A Positive Outlook Carol is a 17 year-old girl currently in foster care. She grew up in a home with her mother and grandmother. Carol’s mother had substance abuse issues resulting in Carol moving in with her aunt and uncle. After almost two years, Carol was moved to a foster home that was a better fit for her and her family. Carol was asked about her experience in foster care, here is what she had to say:

What do you enjoy about foster care?

I have a huge network of people to call on if I ever need any help, or even just someone to talk to if I'm having a bad day. My social workers have been there with me through a lot, and they've done me some really amazing favors. It's also a good thing (I think, at least!) that I have a lot of people looking after me, so if they see that I'm not doing so well, they can catch up on things with me and try to help me through whatever's got me down.

What do you enjoy about your foster family?

I have one of the best foster families ever. Even though I've only been with them for a few months, I truly feel like a part of the family. I want to stay in contact with them even after I move out or age out of care.

What are some opportunities you have now that you didn't have before?

The biggest opportunity I have now is the ability to feel secure in my future. I know I'm going to college, I know I'm going to be able to have my own place, and I know that I'm going to have people by my side who will be able to aid me in those endeavors.

When you leave foster care, what are your plans?

My independent living plans are pretty nice, I think. I'm going to attend Arcadia University! I am going to get an apartment with a roommate. Once I graduate out of college and leave foster care, I'm hoping to move in with my boyfriend (currently of four years), start publishing books, and start a family, too!

Carol recognizes that being in foster care was not her ideal situation but is grateful for the support she has received. She is thankful that her mother is in recovery and that they are able to build a healthy relationship. She has a positive outlook on her future and knows she will succeed!

An Access Services Host Family Newsletter Volume 8 Issue 4 Summer 2016

Training and Announcements

“The Gathering” a Foster Care group: The gathering group will continue. If there are

topics you’d like to see, please let us know. If you have a new email you’d like to share, please let us know. Please be sure to complete your annual training and supplemental training prior to the end of your re-evaluation year. Training is required for re-approval as a foster parent.

Welcoming Our New Lifesharing Providers! April Hemmerle, Ashlee Davis, and Corinne Dudley

Meet Jen! Jennifer Whitaker is our new part-time respite coordinator, who comes to us from Bucks County. Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from the University of Delaware in May of 2015, Jen adds more fun, energy, and knowledge to our department! Jen is a fulltime employee who works in the Respite department on Tuesdays and Fridays and spends the remainder of her week working in Access’ Children’s Crisis Support Program. Welcome to Respite Jen!

Book:

Adopting Through Foster Care: Lessons and Reflections From Our Journey Through the Maze by William Gregory

SAVE THE DATE!

Saturday, November 12, 2016

www.accessservices.org

our mission: To empower and serve people

in need of specialized supports

by providing innovative services

that improve their ability to live

fulfilling lives in the community.

ProviderTimes

Provider

Appreciation

Brunch

500 Office Center Drive, Suite 100, Fort Washington, PA 19034 Phone: 215.540.2150 Fax : 215.540.2165

Reasonable and Prudent Parent

Standard

In December 2015, the Reasonable and Prudent Parent Standard (RPPS) Training was required by all foster care staff and providers. This will be required annually. This is part of the larger law Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act (H.R. 4980). This portion of the law strives to assist the foster child in having more ‘normalcy’ while in care and allowing activities and opportunities that are provided to children who are not in foster care. Things such as getting a haircut, going to the mall, getting a driver’s license or obtaining a part time job are a few examples of these. As the foster parent for the child, you would be the one designated to exercise the Reasonable and Prudent Parent Standard with the understanding that you have discussed situations and decisions with your coordinator and county case worker.

Consider the following prior to making the decision:

The child's age, maturity and developmental level to

maintain the overall health and safety of the child.

The potential risk factors to the child or to others and the

appropriateness of the extracurricular, enrichment, cultural or social activity or experience.

The best interest of the child, based on information known

by the caregiver.

The importance of encouraging the child's emotional and

developmental growth.

The importance of supporting the child in developing skills

to successfully transition to adulthood.

The importance of providing the child with the most family-

like living experience possible.

Any special needs or accommodations that the child may

need to safely participate in the activity or experience.

The child's wishes, though not determinative, may also be

considered. Using this authority must be done within the bounds of the law which excludes some topics from the reasonable and prudent parent standard. The following decisions will still require collaboration with agencies or the court. These include:

Religious training

Educational placement

Non-routine physical care or treatment

Mental health treatment

Use of psychotropic medications

Activities that violate case plan or court order

Once you have decided that this is a decision you are permitted to make, you can go through some steps that should help you

make the decision.

Step One: Identify the Issue – what is the child really asking?

Step Two: Gather Information

Step Three: Brainstorm

Step Four: Evaluate Options

Step Five: Decide and Act

Step Six: Reflect and Learn

The Activities and Experiences for Children in Out-Of-Home Placement Act states: A caregiver, county agency and private agency shall not be liable for harm caused to a child while engaged in an activity or experience approved by the caregiver if:

The caregiver has completed the required training relating to

the reasonable and prudent parent standard.

The caregiver has made a good faith effort to use the

reasonable and prudent parent standard in approving the activity or experience.

The approval does not conflict with any applicable court order

or service plan.

*This does not remove or limit any existing liability protection afforded by any other law.

Lifesharing Attends Night to Shine Night to Shine was an unforgettable prom night experience! It was sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation and was hosted in Philadelphia by Epic Church on February 12th. Every guest was given VIP treatment, including a red carpet entrance, a limousine ride, paparazzi, professional photography, hair and makeup stations, flowers, shoe shines, food, dancing, games, and at the end of the night, ALL of the guests were named Kings and Queens of prom.

REFERRAL BONUS! Foster and Respite Providers Still Needed We continue to be in need of families interested in being foster parents and/or respite providers. If you know of anyone who may be interested in being a foster parent or respite provider, please let us know. We will contact them, answer their questions and provide them with more information. The $500 referral bonus continues! The first $200 will be dispersed once the referred family’s file is complete and they provide one day of respite care or receive a long term placement. An additional $300 will be awarded once the referred family has a placement for three months. For more information, please contact Donna Donnelly at 215.540.2150 x304.