October 2024 Issue 79

Active Encouragement of Reunification

The foster care system plays a pivotal role in providing temporary care and support for children whose biological families are facing challenges that prevent them from adequately caring for their children. While the ultimate goal is often reunification, the process can be complex and emotionally charged for all involved parties. Foster caregivers, as vital stakeholders in this process, can make a significant impact by actively encouraging and supporting biological parents in their efforts to reunify with their children.

Open Communication: Effective communication is the cornerstone of any relationship, and it holds true for caregivers and parents as well. By establishing open and non-judgmental lines of communication, caregivers can create an environment where parents feel comfortable sharing their progress, setbacks, and concerns. Regular updates on the child's well-being and milestones can help bridge the gap and foster a sense of partnership.

Empathy and Understanding: The journey towards reunification can be arduous for parents, often accompanied by feelings of shame, guilt, and frustration. Caregivers can help by practicing empathy and understanding. Recognizing that these parents are likely undergoing immense personal growth and transformation, caregivers can extend a compassionate hand, offering reassurance that the process is about healing and growth, not judgment.

Strengths-Based Approach: Caregivers can focus on the strengths and positive qualities of parents. Recognizing and highlighting the efforts parents are making, no matter how small, can boost their confidence and motivation. It's crucial to help parents see that they possess the capacity to change and provide a nurturing environment for their children.

Skill-Building Opportunities: Caregivers can actively seek opportunities for parents to develop essential parenting and life skills. This could involve recommending relevant workshops, connecting them with community resources, and offering guidance on practical matters like budgeting, time management, and conflict resolution. These skills not only empower parents but also demonstrate the caregiver's genuine commitment to their success.

Inclusion in Child's Life: Where appropriate and safe, involving parents in the child's life during foster care can provide a sense of continuity. This might involve visits, phone calls, or even joint activities with the child. Such interactions help maintain the parent-child bond, reassure children that their parents are still present, and show parents that their efforts are recognized and valued.

Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding and respecting cultural differences is crucial when working with families. Caregivers can demonstrate cultural sensitivity by acknowledging and respecting the values, beliefs, and traditions of parents. This promotes a sense of inclusivity and helps build trust between both parties.

Celebrate Progress: Reunification is a process marked by incremental progress. Caregivers can celebrate these achievements, both big and small. From completing a parenting program to securing stable housing, each step taken by parents deserves recognition. Celebrations provide a sense of accomplishment and motivate parents to continue their journey towards reunification.

Maintain Boundaries: While fostering a supportive relationship is vital, it's equally important to maintain appropriate boundaries. Caregivers should be mindful of their role and not overstep their boundaries, which could potentially hinder the parent's growth. Additionally, the caregiver should check with the DCS Specialist to ensure that it is safe and appropriate to move forward with any form of communication.

Fostering is more than just providing a temporary home for children; it is about facilitating healing, growth, and reunification. By approaching their role with empathy, communication, and collaboration, caregivers can play a critical role in encouraging parents on their journey towards reunification. The impact of their support extends beyond the immediate process, contributing to the overall well-being and future success of families striving to heal and stay together.

For more information on shared parenting and active encouragement of reunification, email Rhiannon.Schaudt-Hobkirk@azdcs.gov.

National Coming Out Day

National Coming Out Day (NCOD) is an LGBTQ+ awareness day observed annually on October 11th to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning people to “come out of the closet.” Started in 1988, NCOD celebrates coming out and raises awareness of the LGBTQ+ community. Coming out can be terrifying if someone is unsure whether or not they will be accepted for who they are. People are often bullied, harassed, disowned, or ostracized within their own communities or families. LGBTQ+ youth have higher rates of mental health issues, poverty, homelessness, and being victims of violent crimes. LGBTQ+ youth are over four times more likely to have attempted suicide compared to heterosexual youth.

Seeing people living honest and open lives helps give LGBTQ+ people the courage to be themselves and persevere despite the adversity they face. In a world where people can still lose their jobs, their children, or even their lives for being LGBTQ+, it is important to provide our children with as much love and support as we can and give them positive role models, whether it’s family or friends, people in their community, or celebrities living out loud.

In the last 30 years, the estimated number of American adults on the LGBTQ+ spectrum has been about one in ten. As of 2024, that number is estimated to be one in five adults in Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012). Currently, 7.6% of U.S. adults now identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or some other sexual orientation besides heterosexual. This is up from 5.6% in 2020 and 3.5% in 2012, the first year this poll was taken. This number increases with every generation, up from:

• 1 in 10 from Millennials (born 1981-1996)
• 1 in 25 from Gen X (born 1965-1980)
• 1 in 50 from Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964)
• 1 in 100 from Traditionalists (born before 1946).

