Tribal STAR

Successful Transitions for Adult Readiness

Creating Connection, Culture, Community and Resources for Tribal Foster Youth

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Tribal STAR
Drumbeats - Jan/Feb 2011

Tribal STAR is a program of the Academy for Professional Excellence, a project of San Diego State University's School of Social Work. Funded for five years by the United States Department of Health & Human Services Administration on Children, Youth & Families (ACYF), Children's Bureau, Tribal STAR is now funded by State and Federal funds and is administered by the Academy for Professional Excellence. Tribal STAR provides a comprehensive, competency-based, interdisciplinary training and technical assistance program.

Tribal STAR's mission is to ensure that Tribal foster youth are connected to culture, community, and resources, throughout their stay in foster care and through their transition to adulthood.

My words are tied in one with the great mountains, with the great rocks, with the great trees, in one with my body and my heart. All of you see me, one with this world.

-Yokuts prayer

Research

Children's Bureau Express covers news, issues, and trends of interest to professionals and policymakers in the interrelated fields of child abuse and neglect, child welfare, and adoption.
Website: http://cbexpress.acf.hhs.gov

Child Maltreatment 2009
Authors: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Information: 20th in a series of reports designed to provide national statistics on child abuse and neglect. These reports provide State-level data from the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) and include information on screened-in referrals (reports) of abuse and neglect made to CPS agencies, the children involved, types of maltreatment, CPS responses, child and caregiver risk factors, services, and perpetrators.
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov

Improving Child Welfare Outcomes through Systems of Care: Overview of the National Cross-Site Evaluation
Authors: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families Administration on Children, Youth and Families Children’s Bureau
Published: November 2010
Information: As part of the Children’s Bureau’s Improving Child Welfare Outcomes Through Systems of Care demonstration initiative, the Technical Assistance and Evaluation Center (the Center) conducted a national cross-site evaluation of the demonstration program. The resulting evaluation reports provide overviews of the planning, implementation, and outcomes of the Systems of Care demonstration initiative, and summarize the challenges, promising practices, and lessons learned.
Website: http://www.childwelfare.gov

Kin Adopting Kin: In the Best Interest of the Children? Author(s): Ryan, Scott D.;Hinterlong, James.;Hegar, Rebecca L.;Johnson, Lisa B.
Published: 2010
Journal: Children and Youth Services Review v. 32, 12, December 2010, p. 1631-1639
Information: Foster children in the public child welfare system are increasingly likely to find lasting homes through kinship adoption by their relatives. The aim of the present study is to examine how the kinship adoptive experience differs from other adoptive types.
Website: http://www.elsevier.com

Mama S and Papa M: Making APPLAs Work for Youth. Author(s): Gerstenzang, Sarah
Published: 2010
Journal: Fostering Families Today v. 10, 2, May/June 2010, p. 56-59
Information: This article explains the use of Another Planned Permanent Living Arrangement (APPLA) for older teens who specifically request that emancipation be established as a permanency plan,... in the case of an American Indian tribe that has identified APPLA for youth.
Website: http://nysccc.org

Predictors of Foster Care Exits to Permanency: A Competing Risks Analysis of Reunification, Guardianship, and Adoption
Author(s): Akin, Rebecca A.
Published: 2010
Information: Nearly 800,000 children spend time in foster care each year, with many children experiencing lengthy stays and exiting without a permanent family. The main objective of this study was to identify which child and placement characteristics were significant predictors of foster care exit to three types of permanency: reunification, guardianship, and adoption. Website:http://kuscholarworks.ku.edu

Promoting Wellness in American Indian Youth: The Role of School Mental Health
Authors: Center for School Mental Health University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Medicine
Published: January 2011
Information: This issue brief is intended for school mental health stakeholders interested in helping to increase wellness in American Indian youth and communities.
Website: http://csmh.umaryland.edu

Today's Topic:
American Indian Enhancement Project

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIQG65KFKGs

The American Indian Enhancement Project is an effort of the California Disproportionality Project, a Breakthrough Series Collaborative (BSC) resourced through the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the California Department of Social Services, Casey Family Programs, and the Stuart Foundation.

In collaboration with Administrative Office of the Courts, California Social Work Education Center, Child and Family Policy Institute of California, California Child Welfare Co-Investment Partnership, the National Resource Center for Tribes, Tribal STAR, and Shenandoah Films. Dedicated to all the American Indian/Alaska Native children and families in California.

