May 2012 E-Press

Happy May Day! The EPress below is full of goodies, neat things, and important dates about trainings. Check it out (both below and attached).

Wishing you all a happy spring. Please be sure to contact us if you have any questions.

Zachary Summerlin
zsummerlin@fsu.edu
850-644-1715

May 2012 EPRESS

NOTICE!!! – SPECIAL TOPICS TRAINING

We are conducting an additional training this month on topics related to intervention models, family safety, family-centered practice, and abuse/neglect. This is a FREE phone training, and everyone is invited to call in.

Thursday, May 24th at 12ET/11CT. Dial The Usual Conference Number to participate. 

We will issue a special Training Certificate for this Training alone, so be sure to RSVP and be on the call. **You will be required to send us an email for the certificate**

Clearinghouse Semi-Annual Performance Measures Survey

It’s that time again! Please take a minute and click on the link to the semi-annual performance measure survey. Please have your staff/volunteers take the survey, too. https://fsu.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_cVoSbQQTHvSLB0o

It takes less than one minute, but it’s important for our work!!

  

Supervised Visitation Network National Conference

The Supervised Visitation Network is holding its annual conference in Orlando from May 9-12. For more information about this great opportunity, check out the website http://www.svnetwork.net/conference.asp. The Clearinghouse on Supervised Visitation will be leading two scheduled sessions at the conference. In addition, Karen will be happy to meet with Florida program directors separately to discuss SV issues. (Please call or email in advance to schedule.)

Using Supervised Visitation to Promote Family Economic Self-Sufficiency
Karen Oehme, J.D.
This workshop will describe the lessons of a project that used two Florida supervised visitation programs to improve financial outcomes for low-income families.

Domestic Violence Cases in Supervised Visitation: A data analysis from five programs
Karen Oehme, J.D.
Over 100 domestic violence injunctions in which judges ordered families to use a local supervised visitation program were analyzed by the Florida Clearinghouse on Supervised Visitation. Five SV programs separately tracked these cases to determine service patterns. The outcomes were surprising and informative. This workshop will address the methods and conclusions of the research. This session is important because of researchers’ call for more outcome data on the usage of supervised visitation.

 

July Meeting and Training in Tampa

What: Free Training and SVN Chapter Meeting
When: Thursday, July 26 10 a.m. through 4 p.m.
Who: All SV programs are invited to the Training. Members of Florida’s Chapter of SVN are invited to the meeting.
Why: Free training, free parking, free lunch; free certificates
Where: Mary Lee’s House: 2806 Armenia Ave. Tampa, FL
RSVP: Stella Johnson, at stella@fncflorida.org

Topics for Training: Protective Factors in Healthy Families; Family-Centered Practice; Safety Issues.

 

Krimes Against Kids Conference

When: August 1-3, 2012
Where: Lake Buena Vista, FL
More Info: http://www.fncac.org

 

Questions from Directors

I’m having a problem with the case manager of the CBC. They are very nice people, but they want things that I sometimes can’t give them, and then they get upset with me. Yesterday they told me that the Forrest family would have to visit on Monday, instead of Saturday. The problem is that we are closed on that day. This is not the first time I’ve had this issue. Other times the case manager wants me to supervise two cases at one time, when she knows that’s not our policy. Email seems to be causing a problem, too.

This is an issue of communication and sharing information. Be sure to share your written policies with the CBC. Be sure to communicate with the caseworkers about your services and your limitations. Do you remember the old expression “sounding like a broken record?” Well, that’s how you have to be. Repeat, repeat, repeat your hours, your services, your policies. Tell them to everyone, even if you’ve mentioned them before. Don’t assume that one case manager is sharing all of your information with her co-workers. Be the voice of your program to every stakeholder. Follow up misunderstandings in writing. Use a very polite and enthusiastic tone. The problem with email is that the writer must work extra hard to convey tone, or risk being misunderstood as rude. Here’s an example. Put yourself in the place of the case manager. Which email would you prefer to receive?

Dear Case Manager:
As I told you on the phone, we’re not open on Monday. Our hours are attached.
Sincerely,
Sunshine Visit Director

OR

Dear Case Manager:
I’m sorry for any confusion, but our program is not open on Monday. I’ve attached the list of our hours and services. Please feel free to call if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Sunshine Visit Director

Clearly the second example is the better approach, even though at first glance, there’s not much difference between the two. Opening the door to future conversations is always a good idea when you’re dealing with a stakeholder.

