10/10/08

Trainers Needed at IFAPA

IFAPA is recruiting trainers for “Preventative Practices Revised:  A New Look at Minimizing the Risks of Child Abuse Allegations”.  IFAPA is seeking trainers to train in all areas of the state.  Trainers must be either current foster parents in good standing or social workers who are currently licensing foster homes or aware of current licensing standards.  Trainers are needed in all areas of the state.  Please pass this information on to others who may be interested.

Requirements to be a Trainer: 

     -  A Foster Parent in good standing, with several years of experience fostering and a

        positive teamwork approach with DHS and providers.

        OR

     -  A Social worker who currently licenses foster homes or works closely enough in the 

        system to have up-to-date knowledge of licensing standards.

     -  Previous training experience is preferred.

     -  Knowledge of the foster care system is necessary for this training position.

     -  Travel is required and willingness to travel up to 120 miles on occasion is preferred (Hotel

        is provided when traveling this far).

     -  Ability to train 3-5 Saturdays per year (some train more frequently than this, depending

        on willingness and availability)

     -  Completion of a Trainer Application form.

     -  References from 3 credible sources pertaining to your qualifications for this position.

Please Note:

     -  IFAPA’s training year runs from September to June.

     -  Preventative Practices is a 6 hour training (9 to 4:30) held on Saturdays.

     -  Preventative Practices is a team-taught training, with one foster parent and one social

        worker.

     -  Trainers are paid an hourly rate by IFAPA as independent contractors.

To Apply:

If you are interested in applying to become a trainer for IFAPA, please click on the application below and mail to IFAPA (6864 NE 14th Street, Suite 5 -- Ankeny, IA 50023).  Please direct questions to Jesica Culp at 1-800-277-8145 ext 2 or at 515-289-4224; or email Jesica at jculp@ifapa.org. 

Click here for Trainer Application  -  Application deadline is Monday, December 1st.

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10/6/08

Trainings Cancelled

IFAPA has cancelled the following trainings on Saturday, October 11, due to low enrollment.

      -  Parenting the Sexually Abused and Abusive - Cedar Rapids

      -  For Better or Worse - Bettendorf

      -  Surviving the System - Waterloo

**The Managing Your Risk class held in Des Moines on Oct. 11 will still be held.**

View the Fall Training Schedule

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10/3/08

LSI Offers Workshop on Reactive Attachment Disorder 

On Saturday, October 11th, Lutheran Services in Iowa - Denison office, will be offering workshop titled: Reactive Attachment Disorder - Working Together to Help Kids Heal.  The workshop is presented by Mr. Marty Wallace, a mental health therapist experienced working with children with attachment disorders.  This workshop will be held in Denison at Cronk's Restaurant from 9am to 1pm.  There is a $20 fee for couples and a $15 fee for individuals.  To learn more about the trainer and workshop, click here.  RSVP to LSI - Denison office at 712-263-9341.

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10/2/08

Fall Training Schedule Posted 

The fall training schedule has been posted on our website.  IFAPA is offering fifteen different training topics during the months of October through January.  Register early to insure that you get a spot in the training you need.  You can register by emailing Stephanie Miles at smiles@ifapa.org or calling 800-277-8145 ext.1.  To find a upcoming six-hour training near you, click here.

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10/1/08

IFAPA is Awarded New Contract 

IFAPA is pleased to announce that we were awarded the contract from the Department of Human Services and will be able to continue providing support services and training to foster, adoptive and kinship placements throughout Iowa.

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9/18/08

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8/18/08

IFAPA's September 2008 News & Views Newsletter

The September 2008 issue of IFAPA's News and Views newsletter has been posted on the IFAPA website.  To view this newsletter, click on the following link:

http://www.ifapa.org/news/newsletters/Sept2008News&Views.pdf.  This issue contains IFAPA's September training schedule, information on available waivers, adoption respite information and so much more!

