foster parentNEED TO KNOW

2017

The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has two contracted foster care and family preservation services providers. Saint Francis Community Services serves DCF’s West and Wichita regions. KVC serves DCF’s East and Kansas City regions. Feel free to contact the provider in your area.

DCF Contracted Providers

upcomingDATES

January - Mentoring Month

March - Social Worker Month

April - Child Abuse Prevention Month

May - Foster Care Month

May 20 - Band Together Day (in support of older

youth in foster care)

June - Family Reunification Month

July - Kansas Youth Advisory Council (KYAC)

Summer Conference

November - Adoption Month

December - Hope for the Holidays (gifts for children

in foster care)

My name is Randy Lind, Foster Parent and Youth Ombudsman, and I am here to help! Feel free

to contact me toll free at 1-844-279-2306 or by email at

dcf.fosterparents@ks.gov.

In an ongoing effort to ensure effective communication between foster parents, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF), foster care providers and community partners, we would like to provide you with a summary of what you need to know as you begin or continue your service as foster parents.

In this packet, you will find a list of 20 rights to which you are entitled as a foster parent. Please keep this list handy in case you need to refer to it down the road. Also in the packet, we have provided contact information for our contracted foster care case management providers, as well as some other useful contacts and events of interest.

New this year, we are including our Child Welfare Practice Model, which guides the work of all Kansas child welfare workers.

Please feel free to contact Randy Lind, Foster Parent and Youth Ombudsman, for any assistance you may need from DCF. Call 1-844-279-2306 or email dcf.fosterparents@ks.gov to reach him. We hope you find this information useful. We look forward to working closely with you to protect and serve Kansas children.

A new website, fosterkskids.org, serves as a resource for prospective and current foster families.

KVC Kansas7940 Marshall Dr.

Lenexa, KS 662141-913-322-49001-888-655-5500

509 E. Elm St.P.O. Box 1340

Salina, KS 67402 1-785-825-05411-800-423-1342

With so many organizations and agencies involved in the Kansas foster care system, it can be difficult for prospective foster parents to know where to begin their fostering journey, or for current foster families to get access to the tools and resources they need to continue fostering children. In an effort to take the guesswork out of the foster care system, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) is excited to announce a brand new website that will house resources for prospective and current foster families.

The website, fosterkskids.org, launched the first of three phases in May. The first phase of the website features easy-to-follow steps for becoming a foster parent and an inquiry form for anyone interested in learning more about fostering in Kansas.

The second phase of the website launched in July, and bolsters the site with a live chat feature and foster parent blogs. The live chat feature of the website is manned by trained staff who are well-educated in all aspects of the foster care system. They can answer questions about beginning the foster care journey as well as field questions from current foster families.

The foster parent blog features vetted foster parents and former youth in care who can connect with interested parties about the ups and downs of fostering children. This interaction provides people interested in fostering children a realistic look at the process and a valuable support network for current foster families.

“Fosterkskids.org will be a ‘one stop shop’ for anyone interested or involved in the Kansas foster care system,” DCF Secretary Phyllis Gilmore said. “Our hope is that we can take the mystery out of the system, and provide concrete support and resources for foster parents across the state.”

Foster parents remain one of the largest recruiters for new foster families. If you would like to help someone begin their journey, please direct them to the inquiry form on the Foster Kansas Kids website.

New Website for Foster Parents

They need you

just the way you are.

Become a foster parent. Change a life. Including your own.

www.fosterkskids.org

1-844-380-2009FosterKSKids@kcsl.org

In Partnership with the Kansas Department for Children and Families

PHASE 1 PHASE 2 PHASE 3

Website Launch Foster Parent Blog Login Platform

With so many organizations and agencies involved in the Kansas foster care system, it can be difficult for prospective foster parents to know where to begin their fostering journey, or for current foster families to get access to the tools and resources they need to continue fostering children. In an effort to take the guesswork out of the foster care system, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) is excited to announce a brand new website that will house resources for prospective and current foster families.

The website, www.fosterkskids.org, will launch in three phases in 2017:

Time Frame: May

Key components of this phase include:• Live-chat function: allows

you to get your questions answered in real time, by an experienced professional

• Detailed explanation of how to begin the foster care process

• Portal to request foster care presentations

• Social media links

Time Frame: June - August

Key components of this phase include:• Foster parent blog: allows

you to hear first-hand experiences from real foster parents and contact them

• Resource centers for both prospective and current foster families

Time Frame: August - September

Key components of this phase include:• Secure login for current

foster families with information and resources tailored to their needs

Follow us on social media!

