In an effort to provide a greater professional and nurturing environment for youth that are in foster care, Foster VC Kids, a division of Ventura County’s Children & Family Services, is working with a new groundbreaking foster parent training module developed to improve the quality of partnership, care, training and support within the child welfare system. A by-product of the Quality Parenting Initiative (QPI), 21st Century Foster Parenting training refocuses on trauma informed care, excellence in parenting for foster youth and a strong partnership between foster and relative caregivers, birth parents and agency staff.

The driving force behind this new training is QPI, a collaborative effort with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), the County Welfare Directors Association (CWDA), and other state child welfare agencies and foster care partners. QPI works to create a professional, child/ family specific support for the child who enters into care, by engaging foster caregivers and birth parents as integral partners. Caregivers, parents, mental health workers, Court Appointed Special Advocates, child welfare staff and community partners work together to respectfully and professionally ensure that the care provided to children supports their healthy development and gives them the best possible opportunity for success and a normal upbringing. Training topics range from health issues, behaviors, parenting, caring for teens, transitions, trauma and partnering with birth families.

“For a moment, just imagine giving up your family — your dad, your mom and siblings, give up your beloved pets, sometimes give up your school and friends, that’s what we ask of these children who come into care,” says Angelina McCormick Soll LCSW Foster Home Recruitment, Development, & Support Specialist from Foster VC Kids.

Caregivers will work with a team to advocate for children with the welfare system, the court, and community agencies, including schools, child care, health providers and employers. Foster caregivers are expected to participate fully in the youth’s medical, psychological, dental care and support the child’s emotional and educational stability and wellbeing with the hope they will be reunited with their family soon. For our older teens, families are shown how to work with a team to provide developmentally appropriate opportunities to allow youth to thrive, practice life skills and have hands-on experiences in preparation for adulthood.

Ventura County was selected to host the statewide QPI conference for its utilization of QPI training. The conference will be held on Thursday, September 24 and Friday, September 25 at the Crowne Plaza. The event will include a welcome reception, keynote addresses from state and local foster care leaders, networking meals, and small group discussions on topics relevant to quality care and partnership.

To learn more about Foster VC Kids and QPI, visit http://fostervckids.org.

A teen volunteer camp counselor with the YMCA helps a young camper into a rock climbing harness.

Hundreds of South and Central Coast children and their families are spending their summer away from school at YMCA camps, including sports, specialty, water, sleepaway, family and traditional camps.

They Y Summer Camp Programs create opportunities for hundreds of South and Central Coast children and their families to spend their summer away from school at YMCA camps, including sports, specialty, water, sleepaway, family and traditional camps. Dozens of highly trained staff and volunteers help ensure that children make lasting friendships and have fun discovering who they are and what they can do.

“Being away from the routine of school and home can allow kids a chance to challenge themselves and develop independence,” said Sal Cisneros, President and CEO of the Channel Islands YMCA. “The nurturing environment of the Y camps encourages Summer Learning Gain, or cognitive and emotional development that helps children start their new school year ready to learn.”

Dozens of highly trained staff and volunteers help ensure that children make lasting friendships and have fun discovering who they are and what they can do.

Camps provide an opportunity for children to meet new kinds of people and develop real connections without the distractions of phone or television. Activities such as ropes courses, team sports and meal preparation encourage teamwork, allowing campers to build valuable relationship skills that help them into adulthood.

The Y camps are accredited by the American Camping Association (ACA) which sets the highest standards in the nation for day camps. This important seal of approval means the YMCA complies with up to 300 health, safety, and program quality standards set by ACA.

A forum where facts and myths about suicide are brought to light.

The River Community Church, in conjunction with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Didi Hirsch, will be hosting a Student-Oriented Suicide Prevention Seminar. This seminar will focus on youth, because suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 10-24. More teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza, and chronic lung disease, combined.

It will also provide a forum where facts and myths about suicide are brought to light, based on a true story experience and the impact on loved ones. Tips on how to prevent suicide and what you can do for those you love plus resources for suicide prevention will also be discussed and provided.

This seminar will be held at The River Community Church (TRC) on Sunday, August 23,  at 1 p.m. in the main auditorium at 889 E. Santa Clara St.

TRC’s vision is to partner with others to help them enhance their quality of life and this includes helping families deal with issues such as these.

The River Community Church is known for being “Your partners in life.” For more information about The River Community Church, please visit their website at www.TheRiverCommunity.org or call the church office at  648-7955.

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