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Foster Care
Newsletter
Spring/Summer 2013
National Foster Care Month …
Foster Families,
Change A Lifetime”!
”
The Virginia Department of Social Services is grateful for the case workers, foster families, mentors, faith leaders,
advocates, family members, individuals, and organizations committed to making a positive difference in the lives of
over 4,300 children and youth receiving foster care
services. Every year, children enter the foster care system
in need of safety, security, nurturing and love. Many of
Virginia’s children are able to return to their birth family,
but many are not. In this newsletter are a few short stories
of Virginia families that have made a permanent
commitment to a youth they once fostered. These
families have “Changed a Lifetime.”
On May 17, 2013, as part of the recognition of Foster
Care Month, Governor McDonnell kicked off the “Virginia
Adopts – Campaign 1,000.” The focus of the campaign is
to achieve permanent placements through adoption for
1,000 legally eligible youth in foster care. The campaign
raises awareness about the urgent needs of these young
people and encourages citizens from every walk of life to
get involved - as foster or adoptive parents, volunteers,
mentors, employers or in other ways. The outcome start
date is January 1, 2013 and goes through December 31,
2013. Two hundred guests consisting of foster and
adoptive families, public and private child placing agencies
and advocates were present. (See page 9 for a picture and
the poem written and read for the May 17th kick-off event
by A.L., a foster youth.)
As part of the Virginia Adopts 1,000 campaign, local
departments of social services are also assessing the
100 longest waiting children and youth in foster care for a permanent home. Many of these longest waiting are
teenagers. Included in the updated foster care guidance posted in early May are updates on providing services to these
youth including the Educational and Training Voucher program (ETV) and the National Youth in Transition Database
(NTYD). NYTD is a federal requirement that tracks youth at 17, 19 and 21 during their last year of foster care and for
intervals after leaving foster care to determine if the independent living services provided to the youth in foster care
were sufficient and appropriate for self sufficiency as a young adult. The information from these data collections will
form and define independent living services for the future in the country and Virginia. Also included in the updated
guidance are best practice recommendations on visitation, transition plans, service plan components, and determining
the best interest of the child or youth in maintaining the school placement while in foster care; all consistent with
requirements of federal law.
Treat Them Like Gold!
– The Basic Rule
“If you want to successfully recruit, retain, and partner with resource families, treat them like gold. Why should we treat
foster, adoptive, and kinship families like gold? Because without them, life is harder for the families and children we
serve, for individual workers, and for our agencies. Without them, we have a much more difficult time keeping siblings
together and placing children in their communities. In truth, good foster, adoptive, and kinship families are worth more
than gold—they’re priceless.
This is strangely easy to forget. In child welfare we face a host of legal and policy mandates, complex procedures, and
the ongoing challenge of discerning and pursuing the best interests of each individual child and family. Specialization
helps agencies manage these challenges, but it can also obscure the connection between resource families and our
ability to ensure the safety, well-being, and permanence of children. When this happens, some of us begin to see
support and development of resource families as “someone else’s job” and resource families themselves as almost a
nuisance. Recruiting, supporting, and partnering with foster parents and other resource families is a responsibility shared
by everyone in the agency, from the director on down to transportation aides. We must all understand our responsibility
to treat them like gold. Treating resource families like gold can take many forms, including taking the time to get to know
them, treating them as peers on the team, serving the child and family, helping them develop their skills and knowledge
to care for children, and simply showing them the respect they deserve for the pivotal role they play in our system.”
Excerpt from Treat Them Like Gold: A Best Practice Guide for Partnering with Resource Families 2
Courtesy of North Carolina Division of Social Services
In the Spotlight: Extra Special Parents
Kenn and Carole Kreuzberg started
fostering with Extra Special Parents (ESP)
in 2008. They became foster parents
knowing that adoption was a possibility
in some situations and they were open
to adopting if the right situation
presented itself.
When the Kreuzbergs first heard about
Austin (13-years-old) and Brandy (11-yearsold), a brother and sister in need of a home,
they were tentative about taking in two
children at once. They were especially
concerned because both children had
special needs and one child had a severe
degenerative condition. The Kreuzbergs
agreed to pray about accepting the
placement and they decided they would
at least meet the children. Mr. Kreuzberg
story continued on next page
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In The Spotlight: Extra Special Parents continued
reports that after meeting and agreeing to accept the children, the progression from foster care to adoption was a
quick process.
The support classes and training for foster parents offered by ESP were beneficial to the Kreuzberg’s as they considered
their ability to provide a permanent home for Austin and Brandy.
