MAFF Newsletter Winter 2013

 

In this issue: Mobile Crisis Intervention Guide, MAFF Book Corner, Tips on Playful Parenting, MAFF at Work on Beacon Hill View this email in your browser   Mobile Crisis Intervention: Everything Foster Parents Need to Know About the Emergency Home Visiting Service   Lynn didn’t know who to call when her teenage daughter was in the middle of a behavioral health crisis. She couldn’t call 911, because the girl was not violent. But Lynn couldn’t get her daughter into the car to get the help she needed. Then she remembered something her social worker had told her about: Mobile Crisis Intervention. “I called them and about an hour later they arrived,” Lynn said. “They were great. They talked to my daughter and calmed her down; they talked to me and my husband. When they did her assessment they decided she didn’t need to go anywhere immediately. They gave her a lot of information and resources and places to go for counseling. They followed up two days later.”   Since then Lynn has called four times for help with her 17-year-old son who was using drugs. She said the clinicians found a place for him to get treatment and helped her manage the confusion of insurance paperwork.   “It’s so huge for me that they can come to my house, so the kids can stay where they are comfortable,” Lynn said.   Mobile Crisis Intervention has helped Lynn and her family through many difficult situations. It can help you and your family too.  Here is everything you need to know about the service:   What is Mobile Crisis Intervention? Mobile Crisis Intervention is a service that works with MSPCC’s Kid’s Net to help children experiencing a behavioral health crisis. Trained clinicians will come to the child to identify, assess, treat, and stabilize the situation and reduce immediate risk of danger to the child or others. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.   Who is eligible for the service? Anyone under the age of 21 who is enrolled in MassHealth can receive help from the Mobile Crisis Intervention service.   Who should I call if I need help? Call MSPCC’s Kid’s Net Helpline at 1-800-486-3730. Trained clinicians will be able to evaluate your child’s needs and determine the best response to address those needs.  They may suggest Mobile Crisis Intervention and connect you with the Mobile Crisis Intervention team in your area or they may suggest another option.   What will happen when they arrive? One or two trained clinicians will come to your child, wherever he or she may be in the midst of a behavioral health crisis.  If the child is not with a guardian at the time, a guardian will have to give permission for any treatment. Clinicians will assess the crisis, provide a face-to-face therapeutic response, psychiatric consultation and, if needed, they will provide urgent psychopharmacology intervention. The team will also point you toward resources that can help and provide referrals. The service includes up to 7 days of follow-up.   Who should I call to discuss my experience with the service? The Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership welcomes calls with feedback about the Mobile Crisis Intervention service.  Please call: (800) 495-0086.     From the Desk of the President   Dear MAFF members, In the last few months, we have witnessed horrific tragedies that have traumatized us all. Tragedies such as hurricane Sandy and the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut spawn many questions on improving our safety. In the case of the Newtown tragedy, for example, some feel that gun control would reduce the severity of these incidents. There are others who think mental health services need to be enhanced. Situations like these magnify the importance of advocating for children and families. As a parent of persons with mental health diagnoses I know how terrifying it can be to stabilize them and continue with proper supports. While it is hard to witness the heartache and trauma suffered by the victim’s families, it is reassuring to realize how fortunate we are here in Massachusetts. We have a great team of advocates who have worked tirelessly to obtain mental health reform with funds to provide services. Our board voted earlier this year to work on ensuring that families continue to receive mental health services when they are needed. At our board meeting, we were honored to have Karen Snyder, Rosie D. Court Monitor, outline the most recent updates to the program and discuss present kinks in the system. I feel quite honored to have such a great rapport with her and the other family partners who support, obtain and