may 2012 heart times

This Month’s Featured Family ... Meet the Jespersens!

AASK is a OUR MISSION collaborative AASK commits to building

program of permancy for children from

Catholic Charities foster care through adoption

North Dakota by stable and nurturing

and PATH families.

CatholicCharitiesNorth Dakota

Austin is a matter-of-fact boy looking forward to meeting his adoptive family.

He is described as healthy and a good eater. He will try any food once and says his favorite food is “all you can eat”! Austin enjoys playing video games, riding his bicycle, and jumping on the trampoline. His favorite TV channels are ABC Family, TBS, and Cartoon Network. Austin likes to tube and swim at the lake. Austin wants potential adoptive families to know that he likes wearing jerseys and takes pride in his appearance.

Providing “structure, structure, structure” is Austin’s foster mother’s advice to potential adoptive familes. Austin will be attending a program this summer that

will assist him in building socialization skills and daily living skills. He has recently been referred for medical Occupational and Physical Therapy services, which should continue after his adoption is fi nalized.

Austin will be in 7th grade this fall. Austin does best when his “world is made small” at school, he can become overwhelmed with “hustle and bustle.” Austin can get frustrated when he does not understand things at school and continues to work on appropriately managing these situations.

Austin is looking for a family who will be able to take care of him through thick and thin. Potental adoptive families need to understand that Austin lives “in the moment”. He does not have a preference as to if he is adopted by a married couple or a single person. Austin wouldn’t mind having siblings, but his team is recommending that there would be no other boys in the home around Austin’s age of 12. Austin hopes that his adoptive family might have a cat and would not move to different homes often.

Patience, consistency, nurturing, and unending support will make an adoptive placement successfull for Austin and his future adoptive family. If you would like to learn more about how to meet Austin’s needs,

please contact Sonja McLean at 701-356-7985.

We are a large, loving family. Tom is a hard worker, wonderful husband, and patient father. Cheryl has a

great ear for listening and helping others; she is also the schedule planner of the family.

Angela (22) just graduated from college with a degree in mechanical systems. She is a very organized and

loving young woman.

Troy (21) is married to Kate (22); they, too, just graduated from college, Troy in elementary education/

coaching. Kate’s degree is in medical laboratory science. They are expecting their fi rst child in June. They

also will be moving to Alaska to start their careers. cont. on page 2

HEART TIMES AASK-Adults Adopting Special Kids June 2012

1

This Month’s Featured Family ... Meet the Jespersens!

Austin is a matter-of-fact boy looking forward to meeting his adoptive family.

He is described as healthy and a good eater. He will try any food once and says his favorite food is “all you can eat”! Austin enjoys playing video games, riding his bicycle, and jumping on the trampoline. His favorite TV channels are ABCFamily, TBS, and Cartoon Network. Austin likes to tube and swim at the lake.Austin wants potential adoptive families to know that he likes wearing jerseysand takes pride in his appearance.

Providing “structure, structure, structure” is Austin’s foster mother’s advice to potential adoptive familes. Austin will be attending a program this summer that

ll assist him in building socialization skills and daily living skills. He has recently been referred for medical Occupational and Physical Therapy services, which should continue after his adoption is fi nalized.

Austin will be in 7th grade this fall. Austin does best when his “world is made small” at school, he canbecome overwhelmed with “hustle and bustle.” Austin can get frustrated when he does not understand

ings at school and continues to work on appropriately managing these situations.

Austin is looking for a family who will be able to take care of him through thick and thin. Potental adoptive milies need to understand that Austin lives “in the moment”. He does not have a preference as to if he adopted by a married couple or a single person. Austin wouldn’t mind having siblings, but his team is commending that there would be no other boys in the home around Austin’s age of 12. Austin hopes that s adoptive family might have a cat and would not move to different homes often.

Patience, consistency, nurturing, and unending support will make an adoptive placement successfull forAustin and his future adoptive family. If you would like to learn more about how to meet Austin’s needs,

ease contact Sonja McLean at 701-356-7985.

We are a large, loving family. Tom is a hard worker, wonderful husband, and patient father. Cheryl has a

eat ear for listening and helping others; she is also the schedule planner of the family.

Angela (22) just graduated from college with a degree in mechanical systems. She is a very organized and

ving young woman.

oy (21) is married to Kate (22); they, too, just graduated from college, Troy in elementary education/

coaching. Kate’s degree is in medical laboratory science. They are expecting their fi rst child in June. They

so will be moving to Alaska to start their careers. cont. on page 2

AASK-Adults Adopting Special Kids June 2012

BismarckPATH ND, Inc.

