HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 04251989 - T.B w1 T. B
TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Contra
FROM: JAMES A. RYDINGSWORD, DIRECTOR Costa
Social Service Department Count
�•. .� Y
DATE: �osTq•co'u#� cPy
April 12, 1989
SUBJECT: Foster Care Awareness
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RECOMMENDATION:
Declare May, 1989, as Foster Care Awareness month;
Designate May 20, 1989, the day of our Foster Families' Recognition Luncheon,
as Foster Family Appreciation Day in Contra Costa County; and,
Adopt the attached Resolution recognizing the commitment and service of foster
families who provide homes, love, and nurturing to Contra Costa County's foster
children.
BACKGROUND:
The State of California is declaring May, 1989 as Foster Care Awareness month.
Each month Contra Costa County places about 800-1000 children in the care of
our 430 foster families. These foster families share their homes and their
love with our foster children. Foster families are essential members of our
County' s team of child welfare professionals.
Our county has foster children of all ages, from infants to teenagers. They
are in foster care because their own families are currently unable to care for
them. All foster children have been through the trauma of separation from
their families. Many have led especially difficult lives and have unmet needs
that require special attention. They may have been neglected or abused. They
may be emotionally troubled, malnourished, or ill. They may have problems with
schoolwork.
Foster children need to develop a sense of security and a healthy self-esteem.
Our foster families make an invaluable contribution to their well-being by
offering sympathetic guidance from mature adults, along with the affection and
acceptance of family members.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: YES SIGNATURE: •`-�
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD"COMMITTEE
V
APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE(S):
ACTION OF BOARD ON APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED X OTHER
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE
X UNANIMOUS(ABSENT ) AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN
AYES: NOES: AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
CC: County Administrator ATTESTED April 25 , 1989
PHIL BATCHELOR,CLERK OF THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
BY 'DEPUTY
M382 (10/88)
IN THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE MATTER OF )
FOSTER PARENT APPRECIATION DAY. _) RESOLUTION NO. 89/256
May 20, 1989, is Foster Family Appreciation Day in Contra Costa
County.
Foster families, in addition to providing shelter, also provide love,
emotional support, and understanding to children in need of care while
separated from their own parents. Foster families are available to
serve twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
On May 20, the County and the Foster Parents' Association will
recognize a number of our foster families for the many years of good
parenting and nurturing they have given to foster children in Contra
Costa County.
The Board of Supervisors wishes to honor all of Contra Costa County's
foster parents for responding to the challenges of foster parenting,
and to recognize the - five (5) families who have each served as foster
families for twenty years.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors recognize,
and extend appreciation to:
(1) Sylvia and Robert Boudreau;
(2) Newell and Aline Hubble;
(3) Harry and Winifred Stewart;
(4) Emma Wilburn; and,
(5) Donald and Alice Williams.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board extends appreciation to all
Contra Costa County's foster families.
PASSED AND ADOPTED on April 25, 1989, by a unanimous vote of the
members of the Board.
Tom Torlakson, Chair
Tom Pow r ancy C. Fanden
Robert I. Schroder Sunne Wright McPeak
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy
of an order entered on the Minutes of said Board of Supervisors
on the aforesaid date.
Witness my hand and the Seal
of the Board of Supervisors
affixed this 25th day of
April, 1989.
PHIL BATCHELOR, Clerk of the
Board of Supervisors and County
Administrator.
By: C ..
Deputy Clerk
FOSTER PARENTS WITH 20 YEARS SERVICE
-LICENSED SINCE 1969-
1. Sylvia and Robert Boudreau
City of Residence: Concord
Number of Own Children: Two
2 . Newell and Aline Hubble
City of Residence: San Pablo
Number of Own Children: Four
3 . Harry and Winifred Stewart
City of Residence: Martinez
Number of Own Children: Two
4 . Emma Wilburn
City of Residence: Richmond
Number of Own Children: None
5. Donald and Alice Williams
City of Residence: Richmond
Number of Own Children: Three
TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: INTERNAL OPERATIONS COMMITTEE x `' ^"
DATE: April 10, 1989 TA-COUi1
SUBJECT: FOSTER HOME RETENTION SURVEY
Specific Request(s) or Recommendations(s) & Background & Justification
RECOMMENDATION
1. Acknowledge receipt of the attached report from the Social Services Director on the efforts which have been
made over the past 18 months to increase the number of foster parents who have been recruited and to retain
the number of foster parents who are already licensed.
