April 2025 Issue 85

Fostering Sibling Connections

Sibling relationships are unique and essential to children's emotional, social, and cognitive development and are the longest-lasting relationships that a child can have in their lives. Siblings often provide a sense of security, support, and a shared history that can help children navigate difficult experiences such as foster care. However, when siblings are separated from each other in the foster care system, it can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression.

Sibling contact in foster care can help mitigate these negative effects. It can help children maintain their sense of identity, connectedness, and belonging. Moreover, it can provide them with emotional support, shared experiences, and a sense of security during a time of uncertainty. In many cases, siblings can offer each other a sense of stability and familiarity that other relationships cannot.

Unfortunately, sibling contact in foster care is not always prioritized, and many siblings are separated from each other. According to a report by Casey Family Programs, up to 80% of siblings in foster care are separated from each other, and only 35% of these siblings have regular contact.

This lack of sibling contact in foster care can have long-term negative effects on children's well-being. Children who are separated from their siblings may experience a range of negative outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and trauma. They may also struggle with attachment issues and have difficulty forming healthy relationships later in life.

To ensure the well-being of children in foster care, it is critical to prioritize and support sibling contact. Sibling placement should be prioritized whenever possible, and caregivers and DCS should work together to ensure that siblings have regular and meaningful contact with each other. Moreover, caregivers should advocate for and encourage sibling contact whenever it is safe and appropriate to do so. This will ensure that children in foster care have the support and stability they need to thrive.

There are several things that caregivers can do to support sibling contact:

1. Collaborate with DCS: Contact the DCS Specialist and request sibling contact. This can usually be approved to occur at the caregiver’s discretion, as long as it is safe and appropriate for the siblings to have contact. If there are barriers, such as transportation issues, the DCS Specialist can look into accommodations such as a transportation referral. If there are safety concerns, the DCS Specialist can provide the information, including any restrictions or alternatives that are available.
2. Coordinate with the other caregivers: Caregivers should coordinate with the other caregivers to ensure that contact is scheduled at a convenient time and location for all parties involved. The DCS Specialist can facilitate the initial communication, or caregivers can engage during CFT meetings or court hearings.
3. Schedule regular contact: One of the most important things caregivers can do to support contact between siblings in different foster homes is to schedule regular communication between the siblings, including telephone calls, video chats, or visits. This can help the siblings maintain their connection and strengthen their bond.
4. Communicate with the children: Caregivers should communicate with the children and keep them informed about upcoming visits, as well as any changes or updates to the schedule.
5. Attend events together: Caregivers can attend events together with the siblings, such as birthday parties or school performances, to show support and help maintain the sibling bond.
6. Share information: Caregivers can share information with each other about the children's likes, dislikes, and interests to help facilitate conversations between the siblings during visits or phone calls.
7. Advocate for sibling rights: Caregivers can advocate for sibling rights and ensure that the children's needs are being met, including their need for contact with their siblings.
8. Open a bed for sibling placement: If it is safe and appropriate to place siblings together, a caregiver can request to open a bed for the sibling. If necessary, a licensing exception can be made in order to keep siblings together. Ask your licensing worker for more information on this process.

Summer Water Safety Reminders

As Arizonans, we all love to spend time in the water. While water activities offer countless opportunities for fun and relaxation, it is essential to prioritize water safety, especially when children are involved. Understanding the potential risks and taking appropriate precautions can help create an environment where children can enjoy the water safely.

For licensed caregivers, there are very specific requirements for pools and bodies of water, as outlined in the Arizona Revised Statute. There is also an entire chapter on pool requirements in the Life Safety Inspection Guide. These are all technical, but what about practical application of water safety?

• Supervision is Key - The first and most crucial aspect of water safety for children is constant adult supervision. Whether at a pool or a lake, children should never be left unattended near the water. Assign a designated adult as the "water watcher" to ensure constant vigilance. Avoid distractions such as phone use, engaging in lengthy conversations, or reading, as these can hinder your ability to respond quickly in case of an emergency.
• Teach Swimming and Water Skills - Enrolling children in swimming lessons is an effective way to build their confidence and competence in the water. Ideally, children should learn basic swimming and water safety skills as early as possible. However, even if your child is an excellent swimmer, they should always be supervised and never considered water-safe without adult supervision. Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation can fund swimming lessons, as well as CPR/First Aid training for children in DCS care.
• Establish and Enforce Rules - Setting clear rules and boundaries around water safety is essential. Teach children to never swim alone and to always ask for permission before entering the water. Emphasize the importance of staying within designated areas, such as the shallow end of the pool or the supervised swimming area at the lake. Reinforce rules regularly to ensure they become ingrained in their behavior.
• Educate about Water Hazards - Teach children about potential water hazards, including the dangers of diving into shallow water, the risk of entrapment near pool drains or lake structures, and the importance of staying away from abandoned or submerged objects.