“We knew that we could give Austin and Brandy a loving, forever home, but our hesitation in adoption came from not
wanting to lose all the support that is associated with fostering,” said Mrs. Kreuzberg. However, ESP makes a lifetime
commitment to its clients and the Kreuzbergs remain part of the ESP family even though the children in their home have
established permanency through adoption. “Had ESP not been there, these kids would not still be in our home,” said
Mr. Kreuzberg “We would not have chosen adoption if it wasn’t for ESP.”
ESP provides foster care, treatment foster care, and short-term foster care services. While ESP does not provide adoption
services, it encourages adoption when it is in the best interest of the child and work with the family to find the resources
for completing the adoption. Visit ESP on the web at www.extrapspecialparents.org.
They Saw His Heart
AKF was initially adopted as an infant; 13 years after
the dissolution of his first adoption, he was placed back
in the care of the state. It was reported that AKF
displayed non-compliant behaviors toward household
expectations and curfew, behavioral and academic
issues in the classroom, staying away from home hours
and sometimes days at a time.
officer. At the time of placement, AKF was 13-years-old
and in the 7th grade. When AKF entered the home, he
struggled with household expectations. AKF also
displayed a nonchalant disposition as it pertained to his
education. He verbalized that he could slack off during the
school year and attend summer school for promotion to
the next grade.
AKF was placed with Families First of Virginia in 2007.
He was placed in a two parent foster home. The foster
family had been fostering for many years. The primary
foster parent, the foster father, is a retired military police
The foster family was devoted to AKF and his success.
They saw his heart from the day he entered their
home. They nurtured him and provided for his
needs instinctively.
story continued on next page
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Virginia Department of Social Services
Foster Care Newsletter
In The Spotlight: Extra Special Parents continued
The foster family was aware that AKF’s goal was adoption at the time of placement. They verbalized their desire to adopt
him shortly after his placement. As time progressed with the placement, AKF’s demeanor shifted as communication
continued regarding his permanency within the family. He displayed a level of consistency and respect for his foster
parents, particularly his foster mother. The foster family included AKF in every activity they participated in; he was as
much of a family member as anyone else. AKF went on trips with the family to visit other family out of state, he went on
the family’s vacations (which occurred at least three times within a year) and he spent time with the adult children of his
foster parents privately as siblings would. Since AFK was a permanent family member, he was never placed in respite.
The foster family began the adoption process in 2009. The adoption became final when AKF was 16-years-old. After the
adoption, AKF began to thrive academically, socially and behaviorally. He expressed relief due to the lack of pressure with
less stress, he could then excel. He joined ROTC in high school and moved up the ranks. AKF was an extremely influential
big brother to his younger brothers (one adopted, two foster). He spoke with them often about their academics and
behaviors and reminded them that their parents loved them, in addition to and in spite of their own biological families.
AKF graduated from high school and received early acceptance into the Marines. At this time, he has finished boot camp
and is stationed within driving distance of his family so that they may visit and pick him up for weekends and holidays.
MYTH: All youth in foster care are
juvenile delinquents
Meet The Sloans: Passionate
Advocates for Special Needs Children
The Sloan house is filled with kids and commotion. Alex,
the most recent addition to the lively household, is
finishing his homework in the kitchen. A bit of quick but
firm bargaining goes on between mom, Nicole, and Alex
about possible payoffs when he finishes his assignment.
Nicole and Steven Sloan are passionate advocates for
children with special needs. The big-hearted couple
started adding children to their lively household five years
ago, once their biological children got older. The family
has grown to ten members now. The Sloans cheerfully
dispense advice, discipline and love to eight children.
As a former special education teacher, Nicole has both
the heart and the know-how to help kids with a variety
of challenges reach their potential. So it is not surprising
that Nicole first met Heather and Starr in the classroom.
When Nicole discovered that Heather was available for
adoption, she and Steve jumped into action and
researched what they had to do to become adoptive
parents. Having moved up to middle school to teach sixth
grade, Nicole met Starr. With Starr, the Sloans knew that
all of their parenting skills of offering love, compassion
and care would be called on. Starr had two disrupted
adoptions and severe cognitive disabilities. “When you
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Virginia Department of Social Services
Foster Care Newsletter
can’t ‘see’ cognitive disabilities,” says Nicole, “it is really
hard for the child.”