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8/12/08

IFAPA Appreciation Day at Adventureland Park

The Iowa Foster and Adoptive Parents Association is offering foster and adoptive families a day of fun at Adventureland!  The park will be open 10am to 8pm on Saturday, September 6th.  Adventureland has also added a new attraction called Kokomo Kove.  It features seven waterslides and other water features.  Swimsuits are required, towels are not provided.  A changing area is available.  This attraction is included in your admission ticket price.  For more information about this new attraction visit www.adventurelandpark.com.  To print off IFAPA's Adventureland Registration Form, click here. 

HURRY - All ticket orders must be postmarked by August 27th of dropped off at the IFAPA office at 5pm on August 27th.   

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8/8/08

RUSTY JOHNSON'S American Dreams Concert

Saturday, September 20, 2008 - 7:00pm

Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines

Join Rusty and his band at Hoyt Sherman Place on Saturday, September 20th for an unforgettable night of jazz and pop music.  Special guest artists will include the legendary Dallas-based pianist, Buddy Shanahan, and renowned Christian vocalist, Marvin Matthews.

When not touring or performing, Rusty takes to another of his passions, child welfare advocacy.  Raised in the Iowa foster care system, Rusty uses his personal experience to connect with youth, foster parents, communities, and legislators.

Concert proceeds will benefit the Iowa Friends of Foster Children Foundation.  For seventeen years, the Friends Foundation has helped Iowa’s foster children attend summer camps, take music lessons, join a sports team and pay for items such as senior pictures, graduation cap & gown and prom attire.  The Iowa Friends of Foster Children Foundation provides foster children with the funds they need for those special “extras” in life which they otherwise would not receive.

BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!!  ALL SEATS $25

Hoyt Sherman Box Office:

1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines - Box office hours: Monday – Friday 11am to 5pm

Box office number: 515-244-0199

Ticketmaster:

www.ticketmaster.com

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8/4/08

New Booklets for Families

IFAPA has published two news educational booklets for families.  To request a copy of either booklet, e-mail Crystal Thomason at cthomason@ifapa.org.

Transracial Parenting in Foster Care and Adoption: Strengthening Your Bicultural Family  -  This guidebook was created to help parents and children in transracial homes learn how to thrive in and celebrate their bicultural family; and for children to gain a strong sense of racial identity and cultural connections.  View Booklet

Completing the Circle: Uncovering, Discovering & Creating Connections for Your Foster & Adoptive Children  -  This guidebook was created to help foster & adoptive parents identify, locate, and engage as many caring individuals as possible - biological and other -- to support the child in your care over his or her lifetime.  View Booklet

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7/30/08

DHS Wants to Hear From You

The Department of Human Services is interested in your feedback on the following two issues:

Issue #1 - What restrictions, if any, do you think there should be on foster parents smoking while caring for foster children?

Issue #2 - The Child Death Review Team has asked the last two years that the Department require foster parents to be certified in CPR and First Aid and maintain the certification.  Do you think foster parents should be required to be certified in CPR and First Aid?  Why or why not?

Please e-mail your feedback to Crystal Thomason at cthomason@ifapa.org.  Please put "feedback for DHS" in the subject line of your e-mail and specify in your e-mail whether you are a foster parent, adoptive parent, social worker, etc.  All responses will be given to the Department of Human Services and will be kept confidential.  Please send all responses by Friday, August 22, 2008.

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7/29/08

Maternity and Children's Consignment Shop Close Out Sale

Charlie's Children’s Shop (Maternity and Children Consignment) is having a close-out sale.  The proceeds will benefit Children &Families of Iowa/elevate.  Most items will sell for a $1.00. 

Friday August 1^st 5 – 8 p.m.

Saturday  August 2^nd  8 a.m. – 12 noon

Located in the West Glen Town Center, West Des Moines.

Directions: Exit I-35 at Mills Civic Parkway. Turn north into West Glen Town Center at the Drury.  At the first stop sign turn left, at the end of that street you will see the clock tower. Go right and around the round-about – the shop is on the north side of the clock tower building.

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7/25/08

Six-Hour Training Opportunities for Parents

IFAPA is offering 10 trainings in August and September around the state.  There may be limited training opportunities available during the months of October through December.  If your license needs to be renewed before the end of the year, it is recommended that you complete your training prior to the end of September.  View Training Schedule

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7/24/08

IFAPA's July 2008 E-Newsletter

The July 2008 E-Newsletter has been posted on the IFAPA website.  To view this newsletter, click on the following link: http://www.ifapa.org/news/E-News/July2008E-News.pdf.  This issue contains IFAPA's training schedule, free information booklets from IFAPA, Rusty Johnson concert details and so much more!

