FOSTER CARE & ADOPTION E-NEWS
April 2013
Annual Foster & Adoptive Parent Appreciation Luncheon & Training – May 18th
Each year in May, Children’s Bureau holds the Foster & Adoptive Parent Appreciation Luncheon. On Saturday, May 18th, from 9:00 a.m until 3:30 p.m., Children’s Bureau certified foster and adoptive parents are treated to a continental breakfast and six hours of inspirational training. This day is a perfect time to socialize and network with other parents and social workers as well as to receive six of your 15 hours of annual required training and/or support group. Relax and enjoy the Children’s Bureau family for the day! Call Helen Flores at (213) 342-0165 by 5:00 p.m. Friday, May 3 to R.S.V.P. as seating is limited!
Adoptive Families – A publication that may be helpful to our Foster & Adoptive Parents
Adoptive Families may be subscribed to by internet or hard copy and covers many subjects that are pertinent to both foster and adoptive families such as:
- How to tell a child about his/her history;
- Working with birth parents and plans for contact during foster care and after the adoption is finalized;
- Life books and their importance in the history of the child;
- Adjustments and normal behaviors and feelings during the adoption process;
- Sibling relationships and long term plans; and,
- Adoptive parents’ experiences and how they dealt with challenges.
Sometimes it is helpful to get a different perspective on a challenging matter and being exposed to possible solutions and techniques may be helpful. Every child’s story is different, but there are also similarities and themes that affect children in the foster care system.
The Blind Side- Foster Care & Adoption Film of the Month!
The Blind Side is a recent film that tells the story of how Leigh Anne Touhy befriended a homeless teenager, offered him a home and with her husband and two children became his forever family. Sandra Bullock received an Academy Award for her performance and was inspired in her life to adopt her child! Children’s Bureau gives this film a Four-Star rating! You are able to receive training hours for viewing a film and writing a paper on how the issues reflect your experience. Note if the film was helpful to you and what events provoked serious thought.
Get Rewarded for Referring a Foster or Adoptive Family!
Just a reminder that Children’s Bureau offers a $500 referral fee for each family our certified families refer. $250 is paid at the time of certification and a second $250 is paid at the time a child arrives at the home of the new family! This is our way of thanking you and encouraging you to continue to recruit families who have the ability, willingness and resources to protect and nurture the needs of children. We have pride in our families and look forward to having you join us. Also, many thanks to those of you who have referred family, friends, co-workers, church congregations, etc. to learn about our program. Your effort is greatly appreciated and has a true impact on the lives of children in need. Keep those referrals coming as we continue to have children in need of a safe and nurturing family.
