April 2013 Training Opportunities
West County
Caring for Your At-Risk Infant
Trainers: Pattie Hunt & Wendy Homan Tuesday, April 2nd 6:00–9:00pm
Channel Islands Social Services, 5251 Verdugo Way, Suite G, Camarillo 93012
This program originates from the Pediatric Interim Care Center in Washington that models ways to provide a safe and healthy start for newborns going through withdrawal from heroine, methadone, cocaine,
methamphetamines and other illicit and prescription drugs. We will discuss signs of withdrawal in the infant, knowing when withdrawal begins as well as helpful techniques for calming and caring for this child. Please RSVP to [email protected]Sponsor: Oxnard College FKCE
Foster Care Networking/Training Facilitator: Pattie Hunt
Tuesday, April 9th 9:30-11:30am 63 W. Calle El Prado, Oak View
Are you a foster parent who would like to get to know other foster parents? This informative group is facilitated by an experienced Foster Parent and FKCE trainer, Pattie Hunt. Each month a different topic is offered with a specialized trainer presenting. Please RSVP to [email protected]Sponsor: Oxnard College FKCE
Kinship Parenting for Relative Care Givers (Walk-ins welcome!) Ventura Resource Group
2nd & 4th Tuesdays April 9th and April 23rd 6:00-8:00pm Kids & Families Together 856 E. Thompson Blvd. Ventura
County Resource Group
2nd Wednesday April 10th noon-1pm
Ventura County Government Center Hall of Administration, Mediterranean Conference Room (3rd floor, top of escalator) 800 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura
Camarillo Resource Group
2nd & 4th Thursdays April 11th and April 25th 9:00–11:00am Camarillo Health Care District 3639 E. Las Posas Rd. #H Camarillo Santa Paula Resource Group (In Spanish)
2nd & 4th Thursdays April 11th and April 25th 9:00am- 11:00am Proyecto Esperanza 427 N. Oak St, Santa Paula
Kinship care is the full or part-time parenting of children by grandparents or other relatives. This bi-weekly training group will explore the practical issues related to parenting a second generation and provide tools and support to help you get and keep your bearing along the way. Classes held continually the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays in Ventura and 2nd & 4th Thursdays in Camarillo, and in Spanish on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays in Santa Paula. No
RSVP needed. For further information email [email protected] Sponsors: Ventura FKCE and Kids & Families Together
Becoming a Professional Foster Parent Facilitators: Pattie Hunt & Wendy Homan Thursday, April 11th 6:30-8:30pm
71 Day Road Training Room 3 (Ventura College Day Road Center)
This class is designed to aid in the refinement of foster parents to be seen and respected as professionals. Tips are given on how to manage the process of foster parenting. This training will also help Foster Parents in becoming familiar with the role of a foster parent, the role of the Social worker, the benefits of teamwork and effective communication within the foster care system Please RSVP to [email protected]Sponsor: Oxnard College FKCE
CPR Recertification (West County)
Thursday, April 11th 4:30-8:30pm For pre-registration and location call Carrie McAuliffe 986-5800 x1935
Baby Basics And Beyond Trainer: Pattie Hunt
Tuesday, April 16th 9:30-11:30am 63 W. Calle El Prado, Oak View
Are you a new parent or caring for an infant as a foster or adoptive parent? It is likely that your little one came with a host of question marks. Come, bring your infant and ask some of those questions of experienced foster parent Pattie Hunt. Topics include: calming the crying baby, sleep issues, feeding issues, red flags and other medical issues. Learn about the expected and unique needs of each infant. Build confidence and increase your joy in nurturing your infant! Please RSVP to [email protected]Sponsor: Oxnard College FKCE
Monthly Attachment Group (Walk-ins welcome!) Trainer: Faith Friedlander, MFT
Tuesday, April 16th 6:30-8:30pm
Kids & Families Together 856 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Parenting children with an at-risk attachment history is a challenge. Join Faith and other parents in an
interactive, therapeutic discussion to strengthen you for the journey. Classes held continually the 3rd Tuesday of each month, no RSVP needed. Sponsors: Kids & Families Together & Ventura College FKCE
