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April 2024 Issue:
 Background
Autism Acceptance Month, observed annually in April, raises awareness about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and promotes understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals with autism.
During this month, various events, campaigns, and initiatives are organized worldwide to educate the public about autism, highlight the challenges faced by individuals on the spectrum, and celebrate their unique strengths and contributions.
Terminology
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication.
Neurodivergent: Someone whose brain processes information in a way that is not typical of most individuals, often referring to a person on the autism spectrum or with a learning disability.
Stimming (Self-Stimulatory Behavior): Repetitive behaviors or movements often exhibited by individuals with autism to self-regulate and manage overstimulation.
Books
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The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca
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Too Much!: An Overwhelming Day by Jolene Gutiérrez
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Masterpiece by Alexandra Hoffman
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Every April, the country celebrates Arab-American heritage and culture. It is a time to honor the contributions of Arab-Americans and Arabic-speaking Americans.
Terminology
Arab: Is a cultural and linguistic term. It refers to individuals who speak the Arabic language as their first language.
Muslim: Refers to individuals who practice the religion of Islam.
Middle Eastern: Describes people from the Middle East.
Books
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The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad
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The Gift of Ramadan by Rabiah York Lumbard
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Muslim Girls Rise by Saira Mir
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We Are Family Day is a chance to watch a Seattle Mariners baseball game while supporting and celebrating the foster, kinship, and adoptive families in our communities.
Enjoy a pregame resource fair on the Rooftop Boardwalk and the chance to pick up an exclusive Mariners-themed beanie.
Get your tickets at https://www.mlb.com/mariners/tickets/specials/we-are-family.
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Caregivers are invited to partner with DCYF through Negotiated Rule Making (NRM) sessions to amend foster care WAC 110-148.
Training Credit for Participation
We understand participating in this process is a time commitment and may be difficult with your busy schedule. Caregivers who participate will receive training credit for attending our Listening and Learning sessions and Negotiation that will begin Oct. 1.
How to Get Involved
• Complete WAC 110-148 Focus Spread Sheet and email to dcyf.fostercarenrm@dcyf.wa.gov
• Participate in Listening and Learning sessions in May 2024
• Participate as a representative in the hybrid negotiation in Oct. 2024
• Give input through FC NRM email
To learn more, visit the Foster Care WAC Amendments webpage.
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Attend Treehouse's fundraising luncheon, Champions 2024, on Tuesday, April 23 (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) for the opportunity to "celebrate stories from youth in foster care as they determine their paths to thrive."
Guests will also experience the premiere of 2023-2024 TreeHouse Fellows, Maya and Maryanne's, video series that reminds youth in foster care that they are not alone, and they have a whole community supporting them.
There are options to attend virtually or in person at the Sheraton Grand Seattle. Register today.
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The Alliance for Professional Development, Training, and Caregiver Excellence
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Maintaining Children’s Connections — April 11, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
This course helps you understand the importance of integrating and maintaining ongoing communication and connection between siblings, including understanding sibling dynamics and the importance of sibling bonds. This course also helps participants recognize the importance of maintaining connections with extended family members and the community at large (i.e., schools, church, friends, sporting teams) and identifies strategies to keep children connected to their community. Register Here
• Parenting in Racially and Culturally Diverse Families — April 24, 1 to 3 p.m.
This course helps you understand the impact of parenting children from different racial/ethnic/cultural backgrounds and to know how to honor and incorporate child’s race/ethnicity/culture into their existing family system. Strategies are identified to help children develop positive and proud identities and to help children and families prepare for and handle racism in all forms. Register Here
Learn about all the upcoming classes at https://risewiththealliance.org/home/caregiver-training-schedule_april-2024/
Sign up to get these notices sent right to your inbox or explore the training calendar.
Coordinated Care
Please consult their website for monthly training webinars and events: https://www.coordinatedcarehealth.com/members/foster-care/medicaid-events.html
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