 February 16, 2023 Vol 3, Issue 2
Webpage Updates
Have you ever visited the I am a Foster Parent web page? This is a web page just for Foster Parents to use to find forms, trainings, and general tools about being a Foster Parent. The Resource Parent Handbook is located on that page as well and can answer many questions. Visit the link above and take a look around. If you know of anyone who would like to sign up for this newsletter ask them to visit the page as well. There will be a pop up asking for their email address if they want to stay informed.
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The Call to Foster Podcast: S1E2
"We'll love them while we've got them."
Season 1 Episode 2: In this episode of "The Call to Foster," Jessica and Shasta talk with Mickey and Amanda Goodwin. The Goodwin's share stories from their foster family journey covering topics like attachment, common misconceptions about foster care, and ways Children's Division can better support their foster families.
We'll be adding these podcasts to a podcast app near you soon! Please share this podcast with anyone you know who might be considering fostering!
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 Virtual Adoption Meet & Greet
In our efforts to reach potential adoptive families for our children, the Department of Social Services is hosting 60-minute virtual matching events that will highlight 3-4 children or siblings groups every other month, as well as provide participants with information and awareness.
Potential adoptive parent(s) will have the opportunity to hear from the child's caseworker about the children’s strengths, personality, dreams for the future, and what they are looking for in a forever family and ask questions.
If you are interested in this event, please use the meeting information below to participate.
Other ways to join the meeting:
Meeting number (access code): 2456 455 9713
Meeting password: SHpG37apwh6
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Join by phone 1-650-479-3207 Call-in toll number (US/Canada) +1-312-535-8110 United States Toll (Chicago) Global call-in numbers
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Join from a video system or application Dial 24564559713@stateofmo.webex.com
You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number.
 Show Me Healthy Kids CoxHealth Contract Renewed
Show Me Healthy Kids (SMHK) and the CoxHealth network finalized a contract renewal 2/15/2023. CoxHealth is in-network with our SMHK specialty plan and the Home State Health general plan effective today.
If your family switched a child’s primary care provider to a provider outside the CoxHealth network due to the impending contract termination - and you want to return to a CoxHealth provider - that is fine. If you already received a SMHK insurance card reflecting the new provider’s name, just know that you are not locked-in to that provider – you can see any in-network provider you want despite the provider listed on the card.
If you have questions, please contact your caseworker.
Trainings & Events
The following links will take you to a multitude of training opportunities that are available for in-service hours:
All Courses - FosterAdopt Connect Training (thinkific.com)
Training | Child Welfare Information Gateway
Understanding the IEP Process
Virtual | February 20, 2023 | 6 PM | The Missouri Parents Act (MPACT)
Your child’s IEP is the cornerstone of their education. This workshop offers an in-depth look at the evaluation process, qualifying for an IEP, the many components that must be addressed in the IEP document, and how progress will be monitored. As a result of this training, parents will better understand their role as equal participants in the IEP process.
Register for this class at the link above. This class is part of a series of classes being held in February called, "Getting to the HEART of IEPs".
Dispute Resolution
Virtual | February 27, 2023 | 6 PM | The Missouri Parents Act (MPACT)
Sometimes the best way to solve a problem is to prevent it in the first place. Through this training, you will learn strategies to prevent problems from arising in the first place through documentation and letter writing. Also covered are the resolution processes, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Register for this class at the link above. This class is part of a series of classes being held in February called, "Getting to the HEART of IEPs".
Managing Communication with the Case Team and Stronger Together Support Group
Virtual | February 20, 2023 | 6 PM | The Missouri Parents Act (MPACT)
Please join us for this virtual training and support group on Monday February 20, 2023. Training will be from 6:oo to 7:00 and support will be from 7:00 to 8:00. Please note, you will receive 1 hour of credit for this training.
Do you have a Foster Identification Card?
The foster identification card application is to be given to Foster Parents after they are licensed. With the busy process of licensing, sometimes this step is missed. If you are a licensed foster parent and you do not have an ID card please reach out to your licensing worker to provide you with the application. You may also reach out to FosterCare@dss.mo.gov.
Foster Family Mentors
Are you in need of help or assistance as a Foster Parent? We have Foster Care Ambassadors who are seasoned Foster parents willing to be a mentor to another Foster family. If you are interested, please email FosterCare@dss.mo.gov and we will pair you up with a Foster Care Ambassador. This is for all foster parents whether you are brand new or have been fostering for a long time. It is for all of our families whether traditional, relative, emergency, respite, or elevated needs.
What is ACI?
Access Crisis Intervention (ACI) provides access to services for individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis. ACI will provide an opportunity for individuals to receive necessary behavioral health crisis services in an effort to reduce unnecessary interventions such as hospitalization or detentions. By calling the ACI hotline, individuals have access to behavioral health crisis services that are free and available to both youth and adults.
- All calls are strictly confidential.
- ACI hotlines are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by behavioral health professionals who are available to provide assistance.
- Assistance may include phone contact, referrals to resources in the community, next day behavioral health appointments, or a mobile response. Mobile is defined as either going to the location of the crisis, or to another secure community location.
To learn more about ACI and to find your local number please visit this link and click on ACI Hotline Numbers by County Map: Access Crisis Intervention | dmh.mo.gov.
We want to hear from you! If there is information you would like covered in the next Foster Parent Connections Newsletters email, Melissa.J.Selsor@dss.mo.gov.
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