24th Annual Walking the Path Together Conference Saturday April 20th 8am-1:30pm
Douglas Penfield School 640 Jazmin Ave Ventura
This year’s theme is “Wellness and Resiliency” and is, as always, completely bilingual in both English and Spanish. The keynote presenters are Dina Olivas, Ventura County Behavioral Health (English); and Salvador Manzo, Ventura County Behavioral Health (Spanish). A variety of workshops will also be offered. This conference for families of children with special needs (birth thru age 5) is FREE to licensed foster parents. Continental Breakfast and lunch will be served. Limited childcare is available. Registration is
required. To register online, please visit www.venturacountyselpa.com and click on the box “workshops and conferences” on the bottom left. Then click on “register online here” box on the upper right. Registration deadline April 8thSponsors: Walking the Path Together Team
Ventura County Children and Family Services Forum with Judy Webber Tuesday, April 30th 6:30-8:30pm
Ventura County Human Services Agency 855 Partridge Drive Ventura, Cottonwood & Peppertree Rooms During this two hour meeting time, Judy Webber, Deputy Director of Children and Family Services will take this opportunity to update Foster Parents on the goings on within the agency, including the hiring of a new Foster Parent Recruitment Manager and the re-design of contracted resources. In addition, Judy will discuss the elements of the Quality Parenting Initiative and the implications of the “Katie A” court case. Foster Parents and Relative Caregivers are invited to attend and talk directly with CFS Deputy Director, Judy
Webber. Space is limited and, if needed, a waiting list will be established on a first-come first served basis , so please pre-register immediately with Rhonda Carlson at [email protected] (2 training hours
provided) Limited childcare is also available with pre-registration; please call Channel Islands Social Services 384-0983, no later than April 15th Sponsors: Ventura College FKCE & Children Family Services
Positive Discipline for Teens Trainer: Stephanie Main, M.A.
6 Wednesdays: May 1st – June 5th 6:00-8:30pm
71 Day Road Training Room 3 (Ventura College Day Road Center) Conference room
Adolescence is often a time of great stress and turmoil, not only for the youth, but for their care providers as well. This series offers techniques to begin working toward greater understanding and communication with adolescents. Highlights include how to tell if a teen's rebellion is normal or excessive, how unresolved issues from one's own teen years may hinder the relationship, and how to gain cooperation without having to threaten. Each week you will be able to able to ask questions, receive feedback and build upon what you’ve learned. You’ll learn how to: encourage your teen and yourself, develop sound judgment without being judgmental and use follow-through to get things done! Please RSVP to [email protected]Sponsor: Ventura College FKCE
Fostering Attachments (series) (West County) Trainer: Faith Friedlander, MFT
4 Thursdays May 2nd - May 23rd 6:30-8:30pm
Kids & Families Together 856 E. Thompson Blvd. Ventura
This series will guide you in the process of asking yourself about your own childhood – it can make you a stronger parent! Understand how your personal attachment history influences your parenting and learn how to engage in Theraplay® Please RSVP directly to K&FT/Karina Garcia @ [email protected]
Sponsors: Kids & Families Together & Ventura College FKCE
For more information on any of these classes you may call Oxnard College 986-5800 ext 2018 or Ventura College 654-6327 or send an email as indicated.
East County
Professional Foster Parents
Facilitator: Wendy Homan and Pattie Hunt
Tuesday, April 9th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm @ Moorpark College CDC 114
This class is designed to aid in the refinement of foster parents to be seen and respected as professionals. Tips are given on how to manage the process of foster parenting. This training will also help Foster Parents in becoming familiar with the role of a foster parent, the role of the Social worker, the benefits of teamwork and effective communication within the foster care system. Please RSVP to
[email protected]Sponsor: Moorpark College FKCE.
