Linda shared these training opprotunities with me. Hope some of you can make the one tonight "There is a great training on Tuesday the 29th that a lot of Peer Parents might need and especially new ones. It is on ADHD. It is from 6-8 PM and will be held at the Utah Foster Care Foundation. 5296 S Commerce Drive (4th floor), Murray 84107. It is also good for 2 hours training credit for re-licensing for foster parents. Foster parents should RSVP through the foundation or by e-mailing Liz Rivera at: liz.rivera@utahfostercare.org or they and non foster can just let me know they are coming. I am sponsoring this training. Another one to come in April that I am also sponsoring is on the 20th from 6-8 PM and also at the foundation. It is on Nutrition and is being offered by the Utah State Extension service."

At The Inservice

It is great to be back. We had a great turn out. Thanks for everyone who brought something to eat. Bonnie's chicken was scrumptious and Robert's chili was yummy.
It was announced that on April 13th, 12:00 to 2:00, Peer Parenting will participate in a Provider's Fair. It will be at the Oquirh office (which is almost to 201 on Bangerter.) Case workers from around the region will be there for a dessert contest. I will be there with materials from the Resource room and brochures. This will be a good time to get to know the case workers. The more the case workers know about our program the more they will refer clients. And the more than get to know YOU the more you will be requested on cases. Anyone wanting to participate contact me a head of time so that we can stagger times to cover the table.
We had a good discussion on why and how to close a case.
The biggest change is the need to have a team meeting before you close any case. In cases that aren't going so well, it is important to try to make sure you have the support of the team, and have exhausted all the avenues to making it a successful case. . In 'great' cases, it is time to have a celebratory meeting and/or a party.
The other change is that I will be generating certificates form this office. There is a form of course. I have also developed check list for both opening and closing cases. As soon as possible those will be included here on the blog but for now I will email them to you when needed.

Gentle reminders

I am so glad to be back. I feel better than I have in years but my stamina is still pretty low. It is my plan to use this blog more with ideas and resources.

and with efficiency in mind

Here are a few common mistakes that are made at billing time.

• The mileage sheet is meant to be oriented as 'landscape' rather than 'portrait'. I get more of your info that way and it is easier to read.
• Mileage is to the nearest mile NOT tenth of a mile. Pretty sure, on average it is going to even out and I need to be consistent.
• Face to Face time with clients includes initial meetings, court (while the client is there), phone calls, anytime you are actual in contact or presence of the client. You should be mentoring during times you are not actually teaching a skill.
• On the 520 we can't round up the cents (if the total comes to say$87.129 write $87.12). This is how the state counts it and I need to be consistent.

Thanks for letting me nag right off the bat. February bills came out late because (and now I'm quoting) "jeez it's a short month".

1. Wendy’s contact info.
• whamner@utah.gov 801 281 5013

2. Procedures for case assignment.
• Wendy will be receiving requests.
• She will match peer parent when a match exists.
• She will send out cases for assignment lists
• Cases are assigned according to match to family, relative age of parent and lastly who volunteers first.

3. Procedures for billing
• Original copies of 520s and mileage need to be to Wendy by the 10th of the month (remember she is doing at least two people’s job so the sooner you turn in the paper work the better).
• Email her the billing cover sheet and monthly summaries before the 10th as well.

4. Procedures for checking out Resources
• There are now two Roledexes .
• One for resources
• One with a card for each Peer parent.
• For check out items move the items card to behind your name.
• On that card put your name, families names, and date.
• Move it back when you check it in.
• For consumable items, fill out blank card as above including items took.
• And put it behind your name
• E mail Wendy Resources checked or taken out.

What a great time I had at the appreciation clebration!
Notice that there has been a change in when the inservice will be this month. I really wanted to have one more inservice before I go on the long leave. Most of you have already met Wendy and this will be another chance to. In the next week, I will be posting and e mailing about any changes that will result.
If you have specific concerns let me know so that I can attempt to address it before I go out.

So much news!

I'm sure I'll forget something. ....
Notice that our inservice in September will be an Appreciation of YOU.
I'm planning fun things (I hope) so please come and be appreciated! I will need a count so be sure and RSVP!
As I often many many reports everyday I get concerned that any one email may be a READ NOW sort of deal....so.... if your email has important immediate information you need me to see;
In the subject line please put READ and the case involved. That way I will have some idea of priority. Thanks . For other emails continue to put case name and type of report( session, billing, initial, etc)

There are many new things in the resource room but let me introduce two important ones here;

• We have a new DVD and hand out on "Purple Crying" - it is about that unconsoluable crying that most babies do at some point between birth and 9 months. It is a must see for all new parents in our program!
• We have new information about emergency planning inregards to disasters. They are nice booklets and some supplementary info. Besure and pick one up for the families you are working with. I can get more when we run out.

I am including these in the pockets of the Step Book Notebooks.

For all new (or semi new) peer parents. I have available some lesson plans that were put together by Linda Cannon. Come by and pick up a copy.

Welcome the New Peer Parents

Join me in welcoming

the newest additions to

our peer parenting group.
Ann Foulger
Sean and Lizzie Guy
Eldie Howick
Manual Carver
Heather May
Kathy Murnin
Gretchen Ryan
Nina Tigner.
I hope you will get to

know each new peer parent

in fall inservices and

during shadowing opportunities.