418 East Broadway - Suite 25

Bismarck, North Dakota 58501

Phone: 701-224-9611

Toll Free: 800-766-9279

Fax: 701-224-9747

Joan Allen

AASK Program Supervisor

701-224-9611

jallen@catholicchari� esnd.org

Kathy Watson

AASK Worker

701-224-9611

kathy@catholicchari� esnd.org

DickinsonPATH ND, Inc.

135 Sims Street – Suite204

Dickinson, North Dakota 58601

Phone: 701-225-3310

Toll Free: 800-766-9351

Fax: 701-225-2208

Linda Gregory

AASK Worker

701-225-3310

[email protected]

Grand ForksCatholic Charities North Dakota

311 South 4th Street – Suite 105

Grand Forks, North Dakota 58201

Trich Heck

AASK Worker

701-775-4196

theck@catholicchari� esnd.org

Andrea Olson

AASK Worker

701-775-4196

aolson@catholicchari� esnd.org

MinotPATH ND, Inc.

2000 East Burdick Expressway

Minot, North Dakota 58701

Phone: 70-839-8887

Fax: 701-839-8990

Amanda Sem

AASK Worker

701-839-8887

asem@catholicchari� esnd.org

Devils LakePATH ND, Inc.

1820 East Walnut Street – Suite 5

Devils Lake, North Dakota 58301

Phone: 701-662-4913

Fax: 701-662-4963

Deanne Johnson

AASK Worker

701-662-4913

[email protected]

AASK Sta� Contact Information

Jedidiah (19) graduates from

high school and is planning

on attending college for

management. He is a very

career oriented person.

Roberta (17) is a junior in high

school. She has a passion

for art and a great sense of

humor. Jesica (11) is in 6th

grade and enjoying playing basketball this year.

Our youngest, Jerimiah (9) also loves sports and is active

in football, wrestling and baseball. We are a very close

family and love spending time together! Our favorite things

to do include camping, hunting, cooking, being outdoors,

and playing games.

2

FargoCatholic Charities North Dakota

5201 Bishops Boulevard - Suite B

Fargo, North Dakota 58104

Phone: 701-235-4457

Toll Free: 877-551-6054

Fax: 701-356-7993

Leanne Johnson

AASK Director

701-356-7986

ljohnson@catholicchari� esnd.org

Tanya Stuhaug

AASK Supervisor

701-356-7987

tstuhaug@catholicchari� es.org

Nancy Germain

AASK Worker

701-356-8023

ngermain@catholicchari� esnd.org

Sonja McLean

AASK Worker/WWK Recruiter

701-356-7985

smclean@catholicchari� esnd.org

Kathy Quaife

AASK Worker

701-356-8039

kquaife@catholicchari� es.org

Danae Moran

Temp AASK Worker

701-356-7981

dmoran@catholicchari� esnd.org

This Month’s Featured Family ... Meet the Jespersens cont.

3

Advocating for Adoption by Leanne Johnson, MSSW, LCSW

As North Dakotan’s head to the polls on June 12th for the primary, the legislative process may be on the minds

of many folks. So, what does the legislative process have to do with adoption and the AASK Program? The ND

Department of Human Services contracts with Catholic Charities North Dakota to provide adoption services

to children/youth in foster care and the families adopting these children. Services are provided through a

collaborative effort with PATH ND, Inc, known as the AASK program, Adults Adopting Special Kids. Many of the

children/youth served are children determined to have ‘special needs’. Thus, the adoption of children through

the foster care system has come to be known as special needs adoptions. A child/youth qualifi es as a ‘child

with special needs’ if they are: 1) over the age of 7, 2) are of any age between birth – 17 and is diagnosed

with a physical, emotional or mental disability, OR is determined to be at risk of developing special needs as

determined by a licensed physician, 3) is a member of a minority race, and/or 4) a member of a sibling group.

The family adopting a child determined to have special needs is eligible to apply for an adoption assistance

agreement. Roughly 98% of all the children placed through the AASK program are children with special needs.

If a child is not determined to have special needs and they are in the foster care system, the AASK program

continues to serve these children and families at no additional cost, yet the family is not eligible to apply for an

adoption assistance agreement.

The AASK program began serving North Dakota children and families in 1993. Since that time, the program

has been a part of placing over 1,595 children for adoption and over 1,258 families have had their adoption

assessments completed! The majority of these adoptions have been successful, yet approximately 3% of the

adoptions experienced a disruption. In these situations, the children were placed for adoption but for a variety

of reasons, the adoption was not legally fi nalized. National trends vary on disruption rates, but most often cited

is an average disruption rate of between 10 – 25 percent for special needs adoptions. North Dakota can be

proud of such an accomplishment and credit goes to the incredible adoptive families that have come forward

to forever change the lives of these children and youth!

A present day snapshot of the program will reveal that on any given day in North Dakota, the AASK program

is working with:

* 125 children on an early permanency goal of adoption, which is known as concurrent planning.