Each generation is becoming more comfortable with being open about their gender and sexual identities. With the rise of social media platforms, children and teens are seeing more and more people that they identify with and look up to. They may come to realize or affirm that they are LGBTQ+ and will need support and resources from their family and community.

So what should you do when a child in your care comes out to you? The most important first response is to tell them that you care about them, and give them a hug, if they’re comfortable with that. Thank them for sharing this with you, and let them know that you are willing to listen and learn how to help them in this journey. Then follow through on that promise. The Family Acceptance Project has several publications and resource materials to help families decrease risk and promote well-being for LGBTQ+ children and youth and to strengthen families. Some additional tips and information for supporting sexual orientation and gender identity and expression in children can be found on the AdoptUSKids blog.

Some local and national resources are listed below. Please use these in conjunction with the Reasonable and Prudent Parenting Standards to ensure the most appropriate and healthy conversations are being had. You may also review the Practice Guidelines for Engagement with LGBTQ+ Youth to ensure that children in DCS care are being treated with compassion and respect.

one-n-ten is a Phoenix-based organization that supports LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, ages 11-24. They offer a variety of empowering social and service programs that promote self-expression, self-acceptance, leadership development, and healthy life choices. Their programs include Housing and Homelessness Services; Life Skills, Workforce Readiness, and Financial Literacy classes; Suicide Prevention, Camp OUTdoors; the Youth Center and Satellite Sites; Parents' Group; and more.

Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s Gender Support Program provides outpatient services that support the physical, mental, and social health of gender expansive children and youth and their families as they progress through gender identity development. They offer a variety of services including consultations with families, readiness evaluations for hormonal therapies, referrals to mental health providers, support and advocacy for patients and families, education and training, and more.

Pride Guide Arizona is a listing of businesses and organizations that serve the LGBTQ+ community. They have listings for Northern Arizona, Phoenix Metro, Tucson Metro, and Southern Arizona. Categories include activities, churches, community resources, events calendar, professional services, and more. The listed businesses have submitted their information to Pride Guide, affirming that they are a safe, supportive business for LGBTQ+ Arizonans.

There are several Pride events throughout the state of Arizona. The purpose of Pride is to promote unity, visibility, and self-esteem among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer persons. Although Pride Month is celebrated nationally in June, some cities in Arizona celebrate it during cooler months, so be sure to check for your local Pride dates: Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, Bisbee, Navajo Nation.

Arizona Trans Youth & Parent Organization (AZTYPO) is a support group to empower children, teens, and their families in a supportive and inclusive environment in which gender may be freely expressed and respected. Parents, legal guardians and extended family can discuss the challenging issues, raise questions, seek and share resources, and listen to the experiences of others. The meetings take place on the 2nd and 4th Sundays every month via Zoom.

As an organization dedicated to inclusiveness, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona values and celebrates the diversity and individuality of every child, volunteer, employee, board member, family and community partner. BBBS partners with one-n-ten Youth Center to provide mentors to children who identify as LGBTQ+. They will meet at least twice per month to spend time participating in activities they both enjoy.

Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies. PFLAG is committed to creating a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed. With over 400 chapters nationally, PFLAG provides confidential peer support, education, and advocacy to LGBTQ+ people, their parents and families, and allies. Arizona chapters are located in Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, Sierra Vista, and Sedona/Verde Valley.

The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) believes that every student has the right to a safe, supportive, and LGBTQ-inclusive K-12 education. They advise on, advocate for, and research comprehensive policies designed to protect LGBTQ+ students as well as students of marginalized identities. They empower students to affect change by supporting student-led efforts to positively impact their own schools and local communities and have thousands of registered Gay/Straight Alliances nationwide. Every day GLSEN works to ensure that LGBTQ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment, with the goal of transforming our nation’s K-12 schools into the safe and affirming environment all youth deserve. Find resources, research, and programs at their website. There is an Arizona chapter based in Phoenix, however they cover the entire state.

Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award®-winning short film TREVOR, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25. They offer a telephone lifeline, live chat, and secure texting crisis interventions. They also offer suicide prevention trainings and resources, including suicide prevention techniques for adults, ally training to help adults support the unique needs of LGBTQ+ youth, and a free coming out handbook for LGBTQ youth.