provide such great services. Even though great strides have been made, more needs to be done. One of our goals this year is to maintain a high quality support system by eliminating the waiting lists and delays in access to Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative services. The board additionally voted to promote academic achievement for foster children and foster youth. The objectives identified were to recommend foster parent training for educational advocacy for foster children, to modify MAPP curriculum to include education, to explore the creation of an education passport for foster children and foster youth, and to continue to advocate for full funding of the college Tuition/Fee Waiver Program for our teens. As the New Year unfolds, I ponder the great strides we made in 2012 and look forward to our newly established goals for the 2013. I would like to extend a sincere thank you to Casey Family Services for all of their funding and tremendous support for foster parenting initiatives throughout the years. Unfortunately, we have to say goodbye. They announced that they are closing their doors at the beginning of this year. I would also like to thank everyone else who supported our initiatives in the past year. Please stay safe and have a prosperous and healthy New Year!   Sincerely,   Cheryl Tellier-Haddad President, Massachusetts Alliance for Families     The Latest Word From the Kid's Net Program   Dear MAFF members, As we begin the New Year and reflect on the joys and sorrows that have occurred during the past year, I know all of us hold a special place in our hearts for the 20 children and 6 adults who lost their lives at the Sandy Hook Elementary School. Knowing your love of children, as you have chosen to care for the children of the Commonwealth – this tragedy must have hit your family hard. The victims will remain in our hearts forever. This past fall the MSPCC Kid’s Net Program and MAFF sponsored a conference titled “Playful Parenting: An Exciting New Approach to Raising Children.” The feedback from those who attended was very positive: 82 percent reported an overall rating of ‘excellent’ or ‘very good.’ “It gave me concrete ideas for problem solving,” one parent said of the presentation. “To play is a great approach to children and a good language to use to communicate,” another wrote. During the coming year the Kid’s Net program continues to offer training twice a month in each DCF area. This training, like all Kid’s Net services, is free. The trainings cover a variety of topics ranging from how to handle a behaviorally challenged child to how to take care of yourself! You should be receiving a schedule shortly in the mail. You can also check the schedule at www.MSPCC.org/kidsnet. If you would like to take part in a training that is not listed, please call your regional Kid’s Net Director and request it. Thank you for all that you do for children. Sincerely, Michele Benkis Director, Kid’s Net Program   The MAFF Book Corner   Oral Language Development Through Picture Books Picture books are a great way to improve kids’ listening skills, vocabulary and concept development, auditory memories, and story-telling skills. Here are some suggestions from speech-language therapist and children’s book author Lynn Plourde.   Add Words to Wordless Books Good Dog, Carl by Alexandra Day The Snowman by Raymond Briggs The Winter Visitors by Karel Hayes   Interactive/Pattern Books Thomas’ Snowsuit by Robert Munsch and Michael Martchenko The Blizzard Wizard by Lynn Plourde and John Aardema   “Describing” Books The Circus Ship by Chris Van Dusen Look-Alikes  by Joan Steiner   Riddle/Guessing Books Guess Whose Shadow? by Stephen R. Swinburne What in the World?  by Eve Merriam and Barbara J. Phillips-Duke Little Maine by Jeannie Brett     Playful Parenting Tips from Lawrence Cohen, Ph.D   Play therapy specialist Dr. Lawrence Cohen believes parents can use play to build trust and strong bonds with their children. He spoke to foster parents at the annual MAFF and Kid’s Net Conference in October, encouraging parents to join their kids in the world of play.   Dr. Cohen says children use play to explore the world, express themselves, and understand their emotions.   A licensed psychologist, Cohen believes his methods of playful parenting can help families use positive interactions to work through behavior problems and build self-confidence in children. He says play can be especially important for foster families because it breaks down boundaries and helps children dealing with trauma connect with their foster parents.   “Play is the universal language of bonding,” Cohen said. “This is how children will tell us what’s on their minds.” Dr. Cohen's Principles of Playful Parenting   • Join children in their world of play. • Focus on making a connection and encouraging confidence. • Learn to roughhouse playfully: Provide basic safety, look for every opportunity for connection and for increasing the child’s confidence, provide just the right level of resistance so the child can use all of his or her strength and no one gets hurt, in most instances let the child win and keep your own competitive feelings from getting in the way. • Reverse the roles: Let the child be the strong one, the capable one, the monster, or the doctor giving the vaccination. • Follow your child’s lead during playtime: Set aside one-on-one playtime where the child is in charge of choosing what to do and the parent is extra enthusiastic. • Encourage emotional expression: Children show their deepest feelings through tears and tantrums. • Rethink discipline: Cool off and make a connection before trying to “make your point” or shift a behavior. Choose a “time-in” like a family meeting or cuddle instead of a “time-out.” Instill good judgment and cooperation instead of enforcing obedience. Look beneath the surface of behavior to a child’s feelings and needs. Effective discipline always means an improved relationship with the child. Saying “no” does not have to include harshness. • Bring problems into the “play zone” in order to reduce tensions: During playtime a parent can gently introduce themes that are related to tension. For example, with tension about separation, a parent could playfully introduce goodbyes and reunions. To learn more about Dr. Cohen’s strategies, check out his book, “Playful Parenting: An Exciting New Approach to Raising Children.”     Did You Miss the NEFCA Conference? Foster Parent Deb Watts Has a Wrap-Up   The New England Foster Care Association (NEFCA) Conference was held in Portland, Maine from October 12 - 14, 2012 The NEFCA Conference presents an awesome opportunity to network with foster parents from all of the New England states, and to hear about how things are done in different areas. Friday’s keynote speaker was Derek Clark, a motivational speaker and author of the award-winning book series, “I will Never Give Up.” He has been featured on Headline News/CNN as an expert on foster care. Derek spent 13 years of his life in the foster system and has presented as the keynote speaker at the World Foster Care Conference. Saturday’s keynote address came from Dr. Joseph Crumbley, an expert on kinship care and transracial adoptions. He has provided training and consultation nationally and internationally, and his words were both educational and inspiring. Parents could then choose from a long list of workshops, including behavior management, working with trauma-involved children, adoption subsidy, the Life is Good Kids Foundation, creative writing with foster children, faith and fostering, and computer safety. I would encourage all foster parents to attend the next NEFCA Conference in spring of 2014 in Vermont.                                                  National Youth in Transition Survey The Department of Children and Families is asking foster parents to encourage and help their children fill out a survey about youth in transition. The Department is looking for feedback on its Independent Living Services from 19-year-olds who have been in DCF custody. Your social worker or area office will notify your child if he or she qualifies for the survey. The new survey follows a 2010/2011 survey of 17-year-olds in DCF custody. The survey can be completed online or on paper. DCF area offices will be available to help with the survey. If you have any questions please contact your child’s social worker.     State Budget Update What Foster and Adoptive Parents Should Keep Their Eyes on for Fiscal Year 2014   The process for developing the fiscal year 2014 budget gets underway this month, beginning with the Governor’s budget proposal. MAFF budget priorities for this year are: Full funding of the State College Tuition and Fee Waiver Program. The program provides crucial financial assistance for DCF-involved youth who enroll in a state university. Funding for the daily rate of support for foster children. MAFF is fighting to get foster parents a daily rate equivalent to the USDA reported rate for raising a child. SPEAK OUT!  CLICK HERE to receive action alerts and advocacy initiatives that affect your kids.   Copyright © *|2013|* *|MSPCC|*, All rights reserved. unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences

Sent to Carla.King@state.ma.us — why did I get this? unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences MAFF c/o MSPCC · 99 Summer Street · 6th Floor · Boston, MA 02110

Department of Children and Families Newsletter, January 2013

 

Please find attached latest issue of the DCF newsletter.

 

TRAINING- Saying good bye

Sorry- this is THURSDAY Jan 24^th it may have been listed in the MSPCC newsletter incorrectly.

We are having a training in the Salem office Thursday 9:30-11:30 on “saying goodbye”

The trainer is Sharon Thomas

This sounds like a great training!

 

Please let Nancy Lyons know if you will be attending!

978-825-3807

 

Check out our blog!!!   http://capeanndss.blogspot.com/

 

Carla King

Foster Parent Recruiter

Department of Children and Families (formerly known as Dept Social Services)

Cape Ann Area Office

45 Congress Street, bldg #4

Salem, MA 01970

978-825-3862   direct DCF ext 33862

 

 

 

TRAINING- Saying good bye

We are having a training in the Salem office Thursday 9:30-11:30 on “saying goodbye”

The trainer is Sharon Thomas

This sounds like a great training!

 

Please let Nancy Lyons know if you will be attending!

978-825-3807

 

Check out our blog!!!   http://capeanndss.blogspot.com/

 

Carla King

Foster Parent Recruiter

Department of Children and Families (formerly known as Dept Social Services)

Cape Ann Area Office

45 Congress Street, bldg #4

Salem, MA 01970

978-825-3862   direct DCF ext 33862

 

 

 

January Foster Parent Support Group

From a foster parent:

 

Hey all:
 
At the group tonight I mentioned some resources for parenting kids with attachment issues. I'm forwarding a few links:
 
I love love love Daniel Hughes! He's a psychologist in Pennsylvania who specializes in working with attachment disordered children. Here's a link to his books on amazon. "Attachment Focused Parenting" is a fabulous place to start. http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=daniel+hughes+attachment&tag=googhydr-20&index=stripbooks&hvadid=19941920185&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=s&hvrand=750247771413814576&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&ref=pd_sl_4odh09mgcd_e
 
Christine Moers blogs about adoption, parenting severely attachment disordered kids, other special needs, running a trailer park in Texas, hula hooping, practicing a vegan/flexitarian diet, breastfeeding & other fun stuff at www.welcometomybrain.net  She's very funny. She also has links to several otherblogs relating to adoption, attachment and parenting children with a history of trauma. She also has a series of YouTube videos on theraputic parenting. Try her video on "When Our Kids Get Stuck" I promise you will be hooked: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WU_HJY8md-0 
 
Christine Moers and Billy Kaplan, a Clinical Social Worker from Chicago who runs an attachment disorders clinic, put together a video on theraputic parenting for traumatized kids - using the model developed by Daniel Hughes. I've seen parts of it. It looks great! https://www.createspace.com/331053
 
Let me know what you think. Please share any other resources you have.
 

Adoptive Families Together Winter 2013 Schedule

 

Hi everyone! We hope you are enjoying the winter! We wanted to let you know that we have added a new Adoptive Families Together training for March 2^nd called “Adoption Search” Please see below for details on this exciting new training as well as our other workshops and parent groups. We hope to see you at some events!
Warmest Regards,
Lori Baeumler

 

 

Adoptive Families Together Presents Educational Trainings!

Adoptive Families Together (AFT) is thrilled to present some exciting educational Workshops on topics related to adoption issues. Our first training is open to anyone with a connection to adoption. Our other two trainings are open to adopted children or children in foster care and their parents. Please contact Lori Baeumler: 617-587-1522 lbaeumler@mspcc.org  for more information and to register!

 

Topic:  Panel: “Adoption Search”

Date: Saturday, March 2, 2013   

Time: 12:30pm - 2:30pm

Location: MSPCC office NEW LOCATION: 3815 Washington St. 2^nd Floor,      Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Description:  A panel discussion on the complexities of the adoption search process from the prospective of the professionals as well as from members of the adoption constellation. We will discuss policies, procedures, and best practice while doing a search for biological and/or adoptive family. We will address motivation, readiness, as well as impact of search from the adoptee and birth family perspective.

Presented By: Sheila Frankel, Statewide Search Coordinator for DCF, Wendy Vandenhoeck, MSW, Search Coordinator for Catholic Charities.

