Announcements

The foster parent training for tomorrow (July 12, 2018) has been cancelled. We will keep you posted on the new date. Please keep checking back!

On September 28, 2018 there will be a Conference/Resource Fair entitled ‘Relatives Matter’. It will be held at The EPICENTER at Edgewood, 1918 Pulaski Highway Edgewood, MD 21040. For more information please contact Caity Lovett at 443-643-5338. You may also email her at caity.lovett@mdcourts.gov.

Compliance Rewards

Several of our families are in the running for Compliance Reward gifts including the $25 gift card and our grand prize! Make sure that you remain compliant with parent and child items and come to training whenever possible.

You can earn up to 3 tickets per month. This means that most families can earn a maximum of 9 tickets, dramatically increasing their odds.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Last week we had a wonderful workshop on Diversity. The turnout was great and the activities were lots of fun! We are looking forward to the next training in March.

We have officially announced ‘Compliance Rewards’! We are excited about the new program and hope that our parents will take advantage. Who wouldn’t want to win a gift card and a chance at a yearly grand prize? 

If you would like to know more about the program, please contact Wendy Kelly in the Treatment Foster Care department at 410-836-7177.

Valentine’s Day is only a week away. However, it is not just for your significant other, it can also be for your children. Here are some great ideas for crafts to do with the family for Valentine’s Day.:

Valentine’s Day Ispy Printable

https://livelaughrowe.com/valentines-day-i-spy-printable/

Valentine’s Day Card

https://www.decorisme.co/valentines-ideas-23/

Love Bug Fruit Cups

https://www.decorisme.co/valentines-ideas-34/

52 Reasons Why I Love You

https://www.decorisme.co/valentines-ideas-35/

Looking for scrumptious recipes?

http://allrecipes.com/recipes/199/holidays-and-events/valentines-day/

Announcements

Are you one of our Treatment Foster Care parents? Earn gift cards and a grand prize by participating in our new ‘Compliance Rewards’ program! See anyone the TFC department for details.

Valentines Day is just around the corner. There is no greater love than the love we have for our children. You can open your heart and home to a child who needs love and compassion.

We just welcomed a new foster parent and are excited to have her on board. We are thankful for her commitment to our foster children and know that she will be a wonderful addition to our TFC family!

Announcements and good news

We hope that your holidays were merry and bright. For many of our foster children they were. However, there are still so many foster children who need loving homes. The holidays may be over but let’s continue the spirit of giving by opening our hearts and homes to those in need.

We have postponed out Foster Parent Support group which was scheduled for this Thursday January 4, 2018. We will have the group next Thursday January 11, 2018 from 5:30-7:30. If you are interested in attending any of our groups or an informational session, please contact the TFC department at 410-836-7177. Please see below for our current 2018 training schedule.

One of our foster children has been recognized and is receiving an award for helping others. We are encouraged by this young man’s heart and wanting to lend a hand.

2018 TFC Training Schedule

January 11, 2018 from 5:30-7:30 PM:

PRIDE Refresher/Arc Model of Trauma

There will be a refresher training on PRIDE concepts which will help our parents remain focused and sharpen their parenting skills. Included will be a presentation on the Arc model of trauma.

February 1, 2018 from 5:30-7:30 PM:

Flavors of Life: Diversity in an Ever-Changing World

Folashade Idowu will be presenting on diversity and why it is important to accept others’ differences even if we do not subscribe to their way of life. She will give practical advice on how to be inclusive and accepting of people from all walks of life.

March 1, 2018 from 5:30- 7:30 PM

Skillset part 1 (Internet Safety)

There will be a presentation on the importance of internet safety including keeping your personal information safe (social security numbers, addresses, etc.) and how to spot phishing websites that may compromise your information and overall safety.

April 5, 2018 from 5:30- 7:30 PM

Skillset part 2 (Social Media safety)

There will be a discussion on the importance of keeping certain information private, including names, locations, pictures, etc.

We will stress the importance of being careful about who we engage with online and why it is important to never meet strangers offline.

May 3, 2018 from 5:30pm-7:30 PM:

C.O.P.E -Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment

There will be a presentation on CBT techniques and learning techniques for behavioral crises and everyday stresses.  

June 7, 2018 from 5:30-7:30 PM

Sex Trafficking/Sex Addiction

Turnaround, Inc. will be presenting on Sex Trafficking and Addiction which will include what to look for and how to help combat the disturbing trend of Sex Trafficking. We will also explore what sex addiction looks like and how to treat it.

* Topics are subject to change

The Importance of Self Care

Last Thursday, we had a presentation on the importance of self-care. It can be difficult to juggle all the daily tasks involved when caring for children, especially treatment-level foster children since they may also have therapy and other appointments. 

No matter how busy life gets and how much we care for our children, we must always be sure to take time for ourselves. It is not selfish to want to recharge every now and then. This will ensure that we are being the very best that we can be for ourselves as well as our children. Remember, you are at your best when you are feeling your best!