For more information contact the American Indian Enhancement Project. FACES Video@aol.com

Articles:

·Following The Spirit of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)

·Reasons Why People Do Not Claim To Be American Indian Social Work Practice Tips for Inquiry and Noticing

·Tribal Sovereignty

Websites:

·Administrative Office of the Courts: The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) is the staff agency to the Judicial Council of California, the policymaking body of the state court system. Under the leadership of Administrative Director of the Courts William C. Vickrey and Chief Deputy Director Ronald G. Overholt, the AOC is responsible for a variety of programs and services to improve access to a fair and impartial judicial system. Recent structural changes in the state judicial branch have dramatically increased the AOC’s roles and responsibilities. Today the agency is organized into nine divisions in San Francisco, two divisions in Sacramento, and three regional offices, with a staff of more than 900 serving the courts for the benefit of all Californians. Brief descriptions of the AOC’s divisions and offices follow.
Website: http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov

·Annie E. Casey Foundation: The Annie E. Casey Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the nation, with total assets (fair market value) at the end of 2009 at more than $2.6 billion. The Foundation provides about $149 million in grants each year and is ranked among the top philanthropies for charitable giving. The Foundation’s primary mission is to foster public policies, human services, and community supports that more effectively meet the needs of vulnerable children and families.
Website: http://www.aecf.org

·California Child Welfare Co-Investment Partnership: The California Child Welfare Co-Investment Partnership is a collaborative group of state agencies, foundations and other nonprofit organizations whose purpose is improving the lives of children and families who are in or are at risk of entering the state’s child welfare system.
Website: http://www.co-invest.org/

·California Department of Social Services: The mission of the California Department of Social Services is to serve, aid, and protect needy and vulnerable children and adults in ways that strengthen and preserve families, encourage personal responsibility, and foster independence. CDSS is comprised of more than 4,200 employees who are responsible for the oversight and administration of programs serving California's most vulnerable residents.
Website: http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov

· California Social Work Education Center University of California, Berkeley School of Social Welfare: CalSWEC is the nation's largest coalition of its kind working to provide professional education, student financial aid, in-service training, and workforce research--all directed toward developing effective, culturally competent public service delivery to the people of California.
Website: http://calswec.berkeley.edu

·Casey Family Programs: Casey Family Programs is the nation’s largest operating foundation focused entirely on foster care and improving the child welfare system. Founded in 1966, we work to provide and improve ─ and ultimately prevent the need for ─ foster care in the United States. As champions for change, we are committed to our 2020 Strategy for America’s Children – a goal to safely reduce the number of children in foster care and improve the lives of those who remain in care.
Website: http://www.casey.org

·Child and Family Policy Institute of California: The Child and Family Policy Institute of California (CFPIC) is a private non-profit organization incorporated in 2004 as a 501 c 3 entity under the auspices of the County Welfare Directors Association (CWDA). The purpose of the CFPIC is to “advance the development of sound public policy and promote program excellence in county Human Services Agencies through research, education, training and technical assistance.”
Website: http://www.cfpic.org/

·National Resource Center for Tribes: Tribal Law and Policy Institute, the lead agency, is joined by the Indian Child and Family Resource Center in Helena, Montana; the Native American Training Institute in Bismarck, North Dakota; and the Butler Institute for Families at the University of Denver to enhance and strengthen tribal sovereignty and justice while honoring community values, protecting rights, and promoting well-being.
Website: http://www.nrc4tribes.org

·Shenandoah Films: Shenandoah Films is an Indian-owned distributor of educational videos and DVDs produced by Native Americans and from the Native perspective. Our films are priced for institutional purchases and include Public Performance Rights in the United States and Canada.
Website: http://www.shenandoahfilms.com

·Tribal STAR: Tribal STAR is a program of the Academy for Professional Excellence, San Diego State University School of Social Work. It was funded for five years by the United States Department of Health & Human Services, Administration on Children, Youth & Families (ACYF), Children's Bureau. It is now funded by State and Federal funds and is administered by the Academy for Professional Excellence.
Tribal STAR provides a comprehensive, competency-based, interdisciplinary training and technical assistance program.
Website: http://theacademy.sdsu.edu/TribalSTAR

·Stuart Foundation: The Stuart Foundation is dedicated to the protection, education and development of children and youth. We work toward ensuring that all children grow up in caring families, learn in vibrant and effective schools, and have opportunities to become productive members of their communities. We focus our investments on projects, programs and organizations making an impact in the States of California and Washington.
Website: http://www.stuartfoundation.org

Policy, Legislation & Law

Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008: H.R. 6893 / P.L 110-351
AB 212 Introduced January 31, 2011 by Assembly Member Beall. This Bill establishes provisions authorizing certain Kin-GAP recipients to continue to receive Kin-GAP aid after 18 years of age, if they are attending high school or vocational or technical training, as specified. Kin-GAP provides aid on behalf of eligible children who are placed in the home of a relative caretaker.
Website: http://www.ncsl.org