 

Do you have any advice for rural programs that have no money for training staff? There aren’t many free trainings in our area.

Yes! Call the Clearinghouse. We have online trainings, and we have a list of other trainings available at other agencies.

 

One of our mothers who is only 22 drops off her child and looks exhausted. She always says Quinton and her other two children won’t go to bed at night. Is it ok for us to give her advice? We’ve all been there with our own children.

Yes. Of course you can offer some advice. We prepared a little handout for you to use! Good luck.

 

BEDTIME ROUTINES

In a family-centered practice, parents often share issues with visit monitors when those parents feel comfortable and supported by the monitors. When parents mention bedtime as a problem, visitation staff can offer tips and advice. For all children — an infant, toddler, kindergartner, or preteen — a bedtime routine is the difference between good sleep habits and a sleepless night. It is extremely important to understand the value of a calm, orderly bedtime routine. Offer the information below, and remember to give away the free books we’ve provided to you. Reading can be a nice, calming activity before bed.

Tips for Parents

Establishing a routine

Having a bedtime routine is helpful for children to know what to expect and be prepared for upcoming activities. A bedtime routine includes all of the things that you do with your child just before and up to the time they are put in bed.

Here are a few suggestions to experiencing a peaceful bedtime.

  • Be consistent. The routine should be the same each night, so your child learns to anticipate sleep as part of the routine.
  • Unwinding with a quiet activity 30 minutes before starting the bedtime routine.
  • Bath time. Include this in your regular routine; it is soothing and will help your child’s body prepare for rest. Don’t forget to brush teeth!
  • Choices. Allow your child some power in the bedtime routine by choosing which pajamas to wear, which books to read or what music to listen to.
  • Reading. Sharing a book together as a part of the bedtime routine is great quality time with your child and instills a child’s love for books. Reading together is appropriate for all ages. With young readers you could take turns so they can practice, or with established readers you can share an adventure through a series.
  • Bathroom visit. Remind your child to visit the bathroom one last time to get a drink and use the toilet. This will avoid it becoming an excuse to get out of bed.
  • Music. Allow soft music to help your child relax into slumber.
  • Nightlight. A cozy light will help your child feel secure and reduce fear of the dark.

It is very important for your child to have an adequate amount of sleep each night to ensure a positive attitude and healthy behavior.

Things to avoid

  • Making TV a part of the bedtime routine.
  • Caffeinated drinks with dinner or after.
  • Dragging out the bedtime routine or allowing interruptions.
  • Allowing a child to stay up because he or she won’t want to go to bed.

Quality Time for Parents

While there may still be many things to do around the house after the kids are in bed, parents should take some time for themselves and their partners.

 

Multiple Sclerosis and Supervised Visitations

A Director called to ask about a family in which the mother of the children has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. We offered the following information. For more, please see Chapter Nine in the Training Manual on The Impact of Chronic Parental Illness and the Dynamics of Supervised Visitation.

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

  • Multiple Sclerosis or MS is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord resulting in loss of muscle control, vision, balance, and sensation (such as numbness). With MS, the nerves of the brain and spinal cord are damaged by one’s own immune system.

How does Multiple Sclerosis affect families?

  • When comes to the affect of an illness, each case is different. However, the main affects of MS on families are more related to time management and knowing when the one with the MS needs help.

How does a parent’s Multiple Sclerosis impact children?

  • No matter the symptoms, children become accustomed to seeing their parents on a daily basis. However, they are wondering why mom or dad won’t get better and they don’t seem to understand that these symptoms might become more serious over time.
  • The less visible physical symptoms are most likely misinterpreted by children. For example, a child might interpret fatigue as disinterest or laziness.

Tips for Parents to Talk about Multiple Sclerosis

Why you should talk to children about it

  • Children can figure things out, even if they don’t completely understand what is going on.
  • Hiding the problem will only bring stress to their life.
  • Lying about it will make them suspicions and trust will deteriorate.

Steps and Strategies for talking to children

  • Give your children accurate, age-appropriate information about MS.
    • Remember that if you don’t talk to your kids about it, they may invent their own explanations, which can be even more frightening than the facts.
  • Explain the treatment plan and how it will affect their lives.
    • Prepare your children for any physical changes you might go through during treatment (fatigue, loss in hand motor skills, etc.)
  • Answer your children’s questions as accurately as possible.
    • Take into account their age and prior experience with serious illness in the family. If you don’t know, answer honestly that you don’t know and that you will find out.
  • Reassure your children.
    • Explain to them that no matter how they have been behaving or what they’ve been thinking, they did not do anything to cause the illness.
    • Many young children may be concerned that they will “catch” MS. Use this opportunity to talk to them about how MS is not contagious like a cold or the flu.
    • Do not be afraid to answer questions about death, children will worry. You can reassure them that people with MS can live very long lives and rarely die from MS.
  • Encourage your children to express their feelings.
    • Let them know that they can express any feelings, even those that are uncomfortable.
  • As always, show your children a lot of love and affection.
    • Let them know that although things are different now, your love for them has not changed.

