LINK LINES Spring 2003

 

Cayuga Off the Ground and Flying The new Cayuga County Foster and Adoptive Parent Association is not only off the ground, it's flying high. Over 50 foster and adoptive parents attended the association first formal meeting on January 18th. President Patti Rafferty is thrilled with the turnout and the strong support the group has received from their local Dept. of Social Services. The county awarded the group $2,000 in start up monies (from their post -adoption services grant) which helped them to provide baby sitting and lunch at the January meeting and will fund group projects this year . A survey of families attending revealed a strong interest in training workshops and a mentoring program. Patti is interested in any suggestions other LINK families might have for buddy and or mentoring projects. Check her out on the LINK contact page and drop her a note with any ideas you might have. Other activities planned for the future include joint caseworker/foster parent training workshops, incorporation, fund development to replace grant funds, and completing the LINK survey. Congratulations to Pat and her new co-leader, Becky Hyde on an impressive start. First Steps in Onondaga A small group of foster parents began meeting in March to discuss the possibility of forming a new foster parent association in Onondaga County. At the first meeting , sponsored by the Syracuse Salvation Army, NYSCCC provided attendees with information on parent group development and ideas for projects and programs to inform and support local foster parents. Broome County LINK parent, Anne Marie Purdy, shared her expertise and experience in revitalizing their local group and inspired those present with the possibilities for action and change. A steering committee was formed to explore next steps which held a subsequent meeting to identify tentative goals and objectives. Items on the wish list include a foster parent newsletter, a mentoring program for new parents and expanded training opportunities. LINK parent Debi Southard has agreed to assume temporary leadership duties during the initial outreach and development stage. Debi would love to hear from anyone who is interested in joining the group or has words of wisdom to share. You can contact Debi at debisouthard@cs.com.

Communication Works! In the November issue of Link Lines we reported on Madison County efforts to develop and strengthen the relationships between DSS and local foster parents. Last fall Link parent Helen Moyer began meeting regularly with county administration to explore mutual interests and discuss increased support for foster parents. It seems to be working. When FAPA president Helen Moyer brought up a foster board rate increase she was told it was a budget impossibility but continued to press her case for equity with surrounding counties Imagine her surprise and pleasure when foster parents received a letter in January notifying them of a small but valued increase in the board rate and mileage reimbursement. More proof that "together we can make a difference!" What a Difference a Year Makes! Since assuming the leadership of the Dare to Care FAPA Anne Marie Purdy and Rose Karluk have helped to redefine the word partnership in Broome County. In addition to many joint projects with DSS which support and inform foster parents, the Association undertook an aggressive and successful lobbying campaign to reinstate county child welfare positions eliminated in the 2003 County Budget. The good will and respect the effort earned them is evidenced by the county's offer of office space at DSS and the issuance of county ID cards for all foster parents. Both Anne Marie and Rose have recently been asked to serve on the community foster parent recruitment / retention task force. Dare to Care's next partnership activity - a luncheon and inservice on the foster parent perspective for agency caseworkers. "Action, Lights, Camera" In February NYSCCC and Photosynthesis Productions of Ithaca began initial filming for a training video which will explore shared parenting relationships and offer real life strategies and techniques for developing and nurturing them. The video is planned for release next fall. Many thanks to Tompkins DSS for hosting the filming and bravo to our initial cadre of future film stars: Kelly Graven, Chenango Cty. foster parent, and Maggie Campbell and Ginny Mistry of Tompkins County.

 November 2002 Issue LINK Lines

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