Thursday, October 22, 2009  

Coalition News
 
TODAY is the Deadline for Holiday Wishes Registration
The deadline for Holiday Little Wishes registration is today, Thursday, October 22, 2009. To register your foster/adopted child, click here.  As a reminder, your Coalition Caregiver ID can be found above your address on the outside of the latest News You Can Use newsletter.
 
Reading Tutor Available
A Volunteer Tutor is trained and ready to be matched with a foster or adopted child to help improve his/her reading skills.  One-on-one tutoring would take place twice a week for one hour.  You must be willing to transport your child to and from one of the following public libraries two times each week for tutoring:  Headquarters, Kirkwood, Oak Bend, Rockhill, or Thornhill.  Please contact Leslie Lewis for additional information at 800.FOSTER.3 (314.367.8373) x37.
 
Referrals Needed for "A Place to Call Home"
The "A Place to Call Home" program is a partnership with KSDK NewsChannel 5, which features the hardest-to-place children (older youth and sibling groups) who are legally available for adoption during weekly broadcasts.   For more information on referring a youth in foster care, please contact Sheila Suderwalla, Director of "A Place to Call Home," at 800.FOSTER.3 (314.367.8373).
 
St. Louis City Educational Advocates
Did you know that the Coalition now has a second Educational Advocate?  If you have a youth located in St. Louis City, Dell Vinson is available to help foster parents, adoptive parents, case managers and other professionals understand the special education process.  She is able to discuss issues with you, attend meetings, and provide assistance in any way regarding your child’s education.  Services and advocacy are free.  Please call 314.552.2427 if you have questions or need any educational assistance.
  
Coalition Events
 
Older Youth Support Group
11.03.09 / 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 
God's Grace Church, 10308 Lackland Rd, 63114 
Topic:  W.I.S.E. UP! - “Why Do People Ask Me so Many Questions About My Adoption?”. To register, please contact Kimberly Knox at 800.FOSTER.3 (314.367.8373) x35.
 
Parent Support Group
11.03.09 / 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 
God's Grace Church, 10308 Lackland Rd, 63114 
Topic:  Sticking Together – Kinship Care.  Dinner and childcare provided.  To register, please contact Kimberly Knox at 800.FOSTER.3 (314.367.8373) x35. 
 
Register Today for 10th Annual Family Ties
11.28.09 / 6:30 p.m. / Florissant Civic Center
To kick off the Holiday Season, the 10th Annual Family Ties event features a live children’s theatre production of a children’s favorite:  “If You Take a Mouse to School."  Family Ties is a FREE event held on Saturday, November 28th.  NEW this year – a special activity just for your TEENS.   They will have the opportunity to learn how to “spin and scratch” from an expert – DJ AFlex.   To register your family, call 800.FOSTER.3 (314.367.8373).
  
KidStore News
 
314.773.KIDS
Tyler Place Presbyterian Church
2109 S. Spring Street, 2nd Floor,  63110
Hours of Operation: 1st and 3rd Wednesday, and every Saturday (except Holidays) from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 
The KidStore is a small resale shop open exclusively to children in foster care.  Visit www.foster-adopt.org/kidstore for more information.
 
October:  Black or orange clothing items 1/2 off
 
KidStore & Parents Classifieds
The KidStore Classifieds is a section that allows foster parents to see what we have to offer at our KidStore.  The Parents Trade Classifieds allow parents to exchange items amongst themselves.
  
Advocacy Corner
 
Denise Kelley, Director of Family Advocacy, is available to search for latest research, community resources, or case-specific policy.  Requests can be e-mailed or discussed by calling 800.367.8373 (314.367.8373) x25.
 
Hot Topic of the Month
Topic: Revision of Resource Provider Record Composition Policy (CD09-105)
No documents shall be placed in the case file that are not specified in policy as a requirement for licensure, maintaining of licensure, and licensure renewal. Some documents may be obtained or viewed in order to complete the home assessment but should not be maintained in the record...
Click for Full Article  (Don't forget to rate article!)
  
