in foster care, however, this day can be bittersweet. While they may still love and miss their children, the circumstances of their separation can make it difficult to fully participate in the holiday. That's why it's so important to include birth mothers in Mother's Day activities and celebrations, both for their own sake and for the well-being of their children.

First and foremost, including birth mothers in Mother's Day activities and celebrations can help to maintain the bond between mother and child. This bond is crucial for the child's sense of identity and can help to mitigate the trauma of being separated from their birth family. By involving the birth mother in the celebration, we are acknowledging the important role she plays in the child's life and showing that her love and care are still valued.

Secondly, including birth mothers in Mother's Day activities and celebrations can help to normalize the experience of foster care. As with any other holiday or special occasion, it's important to make sure that all members of the family feel included and valued. By including birth mothers in the celebration, we are sending the message that they are still a part of the family, even if they are not physically present.

Thirdly, including birth mothers in Mother's Day activities and celebrations can help to build trust and positive relationships between birth parents and foster parents. This can be especially important if the child is eventually reunified with their birth family, as it can help to smooth the transition and make it easier for everyone involved.

There are many ways to include birth mothers in Mother's Day activities and celebrations. For example, they could be invited to attend a special brunch or other gathering, or to participate in a virtual celebration if they are unable to be there in person. Foster parents could also make a special effort to include birth mothers in the day by having the child handmake a gift for her or by ensuring that any gifts made in school are given to her.

Of course, there may be situations where including birth mothers in Mother's Day activities and celebrations is not possible or appropriate. For example, if there are safety concerns or if the birth mother is not interested in participating. In these cases, it's important to be respectful and sensitive to the mother's wishes, while still doing everything possible to maintain the connection between her and her child.

In conclusion, including birth mothers in Mother's Day activities and celebrations is an important part of supporting children in foster care and maintaining positive relationships between birth parents and foster parents. By doing so, we can help to normalize the experience of foster care, build trust and positive relationships, and support the emotional well-being of everyone involved. Let's make sure that all mothers, birth and foster, feel loved and valued on this special day.

Understanding ESSA

Navigating school can be tough for any child — but for youth in foster care, it often comes with even more challenges. Changes in home placements, unfamiliar school systems, and the emotional impact of separation can all make it harder for these young people to stay on track academically.

That’s where Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) comes in. Passed in 2015, ESSA includes important protections and supports specifically for students in foster care. It aims to make sure they have the stability, services, and opportunities they need to succeed — no matter where life takes them.

Key Provisions of ESSA for Youth in Foster Care

Under ESSA, schools and the child welfare agency must collaborate to ensure that students in foster care:

• Remain in their School of Origin: Unless it is not in the child’s best interest, they have the right to stay in the school they were attending at the time of entering care or changing placements.
• Receive Immediate Enrollment: Students must be enrolled immediately in a new school if a move is necessary, even without typical documentation (e.g. birth certificate, immunization records).
• Have Transportation Arranged: Once determined that staying at the school of origin is best for the student, the school district, and the child welfare agency must work together to arrange and fund transportation.
• Benefit from a Point of Contact: Having a point of contact ensures foster youth have a consistent advocate within the education system. The Department of Child Safety (DCS), AZ Department of Education (ADE), and the school districts have designated points of contact.

Why Educational Stability Matters

Children in foster care often face multiple school changes, leading to learning gaps and emotional stress. Research shows:

• Foster youth are twice as likely to change schools during the year.
• School changes contribute to lower academic achievement and higher dropout rates.
• Stable schools promote relationships and emotional growth.

How Foster Parents Can Support Educational Stability

• Know your child’s rights under ESSA
• Work with the child’s DCS Case Manager and school
• Keep documentation organized
• Encourage consistent attendance
• Promote involvement in school activities

Final Thoughts

Education stability is about giving youth in foster care a chance to grow, build confidence, and succeed. ESSA empowers foster parents to advocate for consistent and supportive educational environments. You are not alone- schools and DCS are your partners in ensuring a stable learning environment for our children.

If you have any educational needs or concerns, please reach out to EducationPOC@azdcs.gov.

References:

1. U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Non-Regulatory Guidance: Ensuring Educational Stability for Children in Foster Care
2. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Education. (2024). Educational stability for children and youth in foster care
3. Legal Center for Foster Care and Education. (2017). ESSA and Foster Care: Quick Facts
4. National Working Group on Foster Care and Education. (2018). Fostering Success in Education: National Factsheet on the Educational Outcomes of Children in Foster Care

Supplemental School Tuition

Did you know that every school-age child in the care of DCS has up to two allowances of $165 per year to help pay for summer school or other tuition fees? Simply request it via the DCS Specialist, and they will submit a service request as they would for any other special allowance.