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7/22/08

Iowa's Sales Tax Holiday - August 1st & 2nd

On Friday, August 1st and Saturday, August 2nd Iowa will be holding it's annual tax-free weekend on selected clothing and footwear.  For more information about this holiday, visit: www.iowa.gov/tax/educate/holiday1.html

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7/17/08

IFAPA Appreciation Day for Foster/Adoptive Families

Saturday, September 6, 2008 - Adventureland Park - Altoona Iowa

The Iowa Foster and Adoptive Parents Association is offering foster and adoptive families a day of fun at Adventureland!  The park will be open 10am to 8pm on Saturday, September 6th.  IFAPA will be mailing out the ticket order forms to families at the end of July.  If you want to order your tickets ASAP, click here for the Adventureland Ticket Order Form. 

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6/19/08

Series of Attempted Child Abductions Incidents Being Investigated in Central Iowa

Des Moines, IOWA --- The Iowa Department of Public Safety, Intelligence Fusion Center, in cooperation with several central Iowa law enforcement agencies, has received information on a number of child enticement incidents in central Iowa that appear to be related. In each of these incidents, an unidentified male has approached female children in an attempt to assault or lure them away. Law enforcement officials believe this suspect may continue to target young girls in the region and are providing the following information as a precautionary measure.  The primary suspect is described as a male with short dark hair, thin build, who is driving a new model, dark colored car. Click here for the full press release

Know the Riles: Abduction & Kidnapping - Prevention Tips for Parents & Guardians

June is National Internet Safety Month; Educate Yourself and Your Kids

The Internet offers an array of entertainment and educational resources for children but also presents some risks.  The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) is committed to helping all audiences — from kids to parents and guardians to law-enforcement officers and educators — learn the aspects of Internet safety.  You can't watch kids every minute, but you can use strategies to help them benefit from the Internet and avoid its risks.  NCMEC urges you to do one of the single most important things to promote safety — talk to kids about the rewards and risks of Internet use.

For more information on child safety, visit: www.missingkids.com    

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6/19/08

Iowa Foster & Adoptive Families Affected by the Flooding

If you were affected by the flooding, please call Erica Zito to let her know what your needs are.  She was contacted by a national organization that might be able to help foster and adoptive families.  She would like to start a list of families and their needs to pass on.  Call Erica at the number listed below. 

Erica Zito
Iowa Foster and Adoptive Parents Association
1711 Grande Ave. SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
319-366-0439
888-366-0439

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6/17/08

Cedar Rapids Adoptive Family Loses Home to Flooding

The National Foster Parent Association (NFPA) has been in constant contact with folks in Iowa and have identified only one family at this point that needs our assistance.  The Langer family lived in Cedar Rapids and were not even on a flood plain, but they lost EVERYTHING, and have no flood insurance – FEMA will not even cover the entire cost of their mortgage.  So, today, we are asking that you notify people in your community to send much-needed items to the Langers.

Ship items or financial contributions to:

Dawn and Greg Langer

1015 Summit Street, Box 79

Center Point, Iowa  52213

Needed clothing:

·         17 year old girl – size 9 clothing, shoes size 10

·         Boy, 7, - size 6 clothes, size 2 shoes

·         Girl, 5 – size 4 clothes, shoes size 10 ½

·         Boy, 4 – size 4 clothes, size 10 ½ shoes

·         Mom – size 10 clothing, shoes size 8

·         Dad – shirts XL, pants 33x34, shoes size 10 ½

Other needed items: Bedding, linens, Dishes, Toys and games, Personal care items

NFPA is sending $1000 Wal-Mart gift card to help the family.  Many thanks for spreading the word.

If there are others in need of help, please contact:

National Foster Parent Association: 800-557-5238

Erica Zito (IFAPA) at 888-366-0439 or 319-366-0439.