Kick-Off for the Permanency Innovations Initiative
The Permanency Innovations Initiative (PII), formerly known as the Initiative to Reduce Long-Term Foster Care (LTFC), aims to improve outcomes for subgroups of children who have the most serious barriers to permanency. Over the next 5 years, the Children's Bureau will invest $100 million in individual projects, technical assistance (TA), and site-specific and cross-site evaluation to test innovative approaches and develop knowledge about what works to improve outcomes for these children and youth. In his opening remarks at the grantee kick-off meeting in December, ACYF Commissioner Bryan Samuels stated that this is a Presidential initiative with high expectations, and Samuels charged the grantees with maintaining a laser focus on specific target populations at highest risk of languishing in the foster care system.

One of the six grantees, The California Department of Social Services will convene a partnership of State, local, and nonprofit agencies in the four pilot counties of Fresno, Humboldt, Los Angeles, and Santa Clara to reduce LTFC for African-American and Native American youth.
More information: Karen Gunderson,Project Director
email: Karen.Gunderson@dss.ca.gov
Website: http://www.clasp.org

Promising Practices

Post Secondary Success for Native American Students: A brief summary of research, programs, and practices
Short turnaround report #0094-2011
Author(s): US Department of Education to The George Washington University
Information: This document provides a brief overview of the issues surrounding post secondary success for Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students, including a summary of current research and practices. A definition of terms is provided with data related to the issues. The summary of research is divided into two areas: education programs that prepare students for successful post secondary experiences and successful post secondary models, including higher education and employment.
Published: February 8, 2011
Website: http://www.ncela.gwu.edu

The 3-5-7 Model: A PRACTICE APPROACH TO PERMANENCY Stories of Hope & Healing for Children, Youth and Families.
Authors: Darla L. Henry, PhD, MSW; WITH CONTRIBUTIONS BY: Celia Anthony, Kristie Esquivel, Laura Hutchinson, Lacy Kendrick, Garry Krentz, Angela Look, Tammy Lundgren, Lynn Radcliff Macadangdang, Gregory Manning, Tina Moore, Marta Smith, Carol Steffen, Lorraine Viada, Stephanie Wolfe
Information: The 3-5-7 Model is a child-driven practice approach to prepare children/youth, families and professionals to assist children and youth in doing the work of grieving the many losses they have experienced through traumatic family environments and numerous placements living in the child care placement system.
Published: 2011
Website: http://darlahenry.org/blog/3-5-7-model-store

Resources

Adopting a Native American Child
Information and resources for parent(s) adopting a Native American Child.
Website: http://adopting.adoption.com

ACL 11-09 (January 19, 2011)
Senate Bill (SB) 654 Independent Living Program (ILP) For Non-Related Guardianships
This All County Letter (ACL) is to notify counties of the passage of state legislation, SB 654 (Chapter 555, Statutes of 2010), which adds section 10609.45 to the W&IC and to explain and clarify the new ILP eligibility requirements for former dependents that have been placed with non-related legal guardians, who meet the new eligibility criteria. The law is effective January 1, 2011. This is also explained in CFL 10/11-33.
Website: http://www.cdss.ca.gov

California American Indian Recovery Services
CAIRS is a substance abuse treatment and recovery support service program funded through a grant by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and administered by the California Rural Indian Health Board. CAIRS is part of a larger, national Access to Recovery initiative created to give people the ability to choose services that meet their unique individual needs.
Flyer, CAIRS Voucher Rate Sheet (Rev 1-5-11) and Recovery Support Services Definitions
4400 Auburn Blvd, 2nd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95841
Phone: 916-929-9761
Fax: 916-929-7246
Website: http://www.crihb.org/cairs

Circles of Care: Creating Models of Care for American Indian and Alaska Native Youth
Author: Rebecca A. Clay
Published: Nov/Dec 2010
Newsletter: SAMHSA News
Information: Of the 23 grantees that “graduated” from Circles of Care since the program’s inception, 9 have obtained direct funding...
Read more:http://www.samhsa.gov

First Nations Development Institute
For 30 years, using a three-pronged strategy of Educating Grassroots Practitioners, Advocating for Systemic Change, Capitalizing Indian Communities, First Nations has been working to restore Native American control and culturally-compatible stewardship of the assets they own - be they land, human potential, cultural heritage, or natural resources - and to establish new assets for ensuring the long-term vitality of Native communities. First Nations serves rural and reservation based Native American communities throughout the United States.
Website: http://www.firstnations.org