Cost:  Free but must pre-register

PLEASE REGISTER: Contact Lori Baeumler 617-587-1522 or lbaeumler@mspcc.org

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Topic: “W.I.S.E. UP” For Grade School Students aged 6-12 years old

Date:  Saturday, March 23, 2013

Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm

Location: MSPCC office NEW LOCATION: 3815 Washington St. 2^nd Floor,      Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Description: A training developed by the Center for Adoption and Support, W.I.S.E. Up is an award winning curriculum to teach children ages 6 through 12 how to respond to questions about their adoption experience.  The workshop provides a framework to respond in a variety of ways using group discussion and role playing. While children are meeting, parents will come together to be trained on the W.I.S.E. Up curriculum in order to support their children using these newly learned strategies. 

Presented by:  Penny Harrison, Michelle Novelle, Lori Baeumler

Cost: $20 per Family (Includes workbook)

PLEASE REGISTER: Contact Lori Baeumler 617-587-1522 or lbaeumler@mspcc.org

 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Topic:  “Adoption in the Teen Years”

Date:  Sunday, April 7, 2013

Time: 2pm – 3:30pm

Location: MSPCC office NEW LOCATION: 3815 Washington St. 2^nd Floor,      Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Description: Adolescent adoptees talk with their peers about their experiences, challenges and hopes and how adoption has influenced their lives. This is a 90 minute group lead by two experienced therapists from Adoption Associates in Newton.

 Presented by: Deb Olshever and Maren Oslund, Therapists at Adoption Associates: www.AdoptionAssociates.org

Cost: $15 per Family

PLEASE REGISTER: Contact Lori Baeumler 617-587-1522 or lbaeumler@mspcc.org

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Directions to our MSPCC Office: 3815 Washington St. 2^nd Floor Jamaica Plain, MA 02130:

 We are located on the border of Jamaica Plain and Roslindale near the corner of Ukraine Way and Washington St. Our office is on the 2^nd floor and there is a Harvest Market on the first floor. If you are using GPS and “Jamaica Plain” doesn’t work please program in “Boston”, MA into your GPS as we are a new building and still need to get on all of the maps. We are right down the street from  the Forest Hills T stop on the Orange Line if you are taking the T.

 

Parking: We have 5 spots available for parking right in front of our building. If those spots are filled we have additional parking located at the Davis Monuments, right down the street in their back parking lot, labeled MSPCC parking. The address for Davis Monuments is: 3859 Washington St. Roslindale, MA 02131. If you need further directions please call or email me, Lori Baeumler at 617-587-1522 or lbaeumler@mspcc.org On the day of the workshop you can call me on my cell phone at 617-840-9568. Thanks so much for registering for this exciting workshop and we look forward to seeing you for W.I.S.E UP!

 

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

AFT Workshop Registration 

Please make sure to indicate which Workshop you would like to attend!

 

Parent’s Name ________________________________________________________________________________

Address______________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Telephone     _____________________________                         Email _________________________________

 

List names and ages of children to register:  _________________________________________________________

 

 

__ I will attend the “Adoption Search” Panel for adults and adult adoptees with a connection to adoption/foster care

          Date: Saturday, March 2, 2013 Time: 12:30pm-2:30pm

          Cost: Free, but must pre-register

 

__I will attend the “W.I.S.E. UP” Workshop for Grade School Students aged 6-12 years old

          Date: Saturday, March 23, 2013 Time: 10am-12pm

Cost: $20.00 Per Family (Includes 1 Workbook, additional workbooks will be available for purchase at the workshop)

 

__I will attend the “Adoption in the Teen Years” Workshop for High School Students

          Date: Sunday, April 7, 2013 Time: 2pm-3:30pm

          Cost: $15.00 Per Family

 

               ALL Workshops will take place at our MSPCC Office at: 3815 Washington St. 2^nd Floor, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Please make checks payable to: Adoptive Families Together Mail Registration to: MSPCC/AFT 99 Summer St. Boston, MA 02110

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Adoptive Parent Groups: Please join us for our Adoptive Families Together (AFT) parent-run, confidential groups to share personal concerns and needs around adoptive parenting. AFT provides education, advocacy, support, and more. We also welcome adopted individuals, birth parents, foster parents and all those with a connection to adoption. Please visit our website: www.mspcc.org/aft for more information. These are ongoing, FREE groups that meet once a month. Feel free to drop in!