Some of these children may be able to successfully reunify with birth families, yet adoption services

are beginning in the event this is not possible. There are an additional 28 children waiting to have

an adoption worker assigned. These are children who have been referred to the program but due to

staffi ng limitations, are simply being tracked by the adoption supervisors.

* 70 children have an active plan of adoption. Of these children, 60 are legally freed for adoption; 48

may have a potential adoptive family already identifi ed and 22 children wait for an adoptive family to

be recruited for them.

*31 children are in adoptive placement with 24 families who are awaiting the legal fi nalization of their

adoptive family. This fi gure is refl ecting of the increasing number of sibling groups being placed with

families.

* 44 families have an approved adoptive assessment and are waiting for adoptive placement. 14

of these families have potential children and the remaining families work with their adoption worker

seeking the right fi t for their families.

* 25 families are in the process of having their adoption assessments completed.

* * 70 families are waiting to have their adoption assessment completed. These are families that have

completed the necessary pre-service training and are waiting to have an adoption worker assigned.

The AASK program has 11 adoption workers throughout the state with offi ces in Fargo, Grand Forks, Devils

Lake, Minot, Bismarck and Dickinson. The primarily services provided by the program include the child

assessment and preparation, family recruitment, training, assessment and placement support. Once the

cont. of page 4

adoption is fi nalized, our program can be a resource to the family for general questions, but we are not

equipped to be able to provide formal post-adoption services. The program is mostly funded through the

contract with the Department of Human Services, which receives its funding instructions from the Legislature.

Which brings me full circle!

In the last biennium, the Legislature provided funding to this program at the same level as the prior biennium.

While we were appreciative that funding was not further reduced, the impact to the program resulted in the

need to reduce staff by the equivalent of one full time adoption worker. The Department of Human Services

has historically been able to transfer unspent dollars from other programs into the AASK contract to pay on

the actual outcomes produced by the program. However, there are no guarantees that the Department is able

to make this happen each biennium, which makes planning very diffi cult. This makes planning very diffi cult

for the Department and the program. It is our belief that the Department must be given the appropriate funds

to support the level of adoption services needed for children in foster care and the families adopting these

children.

As one can imagine, the reduction in staff and ongoing budget challenges has impacted the overall number

of children and families that can be served. This is evident with the number of children and families waiting

to be served. An example of such a struggle came to light a few months ago. I spoke with a family eager to

add to their family through adoption and they had completed the training and paperwork, but they have been

waiting over 8 months and they still have not been able to have an adoption worker assigned. It doesn’t feel

good for anyone involved.

Advocating for Adoption cont. by Leanne Johnson, MSSW, LCSW

CALL TO ACTIONWe can never underestimate the impact even a small group of individuals can have when

working for a shared goal, so we are asking for your help! There are two opportunities I’d like to

highlight.

Call to Action

1) Contact the Department of Human Services’ Executive Offi ce.

Govenor Dalrymple has issued his budget instructions to the state agencies for the

2013-2015 Biennium. Part of this instruction was for a zero-based budget, meaning

the total departmental budget can be no more than what was appropriated last

biennium. Each department is working on their budget recommendations which will

then become part of the Governor’s Budget which is presented to the Legislature

in January 2013. If you would like to express your support for additional funding to

support adoption services in the state, you can learn more at the following website:

http://www.nd.gov/dhs/about/

Correspondence can also be sent to the following address, attn: Executive Offi ce:

North Dakota Department of Human Services

600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept 325

Bismarck N.D. 58505-0250

Phone: (701) 328-2310

Toll Free: (800) 472-2622

ND Relay TTY: (800)-366-6888

Fax: (701) 328-2359

[email protected] 4 cont. on pag 5

www.nd.gov/dhs/about

2) Reach out to your Legislators to have your voice heard. This summer, there may be com-

munity events and other outreach opportunities for you to connect with your Representative

and/or Senator. Tell them why support for adoption is so important. If you aren’t sure who that

is, you can fi nd the Legislative District maps at the following website: http://www.legis.nd.gov/

Below you will fi nd a few bullets, or ‘talking points’ that you may want to keep in mind when considering

either above options:

• If things remain unchanged, it is projected that 63 children will not be able to be adopted in

the next biennium. These children will stay in foster care longer while they wait for the adoption

program to be able to work with them and connect them to their permanent family. This is an

early projection and the need may increase. Yet, what is known is that the Department does

not have the spending authority to fund adoption services at the level of need and this is what

we seek to impact.

• Families will continue to wait for up to a year to be able to begin the adoption assessment

process. They will likely get discouraged and drop out of the process, decreasing the number

of good homes that are needed for the waiting children in our foster care system. The program

has already seen at least 8 families in the last six months that have gotten discouraged and

have withdrawn from the process. These families had been an approved adoptive resource,

we may never know the number of families that get discouraged earlier in the process be-

cause of the program’s limited ability to respond.

