FEBRUARY 2023 • ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 3
How is it already February? In this issue, I hope you’ll take note of the ways you can take good care of yourself and others this winter season. As a foster parent, you walk through hardship with the children, youth, and families you serve. You experience unique challenges, so we hope that you are diligent in caring for yourself as well. Be sure to check out the article Self-Care Barriers and Basics for Foster/Adoptive Parents below. Northern Colorado is fortunate to have many opportunities and resources for foster, kinship, and adoptive families; we try to include that information in these newsletters each month.
And, if you’re not yet fostering, check out your next steps for certification!
-Kristy
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Are you interested in learning more about foster care? Register for orientation to learn more about foster care and the certification process.
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Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023, 4:30-6 p.m., at the Weld County Department of Human Services Bldg. A. (315 N. 11th Ave. Greeley, CO 80634).
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Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, 4:30-6 p.m., virtual via MS Teams.
You’ve already attended orientation? Register for pre-certification training by contacting Kristy at deandakr@weldgov.com.
We hope to see you at one of our upcoming meetings! In the meantime, please reach out if you have any questions. For more information and to register for an orientation, please visit www.weldgov.com/go/fostercare or email Kristy at deandakr@weldgov.com.
Self-Care Barriers and Basics for Foster/Adoptive Parents
When a foster or adopted child has special needs, parents must juggle appointments with mental health therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, psychiatrists, ophthalmologists, allergists, and asthma specialists. They must attend IEP meetings, keep in touch with the school principal and their child’s teacher, check in with the social worker, and establish a schedule for personal care attendants (PCAs). Ongoing appointments and emergencies keep parents so busy that attending to their own feelings and needs may be put on hold.
Learn about resources and read the full article here: https://nacac.org/resource/self-care-barriers-adoptive-parents/
Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) Principles in Foster Homes
Monday February 13, 2023
6-8 p.m.
Rez Church
6502 E. Crossroads Blvd. Loveland, CO 80538
View the flyer for more information! To register, click here.
Monthly Adoption Support Group
Join us to connect with other foster parents, kinship caregivers, adoptive parents, childcare providers, and family childcare (FCC) home providers. This support group provides participants the opportunity to share parenting strategies, successes and struggles with those who can relate!
We focus on support around parenting and caregiving issues using a nationally recognized, research-based framework for keeping children safe and families strong.
Upcoming Dates:
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February 16, 2023
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March 16, 2023
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April 20, 2023
Please go to Foster, Adoption, and Kinship Support Group – Weld County and complete the form to RSVP for the support group.
Groups will be held on the third Thursday of the month from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Weld County Department of Human Services located at 315 N. 11th Ave. Bldg. A. Greeley, CO 80631. Childcare and dinner will be provided. For more information or questions, contact John at (970) 400-6239.
Operation Foster Hope (Foster Closet)
Operation Foster Hope aims to inspire change by wrapping around foster, kinship, adoptive and bio families as they fulfill the emotions and physical needs of the children in their care.
Operation Foster Hope provides clothing, shoes, diapers, nursery items, furniture, strollers, car seats, school supplies, hygiene products, safety equipment and other needed items to families free of charge.
How you can help:
- Donate funds, resources or services
- Volunteer at an event
- Learn more about Foster Hope
For more information, email operationfosterhopecloset@gmail.com.
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Realities for Children needs a volunteer to help manage Weld County’s Kind Connect program. For more information, contact Kristy at deandakr@weldgov.com.
KindConnect is a program run through Realities for Children intended to be the connection of kindness between the item needs of children who have been abused, neglected, or are at-risk with community members that have the items they need in northern Colorado.
For more about KindConnect, visit https://www.realitiesforchildren.com/get-involved/kindconnect/.
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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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