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6/16/08

Disaster Preparedness & Flooding Information

Unfortunately, many Iowans have experienced flooding first-hand this Spring and Summer.  It is one of many disasters that Iowans might be facing now or in the future.  As a precaution, it is always better to prepare for a disaster ahead of time.  Are you prepared?  Please use the information below to help your family through the flooding this season and to be ready if another disaster should it happen in your area.

      Disaster Preparedness for Families with Children with Special Needs

      Disaster Resources for Families & Organizations

      Flooding Information

      Flood Waters & Wells

      Post Storm Risks

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6/10/08

Father's Day Frosty Weekend - A Good Treat for A Good Cause
Celebrate Father's Day and help a child find a forever family. For every Frosty product purchased on June 14 and 15, Wendy's will donate 50 cents to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Please join us for Father's Day Frosty Weekend at a participating Wendy's near you!  Proceeds support the mission of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption to dramatically increase the number of adoptions of waiting children in North America so that every child will have a permanent home and loving family.
 

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6/6/08

2008 Elevate Desire to Inspire Conference - Saturday, July 19

The elevate Desire to Inspire Conference is an opportunity for youth to join together in a day of learning, growing, and connecting with others.  Foster and adoptive caregivers, as well as other interested professionals, can attend their own sessions that also qualify for foster parent training hours.  Returning this year is elevate Idol...a chance for youth to showcase their talents and abilities.  The conference will be held at the AIB College Activity Center at 2500 Fleur Drive, Des Moines.

      Desire to Inspire Conference - Saturday, July 19 (8:30am - 4:30pm)

      Adult Registration Form & Workshop Options

      Youth Registration Form & Workshop Options

      For more info, visit www.elevate2inspire.com or call 515-697-7903.

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5/27/08

University of Phoenix First Chance Scholarship Program

Through a partnership with University of Phoenix and the National Foster Parent Association, NFPA will be providing 50 full tuition scholarships redeemable at University of Phoenix for youth in foster care affiliated with NFPA.  Recipients may choose any campus they want to attend, including online.  Applicants must reside in a foster home, group home or in kinship care.  The application deadline is July 7, 2008.  For eligibility requirements and an application, visit the following link: www.nfpaonline.org/uploads/NFPA_First_Chance_Application.pdf

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5/27/08

Celebrate Foster Care Month at the Capitol on Thursday, May 29

Iowa KidsNet will host a celebration of National Foster Care Month on the steps of the Iowa Capitol in Des Moines from 4pm to 5pm on Thursday, May 29, 2008.  Families, state employees, Iowa KidsNet staff, judges, and everyone involved in foster care are invited to attend the event, where the First Lady Mari Culver will present a state proclamation declaring May National Foster Care Month. Iowa KidsNet leaders and other key individuals will also address the crowd, thanking Iowa’s everyday heroes for the care and support individuals provide kids and families. We will also ask attending families to tie a blue ribbon to a tree in honor of the kids in foster care.  There is designated visitor parking clearly marked around the grounds of the Capitol. Additional parking  information can be found at: http://das.gse.iowa.gov/events/parkinginfo.html.  If it rains, the event will be held inside the Capitol, First Floor Rotunda, in the East Wing.  Join us to uplift foster care and everyone involved!

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5/22/08

NACAC Has Two $2,500 Scholarships Available for Youth Adopted from Foster Care as Teens

PLEASE NOTE: Application Deadline June 30, 2008

If you or someone you know was adopted from foster care as a teen and needs a little extra money for post-high school education, keep reading.  In association with the January publication of Three Little Words: A Memoir by Ashley Rhodes-Courter*, publisher Simon & Schuster is sponsoring two $2,500 scholarships for youth adopted from foster care. The scholarships, administered by the North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC), are intended to help offset higher education tuition costs.

