August 2024 Issue 77

Every Student Succeeds Act

Children in foster care frequently face delays in school enrollment, or they are placed in the wrong classes or schools due to missing, incomplete, or delayed school records and documentation. School instability makes it difficult for a child to develop supportive relationships with teachers and peers. Unplanned school changes result in more trauma to children/youth through lost relationships/connections with peers and positive adults, as well as with academic progress.

The federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) seeks to improve educational success for children in foster care.

ESSA requires a child in foster care to remain in their school of origin unless it is not in the child's best interest. In order to determine whether this is the case, a Best Interest Determination (BID) meeting must be held within 5 business days of entry into foster care or a change to the foster care living arrangement. The DCS Specialist is responsible for scheduling the meeting, and attendees should include the DCS Specialist, out-of-home caregiver (foster parent), Local Education Agency (LEA, the school representative), and parent/guardian or IDEA parent (the person responsible for making decisions about special education evaluations or services). The meeting can occur as part of an existing CFT, case plan staffing, TDM, or another meeting when all identified parties are available to attend. If the child is moved prior to the BID meeting taking place, the school of origin must make accommodations to support the child's attendance at the school of origin until the BID meeting can be completed. The BID will consider the wishes of the parent, caregiver, and child; the school’s distance from where the child is placed; the child’s age, personal connections, social, and emotional state; academic, developmental, language, and socialization needs; and the effect a school change will have on the child's learning, academic strength, and grade placement.

Transportation is a shared responsibility of the LEAs (schools) and the Child Welfare Agency. (Foster Caregivers are an extension of the Child Welfare Agency.) When creating a transportation plan, the best results come when all parties are open to creative ideas and sharing the important task of ensuring transportation to school is provided in the most normal manner that meets the safety (and other needs) of the student. Children/youth must be supported to continue to attend their school of origin during the BID process. Attendance should be in-person unless unsafe or not feasible for some reason, such as distance (or some other need of the student). If in-person attendance is not possible, coordinate with the school to arrange on-line attendance or some other strategy, such as completing packets at home.

Transportation needs are often the most significant barrier to maintaining a child in the school of origin, however it cannot be the determining factor. There are several resources and options to consider:

• Unlicensed out-of-home caregivers can receive mileage reimbursement for transporting a child in their physical custody for educational purposes, with preapproval.
• Licensed foster parent reimbursement rates include the costs of routine travel, which includes travel to and from school.
• Determine if the school provides transportation through an existing school bus route or other service
• The caregiver may arrange a carpool with a trusted adult.
• Depending on the child's age, developmental needs, and whether it is safe to do so, consider public transportation.
• Look into flexibility in work schedule, teleworking, or working in an alternative location.
• Note: When other options have been fully explored and ruled out, DCS may consider reimbursement of travel expenses to support the child’s continued enrollment in their school of origin, and to support participation in school-related activities. (DCS Policy 03-16, effective 4/26/24)

After careful assessment and problem-solving, it may be determined that it is not in the best interest of the child to remain in the school of origin. It may be due to lack of safety, the school's inability to meet the child's special needs, unreasonable distance and travel to the school of origin from the child's placement, etc. If it is not in the child's best interest to stay in their school of origin, the child is immediately enrolled in the new school, even if the child does not have the normal records required for enrollment. The Notice to Provider will suffice. The new school will immediately contact the previous school to obtain any relevant academic or other records. The DCS Specialist completes the Best Interest Determination form to document the reasons it is best for the child to change schools. This must be provided to the new school in order for them to proceed with enrollment.

Each school district has a Foster Care Liaison that can help caregivers navigate the BID process, as well as many other educational issues. Reach out to them with any questions or concerns, and they can provide resources or direction to resolve them.

For an in-depth view of ESSA, view the training provided by the Arizona Department of Education.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month

August is here! August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). NIAM is a yearly observance in August to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages, from infants to the elderly. The goal of NIAM is to raise awareness about the important role vaccines play in preventing serious, sometimes deadly, diseases.

Why are vaccines so important?

