Vol. 11, No. 2 • May 2007
From the NC Foster and Adoptive Association's President
by Stacey Darbee
Happy Spring! The NCFAPA has been so busy the past several months that I almost don’t know where to begin!
An Amazing Conference
Our 9th annual training conference, Honoring Connections: The Key to Hidden Treasures, was held April 20-22 and was a resounding success. Over 500 foster, adoptive, and kinship parents joined together for a weekend of learning, sharing, resting, games, and some dancing fun!One highlight of this event was that we partnered with the Division, Duke University, and Appalachian Family Innovations to offer special training for therapeutic foster parents.
We also brought judges to the conference to give all participants a better understanding of our state’s court system and the legal issues that affect them and the children in their homes. We believe that parents who are informed on all issues can make the best decisions for their families.
Undie Sunday
Every Sunday in May we are asking foster and adoptive parents to support children in care by spearheading an “Undie Sunday” collection in their community. As part of this, they will ask people to donate NEW underwear and socks to be distributed to foster and adoptive parents and local agencies. For more information go to our website, or you can send
e-mail to [email protected].Positive Press
The NCFAPA is pleased to participate in some positive media exposure of fostering and adoption. Capital Broadcasting Co. will be producing a television show about disproportionality of children in care. Prior to the show its radio stations will air spots supportive of fostering and adoption. Tune in and let Capital Broadcasting know we appreciate their effort to shine a light on what we do!The NCFAPA and the CFSR
The NC Division of Social Services continues to demonstrate its commitment to partnering with foster and adoptive parents by inviting the NCFAPA to weigh in on issues vital to child and family well-being. A prime example of this is North Carolina’s 2007 federal Child and Family Service Review (CFSR). During the CFSR, which occurs every five years or so, representatives of the Administration for Children and Families assess where each state’s child welfare system is strong and where it needs improvement. This year the NCFAPA gave foster and adoptive parents a voice in this process by participating in the CFSR as an official stakeholder. Also, I represented the NCFAPA (and all the families we represent), by working with a federal reviewer to examine and analyze cases in the CFSR’s on-site review in Catawba County. Being so involved in this process is a big step forward and gives us a new vision of what the partnership between the state and the NCFAPA can be.New Tool to Enhance Social Worker Visits
If you haven’t heard yet, a new tool is being piloted with several foster care agencies across North Carolina. This tool, the “Monthly Foster Care Contact Record,” was developed by an advisory group of experts from across North Carolina that included representatives from the NCFAPA. This tool is designed for foster care workers to use once a month during visits with children in care and their foster families. The goal for the tool is to enhance the quality of visits by encouraging consistent exploration, support, and follow-up on the needs identified by children and foster families.Between now and the end of the year this tool will be pilot tested in a number of North Carolina foster care agencies. The goal of the pilot is to improve the tool and its usefulness for workers and families. The NCFAPA is excited about this new tool because we believe it will be really beneficial to foster parents and the children in their care. If you have any feedback after you encounter this tool please let us know via our website. We look forward to hearing from you!
There are many other issues we are looking at including several legislative items. Please read more about it at our website <www.ncfapa.org>. Have a great summer!
Copyright � 2007 Jordan Institute for Families