Fall Fun

Our communities are full of fun, family events this fall. As soon as the temperature drops, throw on your cardigan, and have some outdoor fun! *Note: All info was taken from various websites and is subject to change by the organizer. This article will NOT be updated, so please be sure to verify info on the linked page before heading out!

Costumes for Kids 5K Fun Run - 120 S Cortez St, Prescott - October 26 - Join in on a costumed dash in the heart of downtown Prescott. Run or walk this 5k with a purpose, supporting CASA for Kids Foundation at Courthouse Square. Tickets: $30, or free for participants under age 16 or foster/kinship families

Verde Canyon Railroad - 300 N Broadway, Clarkdale - September 27-October 31 - When you’re dying to tap into everything, take a walk through Verde Canyon Railroad’s Haunted House railcar display stationed at the Clarkdale depot. A frightening monster squad will make all of your nightmares come true. Screeching train wheels and an oncoming locomotive headlight will greet you as you climb aboard. Step lightly through the dimly lit train maze, and enter an abyss of your worst phobias: snake dens, spider webs, deranged clowns, spirited skeletal remains, evaporating phantoms, and snarling wild animals. Observe Dr. Freak’s living autopsy room and gory crime scenes where haunting sounds will chill you to the bone. Every ghoul should check this terrifying experience off their bloody bucket list. Tickets: $25

Mortimer Farms Pumpkin Fest & Corn Maze - 12907 E State Route 169, Dewey - September 27-October 27 - The Mortimer Farms Pumpkin Fest & Corn Maze is a celebration for all ages, offering a delightful array of activities that promise unforgettable memories. Prepare to immerse yourself in an adventure that has captured hearts far and wide. The expansive corn maze beckons, challenging you to explore its twists and turns. Discover the joy of pumpkin picking in the bountiful pumpkin patch. Indulge in farm-inspired rides, games, and activities that promise laughter and excitement. Each Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Fall Break (14th-17th), our guests are treated to an extensive lineup of shows, entertainment, Grain Train rides, hayrides, and a bustling marketplace. As the sun sets on Friday and Saturday, the festivities continue with mesmerizing fire dancers, lively DJ/karaoke, spirited barn dances on Friday night, navigating the corn maze in the dark, and more thrilling entertainment. Tickets: $18.50+ per person (children 2 years and under free)

Apple Annie's Fall Pumpkin Celebration - 2081 Hardy Rd, Willcox - October 5-27 - It's that time of the year again! Join us at the farm for a day filled with pumpkins, hayrides, corn maze, sunflowers, and the perfect fall weather. Our 12.5-acre, 600,000-stalk corn maze open every day from 9:00am to 4:00pm, ready for you to explore it! Hop on a hayride that will take you through the farm to our pumpkin patch, where you'll find the biggest selection of pumpkins growing on the vine in Arizona. Don't forget to visit our sunflower field, where you'll be surrounded by flowers taller than you! You can even pick your own sunflowers to take home and enjoy. And if you're feeling like getting your hands dirty, we still have plenty of vegetables to be picked in the fields, including fall favorites like broccoli and winter squash. So, grab your family, and come join us for a day of fun on the farm! Tickets: Free to enter; produce prices vary by item and weight. The corn maze and hayride are an additional fee.

Flandrau Spooktacular Science - 1601 E University Blvd, Tucson - October 27 - The mad scientists at Flandrau have concocted some terrifically spooky science fun for people of all ages! This Tucson Halloween event celebrates the season with a scientific flair! Participate in slimy activities, learn about the Tarantula nebula, and enjoy chemistry curiosities. The planetarium will be open, too, for special laser light shows. Visit University of Arizona science club tables for special interactives and trick-or-treating while you're here! Tickets: $18 (kids 3 and under are free) *Science exhibit and planetarium show admissions are sold separately.

Nightfall - 201 S Kinney Rd, Tucson - September 27-October 27 - One year after returning from death, Mary Hyde is fully realized in terrifying new form as the Demon Queen of Nightfall. Now possessing the power to summon demons from the underworld, Queen Mary is building a terrifying army. Will Mary be able to keep her grip over Nightfall? Or will the all-but-dead Resistance rise up for one last battle. Experience 20+ acres of new terrifying haunts, mazes, scare zones, stunt shows, musical theater, magic shows, comedic dissections, delicious food/drink, and family-friendly attractions! Tickets: Starting at $29, free for children 4 and under.

