Wednesday, February 23, 2011

NYT: Families-First Approach

"In Tennessee, Youth Villages has been credited with playing a catalytic role, helping the state’s Department of Children’s Services to upgrade the foster care system. Help came in 2000 when Tennessee was sued by a group called Children’s Rights which alleged, among other things, that the state placed far too many children in institutional care. (Many states are today operating under court oversight because their child welfare systems fail to provide safety and permanency for children.) Tennessee settled the lawsuit and from 2000 to 2009, the number of children in out-of-home care in Tennessee dropped from 10,144 to 6,702. It’s vital to note that incidences of “maltreatment recurrence” decreased during that period, which indicated that the changes hadn’t compromised children’s safety. Tennessee also started paying providers based on their successes, not just their services."


Full entry here.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

URGENT PHONE IN MESSAGE

PHONE IN ended today 2/22/11 at 9:20 AM Central and 10:20 AM Eastern.
 
This was due to a request to unload the data out of Central office.  This was a mistake made by the requester and will not occur again.
 
AS A RESULT:  All resource parents who were able to PHONE IN had their data unloaded successfully those who still have not PHONED IN do not have to from this point forward.  
  • FOSTER CARE PAYMENTS WILL OCCUR OUT OF TFACTS DUE TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES EXPLAINED ABOVE.
  • IF A RESOURCE PARENT CALLS THE REGIONAL OFFICE PLEASE INDICATE THAT PAYMENT WILL OCCUR WITHOUT THE PHONE IN. 
  • PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH ALL RESOURCE PARENTS THAT CALL YOUR OFFICES, INCLUDE ALL FSW'S AND OTHER RELEVANT STAFF.
  • DO NOT HAVE THEM CALL THE HOTLINE... DO NOT HAVE THEM CALL CENTRAL OFFICE
  • next PHONE IN period will proceed as planned on March 3, 4, 2011
any questions please contact me via email  Odessa.Krech@tn.gov
 
Thank you,
Odessa
 

Friday, February 11, 2011

New Directions

Without a doubt, when administrations change, it is a time of uncertainty in state government. I know it can be very stressful. This week, I have asked four members of the executive team to step aside -- Steve Hornsby, Tom Riche, Joe Holzmer and Stacy Miller -- in order for me to begin adjusting the direction of the department. Even in the face of this difficult news, each of them was gracious and professional. And from what they told me, they clearly think very highly of you, their colleagues and friends.

When new members of my team come on board, I will certainly let you know.

Meantime, please remember that whenever there is change, there are also leadership opportunities -- no matter who you are, or in what capacity you serve. We will need each and every member of our team to move this department’s agenda forward.

Our primary job is to be a resource to all of our customers. The children. The families. The citizens. The taxpayers. I want to remind you that not only will we need to be excellent public servants, we will also need to be very efficient and to be able to demonstrate our effectiveness. So please keep thinking about how you want to contribute to that mission.

Best regards,
Kate O'Day
Commissioner

Monday, February 7, 2011

Creating Resiliency for families and children

The courage to carry on

Text Box: February 18th 
9:30 am to 11:30 am CST
10:30 am to 12:30 am EST 
Location:
Regional DCS offices
MTSU  You are invited to participate in a Satellite Broadcast panel discussion on Resiliency.  The discussion will focus on how foster parents and caregivers can mentor and infuse Resiliency for the youth they are caring for and interacting with.  Persons with mental health concerns who are able to develop their own Resiliency skills will be able to live interdependently and have more favorable outcomes. 

Resiliency may be a new way of thinking for families and children served by DCS, because they are often already struggling with socio economic factors which compound their stress.  Esteem, Connectivity and Advocacy are the key components of Resiliency.  Resiliency can be created from the intangible and abundant resources of time, attention, and direction.  Learn about the concept of Resiliency, and how using the self created tools of Resiliency, lives can be re-directed.

The team we have for this broadcast includes:
Facilitator: Mary Beth Franklyn: The director of Health Advocacy for DCS
Clarence Jordan: A coach and mentor for persons to develop Resiliency.  Clarence serves as a member of the senior leadership of Value Options/TennCare
Roger Stewart: The Deputy Director with NAMI.
Samantha Goff: A foster parent who was a foster child and has mentored many foster children, Samantha speaks with passion and experience about Resiliency
Deborah Gatlin: A board certified child psychiatrist who has consulted with children in and at risk of custody at the Vanderbilt COE, and is the medical director at DCS.
John Johnson: Director of DCS Foster Care and Adoptions.




Wednesday, February 2, 2011

BLOOD DRIVE

Rock & Roll up your sleeves

According to the American Red Cross, one pint of blood can save up to four lives.  Currently, Red Cross blood supply is at a critical 10-year low.  They are in dire need for donors.  Our goal is to get at least 150 employees to donate blood.  It won’t cost employees any money.  It will only cost them about 15-20 minutes of their time.

Blood drives are held quarterly.  The next blood drive will be on Wednesday, February 16th from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm at the State of TN Department of Health-5TH FL.- Cordell Hull Bldg.-Conference Room A and B.  Employees may schedule appointments online at  http://www.redcrossblood.org/ using Sponsor Code: State Cordell Hull or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.  Employees may also schedule appointments by using the online e-Donor system.  All presenting donors will receive a free Rock & Roll T-shirt.

By working together, we can help Red Cross increase the blood supply that is so desperately needed.  Plus, it gives us a chance to make a difference in the lives of others.  

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated in this very serious matter.