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Love will never reject others. It is the first to encourage and the last to condemn. |
Legislative
Spring Rally Day at The Capitol 2004! It was an exciting day at the Capitol last May where we held our second annual Spring Training and Rally at the Capitol. Our numbers were down for the morning training session but we more than made up for it at the foster/adoptive family rally in the afternoon. We received much media coverage as we celebrated providers, legislators and community leaders for their support of our families. A very special addition this year included touching affirmations from birth parents and adoptees as we proclaimed, Saturday, May 8 as Birth Mothers Day in Minnesota. We hope to honor and recognize birth mothers annually at our rally as well as coordinate our public awareness campaign with the National Foster Parent Association Blue Ribbon campaign with even more advanced publicity of the rally for next year. If you would like to help with the statewide planning for next year's training/rally, please contact Karen Pitschka, Legislative Chair 2004 Spring Rally at the Capitoal - Amelia is the adopted daughter of FACAM President Judy Howell I was born September 8, 1983. My mom was 14 years old and my father was 27. In an attempt to support his family, he started dealing drugs. Shortly after my brother was born, my dad was arrested, leaving just the three of us. My mother was too young to be a good mom. We bounced from home to shelter, never sure where we would wind up or if we would have something to eat. When I was three my brother and I were placed in a foster home. My mom was suppose to join us but she never did. Already it was clear my childhood wouldn’t be normal. My family wouldn’t exist. My brother and I had each other but that was all. I could tell you that I had an instant perfect family, and that foster homes are wonderful to grow up in. It is not that simple to say though. Not because foster homes are bad, but because people are uneducated about foster care. Not because the people that took me in were bad, but because I always wanted my family to come back for me. As I began to grow older, I realized how little people really knew about foster homes and the kids that live in them. The kids at school were unaware and so were their parents. I remember once when my friend’s mom brought me home after a sleep over, she said, “This can’t be the right house. This place is for orphans.” That really hurt me. It was the first time someone other than my peers brought up the fact I had no one. If I could change anything about foster homes I would want to raise awareness and explain what foster care is. Explain that just because you live in one doesn’t mean no one wants you or that you’ve done something wrong. Teach love and understanding. Teach patience and importance of family. Let the world know being a family doesn’t have to mean you share the same blood. I say this after only now realizing it myself. Growing up I dreamed of the day my family would come for me. Days, weeks, months and finally years would pass leaving a shattered soul, because my family would never come. Finally I gave up on that dream. I quit caring that I had no family. My foster parents adopted my biological brother and I, and were willing to share their home, love and name. Willing to be our “family”. We accepted both knowing deep down that they weren’t really our family because they weren’t blood but at the same time knowing they were all we had and all we would ever have. Shortly after our adoption, our father died leaving us fatherless and heartbroken again. When I finally turned 18 I met my biological parents. I was so happy and willing to be a family that I left the only home I had ever known – so eager to finally be a “family”. It didn’t matter to me that I was hurting the people who had always been there because now I had a real family. I am 21 now and am left wondering what do you do when life isn’t how you dreamed it when the perfect family isn’t really perfect and when blood just isn’t strong enough. As I gather for holidays with my biological family, I long for the warmth and happiness I grew up in. As I heal from a minor surgery, I find myself in the place I had always wanted to leave; the foster home, the adoptive home that I didn’t see as anything more than a place for the unwanted, unloved and “bad kids”; the place that was always my home. That’s when I realize I always had a family. Family isn’t about blood. It’s about love, memories, and happiness. Growing up I had all of this. I had the biggest and best family. My two loving parents, my neighbors, my adoptive family and even all of the foster kids I grew up with. Even I needed to be educated. It’s not a place you go because you are unloved or unwanted. It is a pace you go because you are loved and wanted. It is a place you go for love and protection. If all foster homes could be like the one I grew up in, no kid would ever want for love. Let’s educate the world, not just about what a foster home is or does, but what the family in that home can teach and accomplish. I know my life wouldn’t be as wonderful as it is today if it weren’t for the foster home I grew up in and the family I have. Blood may be thicker than water but it’s not thicker than love and blood alone cannot build a home. Legislative Report Thank you to all of those that hosted or attended an open house last fall. Nearly 100 legislators representing half of the entire body of congress heard what life is like for our foster families. While our first attempt to unify providers across Minnesota to bring awareness to issues that affect our unique families wasn’t flawless, it was very successful in that we have a comprehensive list of concerns and many willing legislators to address our needs. As most of you know, this was Step 2 in a three year project. The first step was the Foster Doll Campaign last year, educating our legislators that we exist. This year, we showed them who we are. And this coming year, we expect to see considerable progress in the areas that generated the most concern. And