March 2015
Vol. 3, Issue 3
In this Issue:
Family Assessment Response (FAR)
The State of WA is rolling out a new program called Family
Assessment Response (FAR). FAR is rolling out in Cowlitz and
Wahkiakum counties on July 13, 2015. FAR is an alternate CPS
response system to non-emergent allegations of abuse or neglect
that is low to moderate risk intakes of maltreatment. Emergent
responses, serious physical abuse, sexual abuse, or high risk
neglect cases where the child is in danger are not eligible for FAR
and are still screened in for investigation and finding are made.
No findings are made in FAR cases. Child safety and risk is the
focus and safety assessments are completed to determine the
needs of the family. FAR emphasizes collaboration and partnership
with the families and community, early intervention to strengthen
and preserve the family, improved engagement and assessment,
and increased resource identification for immediate and long term
support. Services are voluntary, meaning that families can choose
to be in FAR versus being part of an investigation, as long as they
meet FAR criteria. However, if families choose to not participate
in FAR a full CPS investigation will be completed. The benefits of
FAR are a reduction in the stigma associated with CPS, improved
relationships between the social worker and the family, increased
family engagement in services, improved understanding by the
parents of the safety and neglect concerns, reduction in repeat
referrals, improved child and family well-being and more children
stay in their family homes safely.
(Continued on Page 4)
call
visit
1-866-958-KIDS
fosteringtogether.org
connect
/FosteringTogetherWA
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Introductions
News
Holiday Activity
From the Desk of
WAC
Trainings
Support Groups
Events/Calendar
Olive Crest is a
non-profit organization
dedicated to preventing
child abuse, to treating
and educating at risk
children and to
preserving the family,
“One life at a time”.
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Region 6 Staff
Fostering Together
Leeann Marshel
Regional Coordinator
(360) 909-0421
leeann-marshel@olivecrest.org
Niki Favela
Cowlitz/Lewis/Wahkiakum Liaison
(708) 653-8912
niki-favela@olivecrest.org
F.I.R.S.T. Program
(253) 219-6782
DSHS
Terisa Rivera
Placement Coordinator
(360) 501-2631
(360) 807-7104
RITL300@dshs.wa.gov
Cheryl Rich
Area Administrator
(360) 501-2646
Cheryl.Rich@dshs.wa.gov
Elaine Peet
Lewis County Licensor
(360) 807-7107
PEETEL@dshs.wa.gov
David Cherrington
Kelso Licensor
360-501-2608
cherrdl@dshs.wa.gov
Constituent Relations
1-800-723-4831
Ombudsman Office
1-800-571-7321
Foster Parent Association of
Washington (FPAWS)
1-800-391-2273
CAREGIVER NEWS
Foster Parent Appreciation Planning Committee
Please join us at the Foster Parent Appreciation Dinner
planning committee meeting. This is one night a year we can
give thanks to the amazing men and women who sacrifice their
time, families, and hearts to our community’s most vulnerable
children. This year’s theme is “to be a kid again”. We are just
in the beginning planning stages of the event so your input
and help is vital to making this event successful. Meetings will
take place at the following locations:
Centralia DCFS on March 4th at 1:00pm at 3401 Galvin St
Kelso DCFS on March 5th at 10:00 am at 711 Vine St
Clothing Vouchers
In a July 24, 2014 meeting with Jennifer Strus, Assistant
Secretary Children’s Administration, she agreed that children
coming into a foster home without sufficient clothing are
entitled to a $200 clothing voucher. Jennifer adds that it will
take time for the word to trickle down to the Social Workers,
so if there are any issues she would like foster parents to take
it up the chain until you get the voucher. If you have any
questions, contact FPAWS.
This is for NEW PLACEMENTS ONLY! Please discuss the
child’s needs with the social worker at the time of placement.
CASA Funds Available
Cowlitz County CASA has funds available to pay for
extracurricular activities for the children they serve who live in
licensed foster homes. They can provide registration fees for
music classes, dance classes and sports to name a few
ideas. They can also help pay for any special items they need
to participate. If there is something that your child is
interested in and you don’t know if it qualifies, please call and
ask. Contact Corie Dow at 360-414-5212 or let your child’s
CASA know that you would like more information.