• Adoptive families need support after the adoption. The children and youth being adopted are

a blessing and bring many rewards, yet they have had experiences that do not go away at

the courthouse door. North Dakota generally does not have services specifi cally designated

as post adoption services for which only adoptive parents are eligible. Families apply for post

adoption services at their local county social service or regional human service center offi ces.

AASK remains a resource, but more intense services and support is not available. We must de-

velop a stronger post-adoption network in the state to support families formed through adop-

tion.

• When children exit the foster care system without a permanent family, their chances for posi-

tive outcomes are signifi cantly reduced. Many statistics will refl ect that over 50% of the youth

who exit foster care become homeless within the fi rst 18 months. This is but one statistic, there

are many other examples. Our children and youth deserve better, and on this, we all can

agree!

The AASK program through Catholic Charities and PATH ND, Inc. will continue to advocate on

behalf of the children and families served. We know, however, that families have greater impact

when they tell their stories and their experiences. I have been impressed by all the amazing work,

love, support and dedication families, agency representative, court representatives and the youth

bring to making North Dakota a better place to live. Thank you for considering this opportunity to

continue the legacy of impacting the children and families in North Dakota.

CALL TO ACTION CONT.

5

2) Reach out to your Legislators to have your voice heard. This summer, there may be com

munity events and other outreach opportunities for you to connect with your Representative

and/or Senator. Tell them why support for adoption is so important. If you aren’t sure who tha

is, you can fi nd the Legislative District maps at the following website: http://www.legis.nd.gov/http://www.legis.nd.gov/

Below you will fi nd a few bullets, or ‘talkikingng points’ that you may want to keep in mind when considering

ther above options:

• If things remain unchanged, it is projected that 63 children will not be able to be adopted in

the next biennium. These children will stay in foster care longer while they wait for the adoption

program to be able to work with them and connect them to their permanent family. This is an

early projection and the need may increase. Yet, what is known is that the Department does

not have the spending authority to fund adoption services at the level of need and this is wha

we seek to impact.

• Families will continue to wait for up to a year to be able to begin the adoption assessmen

process. They will likely get discouraged and drop out of the process, decreasing the number

of good homes that are needed for the waiting children in our foster care system. The program

has already seen at least 8 families in the last six months that have gotten discouraged and

have withdrawn from the process. These families had been an approved adoptive resource

we may never know the number of families that get discouraged earlier in the process be-

cause of the program’s limited ability to respond.

• Adoptive families need support after the adoption. The children and youth being adopted are

a blessing and bring many rewards, yet they have had experiences that do not go away a

the courthouse door. North Dakota generally does not have services specifi cally designated

as post adoption services for which only adoptive parents are eligible. Families apply for pos

adoption services at their local county social service or regional human service center offi ces.

AASK remains a resource, but more intense services and support is not available. We must de-

velop a stronger post-adoption network in the state to support families formed through adop-

tion.

• When children exit the foster care system without a permanent family, their chances for posi

tive outcomes are signifi cantly reduced. Many statistics will refl ect that over 50% of the youth

who exit foster care become homeless within the fi rst 18 months. This is but one statistic, there

are many other examples. Our children and youth deserve better, and on this, we all can

agree!

The AASK program through Catholic Charities and PATH ND, Inc. will continue to advocate on

behalf of the children and families served. We know, however, that families have greater impac

when they tell their stories and their experiences. I have been impressed by all the amazing work,

love, support and dedication families, agency representative, court representatives and the youth

bring to making North Dakota a better place to live. Thank you for considering this opportunity to

continue the legacy of impacting the children and families in North Dakota.

www.legis.nd.gov

To learn more about some of these Waiting Children,

please visit the at www.ndheartgallery.org

AshtenAshten is an 8 year old boy with an outgoing personality. He gets along with his peers and

enjoys playing with others. Ashten’s favorite toys are Legos. The shows “Swamp People”

and “Dancing with the Stars” are among his favorite. He is looking forward to various summer

activities, including baseball, swimming lessons, soccer, summer school, and church activities.

Although Ashten loves playing outside, he wants potential adoptive families to know that he does

NOT like butterfl ies!

To learn more about this kind and caring young individual, please refer to www.aasknd.org.

Alvin

Spend just a few minutes with 11-year-old Alvin and you will fi nd a pleasant and likable young man. He interacts appropriately with adults but is very quiet and shy. He has a fun sense of humor and has been described as a good kid and a good helper by his foster parents. Alvin most enjoys the outdoors including camping and fi shing. He also likes playing basketball and was involved in the school team this last year.


Waiting Children

6

“We must work tirelessly to make sure that every boy and girl in America

who is up for adoption has a family waiting to reach him or her... This is a

season of miracles, and perhaps there is no great miracle than fi nding a

loving home for a child you needs one.”