LIHEAP Funds
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius recently announced the availability of additional funding to help eligible low-income families meet their home energy needs, bringing the total made available since October 1 to $3.9 billion. These funds will go to states, tribes and territories under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and are available under the terms of the latest continuing resolution. LIHEAP assists qualified families with their home energy needs such as heating in the winter, cooling their homes in the summer, and insulating their homes to make them more energy efficient and reduce their energy costs. These block grant funds will supplement two previous releases of funds under continuing resolutions in Fiscal Year 2011. A complete list of funds available to states today can be accessed at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/news/press/2011/liheap_allocation.html Individuals interested in applying for energy assistance should contact their local/state LIHEAP agency.
For more information, please go to: http://www.acf.hhs.gov

Making it Permanent: Reasonable Efforts to Finalize Permanency Plans for Foster Children
Author: Cecilia Fiermonte and Jennifer Renne
Information: Permanency Planning for children in the child welfare system has undergone significant changes in recent years. The federal Adoption and Safe families Act of 1997 (ASFA) aims to create a system that is more responsive to the needs of children in foster care for safety, well-being and permanence. ASFA requires that permanency plans for children are determined at regular permanency hearings. Judges must find that the child welfare agency is making "reasonable efforts" to finalize those plans. This book provides detailed information on law and practice in this area.
Website: http://apps.americanbar.org

MyPrevention
MyPrevention is a free social network that connects prevention-focused professionals, consultants and adult students locally and throughout the country. MyPrevention members can interact with other participants, stay up-to-date with prevention news, find out about upcoming events, collaborate on group sites, submit resources, maintain a personal profile page, and much more, all within a private network.
Website: http://www.mypreventioncommunity.org

The American Indian Enhancement Project new FACES video.
The Project is an effort of the California Disproportionality Project, a Breakthrough Series Collaborative (BSC) resourced through the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the California Department of Social Services, Casey Family Programs, and the Stuart Foundation. In collaboration with Administrative Office of the Courts, California Social Work Education Center, Child and Family Policy Institute of California, California Child Welfare Co-Investment Partnership, the National Resource Center for Tribes, Tribal STAR, and Shenandoah Films.
For more information contact the American Indian Enhancement Project. FACES Video@aol.com
Website: http://www.youtube.com

The Fred Finch Learning Center
The Fred Finch Learning Center is a specialized educational placement for adolescents, ages 12 – 22, with developmental disabilities and who may also have a need for comprehensive, integrated mental health services. Our school program capacity is 18 students. Each of our three classrooms offers intensive staffing with a special education teacher, an instructional aide, and a mental health resource specialist, per a maximum of six students. This certified, non-public school is a collaboration between Fred Finch Youth Center, the Regional Center of San Diego, San Diego County Mental Health, and Special Education departments of local school districts.
Brochure

Website: http://www.fredfinch.org

Paying for College Student Resource Guide
2010-2011 available scholarships, internships and other resources for students to help pay for college from both government and private sources.
Website: http://roybal-allard.house.gov

Welfare PEER TA
The Welfare Peer Technical Assistance Network facilitates the sharing of information across State and local lines about promising practices in implementing the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, and establishes linkages among social welfare agencies serving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), low-income families and their partners at the State, County, local, and Tribal level. The Welfare Peer Technical Assistance Network's Web site acts as a dissemination and communications vehicle, supporting the Peer TA Network in the provision of technical assistance, writing welfare reform issue briefs, and helping welfare agencies learn about innovative programs and effective strategies to successfully move low-income families and TANF participants from welfare to work and ultimately, self-sufficiency.
Website: http://www.peerta.acf.hhs.gov

USDA UPDATE
Foster Child Nutrition Reauthorization: Categorical Eligibility of Foster Children for free meals
Flyer

Funding Opportunities

U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) has launched a Grants 101 Web page to help applicants navigate a competitive application process.