Quick Recipes for Halloween

Are you a parent who is super busy? Not sure what to make for dinner or snacks? Check out some of these super easy and quick recipes:

For Halloween:

Caramel Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip

https://www.momontimeout.com/caramel-pumpkin-cheesecake-dip/

Fun Halloween Treats

http://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1194/halloween-treats/

https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/holiday---celebration-recipes/halloween-recipes/easy-halloween-recipes

Harry Potter Acid Pops

http://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/harry-potters-acid-pops-68678

More meals (besides Halloween) try these quick and tasty ideas:

Meatloaf Muffins with Barbeque Sauce

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/meatloaf-muffins-with-barbecue-sauce-recipe-2118102

The Best Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

http://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/the-best-easy-beef-and-broccoli-stir-fry-99476

Easy Crescent Dough Dinners

https://www.pillsbury.com/everyday-eats/39-awesome-things-to-do-with-crescents?esrc=18018&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=omp_social_omppb_tdkeyword_pbrbgcrescnt&pp=0

Panera’s Broccoli Cheese Soup 

http://recipechart.com/recipes/appetizer-recipes/paneras-broccoli-cheese-soup

Tijuana Shrimp Dip Nachos 

http://recipechart.com/recipes/appetizer-recipes/tijuana-shrimp-dip-nachos

Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Spread

https://shewearsmanyhats.com/easy-caramel-apple-cream-cheese-spread/

Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Pound Cake

https://www.momontimeout.com/reeses-peanut-butter-chocolate-chip-pound-cake/

Reese’s Marshmallow Brownie Bars

https://www.momontimeout.com/reeses-marshmallow-brownie-bars/?_sp=81348319-b173-4842-a33e-eebec2b6b1d2.1508526399719

There is a large assortment of scary and not-so-scary meals your whole family will love. 

Be sure to check back often for new tips, tricks, ideas, games, and recipes! Don’t forget to add your name to our mailing list so that you can receive our updates! Don't forget to check out our wonderful Halloween events listed below.

Great News!

This past Thursday, we had a great foster parent support group about behaviors in children with developmental delays. We had a good turnout and are looking forward to our next group. Last week, one of our children went to guardianship. 

We are so happy for her and wish her and her family all the best!

What's New?

Recently, we were able to reunite two brothers in Harford County, MD.

We have two new foster children which we placed in loving foster homes. We are looking forward to hearing about the new memories that will be created and new relationships that will be developed between these children and their foster families.

One of our foster children recently embarked on a new journey by attending college. We wish her success as she continues her studies and are excited to see the wonderful milestones that she and our other foster children will experience.

Announcements

On Thursday September 14^th, we had our first foster parent training of the fiscal year. It was an engaging presentation on sex trafficking by Araminta. We learned several things including the difference between prostitution and trafficking. 

As always, we received great feedback from our foster parents. We are looking forward to next month’s presentation by Kennedy Krieger!

As a reminder, if you are due for any paperwork, please reach out to the TFC department. Additionally, we have training articles available on our blog via clickable links. 

If you need a hard copy of an article or need an article or training summary sheet emailed, please contact us at 410-836-7177 ext. 329 or ask for anyone in the TFC department.

Summertime Eats

We hope that you are enjoying your summer thus far. Often times, parents are super busy and do not have the energy to cook a huge meal after work. Kids sometimes forget that even though they are off for the summer, their parents are not. Here are some quick and easy recipes that parents can make after work; kids can also make these recipes (as long as it is okay with their parents).

Spaghetti Pasta Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Prosciutto

1 lb whole wheat spaghetti

1 red bell pepper

1 medium zucchini

10 asparagus spears

5 slices prosciutto

1 cup basil leaves

1 lemon

¼ cup red wine vinegar

½ cup olive oil

½ tsp each salt and pepper

Preparation

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Dice zucchini into quarters, halve the bell pepper, and cut asparagus spears into thirds. Drizzle with olive oil. Cook for 25-20 minutes. Let cool.

• Meanwhile, bring large pot of salted water to boil. Add spaghetti and cook based on box directions. Drain.

• Dice the roasted bell pepper into small diced pieces. Cut the prosciutto into small slices.

• Add the roasted veggies and prosciutto to the pasta.

• In a blender or food processor add the basil, juice from 1 lemon, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and salt and pepper.

• Pulse until smooth for about 30 seconds

• Toss 3/4 the dressing with the salad while the pasta is still warm.

• Mix the remaining 1/4 of dressing in with salad when ready to serve (either that same day or at a later time!)

This recipe and all related images and content can also be found at: "Foodista.com – The Cooking Encyclopedia Everyone Can Edit".