When Alivia came to live with the Sloans in October 2010,
she had experienced many placements and spent more
than two years in a residential facility. “At this point, I
decided to leave teaching to have more time to devote to
my growing family,” said Nicole. “The first eight months
were hard for Alivia and the rest of the family, but we
hung in there.”
Alex, who is on the autism spectrum, became a part of
the family. His extreme behaviors had discouraged other
potential families and landed him in a residential facility
or a hospital more than once. Liz Nelms, a Lutheran Family
Services (LFS) youth and family treatment specialist, has
seen a dramatic change in Alex, which she attributes to
the home that the Sloans have created for their children.
“When Alex came to live with the Sloans, the change was
almost immediate,” said Nelms. “I got to see the fun Alex,
the one with a great sense of humor. There is something
about the Sloan family; they are innately patient and
caring. They know how to bring out the best in a child.”
No Matter The Challenges, Every
Child Needs A Loving Home
Logan’s Mom
Logan* was placed with Commonwealth Catholic
Charities (CCC) in the TFC program. Logan’s referral
paperwork indicated a long line of disrupted foster home
placements and multiple behavioral and emotional
challenges. CCC placed Logan in a home that had prior
experience in working with children with high needs.
Logan’s continued need to test his boundaries and the
strength of his relationship with the foster parent began
to result in conflicts and confrontations. Eventually, the
placement deteriorated. The agency then began a frantic
scramble for another placement.
Margaret, who was a single parent, became his new foster
parent. Margaret had adopted two children years ago,
and had two foster children placed in her home. One of
these youth was a 16-year-old teen with great emotional
needs. After Logan was placed with Margaret, on the
surface, this did not appear to be a good match for him.
However, after much deliberation, the agency moved
forward with the placement because it was recognized
that this foster mother’s biggest asset was her belief that
every child needs a loving home and that no matter the
challenges, she could help any child be successful. Logan
moved to the home in November of 2011.
Once again, Logan fell into his usual pattern of testing
the family, presenting challenging behaviors at school
and in the home. Margaret continued to hold her ground,
remained steadfast in her belief that Logan would come
around and worked at being non-reactive to most of
Logan’s behavioral dares. He gradually started
establishing a relationship with Margaret and the other
people in the home, started working harder at school
and made passing grades, and more importantly, began
to have a glimmer of hope that Margaret would be his
permanent family.
In March of 2012, Margaret was ready to adopt Logan,
just a few short months after he was placed in her home.
Her perception was that it did not matter how long
people wanted to monitor the placement, she had
already decided that he would be a permanent member
of her family. The decision was shared with Logan, who in
a customary fashion did not say much. Program staff and
Margaret began to notice small changes over time in
Logan. He seemed happier, more willing to work
through his conflicts and more interested in making his
relationships work. He continued with therapy but with
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Foster Care Newsletter
less frequency. Logan, at age 14 finally got his desire for
a family to call his own in November of 2012. Soon after,
the family celebrated another inclusion when Margaret
adopted the other teen in her home a few days before her
18th birthday!
MYTH: Older youth cannot be
adopted and all adoptive
parents want infants
DISCLAIMER :
(*This is a true story but the names have been changed.)
Health Insurance for Youth Aging
Out of Foster Care
By Kim McGaughey
While all teenagers face challenges as they transition to
adulthood, most youth have families that can help
provide economic and emotional support during the
transition. Youth who age out of foster care, however,
face major challenges in family support, education, jobs,
50 to 55
percent
of youth
aging out
of foster
care do
not have
health
insurance
income, living arrangements, medical, dental and mental
health problems, along with a lack of health insurance.
Research studies have consistently reported that 50 to
55 percent of youth aging out of foster care do not have
health insurance. This percentage is significantly higher
than the general population. The U.S. Census Bureau
reports that 30 percent of all young adults age 18 - 24 do
not have health insurance. Research also shows that youth
in foster care have 3 to 7 times as many chronic health
Foster care
Youth who leave foster care at 18-years-old, and
emancipated minors, may apply for the Family Access to
Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) program and receive
health insurance until their 19th birthday. A four month
waiting period does not apply since the youth’s prior
insurance was Medicaid. There are no enrollment fees or
monthly premiums. For some services, there may be a
small co-payment. Covered services include: doctor
visits, well-baby checkups, hospital visits, vaccinations,
prescription medicine, tests, x-rays, dental care,
emergency care, vision care, and mental health care.
See the FAMIS Teens section of the FAMIS website for
more information.
