February 2019
Greetings!

How do we celebrate the promise of each youth in a system that so often focuses on risk and deficits? Please take this opportunity to learn about disproportionality in child welfare in Wisconsin, learn about opportunities to promote wellness and vibrancy in our youth and check out wonderful national opportunities. Say hello to our "polar vortex" class of new volunteers. Talk about persistence -- our kids are so fortunate to have this team at their side! Thank you and keep on sharing your ideas.

Sue
Susan Conwell, JD
Executive Director
Disproportionality in Child Welfare
How do we talk about race in a child welfare system that dramatically overrepresents Black and American Indian children? First, we can’t be afraid to ask questions and have honest conversation. Kids Matter talked to Jermaine Reed, the Executive Director of Fresh Start Family Services and convener of the Color of Child Welfare Conference, to reflect on race and the child welfare system: “The overrepresentation of children, families and communities of color in Wisconsin's foster care system represents a serious social injustice. It also offers an opportunity for the state to lead the charge in eliminating this persistent nationwide problem.”

Second, we need to change the language we use while having honest conversations. Volunteers and professionals passionate about reducing disproportionality need to face uncomfortable realities while also finding opportunities and positive messages for children. Reed says it’s important to meet people where they are, but “you also need to meet people where they want to go.” He advises that people stop coming to youth with an “at-risk,” deficit-minded approach. Rather, Reed tells each youth that they are “at-promise,” because all a child needs is “one loving, caring adult to be that bridge from where you are to where you want to go.”

We believe it’s important for our volunteers to know the statistics and complexity:
The disproportionality index is calculated by taking the proportion of children in foster care for a given race and dividing it by the proportion of the same group in the population. Disproportionality index value below 1 indicates group is underrepresented and index above 1 indicates group is overrepresented. In 2017, Black or African American and American Indian or Alaska Native children in Wisconsin were overrepresented in out-of-home care. (Data sources: WI DCF Annual Out-Of-Home Care Report 2017 and US Census)
The number of big and small decisions that contribute to disproportionate outcomes for children of color in Milwaukee makes it difficult to give satisfying explanations or simple answers . A 2011 Kids Matter publication, Not So Black and White Issues in Child Welfare, explains a few theories such as biased decision-making and risk factors. Reed also gives a few problems to consider. The workforce in child welfare does not look like the people they serve which can impede engagement and communication. This gap becomes a problem when people serve communities they are not part of and use their own personal definitions to make decisions.

Consider this example of implicit bias: studies have shown that caseworkers are more likely to substantiate abuse and remove a child in cases involving neglect (which disproportionately involve Black families) than those of physical and/or sexual violence (which disproportionately involve White families). A trend in child welfare is to train people on how implicit bias affects decision-making, but one-time trainings rarely do the trick.

Additionally, Reed emphasizes that we can’t stop at disproportionality, we also need to look at disparities once a child is in the system—who gets services and how quickly do they get those services? Who gets placed with a relative and who bounces between foster homes? Who gets help in school? When a child has a behavioral outburst, who is called: law enforcement or emergency mental health services? Disparate treatment in the juvenile justice, education, medical, mental health systems all contribute to disproportionality in the child welfare system.

So how can Wisconsin reduce disproportionality in the child welfare system? Reed states, “It is critically important to increase public awareness of the issues facing the child welfare system as the first step in creating comprehensive action plans and strategies aimed at addressing racial disproportionality. Developing youth, parent, and community partnerships that include businesses, schools, churches, and family-serving agencies enables all stakeholders to work together and provide unified leadership in addressing racial disproportionality.” Yet Reed also warns against promises from leadership without long-term commitment or improved outcomes. Addressing racial disproportionality needs measurable, concrete plans and accountability for future outcomes.

Reed has advice for volunteers working with children. He says volunteers should remain open, respectful, and responsible, while also keeping in mind how a Black person’s past experiences with law enforcement, the child welfare system, etc. might affect how they currently respond to those same systems. Go further back too: “research historical trauma and how that impacts communities of color.” Take note of how negative images of Black men as angry or uncommitted father affect how you interact with fathers and relatives. See children in their full promise and potential and remember Reed’s words: “You can’t help people you’re afraid of.”

We will feature more of our interview with Jermaine Reed in future newsletters. Are you interested in learning more about disproportionality in the child welfare system or doing something about it? Read about the history of Native American children in child welfare or contact us with other ideas!
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
Open to the public and counts as 8 hours of CASA continuing education!
This free ReCast MKE training provides adults with tools to help assess youth 12-18 years old who may be developing a mental health problem or experiencing a crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid training is recommended for school staff, law enforcement, faith leaders, hospital and nursing home staff, sports coaches, after-school program staff, mentors, and parents and guardians. Led by Jeremy Triblett and sponsored by City of Milwaukee Office of Violence Prevention and Community Advocates Public Policy Institute. Register in advance here.
Date:  March 11, 2019 9:00am-5:00pm
Location: Community Advocates Training Center, 6900 W. Brown Deer Rd, Milwaukee
Resources for Relative Caregivers and Volunteers
Have you heard of the Annie E. Casey Foundation?
The Annie E. Casey Foundation works to improve the lives of millions of children, families, and communities across the country, and is a great resource for relative caregivers and volunteers! Their work includes the Child Welfare Strategy Group and the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative. Explore their website and check out one of our favorite resources from the Annie E. Casey Foundation below.