Bill Clinton

To learn more about some of these Waiting Children,

please visit the at

Ashten is an 8 y y yeaeaear old boy with an outgoing personality. He gets along wiwiwith hisisis p p peers a

enjoys playiyiyingngng wititith h h others. Ashten’s favorite toys are Legos. The showowows “Swawawamp Peopl

and “Dancingngng w w with thththe Stars” are among his favorite. He is looking forororwaward to o o vavarious summ

activities, includududing bababaseseseball, swimming lessons, soccer, summer s s schchchool, andndnd church activities

Although Ashten n lololoves plplplayayaying outside, he wants potential adopopoptititive familieieies s s to know that he do

NOT like butterfl ies!!!


Spend just a few minutes with 11-year-old Alvin and you will fi nd a pleasant and likable young manHe interacts appropriately with adults but is very quiet and shy. He has a fun sense of humor and hasbeen described as a good kid and a good helper by his foster parents. Alvin most enjoys the outdoorincluding camping and fi shing. He also likes playing basketball and was involved in the school team thislast year.


“We must work tirelesssllyy to make suurree that every boy and girl in America

who is up for adoption haass a faammiilly waiting to reach him or her... This is a

http://www.aasknd.org/kids_family.html


7

GARRETFifteen year-old Garret seems to be growing more responsible and more confident each

and every day. One of the adults who works closely with Garret shared recently that he

has the potential to be a great leader among his peers! Garret loves to talk with people

who are interested in his life and enjoys sharing his accomplishments with them. Garret is

extremely intelligent for his age and enjoys being challenged academically. He has recently

begun talking about college and what career he may like to pursue, possibly either business

administration or social work.


James

Creative, inquisitive and active…three qualities that make James one of a kind!Thirteen-year-old James is in the sixth grade. He enjoys school and his favorite, yet most challenging, subjects include Social Studies and Science. James likes being outdoors and staying active. After school and other free time is generally spent on walks, hikes, bike rides, yard work or other physically taxing outside activities. Blue and green are James’ favorite colors. He enjoys challenges and likes playing with Legos, reading and animals (with his favorite being the wolf).


BraydenBrayden is a nine year old boy looking for his forever family! Brayden is excited for the end of the school year so he can take part in his summer favorites: baseball, swimming lessons, and soccer! When he isn’t playing outside, he likes to play games on the Wii and watch football on TV. Brayden proudly states that he is a NDSU Bison Football fan. He also enjoys listening to music. Brayden is very particular about the clothes that he wears but is not picky when it comes to foods.


Waiting Children




8

More Waiting Children

JohnIf your family enjoys games, sports, animals, or just spending fun time together, then I’d love for you to meet John! John is a funny and sweet 11 year old! He has recently joined his school’s basketball team and is having a blast being part of this team! His other interests include animals, marbles, and his family. He enjoys spending his time playing games – whether it’s videogames, board games, or card games, John loves them all! He also likes coloring, watching TV, and looking for bugs! His dream is to one day live on a farm where he could take care of

animals – he especially loves dogs!


Maddie & Kayleigh

Kayleigh and Madalyn are sisters who are anxious to meet their forever family. Madalyn is seven years old. She is just completing the second grade and is looking forward to summer. She is outgoing and makes friends easily. Madalyn is talkative and will always tell you what is on her mind.

Kayleigh is fi ve years old. Kayleigh is a very warm and loving girl who likes to be held and hugged. People close to Kayleigh describe her as “spirited” and having a desire for independence. Kayleigh would rather do things her way than to have someone tell her what to do.

To learn more about this kind and caring young individual,s please refer to www.aasknd.org.

Joey & Marco

Fifteen year old Joey and twelve year old Marco are both ultra-talented artists who have won awards for their artistic 4-H exhibits. Both boys have been successful in showing their livestock, too. They enjoy living on a ranch and work with cattle, horses, and chickens on a daily basis. Marco and Joey are both involved in Tae Kwon Do and also are active in Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) in their community.

To learn more about this kind and caring young individuals, please refer to www.aasknd.org.




9

More Waiting Children

Nevaeh, Makiya, and Nikolai

Nevaeh, Makiya, and Nikolai are three adorable siblings who will certainly make their prospective adoptive family’s life busier, but promise to also add three times the joy and celebration to life! Nevaeh will soon be four years old, and is a gorgeous, happy little girl who enjoys coloring. Makiya is twenty-one months old and is a very active little toddler! She likes to carry around her purse and her baby doll. She has a twinkle in her eye and is always thinking! At almost nine months-old, Nikolai is a smiley, healthy little baby. He is on-track developmentally, and babbles, squeals, can sit alone now,

and is getting up on his hands and knees, but no crawling yet!

To learn more about this kind and caring young individuals, please refer to www.aasknd.org.