to be sure that the folks holding the purse strings are behind our efforts, we are entering the 3rd Step this fall with a campaign to host open houses with our county commissioners. The list of issues below is only a starting point, representing the areas that generated the most concern. If your issue is not one we are specifically addressing now and you would like it to be, please contact me and with your help, we can work towards a solution. Many of the issues listed can be addressed with minimal effort once the right people are contacted. I am only too happy to connect you with someone who can help. In addition, the Association is looking for regional volunteers to assist us in advocating for our families by reporting quarterly to the Board as to what is happening in different parts of the state. We can publish your upcoming events in the newsletter as well as work with you towards resolving concerns to ensure that our families are strong and healthy. Advocating for greater respect and support of foster/adoptive families is one of the main reasons the Association exists. Issues receiving the most concern: Daycare needs Provider Liability: Ombudsman office COLA(cost of living increase) Respite Concerns Allegation Reform Adult licensing concerns Parent Bill of Rights Adult foster care taxes IRS tax effect on respite and foster homes Adult foster homes vs. group care Open Houses Needed Throughout Minnesota Open your home for an afternoon to legislators. Invite them in to see your home, meet some of the children in your care, ask questions and see how children in Minnesota Foster Care live. Can you think of a better way to build understanding and positive knowledge of foster care? If you are interested in helping with this program call Karen Pitschka at 763-537-7615. A general theme echoed through most open houses that providers aren’t seeking monetary increases as much as they are other supports including respite, liability insurance and legal insurance, job security, tax considerations, and respectful treatment. Thank you to our 50 open house hosts who helped make our awareness campaign a success. More than 100 legislators participated with many vowing to help further our cause on specific issues, and all were encouraging and supportive of the care we provide. All but two of the open houses had a least one legislator attend with most having both their representative and senator listen to the issues affecting our families. After sending thank you notes to those who attended, we will begin the work of compiling the notes taken at each open house and cataloging the issues raised. Then we will begin working on the issues receiving the most attention. We already have the Foster Parent Bill of Rights and the Allegation Task Force in the works. Many legislators pledged their assistance and we want to responsibly take advantage of their offer. Join us as we begin to work on concerns raised in November. IF YOU CAN HELP, please call Karen Pitschka at 763-537-7615 or email KarenPSL@aol.com We are looking for a few providers to monitor progress in their region of the state and report back to the State Foster Care Association so we can keep the momentum building to ensure great progress is made. Essentially, we would ask you to check in with the legislator and assist them with any questions they may have as they work towards resolution of an issue that may potentially be unique to your area. I have taken several calls already from eager legislators working on issues that were addressed at an open house. However, the reality is they have many organizations competing for their time and attention and we must stay focused on a few issues at a time to see real progress. Plan to attend the spring training and Rally at the Capitol on March 5. As we enter 2004 and the third year of the Foster Doll project, I am confident that we will begin to see changes happen. A sampling of issues raised at the open houses across the state include:
A general theme echoed through most open houses is that providers aren’t seeking monetary increases as much as they are other supports including respite, liability insurance and legal insurance, job security, tax considerations, and respectful treatment. Adult providers have capacity and licensing concerns and everyone is concerned with any new implementation of reporting reimbursement rates and taxing respite payments. The good news is we already have several legislators offering to help work on the foster parent bill of rights, the Cost of Living Adjustments for Adoption, ombudsman issues, liability concerns, the IRS tax rules, and a judge working on allegation reform. All of this help is reported from only a quarter of the open houses with many hosts still sending in their reports! We have a lot of work to do but now we won't have to do it alone. Please consider committing 2004 to helping the association work with our legislators on accomplishing these tasks. They won’t get done without more help, and our earlier efforts will be wasted. Thanks again to the many host families for opening their homes and for those that took time they didn't have, to attend! You Can't
Legislate Respect Until you have walked in another person’s shoes you really do not know how you would handle your life given a complex situation. We do the best we know how and when we know better, we do better if we are able. There are many factors that affect what “the best we can do.” Are a “Foster Parent’s Bill of Rights” and A “Foster Child’s Bill of Rights” a legislative responsibility? The foster care system is a complex collaborative system of differences. Opposing forces need to focus on the child’s best interest to function properly. Responsibility can be mandated by law, but taking the action of this responsibility lies within each of us. Respect cannot be legislated. It is a heart condition. Each foster care team member has responsibilities and rights. Responsibilities began when action for placement is taken by the agency. Rights should begin immediately because we are human beings working in the “best interest” of others. There presently is not a Bill of Rights.