First Nations
First Nations is now accepting Letters of Intent (LOIs) for projects that focus on youth, and incorporate culture and tradition to address social issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, teen pregnancy, mental health or other social issues. More information: http://www.firstnations.org or Tina Farrenkopf at (303) 774-7836, ext. 19 or via email at tfarrenkopf@firstnations.org

Safe Havens: Supervised Visitation and Safe Exchange Program
Deadline(s): 03/01/2011 03/15/2011
DEADLINE NOTE The deadline for optional Letters of Intent and to register online with GMS is March 1, 2011. Full applications are due March 15, 2011.
DESCRIPTION: The sponsor will provide funding support to eligible applicants for development or continuation projects under its supervised visitation program. The program provides an opportunity for communities to support the supervised visitation and safe exchange of children in situations involving domestic violence, dating violence, child abuse, sexual assault, or stalking.
More information: OVW.SupervisedVisitation@usdoj.gov

Website: http://www07.grants.gov

Cesar Chavez Day Student Essay Contest
Deadline: 03/11/2011
DESCRIPTION: The San Diego Cesar E. Chavez Commemoration Committee (C.E.C) and UCSD are holding an essay competition, complementing the community celebrations honoring the life and achievements of Cesar Chavez.
Three Grand Prize Winners -- each receiving a brand new computer! Second Prize -- $750 Savings Bond for student's college fund Third Prize -- $500 Savings Bond for student's college fund Fourth Prize -- $250 Savings Bond for student's college fund Honorable Mention -- Certificate of Commendation
Website: http://www.sdcoe.net

FY 2011 National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP) Solicitation
Deadline(s): 3/17/2011
DESCRIPTION: The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) is pleased to announce that it is seeking applications for funding to administer state/tribal activities under the 2011 National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP). This program furthers the Department’s mission to enhance the crime fighting and criminal justice capabilities of state and tribal governments by improving the accuracy, utility, and interstate accessibility of criminal history records and enhancing records of protective orders involving domestic violence and stalking, sex offender records, automated identification systems and other state systems supporting national records systems and their use for criminal history background checks.
More information: http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov 800-518-4726 or

e-mail to support@grants.gov

Native American and Alaska Native Children in School Program
Deadline(s): 3/21/2011
ELIGIBILITY: LEAs that operate schools primarily for Native Americans
DESCRIPTION: Grants to improve language acquisition and develop high levels of academic attainment among Native American children.
Website: http://www.gpo.gov

Indian Health Center
Deadline: 3/28/11
DESCRIPTION: The IHS Scholarship Program offers three scholarships to help qualified American Indian and Alaska Native candidates move forward with their education and pursue careers in a health care profession. It is important for you to familiarize yourself with the three IHS scholarships. Please read this section carefully and make notes of the scholarship best suited for your educational pursuits.
Website: http://www.scholarship.ihs.gov/learn_more.cfm

Georgetown University Offers a Certificate Program to Improve Outcomes for Children and Youth Involved in the Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Systems
Deadline(s): 03/31/2011
DESCRIPTION: Certificate Program for Public Sector Leaders July 15 to July 21, 2011
The Center for Juvenile Justice Reform at Georgetown University‘s Public Policy Institute has announced its 2011 Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare: Multi-System Integration Certificate Program for Public Sector Leaders. The program is designed to advance cross systems work to improve outcomes for youth involved in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Participants will attend a week-long program in Washington, DC where they will be taught by expert faculty on topics including multi-system integration (information sharing and joint case assessment, planning and management), developing collaborative leadership skills, the effective use of communication strategies, reducing disproportionality in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, and more. After the program, participants will develop a Capstone Project to implement systems reform in their home jurisdiction. The Certificate Program is designed for public agency leaders at the state, local, tribal and national levels within the juvenile justice, child welfare, education, behavioral health and related systems of care who are committed to cross systems efforts. In order to enhance the possibility of implementing cross systems change after returning from the program, applicants from the same jurisdiction are encouraged to apply as “mini-teams.”
More information: http://cjjr.georgetown.edu
click on “Certificate Programs” or
email CJJR at jjreform@georgetown.edu

Social and Economic Development Strategies for Native Americans (SEDS)
Deadline(s): 04/01/2013 04/02/2011
DESCRIPTION: The SEDS program provides funding for projects that promote sustainable local economies, and programs and services that safeguard the health and well-being of Native Americans.
More information: ana@acf.hhs.gov

Website: http://www07.grants.gov

Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants
Deadline: 4/25/2011
DESCRIPTION: Grants to provide increased access to technology to foster education, training and health care resources for people living in rural areas of America.
More information: http://www.gpo.gov

Harvard University Announcement
No tuition and no student loans
DEADLINE: 05/01/2011 for the 2012 school year
DESCRIPTION: Harvard University announced over the weekend that from now on undergraduate students from low-income families will pay no tuition.
More information: http://www.fao.fas.harvard.edu

Bay and Paul Foundations
(Program Number: 18331)
DEADLINE: 09/01/2011
DESCRIPTION: Support is provided to nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations for programs in pre-collegiate education, collections care and conservation, conserving biodiversity, music, and programs to support Native Americans.
More information: email at danielle@bayandpaulfoundations.org

Calendar

The Calendar contains local events and conferences both local and national that will be of interest to those who work in or with the Tribal community.