ZacharyZackary (AKA Zack) is a six year old boy who is awaiting a forever family. He enjoys playing at the McDonald’s play area and making forts in his room. His favorite food is Mac and Cheese and he can be a picky eater but his foster dad says he is improving. In his down time Zack likes making things with his hands such as crafts and playing video games.


MichaelFifteen year old Michael is looking forward to the day he has a family that he says, “will be there for me even after I’m an adult”.

Michael is a friendly teenager who enjoys Batman movies and spaghetti. He would like to be a chef one day and hopes an adoptive family can support his plan for this. His favorite book is Lord of the Flies and he enjoys watching comedy on TV. Michael says his favorite activities include soccer and basketball. He likes to be outside and is content with relaxing in the sunshine. Michael describes himself as someone who is outgoing and who likes to help others. He will be a sophomore in school next. Michael wants potential adoptive families to know that he is left handed.





Nurtured Heart Approach Thought of the Month by Sonja McLean, LSW

Last quarter, Sonja explained how to energize children’s good behavior by using “Kodak

Moments,” or simply, explaining what you see in that very instant. This quarter, we are going

to develop those comments to add in the values we hope to ins� ll in our children through

using “Polaroid Moments.” If a picture is taken with a Polaroid camera, it o� en takes a few

seconds to develop that moment in � me it has captured. With the Nurtured Heart Approach,

we can apply the same concept to how we work with our children!

Take a moment to think about values we want our children to learn, such as being coopera� ve, pa� ent, and

giving. We o� en let children know when they are NOT being giving, such as “you are not being very giving

when you do not share your toy with your sister.” While these comments are meant to be helpful, they

only tell the child ac� ons that they should not be doing as opposed to encouraging the child when they are

exhibi� ng posi� ve traits. Furthermore, these comments o� en teach the child they will get your a� en� on by

NOT doing a value, and reinforces the undesired behavior. With a Polaroid Moment, you can teach your child

the values you wish by telling them when they are already exhibi� ng the desired characteris� cs!

Your child may be exhibi� ng moments of responsibility, respect, and though� ulness right under your nose, and

they might not even realize it! Why should they not get recogni� on for this? For example, “I appreciate you

pu� ng your dishes in the sink a� er dinner, which shows what a responsible young man you are!” Or “Thank

you for taking the answer ‘no’ without fussing or crying, you are being very respec� ul in this moment.” These

comments might just help your child learn how they should be behaving, instead of just learning addi� onal

ways not to act. If we think about it, children can always come up with addi� onal things to do wrong. Why not

encourage them to think of addi� onal things to do RIGHT?

10

* Change and the Eff ects on Children

* Human Traffi cking

* Homelessness

* Internet Safety and Cyberbulling

* Oil development in SW North Dakota

* Social Work and Spirituality

* Educa� onal Neglect

* Fostering Connec� ons Act

* Educa� onal Stability

* Child bonding and A� achment

* Drug Exposed Children

* Medical issues in Child Abuse Cases

* And many more

September 27-28, 2012 Fargo Nurturing the Heart of Au� sm

Learn and discover:

* A model for suppor� ng children and families struggling with the challenges of Au� sm

spectrum disorder and other social learning disorders

* Clear strategies to support developmental growth

* Create a culture of sucess and nurture powerfully posi� ve rela� onships

Happenings Around the State

Last quarter, Sonja explained how to energize children’s good behavior by using “Kodak

Moments,” or simply, explaining what you see in that very instant. This quarter, we are going

to develop those comments to add in the values we hope to ins� ll in our children through

using “Polaroid Moments.” If a picture is taken with a Polaroid camera, it o� en takes a few

seconds to develop that moment in � me it has captured. With the Nurtured Heart Approach,

we can apply the same concept to how we work with our children!

Take a moment to think about values we want our children to learn, such as being coopera� ve, pa� ent, and

ving. We o� en let children know when they are NOT being giving, such as “you are not being very giving

when you do not share your toy with your sister.” While these comments are meant to be helpful, they

only tell the child ac� ons that they should not be doing as opposed to encouraging the child when they are

exhibi� ng posi� ve traits. Furthermore, these comments o� en teach the child they will get your a� en� on by

NOT doing a value, and reinforces the undesired behavior. With a Polaroid Moment, you can teach your child

e values you wish by telling them when they are already exhibi� ng the desired characteris� cs!

Your child may be exhibi� ng moments of responsibility, respect, and though� ulness right under your nose, and

ey might not even realize it! Why should they not get recogni� on for this? For example, “I appreciate you

pu� ng your dishes in the sink a� er dinner, which shows what a responsible young man you are!” Or “Thank

you for taking the answer ‘no’ without fussing or crying, you are being very respec� ul in this moment.” These

comments might just help your child learn how they should be behaving, instead of just learning addi� onal

ways not to act. If we think about it, children can always come up with addi� onal things to do wrong. Why not

encourage them to think of addi� onal things to do RIGHT?