2. Express the Board's appreciation to the Foster Parents Association for their cooperation and participation
in this regard.
3. Request the Social Services Director to determine how much of the increase in licensed bed capacity and
number of foster families can be directed attributed to the Foster Parent Recruitment and Retention Project
and supply those numbers to the Foster Parents Association and each member of the Board of Supervisors.
i.
4. Request the Director of Social Services to continue to work on retaining and recruiting foster parents and
make a further status report to our Committee on October 9, 1989 at 10:00 A.M. Y
5. Adopt a Resolution designating May 1989 as Foster Family Appreciation Month in Contra Costa County.
6. Leave this matter on referral to our Committee for continuing oversight.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: YES SIGNATURE:
Recommen io o County Ad nistrator Recommendation of Board Committee
�\ aPO
ove Other: T
/(,, —-
Si ature(s): 6 S7 SUWRIGHT McPE K
Action of Boar on: April 25, 1989 Approved as Recommended x Other
Vote of Supervisors
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE AND
X Unanimous(Absent ) CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AND
Ayes: Noes: ENTERED ON HE MINUTES OF THE BOARD
Absent: Abstain: OF SUPERVISORS ON DATE SHOWN.
cc: County Administrator ATTESTED ,6� adS /9A?9
Social Services Director PHIL BXTCHELOR,CLERK OF THE BOARD
Jose Olagues,Foster Parents Association SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
BY: Deputy Clerk
Foster Home Retention Survey
April 17, 1989
Page -2-
BACKGROUND:
On December 20, 1988 the Board of Supervisors adopted a report from the 1988 Internal Operations Committee
requesting the Social Services Director to review the Foster Home Retention Survey which had recently been
completed and determine its application to Contra Costa County.
On April 10, 1989 our Committee met with staff from the Social Services Department and Jose Olagues,President
of the Foster Parents Association,to review the attached report. This report documents the efforts which have been
made by the Department over the past 18 months to retain more foster families and recruit new foster families so
placement workers have an adequate supply of homes from which to choose when it is necessary to place a child
in out-of-home care. As a result of these efforts the total number of licensed foster families rose by 8%in calendar
year 1988 and the total foster home bed capacity rose by 10%. This is an excellent document which clearly
demonstrates the work which has been undertaken to improve both the Department's relations with foster families
and the perceptions of the public regarding the need for more foster families.
Mr. Olagues asked how much of the increase was directly attributable to the efforts which have been made.
Department staff promised to break out these figures and supply them to the Foster Parents Association and each
member of the Board of Supervisors.
We are recommending that this report from our Committee be considered by the Board on April 25 when the Board
will also be asked to recognize five foster families, each of which have served as foster families for 20 years.
We are asking the Department to continue the fine efforts they have made in this regard and report back to our
Committee in six months.
CLVM:eh
fosterbo
2
1
SOCIAL SERVICE DEPARTMENT` CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
FOSTER PARENT RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION PROJECT REPORT
April 3, 1989
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Beginning in September, 1987, the Contra Costa County Social
Service Department began a project to help address the county's
critical shortage of foster families. This was a two pronged
challenge entailing both building a recruitment effort to bring
new families into the program and strengthening the Dept'.s ability
to retain existing foster homes.
We began with an extensive review of the foster parent program
assessment conducted by Kathy Armstrong, PhD, in 1986. Three
issues were central to the difficulties noted in the Department's
foster parent program at the time: problems of awareness, of
attitude, and of clarity. For example, among the public at large
there was a lack of awareness of the need for new foster homes.
Among prospective foster parents, there were inconsistent--and
often unrealistic--impressions of, the nature of the work. Among
existing foster families, morale was at a low ebb, turnover was
high, expectations and requirements were often unclear, and there
were continuing complaints about lack of respect, teamwork, and
support.