Social Services Responsibilities
For children placed in foster care, the agency is responsible to:
The Court’s Responsibilities Not all families have cases that are active with the court. At court, the Judge will decide whether:
The decisions of the court are based upon information provided by all court participants, including the Caseworker, service providers, advocates, and birth parents. Child in Foster Care: Responsibilities and Rights A child in foster care will be expected to follow the routines of a placement setting. The child may be expected to cooperate with therapeutic treatment. Depending on age, the child may help with the case plan. If school-age, the child will attend school. In addition to responsibilities. Child in foster care rights: 1. Provision: Healthy food, clean clothes, a clean bed, adequate housing and the attention of people who will listen. Permission to keep personal possessions (within reason). Care that is respectful and courteous. Age-appropriate supervision and discipline. Services to meet special needs. Ability to practice religion and continuation of cultural heritage. Help to cope with separation from family. Opportunities to visit family (unless denied by court) 2. Safety: Foster parents, caregivers and other children may not physically, sexually or verbally abuse you. Corporal punishment (hitting, slapping, spanking, pinching, shaking or kicking) may not be used to discipline you. 3. Medical and dental care. The social worker should see to it that your medical and dental needs are met. Your foster parents and caregivers should allow you to see a doctor or nurse if you are sick, to ask them questions, or to talk to them about how medicine is making you feel. Confidential information and medical care for pregnancy, birth control, and drug problems should be available to you. Special rights if you are placed in a hospital for treatment of a mental health or chemical dependency problem. 4. Education. Join some school activities. If you have special problems learning, you have the right to receive special education services. 5. Heritage preservation. Live in a home that will accept and be supportive of your religious, racial, cultural, and ethnic identity. 6. Visitors, telephone calls & mail: Telephone calls during certain hours. As part of your case plan, you should have home visits with family or friends. Contact with certain people may be restricted for your own safety. 7. Reasonable behavior rules: If you are unable to control your behavior, discipline may be used to help you behave. You have the right not to be punished too severely. You should not be denied meals, sleep, mail, or family visits as a method of discipline. For example, your right to watch television may be cut, or you can be “grounded” or given additional chores like dishwashing or mowing the lawn. If time-out is used as a method of discipline, you may not be isolated in a locked room. 8. Live in an unlocked place. This right is yours unless the court has ordered you into a locked place. 9. Social worker. Your social worker should talk with you regularly. You can complain to your worker. You should be provided information about the reasons you are in foster care and with ideas to help you explain your situation to others. If you cannot contact your social worker, call his or her supervisor. 10. Case plan. This is a plan written by you, your parents and social worker to meet your needs and plan for your future. Your case plan should explain • why it was necessary to place you in foster care, • what can be done to correct the problems that made it necessary for you to be placed in foster care, • who will arrange for your education, • what days your parents are to visit you, and • when you are expected to return home or go into pre-adoptive care Your social worker should discuss this plan with you and ask you to sign it. You have the right to discuss this plan with your parents and ask for changes in it. You also have the right to ask for a lawyer to help prepare it. This plan should be reviewed every six months. 11. Ask for independent living. This results in both freedoms and responsibilities. There is no established process for emancipation by the court in Minnesota. You can ask a lawyer about emancipation issues. If you are over 16 years old, your case plan should include transitional services to help you move towards independent living. 12. Benefits up to age 21. Six months before your eighteenth birthday you should talk with your social worker about getting foster care benefits from the time you turn 18 until you reach age 21. 13. Appeal. A decision made by the local social services agency concerning your services or plans for your future. If you disagree with your case plan and cannot get it changed, you can ask for a state hearing to review the plan. An appeal can be started by writing to your social worker or DHS. 14. Legal rights in court. You have the right to be in court and to give your opinion when important decisions are being made about your future. You have the right to know about important social service decisions regarding your case. You also have the right to be represented in court by a lawyer and/or a guardian ad’litem. You can call the lawyer who represents you. In addition, foster children who are eligible for special education have the right to:
Foster children with disabilities have the right to:
A birth family, regardless of the trauma caused to the child, is still the child’s birth family. In order to show honor to the child, one cannot defame the birth family. Respect for the love that a child has for the birth family is crucial. As a foster care provider it is our job to help in reunification and sanctity of that relationship. How we treat the child in our care and the relationship with the family of origin can have a direct impact on the case outcome. In respect we must keep private information about the child’s life private. In respect we must encourage and not hinder visitations. In respect we must offer guidance and not competition to the child’s birth family. Birth families have responsibilities
A birth family does not lose rights simply because the family has become involved with social services. Birth families rights: 1. Explanations about
2. Talking to caseworker
3. Information about
4. Services (if accepted for services)
5. An attorney
6. Complain
7. Treated with respect:
8. If your child is in an out-of-home placement:
