In response to new CDC guidelines, Utah Foster Care will be holding virtual meetings with prospective foster parents and temporarily moving all classes online during the heightened concern about the Covid-19 virus.
The need for new foster parents across Utah is ongoing. We encourage Utahns to continue to call or email us for details on becoming foster parents. Our foster-adoptive consultants will set up an initial meeting either online or by phone to answer your questions and give you information about classes.
The health and safety of all Utah foster families, and those currently in training to become foster parents, is a top priority for us.
- Pre-service training – Classes for prospective foster parents will no longer be held in person. Foster parents currently enrolled in training should contact their trainer and they will direct them to links of recorded video versions of the classes. For online training, you are required to take a quiz once you finish the class.
- In-service training – Classes for licensed foster families in their support groups (Clusters) will also no longer be held in person. Foster parents should please go to your support group Facebook page or contact your region’s UFC Retention Specialist and they will direct you to a library of recorded in-service classes for your license renewal.
- Ask a Foster Parent Nights – These public events to educate families on the need for more foster parents in their community will be broadcast live on Facebook.
- UFC’s Annual Symposium – At this time, our Symposium on Trauma: Resilience in Relationships on April 23rd will be postponed. Foster parents and other attendees will receive a full refund of registration fees. It may be re-scheduled for later this year.
As recommended, wash your hands frequently and follow CDC guidelines.
Foster families also received the following information from the Utah Department of Human Services earlier this week, regarding children in their care:
| To our valued foster families, Your family’s health and safety is a priority of the Department of Human Services. We recognize that you may have concerns given the recent news of an expected spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) to the state of Utah, and want to provide you with some resources to help you prepare. We are working closely with the Governor’s office and his newly formed task force to get the most-up-to-date, accurate information and guidance, and encourage you to visit the state’s coronavirus.utah.gov website for the community resources, frequently asked questions, and proactive steps to stop the spread of germs that cause diseases like coronavirus and the flu. While the risk for Utahns to be affected by the disease is low at this time, we ask that you join us in a state of readiness and take these precautionary steps to preserve the wellness of your household: Create a household plan Make sure your emergency plan is updated with contacts and plans for transportation and care. Plan ways to care for those who might be at greater risk for complications from COVID-19 including older adults and individuals with underlying health conditions. Choose a room in your home that can be used to separate sick household members from those who are healthy. Update your plan as needed using verified information from the state’s official site, coronavirus.utah.gov. Connect with your community Get to know your neighbors and talk with them about emergency planning. Be prepared if your child’s school or childcare facility is temporarily closed and learn their emergency operations plan. If you (or your family members) are feeling isolated or scared, we encourage you to talk to your caseworker, use of the SafeUT app or call the mental health WarmLine, 801-587-1055, to talk to a peer support specialist . Practice and encourage good personal health habits and household preventative actions Wash hands with soap and warm water often, and use hand sanitizer when hand washing is not an option. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Work with your caseworker and other members of your family’s team to connect remotely Your caseworker or service provider may choose to conduct team meetings or other appointments using videoconferencing or telehealth . Ask your caseworker about learning to use these tools now so that you are comfortable with them should the need arise. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES State of Utah COVID-19 Official Site Utah Department of Health: 1-888-EPI-UTAH (374-8824) CDC Coronavirus website We are committed to helping you stay informed as we learn more and will provide additional guidance as needed. Thank you for your shared efforts to keep your family well. |
