 November 20, 2024 Vol 4, Issue 11
Family Resource Centers (FRC)
Did you know that there are Family Resource Centers across the state that serve Foster and Adoptive Families? Family Resource Centers (FRCs) are funded through the legislature and serve as support systems that provide resources, training, peer support, respite, and other services families need to navigate raising children through foster care, adoption, and guardianship. These centers are regional, and you can inquire about services, resources, and how to get started in foster care or adoption through the resource center that services your area via phone, email, and the center’s website. Go to this link to learn more and to find a Family Resource Center near you: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/frc/index.htm
Support Group
Our virtual, drop-in support groups provide a safe space to share personal experiences and feelings, offer mutual support, and provide encouragement and comfort. C.A.S.E. has two support groups starting up this fall - we encourage you to learn more and sign up below!
Starting Thurs., Nov. 14, 2024 | 6:00-7:00pm ET
This support group, led by C.A.S.E. Post Adoption Program Specialist Dr. Kathleen Bush, PhD, LCPC, is designed to support adoptive parents who face the complexities of supporting children with both attachment and developmental issues. The support group will provide education, intervention ideas, space for members to share creative successes, and opportunities to work through challenges innate to engaging systems (medical, school, community) that are not always understanding of the special needs of adopted children or those with developmental challenges. Members will be asked to share their concerns and needs when signing up for the group so that the facilitator can incorporate information specifically relevant to those attending.
The flu is a contagious illness caused by influenza viruses. It can be more serious for children than a common cold, affecting kids and their families each year.
Why the Flu Vaccine is Important:
- Getting a flu shot every year is the best way to protect kids from getting sick or having serious problems from the flu.
- All children six months and older should get the flu shot yearly, especially kids under five years old and adults over 65.
- Pregnant moms can be at higher risk for getting the flu and put the unborn baby at risk.
- Even healthy kids can get very sick from the flu. Children with certain health problems, like asthma or diabetes, have an even higher risk of serious illness.
Benefits of the Flu Shot:
- Flu vaccine can be lifesaving in children and can significantly reduce children’s risk of dying from the flu.
Show Me Healthy Kids (SMHK) Program:
- Show Me Healthy Kids (SMHK) members can earn rewards through My Health Pays. More information on the flu vaccine can be found on our website.
Vaccination Rules for Kids in State Care:
The Fiscal Unit has brought to our attention that the clothing allowance is sometimes being misused. We had an instance of men’s clothing being purchase for a 7-year-old. There have been clothing vouchers not used for 3 months and during that time another issued. There have been none clothing items such as jewelry, cups, and water bottles being purchased. The clothing allowance is to be used for clothes and shoes only. A child is eligible for a clothing allowance at the time of placement and on his/her placement anniversary. The amount of the allowance is based on his/her age at the time of placement or placement anniversary date. As a reminder the clothing allowance amounts are below:
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0-5 yrs
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$320.00
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6-12 yrs
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$400.00
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13+ yrs
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$700.00
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What is Missouri SuN Bucks?
Great news! The Missouri Department of Social Services has received approval for the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program, known as “Missouri SuN Bucks.”
This new program will help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer months when school is not in session. Foster children ages 7 through 17 are automatically eligible for this benefit – there is no need to apply. Children in foster care will get a one-time $120 benefit that can be used to buy nutritious foods at authorized locations.
For more information and FAQs regarding this benefit program, visit the Missouri SuN Bucks webpage.
The Call to Foster Podcast: S2E11
"Love can fix a lot..."
Our hosts, Shasta, Jessica, and Ashton talk to a very special guest this month - Shasta's husband, Chris Miller. Chris grew up in foster care, experiencing 6 or 7 placements before finally aging out of the system. While his story was not always positive, Chris does his best to share that even through the hard times, there is a lot of positive swirled in his life. Listen along as Chris shares his story and advice for anyone considering becoming a foster or adoptive parent.
Want to know more about Tori? Check out this short interview she did with DSS.
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, learn how to get started on our website: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/foster-care/becoming-a-foster-parent.htm
Please subscribe to and share this podcast with anyone you know who might be considering fostering! You can listen to the podcast on most popular podcast platforms.
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Educational Opportunities for Adoptive, Foster, and Kinship Parents
All in-person classes will be held at FamilyForward’s Developmental Trauma Center located at11358 Van Cleve Ave in St. Louis County. Light refreshments will be provided.
REGISTER FOR TRAINING Call: 314.534.9350 ext. 7234 or Email: intake.dept@familyforwardmo.org
Holiday Stress
The holidays often bring much excitement and celebration for families. But for children who have experienced the disruption in their lives of being separated from their families, the holidays can be a time of great emotional upheaval. The stress level can become intolerable. This class will help parents see the holidays through their child’s eyes and give tips on how to navigate this wonderful time of year!
Tuesday, December 3rd 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, December 10th 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
LICENSED RESOURCE PROVIDERS ANNUAL IN-SERVICE TRAINING REQUIREMENT FOR 2024
The training is an overview on medical forms, informed consent, Alternative Consenter, and pharmacy information. The purpose of this mandatory training is to provide licensed resource providers with critical information that must be followed when a child or youth in Division custody is prescribed a psychotropic medication and placed in their home. Successful completion of training will require the licensed resource provider to pass the quiz with a score of 80% or more. When the training is complete, need to take a screen shot of the quiz completion score. E-mail the screen shot to your licensing worker along with your name/date completed and put D170 in the subject line. If you do not have access to the online training, you can request a paper copy from your licensing worker. This training must be completed by December 31, 2024.
Click the link to the training and find the training under Annual In-Service 2024
The following links will take you to a multitude of training opportunities that are available for in-service hours:
Parent Cafe Training Institute (missouri.edu)
Foster Parent College - Online Training for Foster, Adoptive, and Kinship Parents and Caregivers
Training | Child Welfare Information Gateway
All Courses - FosterAdopt Connect Training (thinkific.com)
Family Development Training - Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association
Training for Parents | Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition (foster-adopt.org)
Are you in need of help or assistance as a Foster Parent? We have Foster Care Ambassadors who are seasoned current or former 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. To find an Ambassador click the link below. There will be a map on the page and if you hover over a county it will tell you who the Ambassador is for each county. We do not have Ambassadors in every county so if you are interested in becoming an Ambassador, please email FosterCare@dss.mo.gov and we will get you started!
 Children's Division Caregiver Portal
The Children’s Division now has a Children’s Division Caregiver Portal for foster, relative, respite, legal guardianship and adoptive families! This portal is the first phase of a multi-year project. This phase allows caregivers to see their demographics, what placements they have, and their financial information. To visit this portal please log into https://my.mo.gov/gsp?id=childrens_division_caregiver_portal.
If you have any trouble, please email FosterCare@dss.mo.gov and we will assist you.
Turn In Your Monthly Medical Log and Travel Log
This is a reminder to complete/turn in your Monthly Medical Log and Travel Log to the case manager(s) when you see them every month. You need to complete a Medical Log (CD-265) for every child every month even if they had no medical appointments and/or do not take medication. This form is required to document consent decisions for routine medical care and provide a medical history for the youth each month. If they are in your home only part of the time, please fill one out for the time the child was there. Your cooperation with this is greatly appreciated. The medical and travel log are now available on the I am a Foster Parent web page. Children's Division | Missouri Department of Social Services (mo.gov)
Foster Parent Identification Cards
All Foster Parents should have a Foster Parent ID card. This is provided to you after you are licensed. If you do not have an ID card please email FosterCare@dss.mo.gov and we will get you the application.
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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