OLR Reminders

Medications should not be started, discontinued, or changed without the input of the child's guardian, child welfare team, and/or the child's physician (where applicable). The child placing agency (DCS) and the licensing agency are to be notified within 24 hours of any medication prescription, change, or discontinuation. An Unusual Incident Report (UIR) is expected for all medication changes. A medication change includes when a new medication or treatment plan is decided upon, as well as changes in dosage, medication, or schedule. One purpose for these notifications is to support understanding in the child's behavioral health and any changes in the childs behaviors. A UIR is also required if there is a medication error. Therapeutic Foster Homes will also need to follow their agency-specific guidelines when administering medications. If needed, please review R21-6-314, R21-6-326, and please continue to seek guidance from your licensing agency.

Post-Permanency Supports Orientation

High-Five Highlights

COMPASSION: “The V family has been so accommodating and proactive in scheduling visits and completing paperwork to make their assessment timely to complete. Beyond the paperwork side of things, they are empathetic, compassionate, and loving caregivers who put the children in their home first and ensure their needs are met. They provide the children with stability, routine, and love, and it is clear the children placed in their home are thriving because of this.”

FAMILY: “Andrew and James were first-time foster parents to the child placed in their home that was recently reunified. They devoted every single day that child was in their care to his wellbeing, were steadfast in their consistency to him, and he made tremendous improvements in their care. They facilitated the parent and sibling visits, were vigilant about advocating for him, and ensured that they provided him structure, consistency, and love. They are model foster parents, even recently being recognized by the judge at the last hearing as the best foster parents he’d ever worked with in all his years on the bench. They truly represent what the intention of foster care is all about: being able to be a child’s family when they need it most.”

ADVOCACY: “Genesis is an amazing foster parent who goes above and beyond to advocate for a child's needs and rights. She is always on time with paperwork, attends every meeting, and provides well-explained updates on anything going on in the child's life. RISE is lucky to have her as a foster parent.”

TEAMING: “Thomas and Tommy are newly-licensed foster parents and are doing a wonderful job with their first placement. It has not always been easy, but they work together as a team to problem-solve and always make sure their placement comes first. I have seen them be great advocates for the child in their home and want them to know they are greatly appreciated!”

If you want to recognize a foster family, a licensing worker or agency, DCS Specialist/Supervisor or other employee, community partner, attorney, CASA, judge, mentor, or other fostering community member, please fill out the High-Five Nomination Form linked below.

Royal Family Kids Camp

TBRI Training

Boys to Men Tucson

Boys to Men Tucson is dedicated to creating safer communities by investing in the next generation. Through mentorship and connection, we provide boys, men, and masculine-identified youth with the support they deserve to explore what it means to be healthy, authentic individuals. Effectively, we hold talking circles with male-identifying youth for one hour a week. Our mentors co-create a space for emotional vulnerability and connection through games and discussion. We also hold optional adventure weekends where we invite the youth to participate in more prolonged, in-depth experiences. Our programs are at no cost.

Prescott-Area Foster Families: FREE Monthly Events

Sponsored by The League of Extraordinary Grandparents, volunteer grandparents will guide children in making crafts, painting, storytelling, games and more!

• WHO CAN ATTEND: Children in foster care, ages 4 – 10. Bio siblings may also attend, as long as they are between ages 4 – 10. All children must be registered in advance.
• WHEN: Every 3rd Saturday of the month in 2025 – May 17, June 21, July 19, August 16, September 20, October 18, November 15, December 20.
• LOCATION: Prescott Valley (details will be provided upon registration)
• TIME: 9 AM – 12 PM
• SNACKS: Snacks and drinks are provided.

ASA Now

ASA Now is a non-profit organization that ADVOCATES for, SUPPORTS, and ASSISTS children and families impacted by foster care. We are passionate about providing support to families and professionals by restoring hope and empowering them to better serve these children in need.

Warmline Supports Kinship and Foster Families

The Foster Parent Warmline is available for kinship families and licensed foster parents. While not an emergency number, Warmline staff can assist with information, timely communication, and support. It is not intended to discourage or replace direct and regular communication between the DCS Specialist and the out-of-home caregiver. You can reach the Warmline by calling 1-877-KIDSNEEDU (1-877-543-7633). Please be prepared with your name, the child's name, DOB, and dates of placement/departure, as well as an explanation of the issue. The Warmline is manned by staff Monday-Friday 8am-5pm (AZ time), excluding state holidays. You may also send an email to Warmline@azdcs.gov and include the above information.

Children's Heart Gallery

More than 70 percent of the children in need of forever families are adopted by their relatives or foster parents. For the remainder, special recruitment efforts like the Heart Gallery are used to connect them with a forever family.

The children featured in the Heart Gallery represent all ethnic groups and range in age from toddlers to teenagers. Some have special behavioral or medical needs, some are without siblings, and others are in groups of siblings.

Neveah G.