Marana Pumpkin Patch & Farm Festival - 14901 N Wentz Road, Marana - October 5-27 - We have 50 acres of homegrown pumpkins (courtesy of Post Farms), so you can find your own personal favorite to take home. Walk through the patch and explore! There’s a pumpkin perfect for everyone! Tickets: $20+ (kids 2 and under are free)

Strange Garden - 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix - October 25-26 - Explore eerie and enchanting boo-tanical offerings. Enjoy live music, interactive experiences, food trucks, and encounter fascinating creatures. It’s a Halloween experience perfect for all ages. Don’t forget, each kid leaves with a free pumpkin while supplies last. Tickets: $19.95 youth, $32.95 adult

Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival - 7555 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale - October 25-27 - Join a family-friendly weekend spooktacular with tethered hot air balloon rides, trick-or-treat stations, and costume contests. Tickets: $17+, free for kids 2 and under

Halloween Spook-Track-Ula - 7301 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale - October 11-31 - Stop in for a spell as the Paradise & Pacific Railroad is transformed into a haunted park of fun for our Halloween Spook-Track-ula. The family-friendly event is perfect for kids of all ages. We’ll creep it real with the event’s feature, a spooky train ride created with children in mind… a bit spooky, but not too frightening. Tickets: $15, or free for kids 2 and under

Vulture City Awakening - 36610 355th Ave, Wickenburg - October 25-27 - This Halloween, Vulture City comes alive like never before with the Vulture City Awakening! Legend has it that the giants who once roamed these lands have been sleeping beneath the desert sands, waiting for the time when the veil between worlds is thinnest. As darkness falls, the spirits of these ancient beings stir, awakening the ghost town. Tickets: $20 (adults), $18 (seniors/vets/military), $10 (kids -7-15), or free (kids 6 and under)

Vertuccio Farms Fall Festival - 4011 S Power Rd, Mesa - September 27-October 31 - The fall’s cooler weather in Arizona is a welcome end to summer’s scorching heat. Mesa-based Vertuccio Farms celebrates this time of year by offering ‘Cooler days in the Corn Maze,’ part of the outdoor fun available during the farm’s annual Fall Season Event. As the Valley’s longest-running corn maze celebrating Arizona’s best time of year! Tickets: $16 per person (children 2 years and under free)

Local First Arizona Fall Fest - 67 W Culver St, Phoenix - November 9 - This family- and pet-friendly event celebrates all things local to Arizona. Held outdoors, the festival features 200 local vendors, live music, food samples from local restaurants, an Arizona beverage garden, kids activities, musical performances, and more. Tickets: Free

Schnepf Farms Pumpkin and Chili Party - 24810 S Rittenhouse Rd, Queen Creek - October 3-31 - Part amusement park, part family farm, Schnepf's annual fall party is fun for both kids and adults. Spend your time playing mini-golf, wandering two corn mazes, and riding the roller coaster. Or take a seat on the miniature train—day and "spooky" (night) times available. And, of course, it wouldn't be a chili party without plenty of chili and BBQ. Tickets: $25.95 per person (children 2 years and under free)

Tolmachoff Farms Pumpkin Days & Corn Maze - 5726 N 75th Ave, Glendale - October 2-31 - Let the unforgettable fall season memories began at Tolmachoff Farms, and experience the ultimate holiday outing where there is something for the whole family: Great big pumpkin patch, 6-acre family corn maze, mini corn maze, and haunted corn maze. Other activities: petting zoo, train ride, hay pyramid, corn box, adult/child pedal cart track, jumping pillow, and much more. Tickets: $17 per person (children 2 years and under free) / Haunted Corn Maze $25

Mother Nature's Farm Pumpkin Patch - 1663 E Baseline Rd, Gilbert - September 21-October 31 - Load up the family, bring your friends and neighbors. Come visit The Pumpkin Patch at Mother Nature’s Farm, rated Arizona’s best in the New Times. Bring a picnic lunch and your friends. We have picnic tables, grassy fields, big shade trees, and plenty of room for the kids to be kids! Food is available at Maneau’s Munchies; hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones, drinks, and much more. Tickets: $15 per person (on sale at the entrance) / Concessions and food for the animals is CASH ONLY.