• Vaccines protect against serious diseases.
• These diseases still exist, and outbreaks do occur.
• Vaccines are recommended throughout our lives.
• Vaccines are very safe.

Who needs vaccines? Everyone!

Children:

• Getting vaccinated according to the recommended immunization schedule is one of the most important things a parent can do to protect their child’s health. Diseases can quickly spread among groups of children who aren’t vaccinated. Whether it’s a baby starting at a new child care facility- or even a college freshman – parents should check their child’s vaccination records.
• When children are not vaccinated, they are at increased risk for disease and can spread disease to others in their play groups, child care centers, classrooms, and communities – including babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated and people with weakened immune systems due to cancer and other health conditions.
• Babies receive vaccinations that protect them from 14 different diseases. After age 2, children are still recommended to receive a yearly flu vaccine and will be due for additional vaccine doses between 4 and 6 years of age. Make sure your child receives every dose along the way and every dose on time!
• States may require children who are entering child care or school to be vaccinated against certain diseases. Parents should check with their child’s doctor, school, or the local health department to learn about the requirements in their area.

Preteens and Teens:

Preteens and teens need four vaccines to protect against serious diseases:

• quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine to protect against meningitis and blood infections (septicemia);
• HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccine to protect against cancers caused by HPV;
• Tdap vaccine to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough (pertussis); and
• a yearly flu vaccine to protect against seasonal flu.

Adolescents and Adults:

• All adults should get vaccines to protect their health. Even healthy adults can become seriously ill and can pass certain illnesses on to others.
• Everyone should have their vaccination needs assessed at their doctor’s office, pharmacy, or other visits with healthcare providers. Certain vaccines are recommended based on a person’s age, occupation, or health conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, or heart disease.
• Vaccination protects the person receiving the vaccine but also helps prevent the spread of disease, especially to those that are most vulnerable to serious complications, such as infants and young children, elderly, and those with chronic conditions and weakened immune systems.
• Take this quiz to see what you may need: http://www2.cdc.gov/nip/adultimmsched/

Remember the Flu Vaccine:

• Vaccines protect you all year round, but August is a great time to get vaccinated! August is also a good time for you and your family to make plans to get the flu vaccine. The vaccine usually becomes available in mid- to late-August. Getting the vaccine early can help prevent you and your family members from getting the flu throughout all of flu season.
• When taking yourself and your family for your flu shots, you can also ask your health care provider about other routinely recommended vaccines you might need. Make sure that the whole family is up-to-date on their DTap/Tdap and MMRV boosters too!

DCS Immunization Policy:

When a child is placed in your home, a copy of their immunization records should be provided to you. If it is not, the primary care provider (PCP) can access it at the Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) appointment that is required within 30 days of initial placement in out-of-home care and annually thereafter.

Per DCS Policy, all children in out-of-home care must be immunized. If possible, request parental consent prior to immunization. If the parent objects on any grounds other than religious grounds, the child may be immunized unless medically contraindicated. If the parent objects to immunization based upon religious grounds, the DCS Specialist will elevate the issue. In this situation, do not immunize the child until the Specialist advises (in writing) that it is permissible.

If the child is behind on immunizations, consult with the PCP regarding the plan to get the child caught up. Unless DCS indicates otherwise, invite the parent to all medical appointments, but especially appointments that may be difficult, such as getting several shots at once. It may be a comfort to both the parent and the child to be together.

(DCS Program Policy, Chapter 3, Section 7.1 Medical Services for Children in Out-of-Home Care)

More Vaccine Info

The DCS Foster Youth Education Guide is geared toward high school-aged youth in foster care and provides statewide information and resources to assist youth with achieving educational success.

Some highlights of the guide and updates are:

• An education timeline to ensure students stay on track with tasks each year;
• A list of educational items that can be paid for by Arizona Friends of Foster Care Foundation;
• Information on what is needed to graduate from high school;
• Areas to create and keep track of educational goals;
• GED information;
• Statewide vocational program information;
• An updated list of free college prep and leadership programs available to foster youth; and
• A “how to” on applying for college admissions or vocational training and funding.

