Workshops

Workshops A

A1. Guardianship/Adoption: Temporary and Permanent Solutions
Perspectives on legal issues involved when kinship cargiving is addressed through Probate Court.
Honorable George Belcher, Washington County Probate
Honorable Susan Fowler, Chittenden County Probate
Judi Daly, Casey Family Service

A2. “De-stressing”
Learn some techniques for relief from the daily stresses often encountered in kinship caregiving. Learn methods that can help you regain your physical energy and optimistic attitude.
Sue Gears, Lund Family Center

A3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues: the Overall Effect on the Family
A discussion of the far-reaching effects of substance abuse and mental health on all parties concerned, some warning signs, and positive steps you can take.
Jody Kamon, Vermont Department of Health

A4. The Value of Belonging to Support Groups
Members of support groups across Vermont offer the value of participation as a means of coping, learning from others, and the opportunity to serve as a force for advocacy.
Co-facilitator: James Forbes,, Department for Children and Families.
Co-facilitator: Sandi Yandow, Addison County Kin As Parents, Middlebury
Susan Avery, Kinship and Foster Care Support Group, Brattleboro
Chris Morey, Grandparents Together, St. Johnsbury
Wendy Parker, Grandparents and Relatives As Surrogate Parents, Rutland
Brenda Randall, Grandparents Raising Their Children’s Children, Washington County
Lois Reynolds, Grandparents As Parents, Milton
John and Gail Smith, Grandparents As Parents, Milton

A5. Help! What Should I Do?
Learn where to go for assistance and advice as you enter the world of kinship caregiving. Know where to get help with financial resources, insurance and child care for children not in DCF custody.
Carol Czina, Economic Services, Dept. for Children and Families
Carmen Mentasti, Child Care Division, Dept. for Children and Families

A6. What Is It Really Like?
Experience through guided imagery what it is like to be a child taken out of his/her home. Hear about the real life joys and challenges of being a relative caregiver. Share your own perspective.
Brian Southworth, Casey Family Services
Betty Holton, Vermont Kin As Parents, Grandparents As Parents, Milton

Workshops B

B1. Temporary and Permanent Solutions for Children in DCF Custody
What you can expect when children go into DCF custody: the process within Family Services and the legal aspects in Family Court.
Sheila Duranleau, Policy and Planning, Department for Children and Families
Jodi Racht, Vermont Attorney General’s Office
Jane Clark, caseworker, Winooski Family Services, DCF
Deborah Kellogg, caseworker, Winooski Family Services, DCF
John Bisbee, Guardian-ad-litem

B2. Children of Incarcerated Parents
The presentation will highlight both joys and challenges (including anxiety about legal issues)of caring for children of incarcerated parents, strategies to minimize their angst, and ways to achieve a sense of balance for the caregiver.
Tara Graham, Kids-A-Part, Vermont Children’s Aid Society
Laurie Soule, Vermont Children’s Aid Society
Jill Evans, Department of Corrections

B3. Walking on Eggshells
Kinship caregiving can complicate the family dynamic. Differing points of view can lead to conflict and stress. Perspectives on family relationships will be shared.
Erik Thompson, Washington County Mental Health

B4. Building and Bonding: Fun for the Family
Members of the Washington County Support Groups will offer suggestions on affordable fun activities for caregivers and their kin.
Ruthann Ryan, Grandparents Raising Their Children’s Children

B5. What’s with This Child?
This workshop will focus on practical approaches and interventions for behaviors resulting from common forms of abuse. Various age and developmental levels will be addressed, and specific resources will be identified.
Tammy Leombruno, M.A., LCMHC, New England Counseling and Trauma Center
Kriss Lococo, M.S., LCMHC, New England Counseling and Trauma Center

B6. Kinship Care: A National Issue
In the last decade, the number of children in kinship care has soared throughout the country. Learn about current national legislation focused on grandfamilies as well as innovative state programs that can serve as models for Vermont.
Jaia Peterson Lent, Policy and Outreach Director, Generations United