Eligibility
To be considered for a scholarship, applicants must be:

    +  Youth ages 17 to 25 who were adopted from foster care at or after the age of 13

    +  Accepted or enrolled full- or part-time at an accredited (by the Council for Higher

        Education Accreditation) college, university, community college, or vocational/technical  

        school

    +  Responsible for $2,500 in tuition costs

    +  Capable of documenting foster care status, adoption, school acceptance or enrollment,

        and tuition costs

    +  Able to meet the June 30, 2008 application deadline

Application
To apply, each applicant must:

    +  Submit the documentation listed above

    +  Complete a brief application form

    +  Compose an essay about his or her reason for pursuing higher education (future goals,

        how past experiences affect his or her ability to attain the goal, and what he or she

        hopes to gain from additional education)

Decision Process/Timing
Members of NACAC’s staff and board, as well as Ashley Rhodes-Courter, will review the applications, and select two scholarship recipients by the end of July.

*Twenty-two-year-old Ashley Rhodes-Courter cycled through 14 foster placements in 9 years before finally being adopted at age 12. She penned Three Little Words to assemble the fragmented pieces of her past and praise the dedicated, caring parents who step forward every day to help and heal traumatized children in and adopted from foster care. A staunch adoption advocate, Ashley hopes the book will also inspire more adults to consider adopting older children and encourage other foster youth to rise above their hardships.

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5/16/08

IFAPA's May 2008 E-Newsletter

The May 2008 E-Newsletter has been posted on the IFAPA website.  To view this newsletter, click on the following link: http://www.ifapa.org/news/E-News/May%202008%20E-News.pdf.  This issue contains an update from DHS regarding foster parent training, a list of upcoming appreciation events for families and a list of locations for IFAPA’s Mandatory Reporter Training on June 12.

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5/15/08

FREE Cultural Connections Conference for Parents & Professionals

Are you parenting a child of another race?  Or do you work with families that parent transracially?  IFAPA is hosting a Cultural Connections Conference on June 13 & 14 in Des Moines.  This conference is an excellent training opportunity for foster parents, adoptive parents and professionals who work in the foster & adoption arena.  Ever wonder if you’re doing enough in your transracial family for your children to have a strong cultural/racial identity?  At this training, you will here the personal stories from transracial adoptees and their transracial adoptive parents.  You will learn the importance of racial identity to youth in foster care and children who have been adopted transracially.  This conference is funded by Polk County Decategorization and is FREE to all foster/adoptive parents and professionals.  There will be 6 hours of foster parent training credit per day and social worker CEUs will also be available.  Professionals can attend the one-day conference on Friday, June 13 and parents are free to attend either day (June 13 or 14) of the conference.  View Conference Schedule, Trainings & Speaker Information.  TO REGISTER: Contact Crystal at IFAPA (800-277-8145 ext. 5) or e-mail ifapa@ifapa.org.

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5/8/08

Legislative Agenda Update

Read the latest legislative updates on foster care maintenance payments, adoption subsidy, Medicaid, additional DHS Workers, etc.  Click here to read the May 2008 Legislative Update.

Mark your calendars for the 2009 IFAPA Legislative Breakfast - Tuesday, February 17, 2009.

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5/6/08

UPDATE FROM DHS: Changes to Training for Foster Parents

Important changes are happening at the Iowa Foster and Adoptive Parents Association (IFAPA).  The Iowa Department of Human Services, Division of Child and Family Services has announced that they plan to release a request for proposal (RFP) for Support for Resource Families later this year.  It is anticipated that a contract for these services would be effective October 1, 2008.  The RFP, once released, will be available on the Iowa Department of Administrative Services website at www.bidopportunities.iowa.gov. 

What does this mean for IFAPA and foster and adoptive parents?  DHS is extending IFAPA's current contact until September 30, 2008.  Along with other agencies, IFAPA will be able to submit a bid on the Request for Proposal, which has not been issued.  Due is the fact that there will be a transition period (no matter who the successful bidder is) there could be a temporary impact on the amount of training opportunities for foster and adoptive parents in October and November 2008.  DHS and partners intend to work hard to prevent any disruption.  It is recommended that all foster and adoptive parents should take full advantage of available classes now by completing needed hours prior to September 30, 2008.

Below are different options available to complete your foster parent training hours prior to September 30, 2008.  IFAPA is currently making arrangements for six-hours trainings to be held in September.  Please watch the training section of our website for more details.  To register for a training, call IFAPA at 800-277-8145 ext. 5.

