Monday, September 29, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
New England Foster Care Association Conference
Waves of HOPE:
Charting the Course in Foster/Adoptive Care
Sponsored by NEFCA (New England Foster Care Association)
The Waves of HOPE Conference is a unique opportunity to bring together foster parents, relative caregivers, adoptive parents and professionals working with children in out-of-home care. The purpose of the conference is twofold. The conference provides caregivers and professionals with information and skills to help them meet the needs of children in their care as well an opportunity to network and build relationships.
Our conference message "Waves of HOPE: Charting the Course in Foster/Adoptive Care" will focus on the following topics:
Conference workshops will also address our three themes of advocacy, cultural competency, and wellness as they relate to foster and adoptive care.
The conference is being hosted by the Rhode Island Foster Parents Association.
Please join us on October 17 through 19, 2008 in Warwick, RI as we work toward our common goal: a safe, nurturing home or every child and the comfort of a caring community.
We HOPE you will join us!
http://www.rifpa.org/waves-of-hope/index.html
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Save the date - two important events!
Children's Mental Health Bill Signing Event
On Wednesday, September 24 at
At the signing ceremony, Governor Patrick will recognize the efforts of families, advocates, and policy makers in successfully working for the passage of legislation to reform the children’s mental health system, and will speak about his administration’s commitment to implementation of Chapter 321.
Following the signing event, there will be a reception from
All are welcome to attend both the signing ceremony and the reception. Please RSVP to
MAFF and MSPCC/Kid’s Net 2008 Conference: No such thing as a bad - kid finding the good in every child!
On October 3rd from 9-3 join parents and staff from the Department of Children and Families (DCF) at the Marlborough Holiday Inn for a day of friendship, food and a fabulous speaker: Charlie Appelstein. Charlie Appelstein, MSW, is a youth care specialist whose focus is on working with children and youth with serious emotional and behavioral problems. Mr. Appelstein approaches working with youth with humor and a belief that every child has strengths and those strengths can be built upon, once you and the child find them! Additional remarks will be heard from Angelo McClain, the DCF Commissioner and
This conference will bring all attendees new insights into their own response to the behaviors of children in their care and will give them strategies to relate more effectively to the children in their home. The conference is open to parents of families formed by foster care, adoption, kinship, or guardianship. To register, contact the Kidsnet director in your area. A list of the Kidsnet directors can be found by clicking here.
REMINDER: Topsfield Fair Discounts
Fair Dates October 3rd to 13th
Admission is $7 per ticket (reg $10 weekdays/$12 weekends)
Rides are 11 RIDES for $19
Children under 8 are FREE
Contact Carla who will have them until Sept 25th.
Foster, Adoptive, Kinship and Guardianship Families Conference
Friday, October 3, 2008
9:00 - 2:30
Holiday Inn Malborough
Join parents and staff from across the state for a day of friendship, food and a fabulous speaker: Charlie Applestein, MSW, a youth specialist whose focus is on working with children and youth with serious emotional and behavioral problems.
Please RSVP top Soledad Berrios at sberrios@mspcc.org
Foster, Adoptive, Kinship and Gaurdianship families conference
Friday October 3, 2008
9-2:30
Holiday Inn Malborough
Join parents and staff from across the state for a day of friendship, food and a fabulous speaker: Charlie Applestein, MSW, a youth specialist whose focus is on working with children and youth with serious emotional and behavioral problems.
Please RSVP top Soledad Berrios at sberrios@mspcc.org
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Discounted SPOOKY WORLD Tickets
Canobie Lake Park is home to SPOOKY WORLD this Fall!
Our Halloween Ctix are Good Any One Day admission tickets, priced at $19.99 each (a savings of $3.00 per person off our $22.99 Halloween admission).
note: The Halloween price for children under 48 inches tall is $12.99 at the admission gate). Children age three and under are free! Parking is FREE!
This Fall Canobie Lake Park offers 8 frightfully fun attractions and over 15 rides for 1 frightfully low price! With haunts such as the The Crypt, The Monster Mansion, The Laboratory in 3D and the Silver Scream Horror Museum that
includes your favorite monsters, ghouls and zombies on display, even the bravest souls will be terrified. For the younger members of your family and those of the faint of heart, Canobie Lake Park offers the fun and antics of The
Monster Parade which takes place each evening at 7:00pm, The Mine of Lost Souls, and The Spirits Express which takes you on a scenic steam train ride through the Park. Don¹t forget about Canobie¹s signature rides! BIG thrills can
be found on the The Yankee Cannonball Roller Coaster, the Xtreme Frisbee, the Wipeout, and the Starblaster.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Foster Youth and Higher Education Training
Foster Youth and Higher Education Training
When it comes to higher education and foster youth there is good news to be heard on all fronts. First, every year more and more youth who leave the foster care system are seeking higher education or vocational training. In addition, the federal government as well as the
NOTE: Training will run through the lunch hour. Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch.
