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NH DCYF Caregiver Newsletter

Hello NH DCYF Caregivers

As a New Hampshire Foster Care Caregiver, you are valued and greatly appreciated!  In our efforts to prioritize open and consistent communication, we are excited to share a new resource to ensure that you are up to date and in the know!  Going forward, you will receive a monthly newsletter from the NH Foster Care Program, highlighting updates, news and upcoming events.  We hope that you find this new resource helpful!

The Better Together Program has organized Family Reunification Celebrations across the state during the month of June.  To learn more about events in your area, please email Geraldo Pilarski at geraldo.pilarski@dhhs.nh.gov. 

FOSTER, ADOPTIVE AND KINSHIP FATHERS!

As Father's Day approaches, we want to take a moment to recognize the amazing influence of our foster, adoptive and kinship dads!  Your presence and influence in the lives of children in care is incredibility important. THANK YOU for all that you do.

Foster, Adoptive and Kinship Fathers!!!  Did you know that there is a virtual support group just for YOU?!  The NH Fantastic Fathers Virtual Support Group meets on the 2nd Thursday of every month at 8pm via ZOOM. Here's the link to attend! NH Fantastic Fathers Virtual Support Group Link  If you have any questions please feel free to contact Cody Dumont (Foster Parent) at cody@melcara.com or Lisa Belmonte (Caregiver Coordinator) at lisa.a.belmonte@dhhs.nh.gov.

Foster Care Daily Rate - New Fiscal Year Update!

New daily rates begin with the new fiscal year on July 1st.  If you have any questions about the daily rates, please reach out to your current CPSW or Caregiver Coordinator for assistance. They will be more than happy to answer any questions that you may have.

Faster Foster Care Licensing Is Here!

We are excited to share that we have completely revamped our Initial Licensing Process for Foster Care Caregivers.  The new process begins with prospective caregivers visiting the NH DCYF Foster Care website and completing our contact form: Caregiver Contact Form Once this form is completed, prospective caregivers are invited to attend a LIVE Virtual Informational Webinar to walk them through the licensing process.  These webinars are held on Thursdays at noon and 7pm. Following their attendance at one of these webinars, prospective caregivers are invited to complete a Foster Care Caregiver Application.  Once this completed application is received, the 90 Day Clock Starts!  Our Gold Standard Goal is for prospective caregivers to complete their licensure within 90 days!  Do you know someone that would be an amazing caregiver?  We would love to connect with them!

1st Annual North Country Summit

On Saturday, May 4th, we hosted the 1st Annual NORTH COUNTRY SUMMIT!  It was a wonderful day of training, community and resource connections for foster, adoptive, kinship and prospective caregivers!  The feedback from this event has been amazing and we will be back again next year.  Take a minute and enjoy the recap from this amazing event!

The Caregiver Coordinator Unit is on the move!

The Caregiver Coordinator Unit is comprised of 2 Unit Supervisors and 15 Caregiver Coordinators located within 11 district offices, dedicated to the support and development of caregivers around the state.  This unit has moved from Field Services to the Bureau of Community, Family and Program Support.  They are joining the following programs: Home Study Unit, Recruitment and Retention Program, Kinship Program, Service Array, Foster Care ISO Program, DCYF Nursing Unit, as well as the Adolescent, Permanency and Interstate Programs.  As you can see, bringing the Caregiver Coordinator Unit into this Bureau is a perfect fit!  This move will allow us to provide you the best support possible all under one roof!  More exciting details to come!

Not sure who your Caregiver Coordinator is?  Here's a complete list for each district office.

Adolescent Program News!

The 20th Annual NH DCYF Youth Summit is right around the corner.  Mark your calendars and set your reminders.  Registration opens soon! Be sure to talk to your teen about attending.  This is a CAN'T MISS IT event!

Adolescent Program Website

https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/child-protection-juvenile-justice/adolescent-program

 Approaching Adulthood

 Are you fostering a teen that has recently turned 18 or is getting close? Here are some resources that could help them.

Services and Supports After Age 18 | New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (nh.gov)

 Adolescent Program Funds

Available to youth in foster care ages 14 -21 who participate in the Adult Living Preparation process. They can be used to support adult living preparation, normalcy and positive youth development for example musical instruments, sports equipment, a portion of driver’s ed, prom pictures etc. To find out more have your youth ask their CPSW or JPPO or go to Microsoft Word - adolescent-workers-permanency-jppo.docx (nh.gov) . 

Robert Rodler

DCYF Adolescent Program Administrator

603-419-0312

Robert.Rodler@dhhs.nh.gov

Nursing Unit News

Did you know that you can get mileage reimbursement for transporting your foster children to their medical appointments? Mileage can be submitted through the child’s NH Medicaid Managed Care Organization (MCO). The MCOs are AmeriHealth Caritas, NH Healthy Families, and WellSense. The different mileage reimbursement forms are available through the links provided below. If you aren’t sure which MCO your foster child has, please reach out to your District Office Nurse or CPSW!  AmeriHealth Caritas: AmeriHealth Caritas Reimbursement Form  NH Healthy Families: NH Healthy Families Mileage Reimbursement Form  WellSense: WellSense Reimbursement Form

NH DCYF FAMILY FUN ZONE EVENTS!

Summer is here and that means that the FREE FAMILY FUN ZONE is out and about in a community near you!  Come join us for FREE family activities for children of all ages while we raise awareness for Foster Care!   JUNE EVENTS: Tuesday, June 11th - Keene Swamp Bats - 5pm - Facepainting Wednesday, June 12th - Keene Swamp Bats - 5pm - Facepainting Saturday, June 15th - Somersworth International Children's Festival - Somersworth Main Street 10am-4pm - Facepainting, Spin Art and Sand Art.

Are you a member of the NH DCYF Caregiver Community Group on Facebook? This group is for current Foster, Adoptive and Kinship Families.  We hope to see you there!