Foster Parent Resources
Foster Care Support
2019 Training Topics & Resources
This year, Kids Crossing is making an agency-wide effort to offer monthly training in various modalities to all of our families. Each month, a featured training topic will be noted in the newsletter (subscribe here). Below is the tentative training topic schedule for 2015. If there is an event or program you would like to share with others, please contact Sarah Bailey for website updates or to be featured in the monthly newsletter.
- January – Physical Safety of the Home
- February – Principle and Practices of Childcare
- March – Administrative Procedures and Rules
- April – Self-Care for Foster Families
- May – Beyond Consequences Refresher
- June – Child Safety and Activities
- July – De-escalation Techniques
- August – Trauma Informed Care
- September – Sexually Acting Out and Informed Supervision
- October – It’s not about Control, It’s about Influence
- November – Appropriate Physical and Emotional Boundaries with Children and Families
- December – Coping with the Holidays
Download the training schedule for Colorado Springs – Additional foster family events will be planned throughout the year.
Did you miss a training? Visit the Training Page for links to information and downloads to earn ongoing training credit!
Events
- 12th Annual Car Show in Pueblo hosted by Santa’s Hot Rod Helpers and Kids Crossing takes place on September 26th starting at 9am at the Pueblo Midtown Shopping Center. If you are interested in donating an auction item please contact (719) 545-3882 by September 17th.
- Colorado Springs Youth Leadership & Advisory Council hosts various events for teens throughout the year. Contact Anjuli for more information (719) 684-9551
- Monthly Dinners at The Hanger – Each month, all children currently in out-of-home placement are invited to attend the monthly dinner sponsored by The Hanger in Colorado Springs. Each month features a different speaker and topic. RSVP via email, or contact Jeremy at (719) 651-4476
- Job Corps hosts weekly information sessions on Monday evenings at 5pm and Wednesday mornings at 10am in Colorado Springs (320 N Academy Blvd Suite 105). RSVP to Wanda Simms (719) 596-6850
- Family activites in Pueblo – Home to theBuell Children’s Museum, a top choice for families!
- Kid friendly activities in Colorado Springs – Don’t forget to pick up a paper copy of the Colorado Springs KIDS Magazine at our Colorado Springs office!
Resources for Foster Families
- The Child Welfare Clinic at Kids Crossing offers individual, group, and family therapy in various modalities to serve foster youth and their families. Please call (719) 632-4569 for additional information or to make a referral.
- Trauma Informed Practice Resources through The Child Welfare Training System – Click for information specific to caregivers.
- See the list of Medicaid providers in Colorado, including doctor’s and dentists, or speak with your home coordinator regarding a preferred provider in your local area.
- Kids Crossing has partnered with Helping Everyone Recover to offer additional resources for our families and the children in their care. Contact Sarah Bailey to make a request, or to learn more on how you can help!
- The Hanger – A Clothing bank operated by CASA and available to foster children in Colorado Springs. All children can shop free of charge, and volunteer/work opportunities are available.
- Tax Assistance – Due to the increased number of identity theft cases, the Colorado Department of Human Services is more reluctant to share sensitive information (i.e. social security numbers). If you have specific questions about taxes and foster children, please speak directly with your accountant or another tax professional.
- The Milton Fund – Funding source for special activities for foster children in El Paso and Teller Counties.
- CSFPA – Join the Colorado State Foster Parent Associated for discounted memberships to the YMCA, and additional information on resources available to foster families.
- Education Bill – Read the House Bill that ensures foster children receive free access to educational resources, school activities and/or programs, books, uniforms, and more!
- The Colorado Education in Foster Care Demonstration Projectportal includes more information regarding foster children’s role in Colorado school systems.
- Colorado School District Child Welfare Liaisons – Each school district has a point of contact to help remind schools of the educational rights of foster children. Click the link to open the current listings and identify your home district liaison.
- US Department of Education Website – Dedicated page for information related to educational resources for children in foster care, including new and old initiatives for educational stability.
- Fostering Hope – Increase your support network and become a part of a team! Please speak with your home coordinator regarding qualifications, or to apply for a Fostering Hope team.
- Register with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to receive a free monthly book for children under 5!
Resources for Teens
211 Colorado
YouthNet
Colorado Springs:
- Youth Leadership and Advisory Council (El Paso County)
- The Hanger (Sponsored by CASA of the Pikes Peak Region)
- Inside/Out
- Kidpower
Denver:
- Denver Zoo Teen Program
- Mile High Youth Corps
- Open Door Youth Gang Alternative
Pueblo:
- Community Youth Organization – Offers leadership programs and athletic activities
- The TEEN Line – A teen-to-teen helpline available Monday through Thursday from 4 to 9pm. Call 546-5566
- Teen Lifestyle Balance – 14week healthy living seminars
Please submit any additional resources to Erika Pirotte
KPC Respite Center
Lutheran Family Services of the Rocky Mountains has temporary crisis and planned childcare for infants and children up to age 6, and siblings up to age 12. There are some restrictions regarding difficult behaviors, and advanced notice is required for foster parents as the initial consent form may need to be signed by a biological parent and/or caseworker. Visit the website for more information, or call (719) 634-5439 to schedule a respite appointment.
Emancipation Resources
- Preparing for Emancipation Handout, including gathering medical information and important documents.
- Foster Care Alumni of America, a national network of adults previously placed in foster care.
- Foster Club, an online community for foster youth.
- Learn more about how the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is protecting foster care youth from credit reporting problems.
- Kids Crossing is also following various foster care alumni groups and organizations on Twitter. Follow Kids Crossing to stay up to date on resources for our emancipating youth!
Foster Parent Referral Program
Attention all current foster parents! You are the best resource for new foster parents, and Kids Crossing is asking for your help in identifying and referring new foster families. As an added incentive, your referral can earn you up to $300 if the individual or family you refer stays licensed for over one year!
Click here for the flyer, or speak with your home coordinator for more information.
Spread the word!
Kids Crossing is an agency founded BY foster parents, FOR foster parents.