The Family Reunification team wishes you all a very blessed Holiday and joyous New Year! As we close out 2019, we reflect on our distinct opportunity to partner with such a dedicated and compassionate network. We appreciate all that you have done and look forward to the things to come in 2020.
Monthly Report
The monthly report for December is due by January 10th.
Family Separation - Please continue to track/report family separation cases using this guidance.
Migration Protection Protocols - In response to the implementation of Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) (also known as “Remain in Mexico”) at the U.S.- Mexico border, USCCB/MRS has developed a formal way of tracking cases directly impacted by the MPP; additional information on the MPP can be found here. Please review and complete the information indicated here for all cases in which a child reports being impacted in any capacity by MPP.
ORR Policy Updates
All new hires must complete the entire background check process (including fingerprint results and CAN checks) prior to hiring in compliance with ORR policy. ORR does have a process that new hires can be approved by the PO to begin training before the background checks have been completed, as long as the training is occurring in a place where they would not have contact with/access to UAC. This is addressed in the question and answer section in 4.3.9.
January 8th, 3:00-4:30pm (EST) - Webinar - Introduction to LGBTQ Cultural Competency - This webinar covers foundational information related to serving LGBTQ youth and families. Topics include key terminology and concepts, an overview of the barriers faced by LGBTQ youth and families in child welfare, and the steps all service providers can take to overcome these barriers in order to create a welcoming environment.
January 15th, 1:00-2:15pm (EST) - Webinar - Trauma-Informed Care: Movement Towards Practice - Refugee service providers work with individuals and families who have experienced significant trauma. This webinar will give you key insights on defining trauma-informed care within the refugee context and adopting trauma-informed practices on the individual and organizational levels.
January 29th, 1:00-2:15pm (EST) - Webinar - Preventing Crisis in Resettlement: De-escalation with a Trauma Awareness - Because of past trauma and current stresses, clients can sometimes display significant emotions and behaviors that may be challenging to support. Trauma-informed case planning can help prevent these situations, while de-escalation can help successfully manage them. This webinar will give you key insight, skills, and strategies for these challenging situations.
March 25th-29th, 2020, Washington, DC - CWLA 2020 Conference: 100th Anniversary Year, Sharing Ideas that Strengthen Families and Engage Communities to Promote Child Well-Being.
July 12th-15th, 2020, New Orleans, LA - FFTA 2020 Conference - Join more than 700 child welfare professionals at the only international conference on family focused treatment services. Workshops are designed for advanced-level professionals who implement treatment family care models and interventions in family settings, including treatment foster, kinship, bio or adoptive families.
*Training Tracker- This is the most recent tracker and should be used by all program staff moving forward. It includes instructions and an example for your convenience. Please plan to have all training hours/categories fulfilled and trackers completed before February 1st. Once completed you can forward to your assigned CSS.
Vicarious Trauma Resource page (OVC TTAC) - Learn more about the impact of vicarious trauma on individuals and on organizations, as well as resources designed to help you identify and address vicarious trauma proactively.
Safe Place - This is a helpful tool if a youth is in fear of their safety, they are able to text or call and they will direct them to an area designated to provide safety as well as provide a number to a local youth agency and the option to interact with a professional.