Coping with the Unique Challenges of Kinship Care
This 3-part video training series is highly recommended by our social workers! The Annie E. Casey Foundation created this as a resource for kin caregivers and the child welfare workers who supporting them. Through the series and its discussion guide, viewers will learn:
  • how kinship care changes and affects family dynamics;
  • how these changes can result in challenges that may affect a caregiver’s ability to provide safety and permanence for the youth in their care; and
  • approaches and strategies to cope with these challenges.
Click here to watch the three videos! CASA volunteers get CEU credits for watching Dr. Crumbley's videos.
NEW! Grand Resource: Help for Grandfamilies Impacted by Opioids and Other Substance Use
Grandfamilies affected by substance use disorders face a range of unique social, financial, physical and mental health challenges. Despite challenges, the growing reliance on grandfamilies is best for children whose parents cannot raise them. Decades of research repeatedly confirms that children who cannot remain with their birth parents thrive when raised by relatives and close family friends.

Generations United published this guide to provide tips, useful information and a list of additional resources to help grandfamilies both inside and outside the foster care system impacted by opioids or other substance use. Sections include practicing self-care , addressing childhood trauma , preventing harmful drug use by children , engaging with birth parents , and talking with a child about their birth parents .
What is the NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program?
  • Free, 12-session education program for family, partners, friends and significant others of adults living with mental illness
  • Taught by trained facilitators who are also family members who know what it is like to have a loved one living with mental illness
  • Designed to help family members understand and support their loved one living with mental illness
  • Includes information on schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression and other mental health conditions
Follow this link to learn how to register for the next session, starting in March!
*CASA Volunteer Survey*
Current CASA volunteers, be on the lookout for an email with a Wisconsin CASA survey from us. Wisconsin CASA will be creating tailored trainings and is looking for your expertise!
Congrats New CASA Volunteers!
Congratulations to the newest class of CASA volunteers! We look forward to the life-changing guidance they will provide to our foster youth. If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, scroll down for training dates and contact information.

Pictured below: (Back Row, L-R) Nidhi, Cory, Stephanie, Lakiesha, Judge Skwierawski, Cheryl, Joan, Tiffany, Lance (Front Row, R-L) Elsy, Nicole
Not pictured: Alexis, Monica, and Nancy
Coming Up: CASA Training
Would you like to make a difference in the life of a child? Become A Court Appointed Special Advocate!

Spring Training for CASA volunteers    – 5 required sessions
Our next CASA volunteer training cycle will begin on March 27, 2019. This 5 week training will be on four Wednesday evenings from 6 PM to 9 PM, one Saturday from 9 AM to 3 PM, and a weekday morning courtroom observation. The training is comprised of at-home online session (16 hrs) and classroom sessions (18 hrs). All classes are held at the Kids Matter office near downtown Milwaukee; the courtroom observation is held at the Vel R Phillips Juvenile Justice Center in Wauwatosa.

Wednesday, March 27, 6 PM to 9 PM
Wednesday, April 3, 6 PM to 9 PM
Saturday, April 6, 9 AM to 3 PM
Wednesday, April 10, 6 PM to 9 PM
Wednesday, April 17, 6 PM to 9 PM

We are accepting applications now! Background and reference checks and a personal interview are required for all volunteer applicants. Please call Nidhi Khare at 414-344-1220 or  email us  to sign up or if you have questions about future Kids Matter CASA training opportunities.
Handmake Cards for Foster Youth!
Looking for a weekend or spring break activity for the whole family?
You can sign up for our service project to make birthday and graduation cards for foster youth through Points of Light! Foster kids are often forgotten on their birthdays, and seldom receive the same level of recognition and attention as children raised in traditional families with biological parents and siblings. Nothing says "you are special" like a handmade card with an uplifting, positive message. For details and to sign up, visit Points of Light !
Apply or Nominate Your Youth for the National Foster Care Youth & Alumni Policy Council!
Apply by March 1! The National Foster Care Youth & Alumni Policy Council convenes to provide federal stakeholders with relevant and timely information as policies and procedures are created that will impact children and families throughout the country. The Council represents a collective viewpoint of youth and alumni who have personal experience in the foster care system. Young leaders who have lived experience in the child welfare system (including foster care, adoption and kinship/relative care) and are between the ages of 18-26 are eligible to apply here . 
Application Deadline- March 1, 2019 by Midnight
Notification of application status- March 22, 2019
In- person meeting for accepted applicants- April 2019, Washington D.C.
Former Foster Care Youth and Foster Parents: Thoughts on Education
Former foster care youth and foster parents are invited to participate in a research study on their thoughts on post-secondary education . Data gathered from individuals will be averaged across whole groups of participants, and the results will be published in a psychology journal and/or presented at a psychology conference.
Participants will complete an online survey which should take no more than 20 minutes, and will be compensated for time and participation with a $10 gift card. Participation in this study is voluntary.
Are you interested in volunteering for Fostering Hope? Want to ask your employer to sponsor this year's event? Contact us ! For information on tickets and attending the 10th Annual Fostering Hope, stay tuned to the newsletter and Facebook!