Trainers: Tim O’Brien, Department of Children and Families –
(617) 748-2309
Heather Grosso, Department of Children and Families –
(617) 748-2204
FALL 2008 SCHEDULE
· October 14th, 2008
· 12:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
· DCF
· October 22nd, 2008
· 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
· DCF
· November 6th, 2008
· 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
· DCF
· December 11th, 2008
· 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
DCF
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Autism Forum
Center for Special Education presents:
Meeting the Needs of
Children with Autism
Tuesday, October 21, 2008 | 4:30 pm–6:30 pm
University Hall Amphitheatre, 1815 Mass Ave, Cambridge
Meeting the Needs of Children with Autism
Tuesday, October 21, 2008 | 4:30 pm–6:30 pm
Join us to learn about the specific legal requirements pertaining to
the unique learning needs of children with autism spectrum disorder
(ASD). With an emphasis on the requirement that children with
ASD receive educational opportunities that reflect competency and
potential, presenters will address current trends, legal standards,
evaluation rights and procedures, and writing IEPs and evaluation
reports. Practitioners will learn how schools can implement best
practices for children with ASD and how to work effectively with
families as part of the IEP Team process—to help make the promises
of special education law a reality. There will be ample time for
questions at the end of the presentation.
Julia K. Landau, Esq., directs the Autism Special Education Legal
Support Center, which is a project of the Massachusetts Advocates
for Children. She is a recognized public policy expert and legislative
advocate with extensive experience representing the interests
of children with disabilities.
Amy Gordon is a dual-certified teacher working with Duxbury Public
Schools as a PreK–2 ASD teacher. She has worked as an ABA Lead
Therapist for South Shore Collaborative and an Autism Specialist for
the Marshfield Public Schools and has experience with children, teens,
and adults who fall under the PDD umbrella.
RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY!
CONTACT THE CENTER FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION
Susan Kando | www.lesley.edu/info/forums
617.349.8260 | spedcenter@lesley.edu
Cyberbullying conference
Recognizing and Responding to
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is a growing problem which affects almost half of all U.S. teens. Because this harassment occurs online or via text messaging, it takes place out of the view of adults, leaving them unaware of the problem or unsure of how to respond. Name-calling, degrading jokes, and other non-physical forms of bullying may escalate into threats of physical harm and violence.
Conference speakers will address ways to recognize and respond to cyberbullying as well as how to prevent future incidents of hate and harassment.
Tuesday October 7, 2008
8:00 AM — 1:30 PM
Sheraton Ferncroft
For further information, please contact the District Attorney’s Office Juvenile Justice Unit at (978) 745-6610
Ext. 5082, Ext. 5085, or Ext. 5055
Bipolar Parent Support Group
North Shore Children’s Hospital
Community Programs
Bipolar Disorder
Parents of Children with Bipolar Disorder
An opportunity to share strategies and support with other parents who have children or adolescents with Bipolar Disorder.
When: Meetings are on 1st Wednesday of the Month 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Dates: September 17, 2008 February 4, 2009
October 1, 2008 March 4, 2009
November 5, 2008 April 1, 2009
December 3, 2008 May 6, 2009
January 7, 2009 June 3, 2009
Preregistration required. For more information or to register call 978-354-2639 or email mwmyers@partners.org
Children's Consignment Event in Beverly Sept 29 thru Oct 5
| Children's Drop & Shop The Semi-Annual Children's Clothing Consignment Sales Event www.childrensdropandshop.com Fall Winter '08 Event SEPT 29 - OCT 5 CUMMINGS CENTER North Shore Bridge Church 100 Cummings Ctr, S-135A Beverly, MA 01915 www.childrensdropandshop.com |
| Volunteers wanted, sign up today. Learn about the perks of being a volunteer on our website. |
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Free Lunch
All children in foster care are eligible for free lunches.
Fill out the form from the school with the child as a family of one with "0" income.
DO NOT give your income or your social securtity nuumber. This info is not needed.
If the school has any questions, Carla is able to explain regulation.
Sidenote - all foster children are eligible for WIC up to the age of 5.
Neverland Show Fee Discount
FOSTER FAMILY DISCOUNT TO PARTICIPATE IN
NEVERLAND' S SHOWS
50% SHOW FEE DISCOUNT.
Auditions are Mon and Wed of this week, September 8 & 10, 2008 for two shows "Snow White" and "Joseph & The Technical Dream Coat."