For a full catalogue of spring classes and available activities
please visit http://mylongview.com/index.aspx?page=121
Monthly Mileage Reminder
Caregivers, it’s time to submit your Monthly Mileage form to
the Children’s Administration social worker for February. In
order to be reimbursed for your mileage, your form must be
turned in within 3 calendar months from the last day of the
month your first travel took place. If you have questions about
allowable mileage visit http://www.dshs.wa.gov/pdf/ms/
forms/07_090.pdf. Remember to always keep a copy of the
mileage claim form you signed and submitted.
Cowlitz County CASA
360-414-5212
www.CowlitzCountyCasa.org
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Pot Of Gold Hunt
Activity for an individual child
Age group: 30-40 months
Duration of activity: 20 minutes
Materials:
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Colored construction paper
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Scissors
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Masking tape
You will be promoting your child's problem-solving skills while she plays this fun
game. If you wish, you can substitute a real treat basket for the paper pot of
gold; just be sure to decorate it with plenty of cut-out gold coins!
1. Cut the following shapes out of construction paper: 20 tiny green feet, 1
brown kettle, 10 small yellow circles, and an arch shape with different
colors to form a rainbow.
2. Tape the yellow circles in the kettle shape to create the pot of gold.
3. Find a location to "hide" the pot of gold. Place it or tape it anywhere
you wish.
4. Tape the green feet a few feet apart to form a path for your child to
follow. Let them wind up the wall or under furniture to finally lead to
the pot of gold.
5. Tell your child about how it is believed that a leprechaun can lead you to a
pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Show her the footprints, and
encourage her to follow them to the treasure.
Read more on FamilyEducation: http://www.familyeducation.com/
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From the Desk of Cheryl Rich, Area Administrator
Children’s Administration has been rolling out the Family Assessment Response (FAR)
across the state for just over a year now. The rollout has been taking place in
different offices at varying times during the year to make FAR as successful as
possible. In the next few months, FAR will be implemented in Kelso and Centralia.
FAR is a differential response to some CPS intakes. It is still a CPS intervention, however
it is a different pathway for CPS. Differential Response, which has been successfully
implemented by other states, acknowledges a growing understanding that not all families
need an investigative intervention. An alternative response intervention connects families
to services, concrete supports, and community resources. Families are better able to care
for their children when their needs are met and connections to communities are developed
and strengthened. Within a differential response system, the alternative pathway focuses
on child safety, assessment of family strengths and needs, provision of services, and
concrete supports. No subjects are named or findings are made.
Serious physical abuse and sexual abuse intakes continue to be assigned to the
investigative pathway. The investigative pathway continues to be used for higher risk
cases and when children are reportedly in danger. Other factors such as chronicity and
prior history, severity of injury or neglect, and vulnerability of children are used to
determine whether an investigation is necessary or the case can be assigned to the
alternative pathway. Child safety remains the primary focus of agency intervention.
For more information on FAR, please view Introducing FAR at http://youtu.be/
FOcSypELcIo.
Family Assessment Response (FAR)
(Continued from Page 1)
Community Partnerships are crucial in this program to help identify and assist families with
needs related to child safety and family stability. Children’s Administration needs your help
and expertise to partner and connect with families. If you are interested in learning more
about this program or about learning more about how to help these families please call
Tarassa Froberg, FAR Lead, at (360) 501-2658.
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WAC 388-148-1480: What are the requirements for animals?
(1) All animals on your property must be safe and properly cared for in a sanitary manner.
(2) You must comply with city, county, state and federal statutes and regulations regarding:
(a) Animal safety;
(b) Vaccinations; and
(c) Standard veterinary care.
(3) You may not have an animal in your home or premises that is dangerous to children in
care.
(4) We have the discretion to limit the type and number of household pets and animals if we
determine that there are risks to the children in your care.
(5) All pet medications must be kept in a separate locked container.