See the Tribal STAR News below for upcoming Tribal STAR Training that is already scheduled.

See the Academy for Professional Excellence website for upcoming Child Welfare Training dates in the Southern Region counties of Imperial, San Diego, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino.

Job Announcements:
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH
Posting Date: March 29, 2010
MENTAL HEALTH CLINICAL PROGRAM HEAD / AMERICAN INDIAN COUNSELING CENTER
FILING DATES: March 30, 2010 until needs are met SALARY $7,738.55 - $10,149.00
MONTHLY POSITION: Assists in the direction of a mental health services program of the Department of INFORMATION Mental Health.
Flyer

YUROK TRIBE
Job Title: Clinical Coordinator I/II
Job Grade 9/10
Department: Tribal Court
Location: Klamath
Reports To: Tribal Court Director
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
ALL HIRING IS SUBJECT TO THE YUROK TRIBE’S HIRING PREFERENCE
Salary Range $22.74/25.04
Flyer

Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel
PO Box 130
Santa Ysabel CA 92070
Ph: 760-765-0845 Fax: 760-765-2545
Email: iipay.info@yahoo.com
Position: Housing Coordinator
Reports to: Tribal Administrator
Work Schedule: Varies
Hourly Rate: Commensurate with experience
Flyer

FOSTER PARENTS NEEDED
Valley Oaks Foster Family Agency
License #336423689
Contact: 951-658-4596
Flyer

ILS Free Tax Preparation Workshop
5pm on Tuesdays from now until April 5, 2011
746 Ada Street
Chula Vista, Ca 91911
Contact: Lourdes del Sol at (619) 628-2446
Flyer

March 06, 2011
National School Social Work Week
Website: http://www.sswaa.org

March 8, 2011, 2:00 Eastern, 1:00 Central, noon Mountain,
11 AM Pacific
Part 3 Webinar of a 3 Part Series: Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act: What Court Systems Need to Know
Provisions pertaining to youth ages 18-21
This webinar series will give an overview of the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act, explain how it changes current law and most importantly, focus on what the courts can do to help implement the law.
Website: http://www.abanet.org

March 19–22, 2011
The 30th Annual National CASA Conference
Chicago, IL
Website: http://www.casaforchildren.org

March 27-30, 2011
CWLA National Conference: The State of Children & Families: Building an Effective National Voice
Child Welfare League of America
Crystal City, VA
Website: http://www.cwla.org

March 27–30, 2011
National Conference on Juvenile and Family Law
National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
Reno, NV
Website: http://www.ncjfcj.org

March 28–31, 2011
27th National Symposium on Child Abuse
The National Children's Advocacy Center
Huntsville, AL
Website: http://www.nationalcac.org

April 1-10, 2011
Lyceum Theatre in Horton Plaza
Playwrights Project is proud to present a new play from our Telling Stories: Giving Voice to Foster Youth program.
Switch is a play that was written by professional playwright Lisa Kirazian, and captures the ever-changing circumstances that youth and adults face in the foster care system.
Contact Playwrights Project at (619) 239-8222 or write@playwrightsproject.org.
This play is recommended for ages 15 and older.
Website: http://www.playwrightsproject.com/

April 17-20, 2011
29th Annual "Protecting Our Children" National American Indian Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect
Honoring Our Traditions: Sustaining Our Families
National Indian Child Welfare Association
Anchorage, AK
Website: www.nicwa.org

April 19–22, 2011
NABSW 43rd Annual National Conference Beyond the Rhetoric: A Call for Social Action
National Association of Black Social Workers
New Orleans, LA Website: http://www.nabsw.org

May 3-5, 2011
Project Making Medicine Training
Training in Treatment of Child Physical and Sexual Abuse Honoring Children, Mending the Circle
A cultural adaptation of Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Contact dee-bigfoot@ouhsc.edu or

Janie Braden at janie-braden@ouhsc.edu for scholarship information

More information: http://www.icctc.org

May 4–6, 2011
Pathways to Adulthood 2011 National Independent Living/Transitional Living Conference
The University of Oklahoma
OUTREACH National Resource Center for Youth Services
Denver, CO
Website: http://www.nrcys.ou.edu

May 15–17, 2011
Black Administrators in Child Welfare, Inc.
National Conference: The Power of Change: Reducing Disproportionality
Philadelphia, PA Website: http://www.blackadministrators.org

May 18–20, 2011
Tenth Annual National Citizen Review Panel Conference
A Force for Change
Charleston, SC
Website: http://www.uky.edu