Effective January 1, 2014, all youth aging out of foster care
will be eligible for Medicaid coverage until they reach age
26, regardless of their income (Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act 2010). The Virginia Department of
Social Services (VDSS) will include guidance on the
availability of Medicaid coverage for youth aging out of
care in the Child and Family Services Manual once federal
rulemaking is completed, and the Virginia Department of
Medical Assistance Services establishes written policies for
this new covered group.
Information adapted from the American Academy of Pediatric
Policy Statement on Health Care of Youth Aging Out of Foster
Care, Pediatrics, Vol. 130 No. 6, December 1, 2012. Also
guidance provided from Foster Care Chapter Section 14.16.
Foster Care Resources
For Foster Parents:
Child Welfare Information Gateway -
FACES of Virginia Families - Virginia’s Foster Parent
https://www.childwelfare.gov/
Association - for foster/adoptive/kinship providers -
Foster Family-based Treatment Association -
http://facesofvirginia.org/
http://www.ffta.org
National Foster Parent Association -
National Child Welfare Resource Center for
http://www.nfpaonline.org/
Permanency and Family Connections -
For Foster Youth and Resource Families:
http://www.nrcpfc.org/
http://www.ifoster.org
Foster to adopt:
For Foster Youth:
Dave Thomas Foundation -
Project Life - http://www.vaprojectlife.org/
http://www.davethomasfoundation.org/
VStreet - http://www.vstreet.com/learnmore/intro.jsp
AdoptUsKids - http://adoptuskids.org/
6
conditions and behavior and mental health problems
as youth who have not been in foster care.
Virginia Department of Social Services
Foster Care Newsletter
Managed Care for Foster Care Youth
Children who are in foster, that have previously received
“fee for service” Medicaid will be converted to managed
care in the coming year in a phased roll out. This
conversion also will impact children receiving Medicaid
as a result of their Adoption Assistance Agreement, as
long as they are not covered under adoptive parents
‘private insurance plan.
The Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS)
was directed by the 2012 General Assembly to move
youth in foster care and adoption assistance from fee
for service coverage for their medical services to one
of six managed care organizations (MCOs). The current
plan is for targeted children in specific regions of the
state to convert according to region specific time frames
until the entire state is converted. The timeframes are
being worked on at the time of this writing and will be
announced soon.
The purpose of this conversion is to provide these
children with better coordination of health care, with
medical case management services, as well as targeted
services for chronic conditions. In addition, this change
will give them increased access to practitioners, better
coordination of referrals and a greater choice of primary
care providers.
Children who will be excluded from managed care are
those who:
- Are hospitalized at the time of enrollment
- Are place in Level C (psychiatric) residential care, and
- Are undocumented minors.
The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is
working closely with DMAS to make changes in the
Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS)
that will facilitate direct communications between
the children’s care providers or adoptive parents. This
process was successfully piloted in Richmond City during
calendar year 2012. Training dates and registration
information for foster parents and caseworkers will be
announced by VDSS.
Ten Things All Foster Parents
Should Know
1 The Code of Ethics and Mutual Responsibilities Placement Agreement
For each placement the foster parent is to receive a Code of Ethics and Mutual Responsibilities Placement Agreement
with an attached financial agreement. The Code of Ethics should be reviewed during annual training and at each
placement, so that parents and workers can discuss what has been working well and how they can mutually improve
experiences for children. The parent, worker, and the agency director/designee are required to sign the document. The
story continued on next page
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Foster Care Newsletter
Commissioner, unless the removal is as a result of an
abuse or neglect allegation. Child protective services
and/or police conduct removals for abuse or neglect
and they must provide you with their credentials when
announcing their reason for coming to your home.
5 Child-Specific Information Requirements
The court is required by Virginia law to provide you with
the court-approved service plan for every child in your
care. The local agency is required to provide you with all
available information about the child which is relevant to
the care of the child.
Ten Things Every Foster Parent In Virginia Should Know continued
6 Information Foster Parents Must Share With
The Agency
attached financial agreement should indicate the amount
of maintenance payments and the date that the agency
will provide that payment on a monthly basis; so foster
parents are able to develop their budgets. This placement
agreement is required by state policy as approved by the
State Board of Social Services.
You are required to provide the local agency with any
information from the child that can impact their care or
may be otherwise relevant to the agency responsible for
the care and protection of the child (be sure to keep a log
of all information provided to the agency including dates
and times).
