May is National Foster Care Month!

Message from Julie Barnes, Executive Director

Greetings!

I hope you are enjoying the warm spring weather and finding some comfort in knowing there is positive movement towards the end of the COVID pandemic. It is a hopeful and happy time to celebrate National Foster Care Month.

Each year in May we acknowledge our foster parents who make a difference in the lives of many children and families in our community. As a foster parent, you play a critical role on our team, and National Foster Care Month is a time to thank you for your partnership in supporting our mission of safety, permanency and well-being for all children served.

This past year presented unique challenges for parents and children. We appreciate your dedication through tough times and the additional support you have given to children during the pandemic. Your commitment and dedication will have a long-term positive impact on the lives of many children. On behalf of SCCS, the Board of Trustees and our staff, I thank you for being the reason for a child’s bright future.

Thank You, Foster Parents!

There is no greater job than that of a parent ... including that of a foster parent. Loving and caring for a child who has been placed in your home is what we ask of you each and every day. Providing for their needs and advocating for their mental health, education and medical care is what we expect of you each and every day. There are challenging and difficult times that test your patience, sometimes every day.

But you do this time and time again ... without question and without hesitation. Why? Your reasons may vary, but you all have one commonality ... you all love these children. Through your love, you inspire and awaken their hearts.

SCCS is grateful for your willingness to open your hearts and homes to children in need. We are thankful for your commitment to the safety, permanency and well-being of children, and working in partnership with each other, with families and the community.

Join us for this virtual open house style event

for interested foster parents.

Current SCCS foster parents can receive a $50 Target gift card by bringing a guest who's interested in learning more about foster care to this special Virtual Open House Event!

SCCS foster parent(s) and their guest(s) must register and participate in the Virtual Open House in order to receive the $50 Target gift card.

Your guest must be 18 years or older and cannot be currently residing in your home. NOTE: This guest cannot be the same guest brought to the any of the virtual Open House events held in 2020 and in February 2021.

You will only receive one gift card regardless of the number of guests you have participate.

You and your guest must attend the Virtual Open House Event via Zoom Meeting on May 6, 2021 and remain connected for the entire presentation. Gift cards will be mailed.

Gift cards are limited to the first 30 SCCS foster parents who register.

When:

Thursday, May 6, 6-7 p.m.

Where:

via Zoom Meeting

(advance registration is required; Zoom instructions will be sent)

How to Register:

Online (link below) or call (330) 379-1990

Deadline to register is May 4 or until full.

The NEORTC is pleased to present its Annual Foster Parent Training Conference, May 3-8. All trainings are in-person. There are attendance limitations, so be sure to register through E-Track early. Linked below is the Conference brochure.

Conference Brochure

Foster Parent Trainings

May through August 2021

In-classroom trainings continue. Linked below is the May through August 2021 foster parent ongoing training schedule. Please register through E-Track.

NOTE: There are no scheduled trainings in July.

Online training hours continue to be available through the Foster Parent College. Please check with your coordinator about the number of hours you should take online. Contact Vickie Webb or Julie Hayden to register for a Foster Parent College account if you don't already have one.

The Ohio Child Welfare Training Program (OCWTP) is also offering additional online trainings. You can see more details on their website.

REMINDER TO FOSTER PARENTS: Please remember to bring your agency badge with you when you come to the agency. To enter the campus, swipe your badge at the reader panel to the left in front of the gate. To enter the Education Building, swipe your badge in front of the reader panel to the right of the doors. Campus visitors are restricted to those who are scheduled for training or business on campus.

The NEORTC is following all CDC-recommended safety guidelines and protocols (linked below). Please carefully review all guidelines prior to coming to the NEORTC.

Until further notice ... temperature checks will be done upon entering the SCCS Education Center / NEORTC. Trainers and trainees wishing to enter and attend training will be required to take their temperature at the self-serve wall mounted thermometer. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 or higher will not be permitted to enter the building to attend training.

May - August Training Schedule

Who Should You Contact?

Who to Contact

Waiting Child Profile

Alyssa

Born: May 2008

Alyssa is an outgoing girl, she loves the outdoors and trying different activities. She’s intelligent, has a great sense of humor, and aspires to one day protect and serve as a Policewoman. Alyssa has an older brother and younger sister, and although they do not live together, she would like to maintain a relationship with them. She is very strong-willed and determined, and at times has difficulty getting along with others. Alyssa would thrive in a structured environment and needs a family that is very patient and committed to her. Having a family to call her own is very important to her. Alyssa will benefit from ongoing counseling so she can continue address to her past trauma. For more information about Alyssa, contact her caseworker, Robert Ondash at (330) 379-1955 or by email at Robert.ondash@summitkids.org.

Foster Parent Association

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foster Parent Association is essentially on pause with regard to events and fundraisers, so there is nothing new to report. The next meeting will be held Monday, May 18 from 6-8 p.m. via Zoom Meeting. We will provide the Zoom link for the meeting to the Facebook group in the events. Anyone who is not in the Facebook group can email us for the Zoom meeting link at info@summitcountyfpa.com.

Foster care and adoption recruitment in back in action! Summit County

Children Services will participate in these upcoming community events and activities. Be sure to stop by our booth and say 'hello!'

Tuesday, May 4, 7:05 p.m.

Akron RubberDucks Home Opener

Canal Park, downtown Akron

Saturday, May 15, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Hartville Flea Market

1289 Edison Street, NW, Hartville

*Booth will be located in the outdoor parking lot area

Upcoming FCA Information Meetings

Information Meetings continue to be held via Zoom Meeting for those

who are interested in learning more about foster care and adoption

with SCCS. Staff will review the process, requirements and share

information about the types of children who enter agency custody.

We've also added a new event called 'Chat with a Coordinator.' These are informal gathering where folks can ask additional questions about the process or home study. Advance registration is required for all events.

SCCS Facebook Page

List of Upcoming Meetings

SCCS has new licensed foster homes! Welcome to ...

Bruce & Ashley Benton

Lucy Blevins

Angela Guerrero

Dale & Lindsay Sines, Jr.

Alesia Wood

Joshua & Kellie Terry

Ralph & Aimee Hubbert, Jr.

David & Abigail McMullen

Theresa Augustin & Ruth Chapman

Timothy & Ashley Fair

Jonathan & Jennifer Jackson

John & Lauren Polomsky

Davis Siglow & Russel Downey