June 2011
ICW Training Institutes
Contact Laurie Evans (503) 222-4044, ext. 124
Dates, locations, and courses for the 2011 training institute season are still in development.
Website: http://www.nicwa.org

June 13-24, 2011
The Breath of Life Archival Institute for Indigenous Languages
Hosted at the National Museum of the American Indian
This workshop will allow approximately 40 Native American heritage language learners, teachers, and activists to explore, interpret, and make use of the rich archival language resources in the District of Columbia area. The workshop will also provide an opportunity for Native Americans involved in language revitalization to share strategies, struggles, and perspectives so that participants can take new ideas and connections back to their own communities.
Website: http://www.aicls.org

June 25-27, 2011
41st National Education Conference
Renaissance Mobile River view Plaza Hotel
64 South Water Street
Mobile, Alabama
Website: http://www.nfpainc.org

June 26-28, 2011
Save the Date!
2nd National Summit on School Social Work Research
Chicago area
Website: http://www.acssw.org

April 10, 2012 - April 16, 2012
5th International School Social Work Conference:
SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK: ENSURING QUALITY EDUCATION FOR ALL THE WORLD’S CHILDREN
Website: http://sswaa.org/news.asp?NewsID=94

ILS Calendars:
Go to the bottom of Agency Announcements and Conferences for links to ILS Calendars:
http://theacademy.sdsu.edu/TribalSTAR/index.htm

California Indian Education
Website: http://www.californiaindianeducation.org

Link to News from Native California.
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Tribal STAR News

Imperial County Summit Training

Wednesday, January 19, brought together a large group of Quechan Tribal members; social workers from Imperial County, the State of California and the State of Arizona; Court, Probation, and Sheriff’s Department staff; personnel from San Pasqual Valley Unified School District and special visitors from San Diego.
Together they tackled issues surrounding Indian families and children, sharing valuable resources and information through table exercises, lectures and group discussions. A list of the available resources will be compiled to be distributed among the attendees. President Jackson and Vice President Escalanti, as well as several council members, were introduced at the beginning of the meeting. President Jackson addressed the group, thanking them for their participation at the training.
The highlight of the day was listening to cousins Selena Palone and Christina Allen share their foster experience. It was a tearful exchange, but the weight of what they endured was lifted with the telling of their story. Both women were presented with beautiful Southwestern blankets from the Tribal STAR team during the gifts presentation.
As always, the day ended with the Talking Circle. Each person in our very large circle was given the opportunity to share with the group what the day meant to them. Respect, knowledge, appreciation, value, and love were just some of the words that passed among the group. We are fortunate to have so many caring and dedicated individuals working together for the benefit of Indian children and families.
~ Tina Kerrigan Tribal STAR Program Assistant

Orange County Summit Training

The Tribal Star Summit Training was held on February 8th, 2011 in Orange County. Our trainees included those from the Tribal community, Tribal STAR partners, and other service providers from through-out Orange County. I wanted to thank Sherry White, our native panel speaker, for sharing her experience with the group and enhancing the training materials with her wisdom and words of the heart. Our diverse trainee participants engaged in discussion and group activities leading to improved understanding in such areas as: “historical trauma, relationship building, identifying active efforts, increased awareness and attention to cultural traditions, values and support systems strengthening sensitivity & communication”. Following the training participants were asked what they learned in the training that will apply to their job, trainee responses included the following:

Improve my approach with the children
Understanding verbal and nonverbal cues
Better dealing with families
Understanding cultural differences
I will be more cultural sensitive to the youth I serve
I will understand where they are coming from
Strengthening connections with agencies
Knowing resources and what more is needed
The training is pertinent to our modern issues and provides the opportunity to collaborate on remedies to these societal woes.
I will share info/resources with my staff to better inform them.
Encourage communication with community partners
Help me to locate resources
Help me become a better worker
Identifying ICWA eligible clients--not asking but stating
Being more culturally aware
Outreach to all case families who may be ICWA eligible
Connecting Indian youth to supportive cultural events
Application to eliminating disproportional and disparity
Understanding of ICWA outcome measures
Share ICWA awareness with staff
Practice awareness and learning of first nation cultures

~Tricia Hilliard, Senior Mental Health Clinician Survivors of Torture, International