MacDonald's Ranch Pumpkin Patch - 26540 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale - October 4-31 - Pick your pumpkin or pan for gold at this family-run and family-friendly ranch. Other activities include a hay-bale maze, petting zoo, photo areas, lawn games, and so much more. Tickets: $15, children under 2 years are free (Discounts available)

Jack-O-Lantern Jamboree at the Great Arizona Puppet Theater - 302 W Latham St, Phoenix - October 3-31 - Come on down to the pumpkin patch for our brand new show! This Halloween variety show of tricks and treats is sure to delight ghouls and goblins of all ages. Tickets: $10 child, $15 adults, infants are free

9th Annual Spooktacular Outdoor Movie & Halloween Party in the Park - 9875 N 85th Ave, Peoria - October 5 - Grab a blanket, chair, your family & friends, and enjoy the free big screen Halloween-themed family movie night featuring Disney's newest spooktacular Halloween movie, The Haunted Mansion! Tickets: Free

Apache Junction Annual Halloween Festival - 1091 W Southern Ave, Apache Junction - October 26 - Halloween is coming up, and the City of Apache Junction Parks and Recreation wants to make your night spook-tacular! There will be lots of free activities throughout the night for the whole family including a costume contest, pumpkin carving contest, trunk or treat, and more! Tickets: Free

Trick-or-Treat at the Museum - 215 N 7th St, Phoenix - October 26, 27, and 31 - Calling all costumed cuties! Join us for a spook-tacular adventure and trick-or-treat through museum exhibits, monster mash on the dance floor, and explore three floors of thrilling exhibits! Tickets: Free with paid museum admission

Scottsdale's 53rd Annual Fall Festival - 5401 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale - October 26 - Get ready for a frightfully fun evening at the 53rd Annual Fall Festival! Join us at Chaparral Park for a ghostly good time at this free family event. Enjoy ghoulishly delightful game booths, a wicked costume contest, trick-or-treating, deliciously eerie food vendors, live entertainment, city trucks & info, a haunted house that’s sure to thrill, and much more! Mark your calendars—it's going to be a fang-tastic night you won't want to miss! Tickets: Free

Goodyear's Fall Festival - 1933 S Ballpark Way, Goodyear - October 26 - Have a haunting good time at Goodyear's Fall Festival. Celebrate with a family-friendly harvest or ghostly scares for those who dare, and trick-or-treat on the field at Goodyear Ballpark! Don’t forget to come dressed to impress to take home the trophy for best overall costume, best youth costume, best adult costume, best group or family costume, and most creative costume. Tickets: Free

Pumpkin Patch Plunge at Superstition Shadows Aquatic Center - 1091 W Southern Ave, Apache Junction - October 26 - Come plunge into our floating pumpkin patch at Superstition Shadows Aquatic Center. Pick out the perfect pumpkin, and carve or paint it onsite. Pre-registration is highly encouraged, as there are a limited amount of spots. Cost to participate is $5, which includes your pumpkin. Tickets: $5

Arizona Boardwalk 4th Annual Halloween Bash - 9500 E Via de Ventura, Scottsdale - October 26 - Join Family Fun Arizona for our Annual Family Fun Halloween Bash inside The Arizona Boardwalk! DJ FLO will be playing music on center stage while the kids enjoy trick-or-treating, bounce houses, slides, face painting, and more!! The parents can enjoy shopping from our various local vendors and eating yummy food from a variety of restaurants on property, too! Let's celebrate Halloween and have a ghoulish good time! Tickets: Free

OLR Reminders

When you begin fostering, veteran caregivers will often tell you that it is not a matter of "if" but "when" there is a licensing concern. In most cases, it is easily remedied and often preventable. Below are some reminders from the OLR Concerns Unit to help you out:

Recently, there have been some questions regarding the allowances that are included on the monthly reimbursement invoice and how they are to be utilized.

Out-of-home caregivers receive a monthly personal and clothing allowance for each child in their care. The amount is a daily rate, based on the child’s age. The caregiver will disseminate the monthly personal allowance to the child when age and developmentally appropriate. (DCS Program Policy Chapter 4, Section 10: Foster Care Rates, Allowances, & Payments)

Until age 2, the Daily Personal Allowance (DPA) is to help offset the cost of formula and diapers (the former is covered by WIC but may not be enough for the entire month). Beginning at age 2, the DPA is to be made available to the child for their wants, NOT needs. It cannot be used for necessary care items, such as clothing, toiletries, or food. It can, however, be used if the child would like to "upgrade" those items (pay the difference between the amount you were allotting and the cost of the "luxury" item they want) or wants specific items in addition to the basics that are already provided, i.e. makeup, food items that are not communal, etc. The child can also use it for activities or events that they would like to participate in that are not covered by other funding sources, such as outings with friends. It cannot be used for family vacations or outings, as those are not activities of their choosing.