Teaching Children Pet Safety Rules
The benefits to children of having a pet include increases in self-esteem, nurturing skills,
cooperation and the creation of an unconditional, loving bond. But before you bring home your
furry friend, it’s important that you know some simple rules to guard against injuries such as bites
and scratches. First, it’s important to remember that dogs are “pack animals” and live according to
a social hierarchy. “When a dog enters your home he views you all as litter mates and will typically
‘pick on’ the youngest female member of the family or whoever shows fear. That’s why you must
establish every person in the family as an authority figure or ‘pack leader’ to the dog by simple,
everyday interactions. Below are some tips to guarantee that your children and your pets will have
a safe and happy relationship:
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Never leave a young child unsupervised with an animal.
Never approach an animal when they are eating, sleeping, chewing on a toy or in its crate.
Always pet an animal gently, with no pulling or tugging, and never from behind.
Don’t make loud noises or sudden moves when approaching an animal.
Always ask an adult before approaching an animal you don’t know.
If the adult allows, reach out your hand with the palm facing up and gently move it toward
the pet’s nose for sniffing. Do not touch the animal’s eyes, ears, nose, mouth or genitals.
· Avoid contact with a dog or cat’s waste, which can transfer disease.
· Don’t let your child touch a dog or stand near him during times of heightened excitement.
· Help your children understand that a pet is a living creature to be cared for and respected.
Here are some important lessons to share with your kids if they are approached by a strange dog:
· Stand perfectly still like a tree, keeping your hands down at your sides.
· Never run. Dogs love to chase moving objects, and that includes people!
· Stare straight ahead and not into the dog’s eyes. In dog body language, that’s like asking
for a fight.
· Keep quiet. Screaming may scare the dog.
· Back away slowly, one step at a time.
In most cases, a strange dog will merely sniff your child and walk away – especially
if they follow these rules. But if your child is ever attacked by a dog instruct your
child to curl up in a tight ball, hands covering face to protect themselves.
For more information, visit http://www.animalleague.org/expert-advice.
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Foster Parent Orientation
Please invite those who want to be a foster parent
or provide respite.
March 12, 2015
5:30 - 8:30 pm
711 Vine St in Kelso
March 26, 2015
5:30 - 8:30 pm
3401 Galvin St in Centralia
Darkness to Light’s
Stewards of Children Series
Learn how to keep your children safe from sexual abuse.
Offered by The Children’s Justice and Advocacy Center.
Workshops are FREE to the community. CEUs available.
Childcare provided. RSVP to (360) 353-3933.
Last Thursday of each month
5:00 - 7:00 pm
214 North Pacific Avenue in Kelso
Resilience Trumps Adverse Childhood
Experiences (ACEs)
Caregiver Core Training
Comprehensive course designed especially for people wanting to be foster parents, adoptive
parents or relative caregivers. Mandatory for
anyone wanting to be a licensed foster parent.
Register with Linda at (360) 485-8146.
Data from the Adverse Childhood Experience study and its
effect on brain development, physical and mental health,
education and life trajectory will be shared as well as the
research on how resilience reduces these negative effects.
Learn how a caring adult using trauma informed strategies
can significantly change these negative outcomes.
March 9, 2015 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm
240 Centralia College Blvd in Centralia*
Thurston/Mason County*
Bldg 2 – Nisqually Rm
6860 Capital Blvd in Tumwater
February 28, March 1, 7 and 8, 2015
9:30 am—4:30 pm
April 14, 2015 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm
711 Vine St in Kelso**
*Register with Linda at (360) 485-8146
**Register at ruregistered3@gmail.com
Your First Placement. Now What?
Since you now have a child placed in your home,
there may be many questions about reimbursement,
CPS, resources, etc. This curriculum re-introduces
caregivers to many of the internal workings of the
agency and the paperwork requirements.
To register, email ruregistered3@gmail.com.
Parent’s Place Parenting Classes
Classes are curriculum based and meet one night per
week. Parents Place offers several different classes to
cover different aspects of raising children. Certificates of
completion are available. Class fees vary by class.
Childcare is available. Call (360) 414-9219 for more class
information or to register for classes.