San Bernardino County ICWA Training

On February 16th, a small group of Riverside and San Bernardino CWS county employees braved the rainy weather to participate in an all day training on the Indian Child Welfare Act. As introductions were made, it was clear from the smiles and sunny dispositions that each person had an eagerness to learn and an openness to the day’s cultural journey. Participants gathered information from lectures, videos, experiential exercises and small group discussions. Throughout the day, participants took initiative and asked questions about how they could apply what they were learning in their individual roles. Many sought deeper understanding about applying the Spirit of ICWA as a powerful tool and one participant shared that she has some tribal ancestry in her own family. An additional highlight of the day was the presence of Michael Folsom, a member of Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and administrator of the Sherman Indian School. He lead the group in an opening prayer, and shared information on local tribal resources, including a new Hub site and web site. The time together passed quickly and the day ended with a Talking Circle. Each participant was able to identify some new piece of information or personal insight that would allow them to do better work on behalf of Indian children and families. We are grateful to each of the participants for their time, interest and thoughtful contributions that helped to make the day a success!

~ Lisa Tange, LCSW Deputy Director SD Field Office Casey Family Programs

 

Upcoming Trainings

To obtain more information or register for Tribal STAR Trainings, please contact:
Tina Kerrigan
Program Assistant
SACHS/LIA/TribalSTAR
Academy for Professional Excellence
SDSU School of Social Work
6505 Alvarado Road, Suite 107
San Diego, CA 92120
Phone: (619) 594-8291
Fax: (619) 594-1118
Email: tkerrigan@projects.sdsu.edu

Gathering Training:

TBA

The Gathering is a two-day training event designed for Frontline Workers including social workers, probation officers, community-based agency staff, attorneys and court personnel, Tribal youth service providers, case managers, CASAs, independent living staff, group home staff, Tribal ICWA workers, foster parents caring for Tribal children and others involved in providing services to Tribal foster youth or preparing Tribal adolescents in foster care for emancipation.

Summit Training:

March 8, 9, 2011
March 15, 16, 2011
Riverside County

Spring 2011
San Diego County

April 7, 2011
High Desert Needles / Barstow

The Summit is a one-day training event designed for Managers and Supervisors from Tribal and non-Tribal agencies and organizations who work together to increase positive outcomes for Tribal foster children and youth. The goal of the SUMMIT training is to impact practice and policy in Public Child Welfare, ultimately leading to increased positive outcomes for Tribal foster children and youth by enhancing collaborative efforts between Tribal and non-Tribal entities and by identifying and illuminating ways Managers and Supervisors can support their staff who work with Tribal children and youth.

“Let the spirit lead in the best interest of the Indian child” Training:

Fall 2011
Orange County

The revised ICWA training "ICWA: In The Best Interest of the Child: Where The Spirit Leads" is intended to provide today’s social workers with a foundation of knowledge of the Indian Child Welfare Act. This 6-hour training provides a brief historical context of why and how the act was passed, the purpose and requirements of ICWA with special emphasis on noticing & inquiry, active efforts, concurrent planning, and expert witness. Participants will also review a values comparison of American Indian vs Contemporary Western values, and learn basic engagement strategies for working with American Indian children and families.

OSOI Training:

TBA
San Diego County

OSOI training is about working with Native Americans has traditionally focused on the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and meeting its requirements, “the letter of the law”. Current research findings confirm that race is a factor in child protective decision-making at all stages of reporting, and in the disparity of services and treatment for minority children and families. The Other Side of ICWA is intended to address “the spirit of the law” and those concerns missing in traditional training that are essential for successful implementation of ICWA. The training addresses Fairness and Equity principles through an ecosystemic lens, to understand the importance of trust and relationship-building as required elements for effective cultural communications with Native Americans.

Highlighted Program

BHETA, Behavioral Health Education & Training Academy (BHETA), provides County of San Diego Behavioral Health System with staff development services that will increase competency in culture, co-occurring disorders, family centered services and resiliency as is required to outreach, assess, and support the recovery of severely mentally ill adults, children, and their families. Funded via a contract with County of San Diego Mental Health MHSA, through Workforce Education and Training – training and technical assistance and MHSA Prevention and Early Intervention funding. BHETA is part of a network of services made available by the county to behavioral health service providers. BHETA is a County of San Diego Mental Health contracted program of the Academy for Professional Excellence, a project of the SDSU School of Social Work. BHETA provides classes and conferences, curriculum development, trainer development, e-learning, training coordination, as well as consultation in each of these areas.
BHETA provides workforce development services including staffing needs assessment, career paths analysis, and staff development.
Website: http://theacademy.sdsu.edu

 

Next Issue's Topic

Next issue we will be discussing Disproportionality of Native American and African American Children. General information, pertinent articles and resources related to this topic can be sent to tstar@projects.sdsu.edu by April 1, 2011. The newsletter will be distributed during the last week of April, 2011. Please see distribution schedule for other dates.

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