IFAPA’s 6-Hour Trainings

5/17/08            My Brother, My Sister                   Des Moines

5/17/08            Teaching Life Skills                       Fort Dodge

6/7/08              Life Long Connections                   Ames

6/7/08              Preventative Practices                   Cedar Rapids

6/7/08              Teaching Life Skills                       Davenport

6/7/08              My Brother, My Sister                   Des Moines

6/7/08              People of Color: Skin & Hair Care  Sioux City

6/13/08            Cultural Connections Conference   Des Moines

6/14/08            Cultural Connections Conference   Des Moines

6/14/08            Life Long Connections                   Dubuque

6/14/08            Working with Birth Families           Des Moines

6/14/08            My Brother, My Sister                   Waterloo

6/21/08            Parenting Traumatized Children      Ames

6/21/08            Surviving the System                     Coralville

6/21/08            People of Color: Skin & Hair Care   Council Bluffs

6/21/08            Life Long Connections                   Burlington

6/21/08            Life Long Connections                   Des Moines

6/21/08            Life Long Connections                   Waterloo

Support Groups Trainings

Many foster and adoptive support groups offer two-hour trainings opportunities during their meeting.

Online Trainings

Foster parents can earn a maximum of 3 credit hours online trainings, the remaining three hours must be completed in a face-to-face training.

Mandatory Child Abuse Reporter Training
IFAPA will offer a Mandatory Child Abuse Reporter Training class across Iowa on June 12 2008.  If you cannot attend this training and need to complete this course soon, the IFAPA website includes a link to an online course offered by CE Solutions Group for Mandatory Child Abuse Reporter Training.  There is a small fee to complete the course online.

Asian Heritage Festival in Des Moines

The annual Asian Heritage Festival will be on the East Campus of the State Capitol Complex, 400 East 14^th Street in Des Moines.  The festival runs from 10am to 8pm on Saturday, May 17^th and features food, music, dance, games and traditions of many Asian cultures.  There will be fashion shows and talent contests as well as crafts and historic demonstrations, visit: www.celebrasian.org.   

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5/5/08

May is National Foster Care Month
IFAPA would like to thank all Iowa’s foster families for caring for Iowa’s children in care and helping them to safely reunite with their parents, be cared for by relatives, or be adopted by loving families.  Thank you for making a difference!!  In honor of foster care month, Governor Culver is sending a thank you letter to all of Iowa’s foster families.  Read Governor Culver’s letter to foster families. 

IFAPA will hold our annual appreciation day for foster and adoptive families on September 6TH at Adventureland Park in Altoona.  Watch your mail for more details.

Iowa KidsNet will hold appreciation events throughout Iowa this May, including a special celebration on the steps of the Iowa Capitol building on Thursday, May 29 at 4:00 p.m. Keep checking out their events page for upcoming details.  Iowa KidsNet is creating an online family photo album in celebration of National Foster Care Month.  To participate, visit their online family photo album.  You will also have a chance to win a $50 Casey’s gas card!  For more details visit: www.iowakidsnet.com.

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4/21/08

IFAPA News and Views Newsletter

The May 2008 issue has been added to our website.  Read May 2008 Newsletter.

Click Here to Read past issues of IFAPA newsletters

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4/18/08

Free Camp Scholarships for Kids

Visiting Nurse Services in Des Moines is offering free camp scholarships to families living in Polk County and with DHS Child Welfare or Juvenile Justice System involvement.  Click here for scholarship application.  For additional questions, contact Shelly Lombardi at 558-9975 or shellylo@vnsdm.org.

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4/10/08

Light of Hope Event - Remembering the Victims of Child Abuse

This event serves as a remembrance for children who were victims of abuse in 2007.  An empty pair of shoes will be displayed to remember each of the innocent victims. 

Thursday, April 17, 2008 - 5pm

Blank Children's Hospital, Hill Auditorium

Guest Speakers: Judge Joe Smith (Polk County Juvenile Court) & Dr. Rizwan Shah (Regional Child Protection Center)  Give the light of hope to a child. 