April 21, 2015
5:30 - 8:30 pm
711 Vine St in Kelso
Parents Place
928 23rd Avenue
Longview, WA 98632
Love & Logic (5 wks) An approach to raising children
that provides loving support from parents while at the
same time expecting kids to be respectful. Meets Tuesday
evenings.
Children in Between: For divorced and separated parents. It is held twice a month: Thursday and Saturday
1-2-3-4 Parents (4 wk. class) For parents of children
ages 5 and under. Ages and stages, age appropriate
discipline and consequences, bonding and more.
For additional training opportunities, please visit our website at
http://fosteringtogether.org/training/overview/
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SUPPORT GROUPS
Grandparents as Parents
Parent’s Place Support Groups
Meets every Second and Fourth Mondays from
6:00-8:00 pm at HFL Building (brick house on
corner of Rock St and Centralia College Blvd).
928 23rd Avenue
Longview, WA 98632
Call (360) 414-9219 for more information
Whether you are struggling with custody issues
or wondering about available community support.
Toddler Tuesday
For more information, call (360) 736-9391 x 465
Meets every Tuesday from 10:00-11:30 am at
Parent’s Place.
A play/bonding group for children 6 and under.
Link
1952 9th Ave
Longview, WA 98632
Dad’s Group
Meets the Second and Fourth Wednesdays from
6:30-7:30 pm at Parent’s Place.
Open Gym
Meets Wednesdays from 6:00-8:00 pm.
Life Works Playgroup
Preschool and Kindergarten Open Gym
Meets Thursdays from 11:00 am -1:00 pm.
Meets every Monday from 10:00 am-12:00 pm at
906 New York Ave in Longview.
A play group for children birth to age 6. FREE.
Call (360) 577-9093 for more information.
Dessert Night
March 19, 2015
6:00-7:00 pm
Centralia DCFS Office
3401 Galvin St
Bring your favorite dessert and get to know other
foster parents and DCFS staff.
Union Familiar
Meets every Wednesday from 11:00am - 12:30pm
at 133 S Pekin Rd in Woodland
A group for Spanish speaking parents.
Read and Grow
Children’s Justice & Advocacy
Center Support Group
Songs, stories, activities, and more! Meets 10:00
am to 11:30 am.
Meets Every Monday from 5:30-7:00 pm
at 214 N Pacific Ave in Kelso
Olympic Elementary at 1324 30th Ave in
Longview on Wednesdays
For parents or other non-offending guardians
who have a child that has experienced trauma
related to crime.
RSVP to Mary Patterson at (360) 353-3933.
Mint Valley Elementary at 2745 38th Ave in
Longview on Thursdays
St. Helens Elementary at 431 27th Ave in
Longview on Fridays.
Cowlitz Adoption Support Group
Groups do not meet when school is closed. For
more information, call Shannon at (360) 751-2100
Meets First Wednesday of every month
10:00 am
Electric Bean Cafe
946 Washington Way #110 in Longview
Networking Group. No childcare, but small play
area is available for your children.
RSVP to Niki at (708) 653-8912.
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CALENDAR
When you need a night off, you can drop
your children and know that they will be
taken care of. Dinner will be provided.
For more information about these groups,
call Niki at (708) 653-8912.
1624 Meeting at your local DSHS Office
1624 Meetings will be held at each DCFS
office on March 10th from 10:00am-12:00pm.
If you would like to see changes, please
attend. If you can’t attend in person, you can
attend this meeting by phone at your local
DCFS office.
COWLITZ COUNTY KID’S FUN NIGHTS ARE
CANCELLED FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH.
LOADED BAKED POTATO
FUNDRAISING EVENT
Lewis County Foster Parent Association.
April 4, 2015 from 6:00-9:00 pm
Centralia Grange
2640 West Reynolds Ave in Centralia
RSVP to Amy at (360) 200-2102
SAVE THE DATE!
FPAWS Conference
Great Wolf Lodge
May 15-17, 2015
For more information, visit www.fpaws.org
Want to contribute an article or event to the Newsletter?
Call or email Niki Favela at
(360) 703-3622 or (708) 653-8912
or Niki-Favela@olivecrest.org
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