Community News
 
What do you do for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a type of anxiety disorder that's triggered by a traumatic event. Children can develop post-traumatic stress disorder when they experience or witness an event that causes intense fear, helplessness or horror. Getting treatment as soon as possible after PTSD symptoms develop may prevent the disorder from becoming a long-term condition.  Do you have a child in your care that may have PTSD?  The Mayo Clinic provides symptoms to look for, and how to cope.
 
No Cost In-home Counseling Service
Thanks to funding from the Mental Health Board, Family Support Network has partnered with the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition to provide additional support to pre- and post-adopt families. This program expansion is specific to families living in St. Louis City or who are caring for children still under the custody of St. Louis City Family Court. Family Support Network primarily works with families who have at least one child under the age of 14 in the home.  All therapists are master's level social workers and counselors.  If you would like more information about this NO COST service, contact the Coalition's Director of Family Advocacy, Denise Kelley at 800.FOSTER.3 (314.367.8373) x25. 
 
Last Minute Halloween Costume Ideas
You never know when a foster child may enter your home, so be ready with some fast costume ideas. Keeping a few items around may be a smart move. We have a handy box of Halloween treasures to create a last minute cat, pirate, police officer, mouse - or maybe a pirate cat. Use your imagination.
  
Community Events
 
Free Family Day at Contemporary Art Museum
10.31.09 / 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Contemporary Art Museum (3750 Washington Blvd)
Enjoy hands-on art activities while exploring the exhibition: For the blind man in the dark room looking for the black cat that isn’t there.  Activities include face painting, decorating black cat masks, and more!
 
Safe Trick-or-Treat
10.31.09 / 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Washington University South 40
This event provides an opportunity for St. Louis area children to trick-or-treat in a safe environment.  There will be games, refreshments, haunted houses, face painting and fun!  And it's FREE!  Please call the Campus Y at 314.935.5010 or e-mail kchen@ymcastlouis.org to register.  Please register by 5:00 p.m. Friday, October 23.
  
Other Trainings
 
Understanding Asperger Syndrome
Mondays, 11.02.09 & 11.09.09 / 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
SSD Admin Office, 12110 Clayton Road (Rm.57)
Not Approved for Training Hours
Identify and understand the social, communication, sensory and behavioral characteristics of Asperger Syndrome and gain an awareness of effective, practical strategies that will support your child in being more successful at home and school.  There is no cost for training.  To register, call 314.989.7807 (TTY: 314.989.8552) or register on-line at www.solutionwhere.com/ssd. 
 
Understanding ADHD 
11.09.09 / 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
SSD Admin Office, 12110 Clayton Road (Rm.61)
Not Approved for Training Hours
What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? How do you qualify?  Who can diagnose it, prescribe medications, and offer counseling?  Does a child with ADHD automatically qualify for an IEP?  This training will provide strategies for parents to teach their children how to manage symptoms.  There is no cost for training.  To register, call 314.989.7807 (TTY: 314.989.8552) or register on-line at www.solutionwhere.com/ssd.
 
Understanding Learning Disabilities
11.05.09 / 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
SSD Admin Office, 12110 Clayton Road (Rm.57)
Not Approved for Training Hours
Parents and teachers are invited to this introductory workshop on specific learning disabilities and how they impact academic performance.  Information will be presented on processing deficits associated with learning disabilities and tips for teaching and learning.  There is no cost for training.  To register, call 314.989.7807 (TTY: 314.989.8552) or register on-line at www.solutionwhere.com/ssd.
 
Transracial Parenting in Foster Care & Adoption
11.12.09 & 11.19.09 / 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Children's Home Society, 9445 Litzsinger, 63144
Approved for 2 Training Hours
Parenting a child of another racial heritage brings with it additional challenges and opportunities. In this two-part class, activities will include video-based training regarding ways to prepare your life to better meet the cultural needs of your child and a discussion with other parents.  To register, call 314.968.2350 x223 or e-mail educationandcounseling@chsmo.org.
  

 

 
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