Activities for families at visits

Having fun does not need to involve elaborate plans and major events – below are some ideas for quiet, relaxing, and restful activities

  • Board games
  • Arts and crafts (drawing, painting, paper dolls, paper airplanes, etc)
  • Read a book
  • Writing short stories together
  • Indoor picnics or tea parties
  • Perform a puppet show
  • Write and act out a skit or play charades

 

Open Head & Closed Head Injuries: Introductory Information

by Echo Harris

It’s a leading cause of death and injury in the U.S. How can it impact families?

Fact: Head injuries remain the leading cause of death in children and in adults aged 45 years or younger. Approximately 1.5 million Americans endure traumatic head injuries of different levels each year.

The following information is offered to supervised visitation providers who may have clients who have suffered from head injury in violence, accidents, or military service.

The skull is designed to protect the brain from injury and can withstand extraordinary force. Additional protection is provided by layers of membranes that cover the brain and fluid that surrounds it to provide shock absorption. However, a severe blow to the head can fracture the skull that guards the vital, but very fragile, organ that controls all cognitive bodily functions, processes thoughts and emotions, and dictates personality. Minor damage to the brain can impair any of these functions.

When a head injury happens, it is trauma that harms the scalp, skull, or brain. The injuries can range from a minor bump on the head to serious brain injury. The symptoms of a head injury can occur immediately or develop slowly over several hours or even days.

Head injuries are classified as either closed or open and vary from mild to severe.

Open Head Injury 

An open or penetrating, head injury means a person was hit with an object that broke the skull. The object fractures the skull and damages brain tissue or the surrounding membranes. An open head injury requires immediate medical attention, since there is an open wound; open head injury victims may suffer from infection and contamination.

  • A mild open head injury could be considered a concussion.
  • A severe open head injury could lead to a traumatic brain injury, or possibly death.

Closed Head Injury 

A closed head injury means a person received a hard blow to the head from striking an object, but the object did not break the skull. Even if the skull is not fractured, the brain can bang against the inside of the skull and be bruised. Complications could result from bleeding or swelling inside the skull. When a closed head injury happens, loss of brain function is possible even without visible damage to the head.

  • A mild closed head injury would be classified as a concussion.
  • A severe closed head injury could results in serious brain damage or death.

Traumatic head injuries are not uncommon. They remain the leading cause of death in children and in adults aged 45 years or younger. Approximately 1.5 million Americans endure traumatic head injuries of different levels each year. They each have their own unique set of symptoms and diagnoses. In any serious head trauma, it is always assumed that the spinal cord is also injured.

Brain injuries, such as closed head injuries, may result in lifelong physical, cognitive, or psychological impairment. After sustaining head injuries, many patients lose basic skills, such as walking, eating, reading, and bathing. Depending on what part of the brain was damaged, patients may struggle with speaking or loss of memory.

Cognitive disturbances

Most brain injury patients will experience changes in cognition and mental health. One of the most common cognitive disabilities is short-term memory loss. Many patients experience disturbances in thinking, reasoning, problem solving, judgment and attention span as well. Depression, agitation, insomnia, migraines or inattentiveness can surface and reflect more serious brain damage.

Sensory problems 

Some closed head injury patients experience problems with communication. Other sensory problems can include ringing in the ears, blurred vision, a bitter taste in the mouth, a persistent foul smell, or impaired hand-eye coordination.

Other complications of mild to moderate traumatic head injuries include:

  • Changes in personality/temperament
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Stress and emotional upsets
  • Job skills

Though the severity of head injuries varies, mild to severe, brain injuries rob victims of many important neurological functions, physical mobility, and life.