It was our conclusion that a number of these difficulties could be
eased with improved communications, both between the Department and
its licensed foster parents and between the Department and the
public at large. Thus, our major task has been to identify and
address the specific areas where improved communications could help
enhance foster parent recruitment and retention. Over the last
eighteen months, our work has included:
--Assignment of two full time Social Casework Specialists
to the project
--A fifteen month contract with a public relations firm
--An "information audit" of communications across the entire
foster parent program
--Redesigned curriculum, presentation, and written materials
for foster parent orientation
--New preservice training program
--New guidance materials for licensing application packets
Gen 9c (New 3/86)
T
--A holiday season public awareness promotion at shopping
malls in the three geographic areas of the county in the
winter of 1987
--A coordinated "look and feel" for all program publications
with new logo and artwork
--Numerous new flyers, posters and display materials
--An enhanced and re-designed foster parent newsletter
--A detailed 3-color introductory program brochure
--An extensive print and broadcast media promotion campaign
in the fall of 1988
--A comprehensive new foster parent handbook (currently in
draft form)
--A broad based community outreach effort targeted at
schools, churches, and service organizations
--Formal liaison established with the Foster Parent
Association
--Formal liaison established with the community colleges
doing foster parent training
• -Establishment of a toll-free recruitment hotline
(800) 548-5722
These projects are detailed in the body of this report.
The professional literature and experience of agencies which have
embarked on recruitment projects is that it takes two years or so
to reap the benefits of recruitment efforts. We are encouraged
because the effects of our project have already been fruitful. The
total number of licensed foster families rose by 8% in . calendar
year 1988; the foster bed capacity rose by 10%, turning around a
five year decline in both of these areas.
SOCIAL SERVICE DEPARTMENT CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
OVERVIEW OF FOSTER FAMILY RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION PROJECT
In 1986, the Youth Services ,Board contracted with Dr. Kathryn
Armstrong to develop a strategy for recruiting more and better
quality foster homes in Contra Costa County.
In doing her study, Dr. Armstrong advised that recruiting foster
families was only one task needed to increase the number and
quality of foster family resources in Contra Costa County.
Support of existing families was also seen as critical given the
morale of foster families.
Foster families in the county felt they were not seen as a valued
part of the placement team; that they were not supported or
respected. Staff felt foster families were unclear of
expectations and the constraints of the legal system.
In the Fall of 1987, the Social Service Department commenced a
"project" to address the issues identified in Dr. Armstrong' s
report. When the project began, the critical shortage of foster
families was such that active recruitment efforts could not be
delayed while problems in the system were addressed. However,
recruiting foster families only to lose them as they experienced
problems in the system was not desirable either. Thus, after
considerable analysis, the Social Service Department decided to
focus on recruitment and retention issues simultaneously.
Over the course of the eighteen months of the project,
considerable work has been done including:
( 1) Two Full-Time Staff
Two innovative positions were created in the foster home
licensing program: Foster Family Recruiter/Complaint
Investigator and Foster Home Developer/Trainer. Experienced
staff was selected to fill these non-case carrying positions
and assumed their responsibilities November 18, 1987. There
has been no staff turnover since these appointments were
made.
Results:
While the basic job descriptions were in place when staff
were appointed, each of the two positions has been refined
as new skills were developed and new programs took shape.
At the present time, the Recruiter has responsibility for
maintaining relationships with the media, making public
appearances, developing markets to distribute flyers and
other publicity, among other duties. She also is assigned
Gen 9c (New 3/86)
to do the orientation meetings held in all areas of
the county each month. The Developer-Trainer facilitates
all the Pre-service Training Classes, meets regularly with
each of the established foster parent groups and edits the
quarterly newsletter for foster parents, the Foster Family
Forum, among other duties.
( 2) Public Relations Firm Contract
In September, 1987, the Department contracted with the
Professional Resource Group (PRG) for consultation and
development of materials to "market" the foster family
program. PRG is a Contra Costa County based firm
specializing in public programs. Their Director, Carla
Berg-Nelson, and staff met with the Department regularly,
providing all the contracted services in a timely manner.
Results
All printed materials, including flyers and brochures,
developed over the last year resulted from our collaboration
with PRG. PRG also developed the media "blitz" done in the
Fall of 1988 and edited the Foster Parent Handbook. One of
the agreed upon goals with PRG was for their staff to teach
Department staff basic skills which would allow us to
continue marketing and public relations efforts after the
contract expired. This was provided.