 

 

AFT Groups Winter 2013 Schedule

 

 Acton:

Group Leaders: Kristy Bouley & Deborah Henderlong

Faith Evangelical Free Church

54 Hosmer St. Acton, MA 01720

Meets the 2^nd Wednesday of the month, 7:30pm-9pm

·   December 12^th

·   January 9^th

·   February 13^th

·   March 13^th

 

Billerica:

Group Leaders: Cheryl Farrell & Mary Wallace

First Congregational Church, 18 Andover Rd.

Billerica, MA 01821

Room 4 Please use the door in the rear of the building

Meets the last Sunday of the month, 7-9pm

·   December 30^th

·   January 27^th

·   February 24^th

·   March 31^st

 

 

Boston:

Group Leaders: Pasqua Scibelli & Lori Baeumler

Boston MSPCC Office

99 Summer St. 6^th Floor Boston, MA 02110

Meets the 1^st Wednesday of the month, 12-1pm

·   December 5^th

·   January 2^nd

·   February 6^th

·   March 6^th

 

Braintree:  

Group Leaders: Linda Perry & Leah Logan

Thayer Public Library

798 Washington St. Braintree, MA 02184

Meets the 2^nd Wednesday of the month 7-8:45pm

·   December 12^th

·   January 9^th

·   February 13^th

·   March 13^th

 

Jamaica Plain: NEW LOCATION

Group Leaders: Randi Schalet & Lori Baeumler

Jamaica Plain MSPCC Office

3815 Washington St. 2^nd Floor Jamaica Plain (Bordering Roslindale), MA 02130

Near the Forest Hills T Stop

Parking spots available outside the building or extra spots in the parking lot to Davis Monuments 3859 Washington St, Roslindale, MA

Meets the 1^st Friday of the month, 6:30-8:30pm

Childcare provided at every meeting

·   December 7^th

·   January 4^th

·   February 1^st

·   March 1^st

 

 

Roslindale:

Group Leaders: Michelle Novelle & Clare O’Donoghue

Roslindale Congregational Church

25 Cummins Highway

Roslindale, MA 02131

Meets the 3^rd Wednesday of the month, 7-8:30pm

Childcare provided at every meeting

·   December 19^th

·   January 16^th

·   February 20^th

·   March 20^th

 

 

 

 

Stoughton:

Group Leaders: Sue Casey & Susan McCarthy

Stoughton Public Library 84 Park St.

Stoughton, MA 02072

Meets the 2^nd Thursday of the month, 6:30pm-8:30pm

·   December 13^th

·   January 10^th

·   February 14^th

·   March 14^th

 

Swampscott:

Group Leaders: Kimberly Ryan & Sandi Santanello

First Church 40 Monument Ave.

Swampscott, MA 01907

Meets the 1^st Thursday of the month, 7-8:30pm

·   December 6^th  

·   January 3^rd

·   February 7^th

·   March 7^th

 

 

Worcester:

Group Leaders: Deb Tambeau & Donna Warren

Worcester MSPCC Office

335 Chandler St.

Worcester, MA 01602

Meets the 3^rd Thursday of the month, 7-9pm

·   December 20^th

·   January 17^th

·   February 21^st

·   March 21^st

 

 

 

 

*This email message and any files transmitted with it may contain personal health information and/or other confidential information, which may be legally privileged and is intended only for the person(s) to whom this e-mail message is addressed. If you have received this e-mail message in error, please notify the sender immediately by telephone or e-mail and destroy the original message without making a copy. Thank you.*   ­­