NOVEMBER 2021 • ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 1
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You may have heard that Child Welfare is going through a transformation. With the passage of the Family First Prevention Services Act, our nation is reforming the child welfare system into more of a family well-being system. October 1 marked the official kick-off date for policy and funding shifts, which involve greater community collaboration and preventive services for families. According to Minna Castillo Cohen, Colorado Director of the Office of Children, Youth and Families, “As Colorado operationalizes Family First, we will learn together and grow together, all in service of a common goal: keeping kids safe and families together.”
If you’re already fostering, you may have noticed some changes along the way as we’ve been in preparation. Reforms in policy, such as limiting placement in non-family settings like group homes and residential childcare facilities have taken place. While we know we are heading in the right direction, we are struggling in Weld County – and across Colorado – with even greater urgency for foster homes for teens, youths needing support with mental health challenges, and sibling groups. If you’ve been thinking about fostering, but haven’t taken your next step, please let us encourage you to consider it. The need for foster families is growing.
Lastly, as we approach Thanksgiving, we want to give a huge SHOUT OUT to our foster families. We appreciate you from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you for being part of our team and serving Weld County’s children, youth, and families in the countless ways you do each day.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
-Kristy
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Parents Night Out
 Register by November 14 at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/56YNNNV
A huge thank you to our event sponsors! Culver's, Love Thy Neighbor Community Church, City Lights Church, Connections Christian Church, Timberline Windsor, Day Spring Church, Co Kids Belong, Project 1.27, Weld DHS, Unidos Por Amor USA.
Weld County Foster-Kinship-Adoption Support Group
Thursday, November 18
6 - 8 p.m.
Human Services Dept. Bldg. A
315 N 11th Ave, Greeley, CO.
A Parent Café model support group built to strengthen families by building protective factors: resilience, relationships, knowledge, support and communication.
Dinner and childcare are provided. For more information, call the Post Adoption line at (970) 400-6707.
Foster Source Foster Parent Connection
Saturday, November 27
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Northern Hills Church
5061 E. 160th Ave., Brighton, CO
Join us in person for coffee, conversation, support and self-care! For more information and to register, visit https://fs.elevate.commpartners.com/in-person-training-2.
Foster Care Frozen Wonderland Holiday Party
 RSVP by November 24 with your name and guest count to Brent at millerba@weldgov.com.
Meet The Nix Family!
Weld County’s Nix family was recognized this year by Colorado Department of Human Services as an exceptional foster family for their cultural sensitivity and for doing a great job fostering teens.
Watch their video by clicking here.
Interested in Fostering? Register for orientation to learn more about foster care and the certification process.
Upcoming Orientations:
- Wednesday, November 10, 4:30-6pm, Greeley, CO.
- Wednesday, December 1, 4:30-6pm, Greeley, CO.
Referral Incentives Don’t forget! Weld County foster parents can refer a family, up to five per calendar year, and receive $100 upon placement (more for families who take in teens). Referred family must name you at inquiry or by their orientation. Have your friends and family visit www.weldgov.com/go/fostercare for more information and to register for orientation.
We are grateful for our community’s support for our children, youth, and families!
Weld County foster families have been serving other families and youth in foster care through maintaining local supplies and a clothing closet that other foster and adoptive families in Northern Colorado can access. Currently they are especially asking for winter coat donations. Spread the word!
Contact Maddie at mmpothour@gmail.com for access and donations.
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We had a great time at Windsor’s Harvest Festival Parade! Thank you to everyone who came out.
Make sure to catch the Weld County Foster Care float next year!
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When to Push & When to Relax – Post’s Daily Dose
Watch this helpful video on when to push and when to relax when it comes to handling relationships.
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The Post Institute is one of the first to develop trauma informed education, and specific strategies for parents. For more information, click here.
Weld County is proud to partner with Realities for Children, a 501(c)3 charitable organization, to collect monetary and item donations for our children and teens in foster care. Your gift provides emergency funding to Weld County youth who have been abused, neglected or are at-risk. All donations are tax deductible, and 100% of your donation goes directly to help our children and teens in foster care. Click here for more information.
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