Picky Eaters
Facilitator: Julie Heldt of California PsychCare
Wednesday, April 10th, 10:00am – 12:00pm @ (Venue in the East County to be determined, RSVP
for details, Thanks!)
This is our first training with the folks from California PsychCare, an agency that’s been supporting
parents in Ventura County for years with behavioral health trainings. Please make them feel welcome and participate! Help your child eat a well-rounded diet. This training provides different methods for
addressing food refusal and picky eaters. (Ages: Any) Please RSVP to [email protected]Sponsor: Moorpark College FKCE.
Foster Talk Networking
Facilitator: Wendy Homan and Pattie Hunt
Friday, April 12th, 9:00am – 11:00am, @580 E Easy St Simi Valley, CA 93065 (Discovery Church)
An opportunity to receive updated information as to changes related to foster care and network with other foster parents who are geographically related. Specific topics will be addressed each month and friendships will be made and resources revealed. Please RSVP to Wendy Homan at
[email protected] Sponsor: Moorpark College FKCE.
HEP Notebook
Facilitator: Wendy Homan and Pattie Hunt
April 17th, 9:30am – 11:30am, @ 2080 Winifred St., Simi Valley (Cornerstone Church)
Introduction to new statewide case management document. Participants identify foster parent and social workers roles in maintaining an effective HEP document. Participants understand vital importance of HEP document in child's life and for effective case management. Please RSVP to [email protected]
Sponsor: Moorpark College FKCE.
Hands-off Approach to Problem Behavior Facilitator: Julie Heldt of California PsychCare
Tuesday, April 23rd, 6:00pm – 8:00pm @ (Venue to be determined, we still don’t have a venue for
this one either, I will update you ASAP)
Simple and effective strategies to manage problem behaviors using completely “hands off” methods, providing both proactive and reactive strategies. Help your child understand what they should be doing
instead. (Ages: Any) Please RSVP to [email protected]Sponsor: Moorpark College FKCE.
I am A Foster Home, Now What?
Facilitator: Wendy Homan and Pattie Hunt
Upon obtaining a license as a foster home, many people find that they still have questions. This training will attempt to answer those questions, and hopes to provide new foster parents with a sense of comfort
and confidence. Please RSVP to [email protected]Sponsor: Moorpark College FKCE.
Building Relationships Building Bonds Foster Parent Training Conference Facilitators: Judy Osterhage and Mimi Feliciano-Hix
Saturday, May 4th, Session 1: 9:00am – 10:30am, 10:45am – 12:15pm; Session 2: 12:45pm –
2:15pm, 2:30 pm – 4:00pm
@ Moorpark College Campus Center
May is Foster Parent Appreciation Month! So, we’ve planned an all-day conference for the foster parents of Ventura County. Please come and feel free to attend one or all of the trainings being offered including topics: Identifying your Child’s Strengths and Natural Highs, Working Successfully with Birth Parents, Positive Prevention Parenting, and Building a Professional Team. Refreshments will be provided prior to the beginning of each session. Registration will begin a half hour before each session (Session 1 – 8:30, Session 2 – 12:15), but feel free to attend whichever class you are most interested in. Also present will be representatives from community agencies who offer a wide range of services to foster parents. And, as always, these trainings are open to the public, so please share this information with your friends! For more information or to RSVP, please contact Jason Lee at [email protected].
Upcoming Events!
Baby Basics is back in the East County! For those of you who have missed baby basics with Mariana
Abarta, I am happy to announce we will be continuing her Baby Basics and Beyond series in May.
The California Department of Education and National Center for Youth Law’s FosterEd Initiative
are working to improve the educational outcomes of foster children. I will be forwarding an email with a link to a survey they will use to inform their efforts. Thank you for your consideration.
Jason Lee, MSSW
Foster Care Project Specialist Moorpark College