( 3) Information Audit
The first step was to identify all the places in the program
where improved communications might make a difference in
foster parent recruitment and retention. The Armstrong
report was divided by PRG into a one hundred ( 100) item
checklist of objectives and concerns about the foster parent
program as a whole. For each item, Department staff team
members were asked to list possible responses, outline the
issues that needed to be resolved in order to take action,
and to rank the action items in terms of perceived priority.
Results•
♦ Strategic Plan
From the audit, an in-depth perspective was gained
relating to the challenges confronting the foster care
program,the steps necessary to deal with communications
obstacles, and the feasibility of various types of
response. This enabled the development of a strategic
plan which defined and prioritized tasks. It also
provided a reference guide that was used to check the
work product, making sure the communications issues
identified were, in fact, addressed.
-2-
(4) Foster Parent Orientation
It was clear that it would serve little to stimulate a large
quantity of new foster parent inquiries, unless there was an
effective response to those inquiries. The logical place to
begin was by addressing the quality of the introductory
Orientation Meetings held for interested foster parent
applicants. Since this meeting is the first opportunity for
many prospective foster parents to learn about the program,
and the basis for making a decision whether to proceed, it
was seen as a critical link in the recruitment process. The
challenge at that point was to encourage people to become
involved, but yet to be sufficiently candid about the
challenges of being a foster parent. It is essential that
those who do go on to apply for licensing have realistic
expectations about the work they will be asked to do --
otherwise they are not likely to remain in the program.
Results: In conjunction with PRG, the following was
accomplished:
♦ Redesign curriculum
A new orientation curriculum was developed with a
detailed outline for the presenter. This created a
standardized presentation that could be used by any
staff member giving the program.
♦ Revamp presentation
An important part of the rebuilding effort has been to
establish an attitude of respect, professionalism and
mutual support so that prospective foster parents will
see themselves as important members of a team of child
welfare professionals. Thus, the orientation
presentation was evaluated with an eye to delivery as
well as content, by looking not only at the information
supplied, but the attitude and tone conveyed by the
presenter, the atmosphere created in the setting, and
opportunities for interaction between speaker and
audience.
♦ Rewrite and Design Publications
At the end of the orientation meeting interested
prospects are given a packet of materials to take home,
including application materials. Since the application
process itself can be bewildering with its forms, rules
and procedures, the written materials that accompany
the forms were re-written and re-designed to include a
clear outline of the steps in the application process,
explaining not only what is needed -- but why.
-3-
( 5) Pre-Service Training
One of the issues raised by foster parents in Dr.
Armstrong' s study was the lack of preparation provided by
the Department prior to their receiving children in their
home. The challenge to the Department was to provide basic
information to prospective foster families in a format that
would not erect a barrier to their entering the program.
Results-
♦ Two-session basic preservice training:
The Foster Home Developer talked to current foster
parents about their "wish list" for preservice
training, to other counties, and to the community
colleges. She then developed a curriculum for Contra
Costa County. The first preservice training began in
March, 1988 and has continued on a monthly basis in the
geographic areas of the county.
(6) "Just Say Yes" Campaign
Throughout the last 18 months, the Social Service Department
has worked on public awareness and outreach efforts. The
first of these was a holiday season promotion in late 1987.
A contest was held for Department staff to develop a public
awareness slogan, and "Just Say Yes" was selected. Flyers
were developed by PRG that described foster parenting,
discussed the critical need for new homes, and encouraged
interested parties to attend an orientation meeting.
Results:
♦ Slogan and flyer
Colorful one page "Just Say Yes" flyers with new
artwork were produced to promote the campaign.
♦ Shopping Mall Promotion
Department staff set up decorated tables at area malls
during the holiday season. Small labels, stating "Just
Say Yes. . .Consider Foster Parenting" were produced and
attached to scores of miniature candy canes. These
were handed out in the malls, along with the new
flyers, and staff responded to questions from
interested parties.
(7) Foster Parent Publications
Over the course of the entire period, PRG and the Social
Service Department were revamping existing publications and
developing new ones. This included creation of a unified
graphic design theme to give a coordinated "look and feel"
to all foster parent publications.