@FosterKSKids Foster KS Kids

customercare@fosterkskids.org

Meet our Blogger: Alexandria WareHey y’all I’m Alexandria Ware! I graduated in May 2016, from Kansas State University with my bachelor’s in Family Studies and Human Services, a minor in Conflict Analysis and Trauma Studies, a Certificate in Conflict Analysis and Trauma Studies and a Certificate in Non-Violent Studies. I am currently a graduate student at Oklahoma State majoring in Development and Family Sciences.

Imagine your life as it is as right now. See your job, your family, your home, your friends and even your family pet. Now imagine all those things are gone, without warning. You are stripped of everything you know, and you aren’t sure if they are coming back to you or if you will forever be destined to live among strangers. All you know is that you miss the way things used to be, and you don’t understand the sudden change. Now see yourself as a child enduring all the sudden changes listed above. Do you see yourself being able to cope, adapt and still succeed without additional guidance and attention?

At a young age, I entered the foster care system, due to some family issues. Now being the youngest of three within my biological family, it was a struggle to understand why everything happened the way it did. But the family issues that happened made me who I am today. Many people think when kids enter care it’s a bad thing or a sad thing, but sometimes it’s a good thing that happened, but you have to let the story unfold. So I am going to be blogging to tell you my story, the good, the bad and the ugly, because my story is a beautiful disaster.

As an individual who grew up in the foster care system, I would like to provide a little content and background from the youth’s side. So thinking about how I got where I am today, it’s been a journey but so amazing. Everything in life has trials and tribulations, but it’s what you do with those tribulations that make your story beautiful. How did i get from a youth in care to interning on Capitol Hill with the United States House of Representatives? Well, let me explain the two things that helped me reach and obtain my goals so far today.

Looking back over the 11 years I spent in foster care, man oh man, let me tell you it’s an amazing feeling to know I turned out so good. I would not be where I am at without the love and support of every individual who made an impact on my life. There are several things that stand out to me about my experiences in care, but I am only going to touch on two, because if not, we would be here all day reading and writing this post. Remember, I said I was going to talk about the good, bad and ugly within this journey of my blog. Well let’s dive into it all. The two things that stand out to me about my time in care are finding my forever family and being my own advocate.

Around 13, I moved to a town called Wellington, KS and it was the best and worst experience. Within this experience I met my forever family. Let me tell you it’s the best feeling in the world to know I have two families. Nothing gets better than all the love, encouragement and support of two families. My parents are literally a gift from God that helped me with everything I’ve done in life. They support me throughout all my decisions. Most importantly, they never gave up on me, even when I wanted them to. The ability to touch a person’s life the way my parents have is the experience every child in foster care should have. It should be something we aspire to have for each child in care. Being able to have a forever family isn’t something every youth in care is able to obtain, but that’s why I am here to help inform individuals who are interested in learning and being involved in the foster care system. For the current members who are involved with the foster care system, I am here to help you understand the system from a foster alumni perspective.

Another thing my parents taught me was to be my own advocate. Not just advocate for things I didn’t like but being able to inform people what I needed. Many times as youth in care we learn that our voices are powerless, but that isn’t the case. I found out my voice was more powerful than anything the State could ever teach me. As I continue on my journey called life I’ve learned from some important people to speak up for the things you need and want, because nobody can read your mind. As a youth in care, having a voice was one of the most important things I learned and that my parents could have taught me.

As I am planning out my topics over the next few months, there are a few things I hope you gain along this journey with me. The point of this blog is for both of us to learn. We need all the stakeholders at the table to make the change in the child welfare system happen.

1) Hope for change in the future of child welfare. I mean isn’t that why you became a foster parent, social worker or decided to work within child welfare? 2) Teach the youth in care or out of care to use their voice and be their own advocate. Especially if they are in your home, you’re their case manager. Don’t be afraid to let them know they have rights and the right to voice their opinion.

Meet our Blogger: Deana WilsonMy name is Deana Wilson. My husband, Tim, and I live in Topeka, Kan. We aren’t natives of Kansas, but have lived here since 2003. We have been married for 28 years and have four children. Two are biological children and two adoptive. Our oldest son married last year, so I guess we technically have five children. Tim is a pastor, and I am a stay-at-home mom, which I love most days. My background is teaching preschool and early-aged elementary.