When visiting a lake, follow these guidelines to ensure a safe experience:

• Choose designated swimming areas: Stick to areas that are designated for swimming, as they are usually monitored and safer for children.
• Be cautious of currents and underwater hazards: Educate children about the risks of strong currents, underwater vegetation, and sudden drop-offs. Encourage them to stay close to the shoreline and within their depth.
• Wear life jackets: Children, especially those who are not confident swimmers, should wear properly fitting life jackets while near or in the water. Adults should lead by example and wear life jackets too.

For more information on water safety, check out these resources:

• Phoenix Children's Hospital Water Safety Program
• Child Crisis Arizona's Water Safety Online Course
• BoatUS Foundation's FREE Online Boating Safety Course
• Red Cross Water Safety for Parents and Caregivers Online Course
• Arizona Department of Health Services Drowning Prevention Resources

DCS Immunization Policy

If possible, (the DCS Specialist will) request parental consent prior to immunization. All children in DCS out-of-home care must be immunized except when:

• a parent objects based solely on religious grounds, or
• the immunization is medically contraindicated.

If a parent objects to the immunization of the child, (the DCS Specialist will) determine the basis of the objection:

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 assigned Specialist will consult the DCS CHP Chief Medical Officer to determine if this child’s specific need for immunization is greater than that of the average child;
• the assigned Specialist will consult the assigned Assistant Attorney General (AAG) before proceeding with the immunization; and
• if it is determined that the child will not be immunized, the assigned Specialist will direct the out-of-home caregiver to not have the child immunized.

High-Five Highlights

• ADVOCACY: “Emily, with Grace Retreat, is constantly advocating for children in foster care. She makes sure they receive the best care available for them, connecting caregiver families to resources and giving advice for the best outcome. She truly cares for these children and goes above and beyond for them sometime working extra with no pay and being available for families off the clock. Emily is an asset to the foster communities. She makes such a positive impact and we are thankful for her.”
• ADVOCACY: “Jessica is an amazing support and advocate for the foster children in her home. She is always detailed and keeps the entire team up to speed with her thorough communication. She fights for what her foster children need and is such a beacon for her family.”
• CHANGE: “Through our 2 1/2 years as foster parents with Christian Family Care, Erin has supported us through 2 changes of licensing agents. These changes were for the agents to transition to a new position or career, and were outside of the agency's control. But Erin was eager to step in and fill their place until someone new could come in. She never let us down and was always there when we needed something. Not only did Erin support us through these changes, she did it with multiple other families at CFC. We are so grateful to have her on our team and believe she deserves tremendous praise and recognition.”
• COMPASSION: “Mr. G has been a licensed foster parent for 8 years and has opened his home to older youth who are known to find it harder to find foster homes. Mr. G entered the program hoping to grow his family, however, during this time he has been open and willing to help any child and give them a safe and stable home. Mr. G has demonstrated much empathy towards the children in his home and can connect so well with the youth in his home through simple open and honest communication. Mr. G has gone beyond his responsibilities and often travels out of town (more than an hour away) to medical appointments, meeting up for respite help or appointments with DCS to ensure that everyone has their needs met. Mr. G has demonstrated throughout the many years in the program, what a truly wonderful and caring parent he is towards all children who enter his home, whether potential adoptive placements, foster placements, or respite help.”

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.

Tucson Family Fun Fair

Trauma-Informed Care Training

The impact of trauma on young children and the importance of relationships to help children recover from traumatic events

This online training for birth, kinship, foster, and adoptive families includes an overview of the importance of relationships, trauma, how young children are affected by trauma, feelings and behaviors young children may exhibit, and how caregivers can help.

Hosted by Southwest Human Development, this training is facilitated by Molly Strothkamp, MSW, LCSW, IMH-E, child therapist at the Birth to Five Center of Excellence. This class is free and offered one Saturday per month and one weeknight every other month. Registration is limited and closes 48 hours prior to each training.

Questions? Please contact Molly Strothkamp at mstrothk@swhd.org.

PickleBall Tournament

Third Annual Coconino County Kinship Fair

Fostering Hope Foster Care and Kinship Conference

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 – April 19, 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.

Helen's Hope Chest

Parenting Classes

Adoption Tax Credit

Tax season is coming up quickly. Be prepared and knowledgeable regarding how foster care and adoption affect your tax preparation. Note: DCS employees are NOT tax professionals and CANNOT answer tax questions. Your assigned Specialist can provide you with the SSN of the children in your care or a letter stating placement dates if an audit occurs. Consult a tax professional for further questions.

• IRS Topic 607: Adoption Credit
• IRS Publication 4694: Raising Grandchildren
• IRS Qualifying Child Rules
• 1040.com Foster Parent Tax Guide

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.

Shyqwon and Richardo