-4-
Results:
♦ New Logo and Coordinated Design Themes
All printed program materials were designed to look
professional, yet friendly and inviting. PRG developed
a new foster parent program logo, and combined it with
"country print" borders for a cozy look. These new
themes were incorporated in a series of new
publications, as outlined below.
♦ New Program Brochure
PRG designed a six panel program brochure to be the
cornerstone promotional piece. It answers a broad
range of basic questions about the "whos, whats, whys
and bows" of foster parenting in Contra Costa County.
Foster parent program brochures from several other
agencies were reviewed prior to developing this
product.
♦ Revamped Foster Parent Newsletter
The quarterly foster parent newsletter went from being
a "cut, paste, stapled" affair, to a tabloid-sized',
professionally designed and printed document with color
graphics, regular columns, news features and bulletins
about training opportunities, support group activities,
etc. This effort not only enhanced the flow of
information (and increased the likelihood that the
newsletter would be read) , but it also sent an
important message about the Department' s renewed
attitude of respect and support for foster parents.
♦ Flyers, Invitations, Programs, Displays
Over the course of the year, other flyers were prepared
for community group outreach efforts. For example, PRG
designed the invitations and programs for the Foster
Parent' s annual Recognition Luncheon in April, 1988.
They also created a free-standing display to hold
brochures for the recruiter to set up on display tables
or when speaking to community groups.
(8) Public Awareness and Media Campaign "Room to Share. . .Love to
Spare"
The climax of our communications efforts was a broad-based
public awareness campaign in the Fall of 1988 . Using the
new slogan "Room to Share. . .Love to Spare" , the campaign was
conducted on two levels -- a community outreach effort
combined with media promotion.
-5-
` ♦ Y
Results:
♦ Media Campaign
Detailed press packets were prepared for the Bay Area
media. Packaged in attractive blue folders with
colorful graphics, the packets contained data sheets
about the critical need for new foster families in the
County, a summary of the Department' s rebuilding and
renewal efforts, background on the work of foster
parents, profiles of the types of children in foster
care, a description of the process involved in becoming
licensed, and new foster parent recruitment posters.
These packets were sent to over 75 newspapers, plus
radio and television stations in the Bay Area, along
with scripts for public service announcements about the
County' s new toll-free "Foster Parent Recruitment
Hotline" . PRG also provided the staff recruiter with a
comprehensive media contacts list to be used for future
promotions.
♦ Community Outreach
In addition to promoting public awareness through the
media, an ongoing community outreach effort was
launched to promote direct contact with institutions
and organizations in the County that might have
prospective foster parents in their ranks. Targets
were elementary schools, churches and civic or service
groups. The first step was to identify those resources
county-wide. The next was to prepare a standard letter
of introduction that may be customized on a word
processor and sent to these groups, along with
materials they may post on bulletin boards and
announcements they may place in their newsletters.
The Department also created a "door-hanger" sized short
flyer that may be economically produced in large
quantities to distribute individual promotional pieces
throughout the local schools.
( 9) Foster Parent Handbook
A major goal in this project has been to "demystify" the
foster parent system for both new applicants and existing
foster families, to help foster parents understand the
often-confusing welter of names, agencies, staff members,
procedures and regulations that they must work with.
Towards that goal the final project under the contract with
PRG has been to compile a new foster parent handbook that
will help clarify these matters.
Results:
Material collected from a variety of agencies, professional
literature, and departmental material was compiled to
produce a comprehensive new guide to the Contra Costa foster
-6-
parent program. Handbook chapters range from an explanation
of the licensing process and the court system to tips on
child development and family communications. The completed
book, now in the final editing stage, will be published in a
loose-leaf format so that sections may be easily updated or
additions made over time.
( 10) Formal Liaison with the Foster Parent Association
Until the onset of this project, there had been no official
recognition of the Contra Costa Foster Parent Association or
a commitment on the part of the Department to have staff
participate in Association functions or meetings. The
Department, during the course of this project, recognized
that foster parents are their own best support on a day to
day basis. The Department can and must provide resources to
advocate on a state and federal level to improve the foster
care program, must address problems in "our house" , and ,
needs to ensure that foster parents have easy access to
workers and administrators in the agency. However, foster
parents must be encouraged to advocate from their
perspective, must be empowered within the Department and the
Court system, and must have the right to question decisions
being made for the children in their care.