Our journey into fostering began in 2011. Well, let me state that it actually began many years prior, we just didn’t know it until 2011. We wanted more children after having our two sons, but God didn’t bless us with having more of our own. After experiencing six miscarriages, very good friends of ours suggested we look at fostering-to-adopt. They have two sons who are adopted. So, we began looking into what was required to become a licensed foster home. Our friends explained that by adopting a child from foster care, the State paid for all the fees associated with adopting. We had no clue of this since we had never considered adoption as a way to add to our family. My heart had been set on having more children of our own through giving birth. My heart also had longed for a little girl.

In March 2012, after completing all necessary classes, trainings and getting our home approved for licensing, we received our first call for placement of a sibling set of girls. That call led us to our first experience of working with biological parents in order for reintegration to happen with their girls. From there to present day, we have had more than 30 children come through our home. We do long-term placements, have done police protective custody (PPC), as well as respite for other foster homes.

When we got the call in January 2014 for five-month-old twins, we knew we were ready. I didn’t hesitate to say, yes! Even though my husband was out of the country on a mission trip, and I couldn’t even let him know until late in the evening. Surprise! We walked through the process and alongside their biological mom for almost two years before their case became adoption. They became Wilsons last year.

We want others to know that the system is not perfect and will never be. There will always be issues with either the courts, the birth parents, the child placing agencies, the workers or your own families. The focus that must remain to be ever in the forefront of your mind as a foster parent is to do your very best to help the child in your home achieve as much normalcy as possible. Be their advocate no matter what.

This life of fostering is tough. Not everyone “gets it,” and sure enough, most don’t even think they can do it. When those times arise where someone asks, “How can you give them back after getting attached?” The response I give is, “They aren’t mine to begin with. My job is to provide them with a safe place to feel as normal as possible and support them through this time of separation from their parents.”

This life of fostering is also very rewarding. We may not see the reward while a child is placed in our home, but knowing that we are doing what we’ve been called to do in God’s word, “take care of the orphans,” reminds me that I am doing this for God and my reward will be seen in heaven. Now I understand not everyone who fosters has a faith background like we do, but, what everyone will see as a reward is maybe a milestone for a child reached. Maybe it won’t be the child, but the parent you get to witness make a life change with the support you give them. Maybe it will be a child breaking the cycle of drug abuse, neglect, physical abuse or abandonment. The list can and does go on and on.

I hope this blog finds someone looking for encouragement to carry on. Maybe you’re asking yourself where do I find support? Right here. How do I handle the heartbreak? Right here. How do I know what call to say yes to? Right here. Tim and I want to be a support and encouragement to others. Need a break? Take a break! We did and picked back up again because the need is SO great!

My contact info is: Deana Wilson, 785-554-5552; deanamw30@aol.com. I look forward to making new connections!

3) Inform individuals that all foster care alumni can go on and do wonderful things. Every child who goes through the foster care system should be able to have a bright and beautiful future. 4) Enjoy being a foster parent! The little things that you do can change a child’s life for the better. 5) I hope you learn something, but I hope I learn something from you. We are here to inform and educate each other.

Although i am writing about my experiences in care and how they shaped me. I would love to hear some topics that you are interested in. I want this blog to be helpful, insightful and educational. Feel free to email me at warealexandria@ymail.com! Have a beautiful day!

Follow all our bloggers on our website, fosterkskids.org.

Disclaimer: The views of our bloggers do not necessarily reflect the views of DCF or Foster Kansas Kids.

Foster Care Licensing DivisionResponsibility transfers from KDHE to DCF

Foster Care Statistics• There are currently 7,192 children in foster care in Kansas.• Approximately 2,674 family foster homes are licensed in Kansas.• Approximately 450 children are available for adoption in the state.• Approximately 92 percent of children in foster care are placed in a family-like setting.• The average age of a child in foster care is nine.• 59 percent of children have a case plan goal of reintegration.• 33 percent of children are placed with a relative.(Data provided, as of June 2017)

To be a successful foster parent:1. Assure Safety and Health.2. Communicate effectively.3. Know the children.4. Build strengths; meet needs.5. Work in partnership.6. Know about loss and attachment.7. Manage behaviors.8. Build connections.9. Build self-esteem.10. Know your own family.11. Assess impact.12. Make an informed decision.1. The right to be treated by DCF and other partners in the care of abused and neglected children with dignity, respect and trust as a primary provider of

