Jade Wilson is our newest Resource Parent

Support worker.

RPS NEWS FROM THE DESK OF M IKE NASON

What’s Inside:

Focus on DCS Staff 1

Foster Child’s First Holiday in Your Home 2

Anniversary Recognition 3

Advocacy & Mentorship Program 4

FAFM Skating Party Flyer 5

December 2014 Volume 1 Issue 6

Focus on DCS Staff

Jade Wilson is a Case Manager II with the

Department of Children’s Services. Jade

was born and raised a Memphian and

recently married the man of her dreams in

June 2014. She began her journey with the

Department in October 2011 where she

worked in Child and Family and in May

2014, she joined the Resource Parent

Support Unit. Jade graduated from the

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in

2011 where she received her B.S degree

in Social Work. Mrs. Wilson’s motto is “I

can do all things thru Christ that

strengthens me”.

RPS News Page 2

Celebrating Your Foster Child’s First

Holiday in Your Home It might seem awkward to hear that

you can allow your foster child to be sad on

Thanksgiving or Christmas; however, the truth

is that it’s totally OK. He may be grieving due

to being separated from his family. If he

doesn’t want to share what he’s thankful for or

participate in other festivities, it’s all right to

give him the time he needs to adjust. It will

help to keep an eye on him to make sure he

expresses his sadness in a way that won’t

cause harm to himself or others.

Your foster child may be feeling alone

and unwanted. Let him know that he is a part

of the family by offering him an opportunity to

share activities that will make him feel

important (i.e., setting the table). Participating

will make him feel he is integral not only to

the day but also to the family as a whole.

Nothing says home like eating some of

your favorite foods. Ask him what some of his

are, and make a few dishes. It will feel great

for him to experience something familiar,

especially at this time.

Since your house will most likely be

crowded with a variety of aunts, uncles,

cousins and grandparents, it’s good to inform

them – if they don’t already know – about the

new addition to the family. Letting them know

this is your foster child’s first holiday in your

home will help them understand and exercise

sensitivity.

Of course, for your foster child’s

protection, confidentiality is of the utmost

importance. For example, discussing the

circumstances that led to your foster child’s

removal can bring more harm than help.

While it is important your family

welcomes your foster child, it is also vital to

ensure they will not make him feel obligated

to exhibit/give close contact. Hugs can seem

friendly and harmless, but a child who has

been abused physically or sexually may see

them as a threat. If he shows discomfort with

physical contact, it is important not to force it.

However, if your foster child doesn’t mind a

hug, it’s a great way to show affection!

This is the first holiday together for you and

your foster child, so it will be different. The

good news is different doesn’t mean bad.

Adding understanding and compromise on

the menu along with the seasonal foods will

make the day even more fulfilling. With love,

patience, hard work and hope, this can be

the beginning of brighter holidays ahead.

Adapted from http://foster-adoptive-kinship-family-services-nj.org/celebrating-

foster-childs-first-thanksgiving-home/#more-305

RPS News Page 3

Years as a

Name Date Resource Parent

Janice Smith 12/6/07 7

Ora Harris 12/2/12 2

Harvey & Veda Martin 12/15/12 2

Tina Jones 12/3/13 1

Reneatha Hardaway 12/4/13 1

Luke & Shannon Douthitt 12/7/13 1

Aimee Santucci 12/11/13 1

John Jolly 12/11/13 1

Claudette James 12/11/13 1

James Morrow 12/18/13 1

Derrick & Andrea Hardaway 12/19/13 1

Darryl & Evelyn Crawford 12/26/13 1

Bradley & Natalie Breeden 12/31/13 1

Twyla Moore & Elijah Austin 12/21/12 2

Dennis & Tammy Middleton 12/26/06 8

Minnie Peete 12/15/11 3

Bruce & Charisse Wilks 12/29/11 3

Anniversary Congratulations Congratulations to the following Resource Parents on their December

anniversary dates.

RPS News Page 4

Mr. Sean Burke 1

Resource Parent Advocacy and Mentorship Program (DCS RPAM). The DCS RPAM

program was designed to offer Resource Parents (formerly known as foster and adoptive

parents) a support system all their own. This program has two focuses: Mentorship and

Advocacy. The Mentorship program is designed to help guide new resource parents through

the rocky waters of the DCS tidal wave, sort of like white water rafting! Despite the thrill of rafting

down the river, there are always rocks lurking underneath the water, an experienced guide

can maneuver the raft around the rocks while allowing the “rafters” the pleasure of being on

the water. Mentors basically do the same thing. They explain the pitfalls, heartaches and joys of

resource parenting and demonstrate proper ways to communicate with others on behalf of

those they “parent.” Mentors provide emotional support and acquaint new resource parents

with the services that are available to them in their region. Mentors also help new resource

parents understand the foster care system and how to best work in partnership with DCS.

The Advocacy program is similar to the Mentorship program except this portion of the

program uses highly trained resource parents who ADVOCATE on behalf of other resource

parents. Advocates are available to answer questions or assist with concerns that a resource

parent may have. Advocates receive specialized training to help them interpret the

Department of Children’s Services’ (DCS) policy and procedures (that’s a lot of responsibility)

and then to assist other resource parents communicate effectively with their respective DCS

family service worker. On those rare occasions when communication fails, the Advocate will

also assist resource parents in filing grievances and appeals. Advocates also provide training

on the Foster Parent Bill of Rights.

There are 12 Advocates throughout the State of Tennessee, one in each of the grand

regions covered by the Department of Children’s Services. Each Advocate is a member, in

good standing, of the Tennessee Foster Adoptive Care Association. Their main task is to

ADVOCATE on behalf of other resource parents. When requested, Advocates can attend

meetings, court hearings and formal review panels. They can assist to interpret the Foster

Parents Bill of Rights and help offer guidance and support to resource parents.

Advocates and Mentors care, they are committed to serving others but ultimately strive

to enhance the lives of children in foster care throughout the State of Tennessee. They are

available to both DCS resource parents as well as privately funded resource agencies. If you

have any questions, we are here to help, just give us a call.

DCS Resource Parent Advocacy and Mentoring Program

The new Shelby Advocate

is Sean Burke at 854-0917. Mr.

Sean Burke and his wife Carmen

have been approved as a

Traditional Resource Parents since

June 27, 2011. Mr. & Mrs. Burke

have adopted two children from

the department, and plan to

adopt one more. Mr. Burke has

a wealth of knowledge as it

relates to resolution and

solution. Mr. Burke does not

allow his disability to hinder him

from meeting the needs of our

children or advocating for our

resource parents. Mr. Burke is

resourceful and focused.

Mr. Sean Burke

RPS News Page 5