Results•
The Foster Family Developer/Trainer was assigned
responsibility for establishing a formal liaison with the
Foster Parent Association. Since Spring, 1988, she has
attended as many association meetings, meetings of
geographically-located foster parent support groups, and
foster parent task force groups as possible. She has been
charged with communicating with foster-parent groups about
Department' s responsibility to its partners in the placement
process, as well as our openness to innovative ways of
improving our system in the future.
( 11) Formal Liaison with Community Colleges
For many years, the community colleges in central and west
county have had grants to provide training to licensed
foster families. They have traditionally had a core of
foster families who participated in classes that were
offered. However, the majority of foster families do not
take advantage of the training that is offered.
Results:
The Foster Family Developer was assigned responsibility to
work with the community colleges to identify barriers to
families taking advantage of courses offered. Another
function of this position is to encourage the colleges to
-7-
provide training identified by the Department as needed to
improve problems in the foster care system.
OUTCOME TO DATE:
Both professional literature and experience of agencies
doing recruitment projects indicate that it takes two years
or so to reap the benefits of recruitment efforts. In
Contra Costa County, however, it is encouraging that our
county is already beginning to experience results from the
efforts outlined above. Beginning in 1983 , Contra Costa
County experienced a steady erosion both in the number of
foster home beds and foster homes. As illustrated by the
following graphs, both the total number of licensed foster
families and the foster bed capacity rose in calendar year
1988: foster homes rose by 8% and bed capacity rose by 100.
-8-
BED CAPACITY OF LICENSED FOSTER HOMES
1150 -------------------------------------------------------------------
N
u1125 -------------------------------------------------------------------
m m
Z.b --------------------------------------------------------------------
e 1100 -
r ■
0
1075 ------------- -- -- ---- -- ---------- est�red}---- - ■ ------
f
1050 ------------- -- -- - ------- ---- ------------------------------
B ■ ■
d 1025
s �� -■------------------------------------------------------------
■ -
1000
Jan-88 Feb-88 Mar-88 Apr-88 May-88 Jun-88 Jul-88 Aug-88 Sep-88 Oct-88 Nov-88 Dec-88
—9—
V + `
v
Number of Licensed Foster Homes
Calender Year 1988
450 ............................_...........................................................................................-------------............................... ....................:...............................................................................................................
440 -----.................................................................................. .......................................... ....................................... ...................... ............................. .... ----........-.......-----................
430 .......................................................... .......................................-...................................-------------------------------------------------..._...-----------....----------------............................ ............................
■
420 ---..------.._----...................-............................................................................. ................................................................. ................... ............................------ ... ...
■
410 -------..........-----------------------:..........................................................................................................................................................................
. ■ /.........
400 .............................. . ............ ���. �■ ■............................... . .................. - ................ ._.............
390 ..................................... ..........................................................■ ■.........................................:................ ..................- ..-....... ........-......
380 .............................. ...................................... . ......................................................... ...................................-----------------------------------------------------.....--------------........-------
370 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------...---..-----....---....-.............................. ................................................................. ..........
360 ----------...........-------------------.......-------------.......------------------------------------------------------.-------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------... ....................-...-------------------....----------------
350
Jan-88 Feb-88 Mar-88 Apr-88 May-88 Jun-88 Jul-88 Aug-88 Sep-88 Oct-88 Nov-88 Dec-88
-10-
1
FUTURE PROJECTS:
The Social Service Department has made sincere efforts to
improve the foster care system in Contra Costa County,
recognizing the critical role foster families play as
members of the placement team. While significant progress
has been made, much work remains to be done. Issues of
respite care, increasing the difficulty of care rate,
programs supporting foster families caring for drug-exposed
babies, improved quality training for foster families,
training for Department staff around the partnership
relationship with foster parents, advocating for COLAs for
foster families -- these are only a few of the issues
remaining as challenges for the Department and foster
parents to tackle together.
overvw. lc
disk #6, lc
4/5/89
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