December 2012 Newsletter
Just a reminder that the Independence Area Support Group does not meet in
December, so that you will have more time to do a little gift shopping, spend
some time with family, or just kick back and relax.
This can be a tough time for kids in care. (See last month’s newsletter regarding
developmental grieving). If the children have not experienced a holiday with you,
it can be overwhelming to have so many places to go, so much food to eat, so many
relatives they have never met, and/or so many presents to unwrap. (Remember
the Imaginary Journey and opening the door to all of those new faces… Or the
“First Day” roadwork from PS-Mapp?) Keep in mind that what is “normal” for you
is very foreign to them. If a child is having behaviors, they are likely not trying to
ruin the holiday spirit, but rather are expressing feelings of being overwhelmed or
anxious.
If you need respite, please find it or ask for assistance to find it as soon as
possible! Emergencies happen, but if it is planned respite, please begin looking
as soon as you know you need it. You can ask your Iowa KidsNet
Renewal/Support Specialist and/or IFAPA liaison for help. If you are doing
respite, please remember to stay within your licensing capacity!
Changes are afoot! You should have received an e-mail and/or letter in the
mail regarding the areas of coverage with Iowa KidsNet (IKN).
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Buchanan County IKN Renewal and Support Specialist: Katie Squier
Katie.Squier@lsiowa.org 319-939-5178
Delaware County IKN Renewal and Support Specialist: Cassie Peterson
Cassandra.Peterson@lsiowa.org 563-380-3433
Fayette County IKN Renewal and Support Specialist:
3433Jennifer.Miller@lsiowa.org 641-330-6450
Jennifer Miller 563-380-
Future Support Group Events:
Thursday, January 10th, we will have Joy Jager doing training for us! PLEASE let me know if you
can make it, as this will be a pizza night! Pizza at 6 pm with Training from 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Thursday, February 14th, Mandatory Child Abuse Reporter Training 6:30-8:30pm. You need this
training every 5 years. It’s FREE and it’s close. 
Thursday, March 14th, Social Worker Appreciation Dinner, Please start inviting your favorite
workers early. Foster/Adoptive families please bring a dish or two to share, as this is a potluck
event. PLEASE let me know if you have invited workers and they are coming!
**In the event of inclement weather, PLEASE call Nancy 319.934.3481 to see if the support
group is still being held**
Upcoming IFAPA Events:
Tuesday, February 19th, Legislative Breakfast in Des Moines. Come
and meet the legislators! The legislators WANT to hear from
foster and adoptive parents. Please consider joining us that day!
March 1st and 2nd, is the IFAPA Spring Conference! Look for
upcoming mailings.
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I say, “Merry Christmas” in my home, but if you say “Happy Hanukkah” or
“Happy Kwanza” or “Happy Holidays” or even “Bah Humbug” in yours, then
just know that I am wishing you good will!
As always, please contact me if you need anything.
Nancy Staton
Find me on Facebook “NorthEastern IFAPA Liaison”
nstaton_ifapa@netins.net
319.934.3481
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