September 2007

Time:	All day event
Summary:	Labor Day
Description:	1st Monday of September

Time:	All day event
Summary:	Grandparent's Day
Description:	First Sunday after Labor Day

Time:	12:45 AM - 3:00 AM
Location:	Lodestar Family Connections Center
Summary:	*Stepping Stones- Post Placement Workshop Series: For Parents of Tweens and Teens
Description:	This group is specially designed for families that have recently (in the past year) taken placement of a child through adoption, foster care, kinship, or guardianship. Topics include: Child development, Grief & Loss, Attachment, & Discipline. There is no cost to the family and dinner and childcare (for children 7 and younger) are provided. There is a parent group and a youth group (for children 8 and older). We request that families attend all four sessions which will be every Wednesday from September 10th through October 1st. Families will earn 9 hours of advanced training for completing the series. Registration is required. For additional information/registration, please contact Jessica Fisher at 602-930-4413.

Time:	1:00 AM - 3:00 AM
Location:	Lodestar Family Connections Center
Summary:	Meet Arizona’s Children- Foster Care
Description:	The Lodestar Family Connections Center is partnering with DES to offer Meet Arizona's Children. This is an opportunity for foster families to get involved in the placement process at an earlier stage. Families that attend will see video presentations of children who are currently looking for placement and case managers or caregivers are there to answer your questions. Families can then fill out a form so that the child's case manager is notified directly that they are interested in more information or potentially taking placement of that child. The children presented will have current placement in a group home or shelter and DES is looking for a foster home. These children all still have a case plan of reunification, and are not legally free for adoption. If you are a licensed foster parent with room for a child or children in your home, then please call Amy at 602-930-4433 to register to attend. Limited child care will be available! Registration is required and space is limited so call soon!

Time:	1:30 AM - 3:00 AM
Summary:	*Adoption or Guardianship:What's the Difference?
Description:	This 90 minute training is designed to help families make informed decisions when considering the possibility of adoption or permanent guardianship. Child care and a meal will be provided at this training! To register please call Corina Aguilar at 602-863-0799 x190.

Time:	1:00 AM - 3:00 AM
Summary:	*What Is It Like To Be a Foster Child with Shannon Clayton
Description:	While we have all received training on the realities of being a foster child, nothing can get us closer to understanding than listening to someone who has experienced it themselves. Shannon Clayton will be here to share her story of being in foster care and offer her recommendations to the families who have foster children in their homes. Registration is required. Please call Amy to register at 602-930-4433.

Time:	12:30 AM - 2:30 AM
Location:	Lodestar Family Connections Center
Summary:	*IEPs and 504s- Understanding Special Education
Description:	Raising Special Kids will offer foster and adoptive parents information about IEPs, 504s including the differences between each and the process for acquiring special education services for your child. Registration is required. Please call Amy at 602-930-4433 to register.

Time:	1:30 AM - 3:30 AM
Location:	Lodestar Family Connections Center
Summary:	*Dr. Texidor – Establishing a Home Environment in Which Children Can Succeed
Description:	Dr. Texidor will tell parents how to develop a secure environment in their home to help their children grow and develop. He will also offer additional information on how trauma and attachment issues effects how a child interacts in a family and home environment. Registration is required. Please call Amy at 602-930-4433 to register.

Time:	2:30 PM - 11:30 PM
Location:	Phoenix Marriott Mesa Hotel and Convention Center
Summary:	2007 Children Need Homes Conference!
Description:	The Children Need Homes Conference is an annual event sponsored by DES and the Arizona Foster Care and Adoption Coalition. The theme of this years conference is “Kids Need Us; Caring for Children, Families…and Ourselves.” This conference is FREE and will be held at Phoenix Marriott Mesa Hotel and Convention Center. For information on the workshops and registration go to www.childrenneedhomes.com or contact Karen at 480-946-3767 or questions@childrenneedhomes.com.

Time:	2:30 PM - 11:30 PM
Location:	Phoenix Marriott Mesa Hotel and Convention Center
Summary:	2007 Children Need Homes Conference!
Description:	The Children Need Homes Conference is an annual event sponsored by DES and the Arizona Foster Care and Adoption Coalition. The theme of this years conference is “Kids Need Us; Caring for Children, Families…and Ourselves.” This conference is FREE and will be held at Phoenix Marriott Mesa Hotel and Convention Center. For information on the workshops and registration go to www.childrenneedhomes.com or contact Karen at 480-946-3767 or questions@childrenneedhomes.com.

Time:	9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Location:	Lodestar Family Connections Center
Summary:	Adoptive Parent Support Group
Description:	This is an ongoing parent support group for parents who have adopted older children. Registration is required. Contact Jill at 602-930-4471.