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4/9/08

IFAPA E-Newsletter - April 2008 issue

The April 2008 E-Newsletter has been added to the IFAPA website.  To view, click on the following link: http://www.ifapa.org/news/newsletter.asp.  In this issue, you will find information about the Walk Me Home event on Saturday, May 3, upcoming trainings opportunities and info about preparing older children for adoption.

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4/8/08

Expanded Access to College Financial Aid for Former Foster Youth

A new federal law removes a financial disincentive to adopting teens in foster care

How Will the New Law Help Youth?

The new law will make it possible for teens in foster care to be adopted without losing access to college financial aid. Under this new law, youth who are adopted from foster care at any point after their 13th birthday will not have to include their parents’ income in the calculations for determining their need for financial aid.  The Fostering Adoption to Further Student Achievement Act became law as an amendment to the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (Public Law 110-84). This law includes a revised definition of an “independent student.” Currently, youth who were still in foster care as of their 18th birthday are considered to be independent students, meaning that they do not need to count parental income for determining their eligibility for college financial aid. The revised definition of “independent student” will extend to youth who were in foster care on or after their 13th birthday, even if they have subsequently been adopted.

When Will This Change Take Effect?

This expanded definition of “independent student” will go into effect in July 2009, to apply for the 2009-2010 school year. The provision will apply to youth even for adoptions that were finalized before the law was passed in 2007. Youth who meet the new definition will need to indicate their status as an independent student when they fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form for college financial aid.

Legal reference: Section 604(a)(2) of Public Law 110-84 amends the definition of an independent student in federal law at 20 U.S.C. 1087vv(d) to include an individual who: “is an orphan, in foster care, or a ward of the court, at any time when the individual is 13 years of age or older.”

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4/4/08

Waiting List for IFAPA Training

The following training on Saturday, April 19 (Parenting Traumatized Children in Des Moines) have no openings available.  Because this class is full, IFAPA has established a waiting for parents interested in attending.  If you are registered for an IFAPA training and can no longer attend, please contact IFAPA (800-277-8145 ext. 5) to cancel your spot in the class.

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3/18/08

Elevate Our Youth to Adulthood Day - A Day for Inspiring Hope

Every year in Iowa, 500 youth age out of foster care.  On Thursday April 24, Elevate is hosting the first-ever Elevate Out Youth to Adulthood Day to raise awareness for and celebrate with local youth on the difference they are making in the child welfare system.

Victoria Rowell will be the Keynote Speaker at this dinner.  She is an accomplished actress and author who found fame as Drucilla Winters on The Young and the Restless along with various other television and film roles after being raised in the foster care system.  Victoria will be holding a book signing after dinner.

For ticket prices and more information on how to help, visit: www.cfiowa.org or call 697-7986

Elevate Our Youth to Adulthood Day Details:

Thursday, April 24, 2008

6:00 - 8:00pm

Holiday Inn & Suites at Jordan Creek

6075 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines

Donate Items for Apartment Makeovers

Wish lists for the apartment makeovers are posted on the elevate website as well as the information for each dinner.  Visit the following link for more info:
 www.elevate2inspire.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=56&Itemid=78
 

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3/17/08

IFAPA E-Newsletter - March 2008 issue

The March 2008 E-Newsletter has been added to the IFAPA website.  To view, click on the following link: http://www.ifapa.org/news/newsletter.asp  In this issue, you will find information about the Walk Me Home event on Saturday, May 3 and helpful updates about available scholarships and financial aid for students.

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3/13/08

Stay in the Loop!!!

We are asking families to keep IFAPA in the loop with mailing address, phone number and e-mail address changes.  We want to keep everyone informed with the latest details in the foster care and adoption arenas.  We are getting many pieces of mail returned to us without a forwarding address.  If you have recently moved or are planning to or have a new e-mail address, please e-mail Crystal Thomason cthomason@ifapa.org or call 800-277-8145 ext. 195 with those updates.  Thanks for helping up keep you in the loop!!

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3/12/08

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3/11/08

Class Cancellations

IFAPA has cancelled two classes scheduled for Saturday, March 15.  They are Lifelong Connections in Carroll and West Union.  We apologized for the inconvenience.    

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3/10/08

Invitation to a Technical Assistance Meeting with Lorrie Lutz