Click for Foodista.com Recipe

Morning Glory Muffins

Ingredients

1 1/2 cup white whole wheat flour
3/4 cup ground flaxseed meal
3/4 cup oat bran
3/4 cup organic coconut sugar, Swerve, or dark brown sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (or a bit more if you like them spicy like I do!)
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
3/4 cup whole milk
2 eggs, beaten

1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup carrots, grated
1 large apple, grated
3/4 cup raisin or dried fruit of your choice (chop the larger ones into raisin-size pieces)
Optional: 1 cup walnuts or pecans, or a mixture of nuts and seeds, such as sunflower

Preparation

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

• In a large bowl, mix together all dry ingredients. 

• Combine milk, eggs, and vanilla. 

• Add the grated carrots, apples, and raisins. 

• Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Be careful to not over mix. Note: the consistency will be more like a dough than a batter.

• Fill muffin cups almost full. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes for regular size muffins or 12-13 minutes for mini muffins, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

This recipe and all related images and content can also be found at: "Foodista.com – The Cooking Encyclopedia Everyone Can Edit".

Click for Foodista.com Recipe

TFC Picnic

We have finally locked down a date and time for our TFC picnic. It will be Friday August 25^th from 3:30-6:30 pm. Please RSVP to reserve your spot. 

The first 5 families to respond will receive a FREE gift! Additionally, we will have a Back-to-School giveaway as well as a raffle at the picnic. 

This is one event you don’t want to miss! Check your inbox for details on how to RSVP for this event.

Congrats!

We would like to congratulate our newest high school graduate J.H. We wish her continued success as she embarks on her journey. We would also like to acknowledge our upcoming work program graduates. We are proud of all our TFC children. We would like to thank them for reminding us that anything is possible with perseverance.

Please help us welcome our newest temp. TFC team member DeShanda Johnson. Although her time here will be brief, we are confident that her expertise will have a lasting impact on our department.

Please remember to subscribe to our TFC blog for the latest goings-on in all things TFC!

TFC Updates!

Thanks to our TFC families who attended the meeting with Shawn and Kevin. We truly appreciate your hard work, dedication, and feedback. Together we can continue enriching the lives of our foster families in order to ensure a brighter future.

UPDATE: We are hosting a TFC picnic for our foster families and prospective foster parents. Be sure to look for our email and let us know which day works best for you. Please respond no later than 7/7/17 via the email link.

Hope to see you there!

Thanks Troop 750!

We would like to thank The Girl Scouts (Troop 750 in Havre De Grace) for their generosity.

 We appreciate their hard work and sacrifice. 

We have already been able to use several of the donated items/bags for our foster children. 

One of our newest children practically came in with nothing. 

Thanks to the Girl Scouts, we were able to provide her with a bag full of clothing and lots of other goodies!

Sometimes, when we volunteer or donate, it is difficult to know whether or not we are making an impact.

 However, thanks to these young ladies and others with giving hearts we can see the impact firsthand.  

Wrapping Up

As this month comes to a close we are still excited about what is to come. We have received several donations and would like to thank everyone who gave. 

We had lots of laughs, games, conversation, and coffee! We look forward to our seminar next week with Dr. Girio-Herrera from Towson University. Keep in touch as we will be hosting several seminars and events. We always accept donations as well so keep em’ coming J

Our Winners!

Congrats to the winners of our FOSTERtration game! Thank you Sara G. for helping. Foster Care month isn’t over folks..you never know what we’ll have up our sleeves.!

Kate W.

Angeline H.

Thank You Parents!

We had such an awesome time at our Foster Parent Appreciation Dinner at the Greene Turtle in Bel Air, MD. When you put great people + a good cause + food together.. good things are bound to happen.

We can’t wait for next year! We want to say thank you to all our parents who go out of their way to make our kids’ lives a little brighter each and every day.

We're Having a Blast!

The month has just kicked off and we are already having a blast while creating awareness. We are waiting to see who will win our foster trivia game ‘FosterTration’! We have already received a few donations and are so grateful to have received such great gifts for our children; we know that they will appreciate it.

This Thursday we will host our Foster Parent Appreciation Dinner. We are looking forward to spending time with the amazing parents who have opened their hearts and homes to those who need it.

It's National Foster Care Month!

Did you know that May is National Foster Care Month?

To celebrate, we are having an awesome dinner for our foster parents as well as other activities that will create awareness about treatment foster care. We have set up a donation box in our lobby for our foster children. We are requesting items such as:

•    Feminine products
•    Fidget cubes/spinners
•   Journal or diaries
•   Board games
•   Barbie dolls
•   Gifts cards for clothing or food (ex: Wal-Mart, Target, Subway, etc.)

Please make sure that all items are new or “gently used”. These children are often removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect and placed on an emergency basis through our TFC program and come with little or no personal care items. All donations are greatly appreciated by the staff and our foster children who are in need.

In June, we will be having a seminar by Dr. Girio-Herrera from Towson University entitled Strategies for Improving Parent-Child Relationships and Preventing Noncompliance and Misbehavior. Be sure to come back as we will be providing more details about this event.

If you have questions on donating or Treatment Foster Care, please contact Wendy Kelly at wkelly@arcncr.org or 410-836-7177, ext. 335.