National Foster Care Month |
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See what's happening on our social sites: |
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When you have been in foster care for 7 years and you’re only 9, life can seem complicated. Mara is a child who had been in several foster homes and was trying to cope with complex trauma-related issues. She is described as inquisitive, animated, and excelling in school.
Her story took a turn when adoptive parents Daniel and Anthony came across her profile. “We were drawn to her from the moment we found her profile online, and we were completely taken by her once we met in person,” Daniel said. “We are excited to be able to provide a loving, safe home for her to thrive in as she grows up.”
There are over 423,000 children and youth in foster care in our nation, with 7,000 of those in Wisconsin. That number seems hard to fathom. We know that each one of these children has a story.
May is the month we shine a light on these children's stories, as well as on all the foster and birth families, relative caregivers, professionals, volunteers, policymakers, and other members of our communities involved with foster care. We invite you to read (or listen to) more stories here.
National efforts are focused on funding and supporting prevention services so families can be resilient before foster care becomes the solution. The hoped-for scenarios are when we can support children and youth in foster care within their own communities and in the context of their families and their important connections.
If someone you know is thinking about becoming a foster parent, please share this newsletter, and guide them to FosterParentsRock for more information on how to get started. As always, the Coalition for Children, Youth & Families is here to provide information, support, and inspiration to families and professionals touched by foster care or adoption.
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In the Champion Classrooms
NEW and available for
a limited time only:
Additional Web Resources
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Share Your Story and You Could Win $250!
Tell us about your family and include:
- What the Coalition means to you,
- How the Coalition inspires you,
- How the Coalition informs you, or
- How the Coalition supports you.
Write a letter, poem, song, or story, make a video, create a piece of art, whatever you choose!
Prizes will be given for the top three entries:
- $250 for first place
- $150 for second place
- $75 for third place
The winners will be recognized at our annual gala fundraiser in Milwaukee on November 4, 2021.
To submit entries:
By Mail
Coalition Contest
6682 W. Greenfield Avenue, Suite 310
Milwaukee, WI 53214
By Email
Entries must be received by June 1
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Did you miss any of the resources we posted on social media?
Check out what we shared over the past week.
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April was National Poetry Month. We know it's May, but it's not too late to check out over a dozen poetry books curated by the Asian American Curriculum Project.
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Coming up from EmbraceRace on May 4: Using Books to Engage Young Children in Talk about Race & Justice: Part 2. Last time they were on, our guests Aija Simmons, Sara Rizik-Baer, and Savitha Moorthy were in the early days of piloting Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors, a community-focused effort from Tandem, Partners in Early Learning that uses children’s books as resources to expand the capacity of families with young children engage in critical conversations about diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. Now that they have completed the pilot program, they're back to share what worked, what didn’t, what they’ve learned, and the important questions that remain.
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More than ever, it’s important for Black fathers to take an active role in paving a new way forward. Kenneth Vaughn, Ph.D. shares important ideas for fellow Black dads to know in this article on Sesame Street in Communities.
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Recognizing and Responding to Trauma Triggers: Have you ever parented a child who would have an extremely over-the-top response to the littlest thing? Whose response was so disproportionate to the activity that you had to ask yourself, “what is going on?” Many times, responses such as these, that don’t match the event, are a response to what is known as a “trauma trigger.” Learn more about how to recognize and respond to trauma triggers in this tip sheet.
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Parents' Ultimate Guide to TikTok: Is TikTok safe? How does it work? And can I do a duet with my kid? Everything you need to know about this popular musical singing and sharing app.
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Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) include a wide range of conditions characterized by difficulties with social interactions, impaired verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behavior. These multicultural children’s books about autism compiled by Colours of Us highlight the challenges children and teenagers with autism face as well as their unique abilities and strengths. They also address the issues of friendship and bullying.
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Have you ever thought that you just don’t have what it takes to care for children who have been traumatized? Dave and Jessie almost stepped away from being foster parents, until they learned more about trauma-informed care. Hear their story of how being able to approach the children in their care through a different lens has reignited their commitment to helping kids on their journeys of healing.
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Get help buying groceries for your children! Pandemic EBT is a program that gives money for groceries to parents to replace the value of missed school meals. Learn more about if your child is eligible and how much you could receive now.
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Lying is a common (and challenging) protective behavior for all people, but can feel especially baffling in our children who have experienced trauma. Families often get stuck in a vicious cycle of difficult behavior, parent reaction, and then more difficult behavior. This recorded webinar will help you understand lying as a trauma-driven behavior and will give you ideas on how to respond in a way that will actually increase trust and decrease fear, the very thing that is driving the lying in the first place.
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Getting started as a foster parent comes with a host of questions. Our FREE information packet has been specifically designed to provide you with information about foster care.
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Coming Up from the Coalition |
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Live Webinar
When Difficult Behaviors Arise
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Live Webinar
Hair and Identity in Black Culture: The Importance of Confidence & Connection
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Live Webinar
Relationship Resilience
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Save the Date
for the 3rd Annual Families Like Mine Conference for Relative Caregivers of Children!
July 19, 2021
More details and information coming soon!
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Your portal to upcoming webinars, conferences, and events, as well as on-demand classes, courses, and resources.
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Foster parents, adoptive parents, relative caregivers, and more share moments of vulnerability, courage, and insight.
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Our team of Resource Specialists is here to support you and your family every step of the way. If you have additional questions or need more information, please reach out. |
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