* Change and the Eff ects on Children

* Human Traffi cking

* Homelessness

* Internet Safety and Cyberbulling

* Oil development in SW North Dakota

* Social Work and Spirituality

* Educa� onal Neglect

* Fostering Connec� ons Act

* Educa� onal Stability

* Child bonding and A� achment

* Drug Exposed Children

* Medical issues in Child Abuse Cases

* And many more

Happenings Around the StateHappenings Around the State

Spotlight on Staff: Tanya StuhauggMy name is Tanya Stuhaug and I am the newest Eastern Region Supervisor for the AASK Program, with my offi ce located in Fargo. I started in this position on 12/19/11. I have been enjoying getting to know all of the workers in AASK and Catholic Charities and have found this new job to be very busy and rewarding!

I grew up in Fertile, MN with my parents and two younger sisters. I grew up in the country and would spend my summers at my grandparent’s lake home near Fergus Falls, MN. After graduating from high school, I went on to college at MSUM and graduated with my undergraduate degrees in Social Work and Criminal Justice. I then went to work in Probation for my fi rst “real job!” Boy, was that

a learning experience!! Over the years, I have worked as a Case Manager for the Village’s Big Brother Big Sister Program, an in-home therapist through Lakeland Mental Health Center, a Treatment Foster Care Social Worker at PATH and a Family Support Worker at PATH. I graduated in May of 2006 with my Master’s Degree in Counseling and Student Affairs from MSUM. My passion is working with children and families!

I reside in Moorhead with my husband, Shawn, and 2 children—Austin, age 13, and Emma, age 11. We have a busy household! Austin loves basketball, golf, swimming and music. Emma loves basketball, volleyball, running, music and swimming. Seems like we are always on the go from one activity to another! In the summers, we enjoy spending time at our lake cabin on Jewett Lake, near Fergus Falls. This is the same lake that I grew up on and spent most of my summers with my grandparents. We ended up purchasing a cabin only 8 cabins down from where my grandparents lived and where my parents currently have a home.

We also have 2 dogs—a Golden Retriever and a Pomeranian, who was a rescue dog from the Humane Society. We also have a rescue cat that came to live with us 3 years ago. In my spare time, I love reading, watching movies, walking and spending time with friends. I am very excited to be a part of the AASK team!

11

“Oh... the Things Kids Say!”

Coming Downstairs

Teddy came thundering down the stairs,

much to his father’s annoyance.

“Teddy,’ he called, ‘how many more times

have I got to tell you to come down the stairs

quietly? Now, go back up and come down like

a civilized human being.”

There was a silence, and Teddy reappeared in the

front room.

“That’s better,” said his father. “Now will you always

come down stairs like that?”

“Suits me,“ said Teddy. “I slid down the banister.”

School

Father: “ I hear you skipped school to play football.”

Son: “No, I didn’t. I have the fi sh to prove it!”

In the bath

Little fi ve-year old Johnny was in the bath tup, and

his mom was washing his hair.

She said to him, “Wow your hair is growing so fast!

You need a hair cut again.”

Little Johnny replied, “Maybe you should stop

watering it so much.”

Kids‛ Corner: “Puddle Jumping”

Fruit Pizza Tri� es To Go

Here’s a variation on the classic fruit pizza that works well for school parties and picnics! The recipe is easily customizable with your own fruit and cookies choices.

INGREDIENTS:4 (8 ounce) package reduced-fat cream cheese, softened 1 pound seedless grapes, halved2 cups brown sugar 1 pint blueberries4 teaspoons vanilla extract 25 clear, plastic (10 ounce) cups1 pound fresh strawberries, coarsely chopped 12 sugar cookies, crushed1 fresh pineapple – peeled, cored and chopped 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced

DIRECTIONS:1. Mix cream cheese, brown sugar and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Refrigerate until cold, about 30 minutes.2. In a separate bowl, lightly mix together the chopped strawberries, pineapple, grapes and blueberries.3. Scoop about 3 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into the bo� om of each plastic cup to make a half-inch thick layer. Spoon enough mixed fruit on top of the cream cheese to make a 2-inch layer, about 1/3 cup. Top the fruit with a teaspoon or two of crumbled sugar cookies. Garnish each tri� e with a kiwi slice. Refrigerate until serving time.

Jump roping is on the upswing and here’s how your kids can give this hotter-than-ever pastime a cooling off twist!

What you Need• Plastic cups• Water• Jump rope

Instructions1. Hand each person a plastic cup fi lled with water.2. One at a time while holding their cups, players must jump into the turning rope and complete 6 jumps.3. The player with the most water left wins.