2 Reimbursement Rates
7 Confidentiality
Foster Parents are entitled to basic monthly maintenance
reimbursement. An agency may determine that a child’s
needs require additional daily supervision by foster
parents or a foster parent may request an agency
evaluation of the need for additional daily supervision
payments. Local Departments of Social Services may
utilize the Virginia Enhanced Maintenance Assessment
Tool (VEMAT) to decide the rate for any additional
reimbursement payments to foster parents. Private
agencies are required to use the VEMAT before making
any additional reimbursement payments to foster parents.
All information provided to foster parents is required
to be kept confidential. In addition, photographs of
children in foster care that may be used in a public
setting or shared outside of the immediate family are
required to be shared only with the express written
permission of the legal custodian of the child.
3 Foster Parents as Participants in the Decision
Making Process
Agencies are required to work with foster parents as a
member of the professional team and must give notice
to foster parents of all court hearings, Family Assessment
Planning Team (FAPT) meetings and foster care planning
meetings. Foster parents have the right to attend and be
heard at these events/meetings.
4 Placement Decisions Cannot Be Appealed
One of the most challenging issues for foster parents is
the occasion when a child is removed from their home.
Foster parents do not have any appeal rights regarding
placement decisions. The agency or the Commissioner
of the Virginia Department of Social Services may
remove the child placed for foster care at any time from
your home. When this occurs be sure that you know the
person making the removal or ask for a written document
indicating that the person is removing the child under the
authority of the agency, the court, or the
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8 Foster Parent Participation In Educational Planning
If a child in your home has an Individualized Education
Plan (IEP), then as a foster parent you are allowed to
participate in that process and sign the IEP, if the birth
parent is not participating in the IEP process. However,
if the birth parent requests to participate in this process,
then you may still attend and provide feedback, but the
birth parent is the one to sign off on the plan.
9 Foster Parent Petitioning For Adoption
Foster parents may themselves, petition the courts to
adopt any child for whom parental rights have been
terminated when the child has been in their home for
a continuous 18 months.
10 Respite Care For Foster Parents
Local DSS Foster parents may request respite through
the local department. Respite is funded solely by the
state. Local agencies have access to these funds and
the rules for using respite are flexible and designed to
prevent foster care disruptions. Licensed Child Placing
Agency foster parents may request respite through their
licensing agency. (Updated 5/13)
Provided by FACES of Virginia Families
Creative Arts Project
Foster and adoptive youth across the state participated in the 2013 Creative Arts Projects. Here are a few of the
creative arts projects that were received by VDSS. Youth opened up and shared their thoughts about permanency,
family, and relationships.
A.L. reads her poem at the VAdopts event on Friday, May 17th at
the entrance to the Governor’s Executive Mansion
A family I belong to
thats all I really need
somebody to love me
and help me to succeed.
I need someone to care
to hold me when in fright
and when I have a bad dream
in the middle of the night.
The Perfect Family
Call it a clan, call it a network,
Call it a tribe, call it a family.
Whoever you are, you need one.
-J. H.
Sometimes I’m really lost
and wonder what to do
I wonder what to say
and who to talk to.
Adopt A Child -T.C.
It’s tough to be a foster child
but sometimes life’s not fair
I wish I had somewhere to go
and somebody who would care.
-A.L.
PERMANENCY
permanency .... a great wonder of life,
illustrations by L.F.
HOME IS HERE
like a star that shines so bright.
Home is where we are everyday
yet like a thought that eludes,
All the words we say
is somthing that can confuse,
Through the thick and thin
and comes with many moods,
Family is always within
and for many children is a plight.
ever fearful, yet always brave,
Deep in my heart
The memories of all our parts
they steel themselves for their quest.
All our greetings
searching for those who’ll at last save
All our dwelling meetings
these young warriors and give them rest.
at last they find their elusive home,
Permanently one and for all
My family is permanently my all
to live with those who love them best,
and nevermore be alone.
-J.S.
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-C.S.T.
Treat Them Like Gold: Resource
Families, Retention & Recruitment
Why We Say “Resource Families”
Foster families. Adoptive families. Relatives who provide kinship care.
Legal guardians…all these are referred to as “resource families.” The
term refers to anyone who provides a safe, stable, loving home for
a child when the child’s birth parents are unable to provide one.
Why use this term? We need to think more broadly about potential
families and children’s needs. All kinds of families are needed for
children in foster care. Sometimes children need families who can
play multiple roles over time. Instead of dividing families into
categories, we are choosing to use a term that leaves the possibilities
as open as possible.
Common Traits of Successful Resource Family Retention
& Recruitment Programs
Everyone in the agency sees it as his or her job to contribute to the recruitment and retention of resource families.