foster care and a member of the professional team caring for foster children.2. The right not to be discriminated against on the basis of religion, race, color, creed, gender, marital status, national origin, age, or physical handicap per Kansas statute.3. The right to continue with their own family values and beliefs, so long as the values and beliefs of the foster child and the biological family are respected and not infringed upon. Consideration shall be given to the special needs of children who have experienced trauma and separation from their families. 4. The right to exercise decision making in connection with foster child, consistent with the limits of the policies, procedures, and other directions of DCF and within the limits of state and federal law.5. The right to receive standardized pre-service training by DCF or the placing agency and at appropriate intervals to meet mutually assessed needs of the child and to improve foster parents skills.6. The right to receive timely financial reimbursement according to agreement and applicable law and to be notified of any costs or expenses for which the foster parent may be eligible for reimbursement.7. The right to receive information regarding services and to reach DCF and/or DCF contracted provider personnel during regular business hours and the right to have information for contact number after business hours in the event of an emergency.8. The right, prior to the placement of a child, to be notified of any issues relative to the child and known to DCF and/or DCF contracted provider at such time and which may jeopardize the health and safety of the foster family or the child or alter the manner in which foster care should be administered.9. The right to discuss known information regarding the child prior to placement. DCF will provide such information as it becomes available as allowable under state and federal laws.10. The right to refuse placement of a child in the foster home or to request, upon reasonable notice, the removal of a child from the foster home.11. The right to receive any available information through DCF regarding the number of times a foster child has been moved and the reasons therefore; and to receive the names and phone numbers of the previous foster parents if the previous foster parents have authorized release and as allowable by law.12. The right, during the time a child is placed with the foster parent, to receive from DCF information known to DCF and relevant to the care of the child.13. The right to provide input and participate in the case planning process regarding the child and the right to participate in and be informed about the planning of visitation between the child and the child’s biological family, recognizing that visitation with the biological family is important to the child and necessary to the success of timely reintegration if reintegration is the case plan.14. The right to communicate with the child’s Child Welfare Provider Case Manager (CWPCM) and to share and obtain relevant and appropriate information regarding child in placement.15. The right to communicate for the purpose of participating in the case plan of the foster child with other professionals who work with such child within the context of the professional team including, but not limited to, therapists, physicians, and teachers, as allowable by regulation, state and federal law.16. The right to be notified in advance, of any court hearing or review where the case plan or permanency of the child is an issue, including periodic reviews held by the court and the right to submit a completed Foster Parent Court Report Form per DCF policy.17. The right to be considered, where appropriate, as a placement option when a child who was formerly placed with the foster parents has re-entered the foster care system.18. The right to continue contact and/or communication with child subsequent to the child moving from the foster parent/s’ home, subject to the approval of the child and child’s biological parent/s whose rights have not been terminated.19. The right to direct questions to DCF regarding information, concerns, policy violation and/or a corrective action plan relating to licensure as a foster family home.20. The rights and responsibilities enumerated herein above shall be given full consideration when DCF develops and approves policies regarding foster care and adoptive placement.

As a Kansas foster parent, you are a valued member of the child welfare system. We are here to let you know your rights as a foster parent and provide you any assistance that you may need. Foster parents are volunteers who provide care for children who are in the custody of the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). They play an integral, indispensable and vital role in the State’s effort to care for dependent children displaced from their homes. We believe Kansas foster parents should play an active role in the child welfare system and be supported. You are entitled to the following rights:

The Kansas Foster and Adoptive Parent Association (KFAPA) is an excellent resource for foster parents. KFAPA helps families access support, services and information. To learn more, visit KFAPA.org.

Kansas Foster and Adoptive Parent Association (KFAPA)

In 2015, responsibility for the licensure of foster care homes was transferred to DCF. Governor Brownback initiated this transfer of duties to streamline the licensure process and to further DCF’s ability to monitor the entire foster care system. The transition took effect on July 1, 2015. DCF has worked diligently to improve the services the State provides to Children in Need of Care, their families and foster parents. Denise Stevens serves as the Director of Foster Care and Residential Facility Licensing. She has served in Licensing since September 2011, first as a Regional Administrator with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and Director with DCF since April 2016. She has a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Washburn University, Topeka.

“I have over 20 years of experience in the child welfare field, and have gained a lot of insight through past positions as a foster care case manager, a children’s residential program supervisor and an accreditation compliance officer for a psychiatric unit of a detention center,” said Stevens. “I absolutely love what I do. If I’ve made a difference in just one child’s life out of the many children I’ve worked with, then I hopefully will have made a difference in the world.”

The Kansas Family Advisory Network (KFAN) is a network of family partners, groups and agencies who assist families at risk of becoming involved with the child welfare system. To learn more, visit KFAN.org.

Kansas Family Advisory Network (KFAN)

Kansas Foster Parents’ Rights

Thank you!