(Note: For some of these situations, a Judge will consent if parent is not available or will not act in the child’s best interests.) A foster family, provides a valuable service for our communities. Foster care providers volunteer their services to children and Home’s Plus residents 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Unlike our volunteer fire departments, these citizens receive no pension, no vacations and no insurances to compensate their efforts. Most child expenses however are covered. And in a perfect world every foster parent would have the right to: 1. Be a team member. who is making an important contribution to the agency’s objective and is treated with dignity, respect, and consideration. 2. Position. A clear understanding of your role as a foster parent, the role of the agency, and the roles of the members of the child’s legal family. Consideration as a placement option for a former foster child if the child reenters foster care. Consideration as first choice for adoption placement of a former foster child who becomes free for adoption or permanent foster care and has lived with their family for twelve (12) months or more. 3. Continuation of your own family patterns and routines. 4. Safety. Information disclosed that can jeopardize the health and/or safety of the foster family or alter the manner in which foster care should be administered. 5. Training. To improve your skills in providing daily care and meeting the special needs of a child in care. Training to obtain support and information concerning a better understanding of the rights and responsibilities of foster care providers. 6. Support. Access to the agency to receive help, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Social service contact by phone or mail each month. 7. Timely financial reimbursement for your quality and knowledgeable care of a child including availability of Difficulty of Care, clothing allowances and other financial assistance. 8. Choose to say no to a placement or ask for removal of a child for good reason, (within reasonable notice and when absolutely necessary), without threat or reprisal, unless otherwise stipulated by contract or policy. 9. Child File Access and Communication Prior to placement, to review a child’s case file as it pertains to the child, to assist in determining if this would be a proper placement for your family. A clear understanding of agency plans concerning placement of children in your home. In an emergency placement situation, data would be provided as it becomes available. Confidential information regarding the child and the child’s family would remain confidential. During the placement with consent the ability to communicate with professionals who work with the foster child, including therapists, teachers and physicians. Inform foster care providers of decisions made by the courts regarding child in their care. Ongoing to be provided all pertinent information regarding the child and the child’s family as it relates to the child, in a timely manner. Information regarding the foster child’s progress after a child leaves your home. 10. Personal Data Access, to receive a copy of all information placed in your foster home record by agency staff immediately upon placement of the information in the record and timely access to your foster home record to review it whenever you feel the need to review the record. Upon request, the department shall provide the foster parent(s) copies of all information relative to their family and services contained in the personal foster home record. 11. Meeting Notification, to actively participate in the case planning and decision-making process regarding the child in your care and have your input treated in the same manner as information presented by the other professionals. 12. Notification of changes in the case plan or termination of the placement and the reasons for the changes or termination of placement. 13. Time out. Ask for a “break” as needed without reprisal. 14. Protection from false allegations and the devastating results. Child abuse/neglect allegations involving foster parent(s) shall be investigated pursuant to the department’s child protection services policy and procedures. A child protection services case manager from another area shall be assigned to investigate responsibility. Removal of a foster child will be conducted according to department policy and procedures. Consideration should be given to the safety of the child and the psychological trauma and feelings. 15. Ombudsman. The department shall permit an individual selected by the board of the Minnesota Foster Care Association to be educated concerning the procedures relevant to investigations of alleged abuse and neglect by the department and the rights of the accused foster parent(s). Upon receiving such training, such individual shall be permitted to serve as advocate for the accused foster parent(s). Such advocate shall be permitted to be present at all portions of investigations where the accused foster parent(s) are present; and all communication received by such advocate therein shall be strictly confidential. Nothing contained within this item shall be considered to abrogate the provisions regarding procedures for investigations of child abuse and neglect and child sexual abuse by the department of children’s services and law enforcement agencies. 16. Administrative review by a group, including your peers, to render an opinion of a home verification denial or home verification revocation. 17. Grievance Procedures and Appeals Processes if any of the above rights have been violated or denied. 18. A Foster Parent Handbook from the state of Minnesota. For those of us whose lives are touched by foster or adoptive care, we must take personal responsibility to function within a framework of honor and respect for the child and others on our child’s care team. In a perfect world, we would need no Bill of Rights because the rights of all would be clearly understood and respected. But this is not a perfect world. Social Services Responsibilities The agency
For children placed in foster care,the agency is responsible to:
The Court’s Responsibilities Not all families have cases that are active with the court. At court, the Judge will decide whether:
Consequence Tips from Washington State Foster Care Providers The use of natural and logical consequences is an effective form of discipline.
When using natural consequences:
When using logical consequences:
Use positive consequences more often than negative consequences. Here are a few guidelines for giving a consequence:
How to avoid problems while giving a consequence:
Source: The Foster Parent Website of Washington State www.wa.gov/dhs/fosterparents |
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Foster and Adoptive Care Association
of Minnesota |
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