The agency uses current resource families as much as possible in their recruitment and retention efforts.
The agency uses culturally-sensitive recruitment strategies to meet the needs of all children.
The agency uses data to regularly plan and evaluate recruitment and retention efforts.
The agency uses the media to enhance the agency’s profile in the community.
The agency partners with other agencies to collaborate across county lines to optimize outcomes.
The agency uses targeted recruitment efforts (e.g., to find homes for teens, African American children,
American Indian children, etc.) to meet the specific needs and reflect the characteristics of children in care.
Treat Them Like Gold: A Best Practice Guide for Partnering with Resource Families 2
Courtesy North Carolina Division of Social Services
Number of Virginia Youth in Foster
Care (By Age)
Age < 1
Age 1 - 5
Age 6 - 9
Age 10 - 12
Age 13 - 15
Age 16 - 17
Total Youth in Foster Care
177
1,079
681
535
852
978
4,302
Data as of 1/1/2013
10 Virginia Department of Social Services
Foster Care Newsletter
source: Virginia Child Welfare
Outcome Reports Utility (VCWOR)
Ask the Experts
Division of Family Services
Paul McWhinney, Director
Alex Kamberis, Assistant Director
Resource Family Unit
Staff in this Unit is responsible for the development of guidance and the provision of technical assistance to local
department of social services (LDSS) for recruitment, approval, development, and support of resource parents. The
Resource Family consultants also provide technical assistance around diligent search, relative notification and family
engagement practices.
Em Parente, Manager, VDSS Home Office
Em.parente@dss.virginia.gov
(804) 726-7538
Flora Harris, Consultant Eastern Region
Flora.harris@dss.virginia.gov
(757) 552-1151
Sandra Bell, Consultant Northern Region
Sandra.bell@dss.virginia.gov
(540) 347-6301
Lavinia Hopkins, Consultant Central Region
Lavinia.hopkins@dss.virginia.gov
(804) 662-9563
Chasity Fitzpatrick, Consultant Piedmont Region
Chasity.fitzpatrick@dss.virginia.gov
(540) 204-9639
Lana Mullins, Consultant Western Region
Lana.mullins@dss.virginia.gov
(276) 628-3419
Permanency Unit
Staff in the permanency unit provides guidance on federal and state laws that are legal requirements for case planning
and service delivery for children in foster care and their families.
Cynthia Bauer, Policy, VDSS Home Office
Cynthia.bauer@dss.virginia.gov
(804) 726-7518
Tammy Francisco, Consultant Western Region
Tammy.francisco@dss.virginia.gov
(276) 676-5487
Kim McGaughey, Policy Analyst, Family Services
Kim.mcgaughey@dss.virginia.gov
(804) 382-3551
Jane Joyner, Consultant Eastern Region
Jane.joyner@dss.virginia.gov
(757) 491-3986
Dawn Caldwell, Consultant Piedmont Region
Dawn.caldwell@dss.virginia.gov
(540) 204-9638
Lisa Tully, Consultant Central Region
Lisa.tully@dss.virginia.gov
(804) 662-9791
Consultant Northern Region (currently vacant)
CRAFFT
The Community Resource, Adoptive and Foster Family Training (CRAFFT) unit is responsible for providing pre-service
and in-service training to prospective and approved resource families on a regional basis. The CRAFFT coordinators work
with Local DSS to provide local and regional training. The coordinators also train LDSS staff who will provide training for
resource parents for their agencies.
Gardenella Green, CRAFFT program manager
ggreen@nsu.edu(757) 823-2759
Pam Riddick, Coordinator Eastern Region
periddick@nsu.edu(757) 823-2284
Bridget Diehl, Coordinator Northern Region
bdiehl@vcu.edu
(804) 869-5750
Janine Tondrowski, Coordinator Central Region
jmtondrowski@vcu.edu(804) 662-0271
Susan Taylor, Coordinator Piedmont Region
staylor22@radford.edu(804) 347-4095
Kathleen Miller, Coordinator Western Region
khmiller@radford.edu
(540) 831-7682
Thanks to the Foster Care Awareness Committee (Renee Garnett, Lead Staff).
Special thanks to: Jacquelyn Cowan, Director UMFS Project LIFE; Jermaine Johnson, Executive Director,
Adolescent and Family Growth Center, Inc.; and Cate Newbanks, Executive Director, FACES of Virginia Families
for their help with the newsletter.
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