May is National Foster

Care MonthDuring this time, we remember children

in foster care and also take the time

to honor families who have stepped

forward to meet the challenges of

providing care to these children. The

Red River Valley Foster-Adopt Coalition held a ribbon tying ceremony at the West Acres

Mall in Fargo on May 14, 2012. 230 ribbons were tied by professionals from PATH, Cass

County, Richland County, Southeast Human Services, Prairie St. Johns, and AASK. Each ribbon tied represents one

child in foster care in Region V. This event also raises awareness of the need for licensed foster care homes. Thank

you to our families who have gone above and beyond for children in the foster care system!

12

What’s Cooking! Subimitted by Julie Hoffman

State Adoption Administator

Fruit Pizza

Here’s a variation on thown fruit and cookies ch

INGREDIENTS:4 (8 ounce) package re2 cups brown sugar 4 teaspoons vanilla extr1 pound fresh strawber1 fresh pineapple – peel

DIRECTIONS:1. Mix cream cheese, b2. In a separate bowl, lig3. Scoop about 3 tableenough mixed fruit on tosugar cookies. Garnish

WWhhat’s Coo

CONGRATULATIONS!Congratulations to these families who recently celebrated the legal fi nalization of their adoption

through the end of May 2012!

Aaron and Carissa with Jim and Mary

Alandra with Ardell and Nicole

Anthony with Jerome and Louise

Candence with Ian and Lacie

Charissa with Don and Tonja

Courtney with Mark and Julie

Dominick with Paul and Carla

Precious, Mya, Angeline and Derek with Andrew and Kristen

Roger and Anfrenee with Norman and Linda

Skyla with Donald and Mandy

Sierra with DeAnn

Tyrson with Randy and Roberta

13

Staff Update

Since the last newsletter there have been some changes to our staff. Jennifer Foss is no longer with the program. We thank her for her years of service and wish her well in her future endeavors. Andrea Lang from the Minot offi ce will be leaving us soon. We would like to thank her for her dedication and also wish her well with her future. Danae Moran has been doing a great job covering for Sonja McLean while Sonja was on educational leave. Danae remains with us through the end of June. AASK would like to welcome two summer interns to the program. Samantha will be interning in the Fargo offi ce and Alicia in the Grand Forks offi ce. Jennifer Schwab, offi ce coordinator in the Devils Lake offi ce will also be leaving the agency. We thank Jennifer for her support and devotion and wish her well.

Aaron and Carissa with Jim and Mary

Alandra with Ardell and Nicole

Anthony with Jerome and Louise

Candence with Ian and Lacie

Charissa with Don and Tonja

Courtney with Mark and Julie

Dominick with Paul and Carla

ious, Mya, Angeline and Derek with Andrew and Kristen

Roger and Anfrenee with Norman and Linda

Skyla with Donald and Mandy

Sierra with DeAnn

Tyrson with Randy and Roberta

PrPrPrPrPrPrPrPrPrPrPrPrPrPrPrPrPrPrPrPrPrPrecio

Staff Updatee

Since the last newsletter there have been some changes to our staff. JennifFoss is no longer with the program. We thank her for her years of service andwish her well in her future endeavors. Andrea Lang from the Minot offi ce wibe leaving us soon. We would like to thank her for her dedication and also wishher well with her future. Danae Moran has been doing a great job covering forSonja McLean while Sonja was on educational leave. Danae remains with uthrough the end of June. AASK would like to welcome two summer interns to theprogram. Samantha will be interning in the Fargo offi ce and Alicia in the GrandForks offi ce. Jennifer Schwab, offi ce coordinator in the Devils Lake offi ce walso be leaving the agency. We thank Jennifer for her support and devotion an

ADULTS ADOPTING SPECIAL KIDS

CATHOLIC CHARITIES ND

5201 BISHOPS BLVD - STE B

FARGO ND 58104

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTEDNon-Profi t Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDFargo, ND

Permit No. 1454

MAILING LIST UPDATE: If you have an address change or do not wish to receive this newsletter, please

email Leanne Johnson at [email protected]. Thank you!

Making a Difference

In May, the AASK program gratefully received a donation of beautiful, handmade

quilts from Project Linus and several area church quilting groups. These special

gifts are given to children to help make their adoptions extra special.

Did you know individuals can also support the program? Online donations can be

made on our website at www.aasknd.org. Donations can also be mailed to CCND/

AASK at 5201 Bishops Boulevard - Suite B - Fargo, ND 58104.

Donations can be made in memory of a loved one who has passed or to honor a

special occation such as a birthday, graduation, wedding or birth of a child. What

a great way to give tribute to someone who has impacted your life while making a

difference for a child in the AASK Program.

Thank you for your support! It helps the program provide that “special

touch” for the children and families we serve!

www.aasknd.org

may 2012 heart times

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