If you can't make it, please e-mail Andy Diskes to schedule an audition appointment
978 500-8832
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Free haircuts for kids!!
Carla King has some coupons for free shampoo, condition, cut and blow-dry at Hair Cuttery. There is one in Danvers.
There are a limited number. Please let her know if you are interested.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
More things to do
2nd Annual Child Safety Day
Saturday, September 13, 2008 at 10:00 AM to Saturday, September 13, 2008 at 1:00 PM Salem Common Salem, MA
http://www.salem.com/Pages/SalemMA_YouthCal/S020CB3CB-020CB3EF?formid=161
Cape Ann Animal Aid annual dog day event this Sunday.
Sunday, September 7, 2008 11am-3pm Stage Fort Park, Gloucester, MA
Below is the link. The only cost associated with the event is if you want your dog to participate in the obstacle course. The rest of the event, including all of the kids activities are free.
http://www.capeannanimalaid.com/newsite/dogday2008.htm
New Laws to support Children and Foster Care!
We are thrilled to let you know that our legislative priorities: An Act Relative to Children's Mental Health, An Act Relative to Child Abuse and Neglect, and An Act Relative to Mental Health Parity were all signed by the Governor and are now law.
Please see below for details on these new laws including changes you can expect to see in Massachusetts and where to go for more information. Thank you for your many months of advocacy on these issues please know that YOU made a difference!
1) An Act Relative to Child Abuse and Neglect
Signed by the Governor in July, this omnibus bill brings many significant changes including changing the name of the Department of Social Services to the Department of Children and Families! Provisions which were passed in the law include:
- Foster parent reimbursement rates: To allow foster families to keep up with the rising cost of everything from food to fuel, the law requires the Child Advocate to make an estimate of the cost of adjust ing the daily rate for maintenance payments to foster care and guardianship families to the rate specified periodically by the US Department of Agriculture and, subject to appropriation, to pay the rates at that level. Stay tuned for budget advocacy alerts aimed at securing the funding to fully implement this long overdue provision.
- Tuition and fee waivers: this law expands the tuition waiver program so that all youth who age-out of care, are adopted from care, or in legalized guardianship placements receive tuition and fee waivers and Massachusetts public colleges and universities. If you are having any trouble accessing this new benefit, please contact the DCF ombudsman Kevin Barboza at 617-748-2444.
- Commission on Grandparents raising their grandchildren: this law establishes a commission to examine issues on grandparents raising their grandchildren. The commission will report directly to the Governor and recommend changes to support grandparent-headed households. We will continue to update you on the implementation of this new law!
2) An Act Relative to Children's Mental Health
Signed by the Governor in August this bill is aimed at strengthening and improving the system that delivers care and services that directly benefit children with mental health needs and their families:
- Support in the schools: this law creates a system so that school personnel will be able to receive mental health consultation and guidance. Mental health consultation will help schools better understand mental health needs in students as well as improve access to information, support, and resources.
- Screening for mental health issues: this law promotes behavioral health screening for children during visits to their doctors. It is important to identify mental health needs in children as early as possible so their parents and doctors can decide what steps to take.
- Behavioral health consultations: this law also provides behavioral health consultations for very young children in childcare and preschool settings. Massachusetts has the 9th highest rate of expulsion of pre-kindergarten children in the country. It is important to identify young children who need behavioral health interventions.
- "Stuck kids:" this law creates processes to move children with mental health needs to a community based or residential program. A number of children get "stuck" in hospitals because there can be lengthy disagreements about who pays for the child's next level of care. The processes created by this bill will be a first step to moving children to better placements.
MSPCC supported this bill in partnership with many organizations across Massachusetts through the Children's Mental Health Campaign. If you would like more information about mental health in Massachusetts or the next round of mental health advocacy, you can visit http://www.childrensmentalhealth.org/
3) An Act Relative to Mental Health Parity
Signed by the Governor in August, this bill takes the next step to ensure that mental health issues are treated on the same terms and conditions as physical health issues. The new law significantly expands access to by adding substance abuse issues, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, and autism to the list of conditions with full parity. To read the law in its entirety, click here. http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/seslaw08/sl080256.htm
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An important announcement from our friends at NAMI-MASS: Lynda Michaud Cutrell from NAMI is seeking a $1.5 million grant from American Express to fund the project, Early Schizophrenia Intervention Out of the Shadows. Please lend your voice to support the project by clicking here: http://www.membersproject.com/project/view/QUMZQV. The winner is based on how many people sign in and vote.
You must vote by August 31. For more information, contact Lynda Michaud Cutrell, NAMI, 617.592.5625.
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