California kinship Advocacy network July 9, 2008 Planning Meeting California kinship Advocacy network

Today’s Agenda Welcome & Introductions Framework of the California Kinship Caregiver Advocacy Network California Kinship Caregiver Advocacy Network Vision and Mission Statement Self-Assessment Trends and Themes Lunch Moving toward Statewide Advocacy Brainstorming Session Development of Work Advocacy Network Work Plan

The Story of Your Name Where does your name come from? Who named you? * 07/16/96 The Story of Your Name Where does your name come from? Who named you? What is the story of your first name or middle name? What's the story of your last name? And for the brave, how about that old high school nickname of yours? Please share as much or as little information as you like. The Story of Your Name We all have stories -often fascinating ones--around our names. And surprisingly, no one ever seems to ask you: "Where does your name come from?" --Divide people into groups of 3-5 and have each person take turns telling the story of their names. Why did their parents give them their first name or middle name? What's the story of their last name? Did their ancestors change it at Ellis Island? And for the brave, how about that old high school nickname of yours? People can share as much or as little information as they like. --At the end, ask each group what was the most interesting story they heard (making sure, of course, that the person whose story is being shared is willing to have their story repeated in front of the whole class). As you process this exercise talk about our assumption that everything we do in this training has application to you as a trainer, whether you use the exercises with trainees, explore your own biases, to having courageous conversations in the classroom. We understand that people are on a continuum in this subject and there may be different levels in the room, but we want to establish common language. It is important that as a culturally responsive trainer you always lay the foundation. Everybody thinks they are an expert in this area and it is important to validate people’s experience and nudge them in the direction of becoming more aware of how the cultural context affects our communication and assessment of the youth and families we interact with. (20 min)

The Vision The California Kinship Caregivers Advocacy Network (CA-KCAN) connects all kinship families, public/private practitioners, and state/local policy makers to improve the well-being of children and youth, in kinship care. The network will advocate, educate, inspire change and support safe and stable kinship families, especially children and youth of color.

The Purpose The Kinship Taskforce will: Construct a framework to develop a statewide kinship advocacy group to impact local and state policy influencing kinship and relative caregivers. Emphasize the integration of effective kinship practices and strategies throughout the state of California. Reduce the number of children of color entering the child welfare system.

Projected Outcomes and Changes Networks that diminishes social isolation that kinship caregivers experience when challenged by child welfare will exist Mechanism to reach broader coverage areas and to integrate work efforts of different kinship populations such as other emerging racial ethnic communities will exist Kinship caregivers will be knowledgeable in speaking in different media formats due to media training

Target Milestones Kinship caregivers will be positioned to advocate for resources through policy involvement Kinship caregivers will be educated on how their role impacts disproportionality Develop organizational structure and leadership for advocacy among counties and within the state A mechanism to support ambassadors of change on state level will be developed

Target Milestones Relationships will be improved between kinship caregivers and child welfare practitioners Create a referral and support system for formal and informal kinship caregivers Kinship caregivers will cultivate alliances with organizations and councils in the state Elected officials will be educated on legislation that impacts kinship

The Vision Support the development of a State Kinship Advocacy Group structure in California consisting of families and child welfare practitioners. The structure will impact state child welfare practice and policy, particularly disproportionality and disparate outcomes of youth in the child welfare system.

Projected Outcomes and Changes Kinship caregivers will be formally connected Local to state advocacy will occur Kinship caregivers will be educated on relationship building and establishing and maintaining collaborations Increased awareness of policy makers and state legislatures about kinship issues and opportunities to increase permanency

Kinship Organizations Seven Participating Agencies in the State Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County Emphasis on Kinship Focus on Kinship Grandparents Parenting Kinship in Action Lincoln Child Center Rose House Association

Diversity in Demographics Staff of organizations range from 1-15 Volunteers range from 3-50 Organization Life 2 yrs to 7 yrs Services Provided: Information and referral; support groups; training and education; respite; emergency services; advocacy; case management; supportive services; family recreation activities.

Data Common Themes Noted Challenges Lincoln Child Center There was an acknowledgement that data gathering and sharing is an important role for each organization. All organizations kept track in some way of the families they serve. Noted Challenges Maintaining consistent data procedures/policies Technology to assist in tracking data (hardware, software ) Lincoln Child Center

Shared Value & Common Language Common Theme Each organization has a clear commitment to addressing the needs of kin caregivers! Noted Challenge Formalizing this commitment into clear action or advocacy that is communicated and held throughout the organization (esp. volunteers or new staff). Emphasis on Kinship

Training and Engagement of Staff/Volunteers/Kin Caregivers Common Themes All organizations recognize the need for providing training opportunities for staff, volunteers and kin caregivers. Kin are encouraged to participate in activities to promote advocacy education and support. Organizations cited they have created networks in order to increase the training and educational opportunities provided. Noted Challenge More training opportunities for staff, volunteers and especially noted was education of kin caregivers around issues which affect their families. Kinship in Action/Focus on Kinship

Engagement of Kin, Youth and Children Common Theme A collective desire to reach more families was cited by nearly all of the organizations. Noted Challenge The need for technical assistance to increase outreach in remote areas or to kin families that are isolated. The Rose House

Organizational Policy & Practice Common Themes Every organization has a clear mission statement that compliments to goals of the CA Advocacy Network. Noted Challenges The desire to become a 501(c)3, non-profit organization. Small and newly formed organization and haven’t fully formalized with business practices. (business license, formal accounting procedures, etc). Catholic Charities

Continue to Share Ideas! MMMM—Lunch! Lunch

Yes And/Yes But AN ELECTRIC ICE CREAM CONE! Innovative new Product: Imagine all of the fabulous features of this invention! ONE RULE – You are not allowed to use the word “BUT”. Applaud any and all brilliant suggestions Build upon suggestions by saying “Yes, and” Celebrate the joy of idea generation!!!

How do we get from here to there? Brainstorming Session Work Planning Document Area of Focus (Training/Tech Assistance; Engagement of Kin Organizations; Policy and Legislation; Organizational Development) Recommended Action Current Successes in Focus Area Priority Level How will work get done? When should work be completed? Next Steps and Responsibilities

Group Findings Work Plan Document Training/Technical Assistance – Russell Engagement of Kin Organizations – Stacie Policy & Legislation – Stuart Data/Organizational Development - Lisa

QUESTIONS/DISCUSSION

Next Steps & Wrap Up