Foster Care Critical Support and Retention Program: Received notification of the expansion of program services throughout Region 3. Services had been available since about March 2010 (Region 6) for caregivers (licensed foster parents, relative/kinship and suitable adult placements) with children or youth with challenging behaviors that could lead to placement disruptions. Recent notice aligns services with Regional configuration. Most CPAs (especially those that also provide BRS services) incorporate similar supports or interventions and clarification how program services benefit CPA homes and CPA foster parents is being gathered to be distributed to CPA Network members. Foster Care Critical Support and Retention Program services can be accessed:

Most of Region 3: Heidi Williams, MA, LMHC HeidiW, (360) 878-8248 at Catholic Community Services of Western Washington

Pierce County: Kris Baglio, MSW, kbaglio 253-272-0942 at Multicultural Child and Family And Hope Center: E mail

Kitsap County: Bill Kettering bkring at Compassionate Ministries, (360) 373-9710.

Annual Foster and Alumni Leadership Summit – The Mockingbird Society invite youth from around WA State to apply to attend the Leadership Summit, June 25th to 27th 2012 on Bainbridge Island to bring their voice and perspective. Applications to the Leadership Summit are due on April 20th (additional information included on 2nd and 3rd attachments).

The Leadership Summit is a skill-building opportunity for current and former foster youth and their allies. Foster youth who are interested in sustaining local foster youth and alumni chapters can elevate their voice and unique perspective to create change in their lives and the lives of others who have or who will experience foster care. All travel expenses and participation costs will be paid for applicants accepted to the Leadership Summit. This is a GREAT opportunity for current and former youth in foster care.

We Are Family Day: In partnership with the Seattle Mariners, the fourth Annual We Are Family Day will be held at Safeco Field on Sunday, May 6 as part of Foster Care month. This has been a popular event, with thousands of foster, kinship and adoptive families attending in past years, along with others who work in child welfare.

Tickets will be offered at discounted prices through the link below. Free T-shirts will be given to all who attend.

A pre-game ceremony will be held at Ellis Pavilion at Safeco from 10-11, during which raffle prizes will be awarded, including a chance for some families to go out onto the field for pictures. The game begins at 1:10.

http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/sea/ticketing/special_group.jsp?group=wearefamily

Kids Count in Washington: Provides statistical data bout services and outcomes for Washington children and families. Access to regular updates is available at the end of the e-mail.

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