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.

Arizona Cardinals Discounted Tickets

The Arizona Cardinals Football Club and the Arizona Department of Child Safety are excited to partner to provide a discount to Arizona Cardinals games this season, beginning with our home opener against the Los Angeles Rams on September 15th! For every ticket purchased the Arizona Cardinals will match with a complimentary ticket to the preseason game against the New Orleans Saints on August 10th.

Foster Adoptive Kinship Training Series

Foster Adoptive Kinship Training Series (FAKTS) Trauma Informed Care (TIC) sessions:

• September 3, 2024 1:00-3:30 PM TIC09032024
• November 12, 2024 2:00-4:30 PM TIC11122024

What you will learn during the training:

• An understanding of what Trauma Informed Care (TIC) means for you and the children in your care.
• What are the key elements to Trauma Informed Care and how they apply to you
• The impact of Adverse Child Experiences (ACEs)

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

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:

The goal of foster care is reunification. It is not an easy road to travel, but the journey is easier when the team is cohesive. The Arizona Administrative Code is very clear that the foster caregiver is an invaluable member of the child’s service team, and they have responsibilities, just as any other member of the team does.

R21-6-325. Participation in the Service Team

• A. The purpose of the service team is to ensure collaboration on the development and review of a foster child’s case plan. A foster parent is a member of the service team for each foster child in his or her care.
• B. A foster parent shall participate as a member of the service team.
• C. A foster parent shall implement the case plan by: 1. Performing the tasks assigned to the foster parent in the case plan; 2. Helping a foster child to attain the goals identified in the case plan; and 3. Helping a foster child to obtain services specified in the case plan.

In addition to participating in the service team, the caregiver is responsible for ensuring the child’s overall well-being. Maintaining the child’s connection to their family, friends, community, and culture is vital to the child’s mental health and sense of self.

R21-6-305. Nurturing Responsibilities

A foster parent shall nurture a foster child by: 9. Providing opportunities for the child to contact family members by means of face-to-face contact, mail, telephone, or other modes of communication, unless otherwise directed by the Child Placing Agency.

When children come into DCS care, there are often bumps in the road, particularly when it comes to communication. Children will often decline visitation or phone calls with their parent. This can be a result of the abuse or neglect that the child experienced, which should absolutely be acknowledged and addressed, and the DCS Specialist will determine whether contact is safe. But it can also be as a result of anger or sadness, feelings of abandonment, or the wish to have some sense of control over their situation. Again, these feelings should be acknowledged and addressed with the child’s service team; the child’s feelings should also be validated. But ultimately, it is the responsibility of the caregiver to encourage the child to have contact with their parent and family members, unless there is a court order that prohibits such contact. If you need assistance with how to go about this, please reach out to your Licensing Agency for support.

R21-6-321. Rights of a Foster Child

A. A foster parent shall ensure that the rights of a foster child as listed in A.R.S. § 8-529 are protected and upheld. In addition, a foster child has the right to: 13. Be encouraged to have contact with and visit family members, consistent with the case plan, unless prohibited by court order;

Children will be children, and sometimes, disciplinary action must be taken. The AAC is very specific about which methods of discipline are not allowed. In regard to contact with the child’s family:

R21-6-308. Positive Discipline

B. A foster parent shall not use or threaten to use, or engage in and shall not permit any other person to use or engage in, the following or similar punishment or maltreatment of a foster child: 12. Denial of a foster child visitation or communication with the child’s birth family members or with a significant person when such denial is not approved by the Child Safety Worker, the Child Safety Worker’s supervisor, or ordered by the Court.

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.

Ser Kallai Shine Symposium 2024

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.

Services we offer include tutoring & extracurricular activities, food pantry, clothing, and meeting basic necessities. Other services include life skills for youth, respite care, therapeutic programs, family activities, peer-to-peer support groups, education and training on utilizing Jacob's Law to obtain behavioral health services, providing resources to families and caregivers to successfully navigate the foster care system, raising awareness, recruiting new foster families, and advocating for families and their children.

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.

Santina and Louis