You may choose to give the child only this amount each month, or you may choose to provide them with more, but you may not give the child less than this amount (unless approved by the DCS Specialist as restitution). The child may purchase what they would like (legal and age-/developmentally-appropriate items only). As the caregiver, you are able to set parameters for the items purchased and teach budgeting. For example, the child can use their allowance to purchase 5 lbs of candy, but you can establish a limit of .25 lbs per day. If the child decides to save up their allowance for several months and purchase a tablet, you can set the rules for use. Just ensure that your guidelines align with the Reasonable and Prudent Parenting Standards. And remember that the rules for children in care may be different than the rules for other children in your home. If the other children in your home are not allowed to have tablets but the child in care has decided to purchase one with their own money, they cannot be denied their belongings. Again, you can set the parameters for use (i.e. 2 hours on Sundays), but the child is allowed to purchase what they would like, even if it does not align with your household rules.

You may take on the responsibility of keeping the funds safe for the child, as is developmentally appropriate. However, the funds belong to the child and are to be given to them when requested to be spent on what they wish. When a child leaves your home, their allowance funds should go with them. You can provide it to the DCS Specialist. Be sure to keep track of the incoming and outgoing funds if you are the financially responsible party.

Your licensing agency is partnered with DCS to be your family's support throughout your fostering journey, including bumps in the road. Reach out to your licensing worker for resources, such as support groups or a mentor who has experienced something similar.

Reminder: Social Security Number Requests

Tax season is coming up quicker than any of us want it to, so start preparing now! Ask the DCS Specialist for the social security numbers of the children in your care to ensure that you have the information before taxes are due!

FAS/KSS Provider & Foster/Kinship Caregiver High Five Nomination Form

OLR Supports is focused on the fostering community in the areas of recruitment, retention, and recognition. We believe that it is important to promote an engaged and inspired fostering culture.

We appreciate the fostering community’s dedication to the children and families that are in DCS care, and we want to hear all of the good works so that we can give recognition and thanks for the impact you have on this community every day.

Please complete an FAS/KSS Provider & Foster/Kinship Caregiver High Five Nomination Form when 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.

Young Women's Empowerment Event

Foster Arizona invites your young women to take part in a day of empowerment through pampering, shopping, and listening to uplifting stories from some wonderful women in our community! Celebrate being VIBRANTLY YOU!

• Date: Saturday, October 12th
• Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
• Location: Chandler Fashion Center, 3111 W Chandler Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85226
• Cost: FREE - Lunch and snacks will be served

Requirements:

• Participants must be girls between the ages of 10-15
• Participants must be children in Kinship, Foster, or Guardianship care under the custody of Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) or in recently reunified families
• Notice to Provider must be uploaded with registration for those in DCS care
• Screenshot of email invitation must be included for those in reunified families
• Maximum of ten participants per family

Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat - Tucson

Panel Discussion - Empowering the Future

Foster Adoptive Kinship Training Series

• November 12, 2024 2:00-4:30 PM TIC11122024

As a result of experiencing this course, you can:

• Apply TIC to help build your relationship with children
• Empathize with a child who has experienced trauma
• Describe the importance of relationships in trauma recovery

Foster 5k Family Day

Duet

Duet is a non-profit, interfaith organization that promotes health and well-being through its vitally needed, free-of-charge services to homebound adults, family caregivers, faith communities, and grandfamilies. Duet’s services are based on one person helping another. We partner with individuals, businesses, non-profits, municipalities, government organizations, and faith communities to make that happen. Duet offers several services and resources for grandparents raising grandchildren, including support groups, educational workshops, grandfamily outings, legal guidance and assistance, kid's activities funds, and more. 

AZAFAP

Evidence suggests peer mentoring is one way to sustain foster parents, reduce burnout, and improve foster parent retention. Information sharing is critical for foster parents and promotes confidence and skills necessary to take care of children placed in homes.

AZAFAP has trained volunteer parents as mentors who are ready to help support foster, kinship and adoptive parents through one-to-one conversations.

To request a Parent Mentor Partner, please complete this form.

It is important for parents to have a safe environment to share with one another the successes and challenges that they face in their home when parenting children impacted by trauma and foster care. Weekly Chats are hosted by facilitators online so parents can connect with other caregivers while the kids are in school or after kids are in bed! To participate, register for Basic (free) or Premier Membership to receive weekly email with chat links.

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) and selecting Option 3. Please leave a message with your name, the child's name, DOB, and dates of placement/departure, as well as an explanation of the issue. 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.

Kevin and Lilly