Living with any of these conditions is very challenging for the individual and family. Conditions that range from forgetfulness and anxiety to serious physical impairment are demanding of time and attention. While receiving therapy for conditions related to brain injuries is positive, some situations will require lifelong medical attention, depending on the severity of the damage to the brain. This can put an enormous amount of daily stress on a person and their caregivers. Traumatic head injuries steal a person’s vitality and the ability to live a normal life

Treatment

While there is no real cure for brain damage, many patients with closed head injuries benefit from therapy to regain basic motor and cognitive skills. There are several therapies that help develop basic physical function and communication skills. The length of treatment depends on the patient’s condition and the rate of progress.

  • Physical therapy. Physical therapists and other specialists work with patients to help them improve their ability to perform physical tasks so they will be able to function better in their daily lives. This therapy develops voluntary motor skills that allow a person to eat, bathe and walk.
  • Speech therapy teaches communication. Many people with brain injuries have difficulty regaining and maintaining their regular level of speech. Working with a speech therapist provides valuable skills that help with comprehension and expression.
  • Cognitive therapy helps to restore some of the normal thinking process and problem solving. It also helps with the speech perception process. This is how an individual processes the sounds of language, how they are heard, interpreted and understood.
  • Psychotherapy. Patients may experience personality changes; they may lash out easily in anger or they may become withdrawn. Depression is common. Psychological counseling and medication can help.
  • Positive Attitude will not only help to keep from getting depressed but it will keep a person motivated. It is beneficial to keep in mind that “With time, I will get better.“
  • Breathing is helpful to aid the mind to relax and focus. Focusing on the breath helps reduce frustration and anxiety and is very beneficial in clearing the mind.

Helping Families Cope

The progress in the treatments for mild to moderate head injuries can be slow and frustrating for both the patient and the patient’s family. The inability to function at a pre-injury level interrupts a normal life and disrupts many everyday activities. Not being able to perform daily habits is disturbing to the individual as well as the family dynamic. Children may not able to process the complications of this kind of injury and may not understand how to treat the situations that arise.

Guide to helping family life

  • Be careful not to set a timeframe with children for when recovery will occur. Children want it all to happen quickly, and it is hard to predict recovery after a head injury.
  • Encourage children to talk about their fears, hopes, and worries. Allow safe and appropriate ways for your children to express their emotions. Consider getting counseling for the child to help him or her cope.

At Visits

Question: We have a mother who visits with her children, and she has had a brain injury. It is a very sad case, with her ability to function severely damaged. My monitors are having a rough time; no- body wants this case. Is there any way we can make this better?

My advice: This sounds extremely difficult. Stay positive. Rotate monitors to avoid burnout. Make sure that the client is getting all the help she can – multiple therapies, medicine, counseling – these can make some improvement in the case. Also, the children might need counseling to cope with their mother’s injury/illness. Remember that at some level, even if she can’t express it, the mother is benefitting from the visit. The children are also benefitting from seeing their mother in a supportive environment.

RESOURCES

The Traumatic Brain Injury Resource Centre is an excellent website to find resources for various therapies. Contact them at www.braininjuryresources.org

Brain Injury Resource Centre provides services and resources in the field of traumatic brain injury. They can be contacted at www.headinjury.com/library

The Sesame Street Workshop has produced videos to help children. One video addresses “Changes” that occur when a parent has been injured. You can find these videos at archive.sesameworkshop.org/tlc.

REFERENCES FOR THIS ARTICLE

Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, David Zieve, MD, MHA, U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000028.htm

Leonardo Rangel-Castilla, MD, Allen R Wyler, MD  emedicine.medscape.com/article/251834-overview 

www.brainandspinalcord.org/recovery-traumatic-brain-injury/index.

www.allabouttbi.com/closed-head-injury/w 

traumaticbraininjuryatoz.org/Caregivers-Journey/Session-Four/Helping-Your-Children-Cope/Related-Information/Tips-for-Helping-Children-Cope.aspx

Think about it! Family-Centered Practice: Helping Parents Encourage Healthy Eating Habits

Childhood obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and a host of other problems can result from unhealthy dietary habits. Be sure parents at your program have access to information about eating well and feeding their children well.

Healthy Eating Habits & Suggestions for Kids

  • Make a wide variety of healthful foods available in the house. This practice will help your children learn how to make healthy food choices.
  • Encourage your children to eat slowly. A child can detect hunger and fullness better when eating slowly
  • Eat meals together as a family as often as possible. Try to make mealtimes pleasant with conversation and sharing, not a time for scolding or arguing
  • Discourage eating meals or snacks while watching TV. Try to eat only in designated areas of your home, such as the dining room or kitchen
  • Do not to use food to punish or reward children. Withholding food as a punishment may lead children to worry that they will not get enough food
  • Reference: Web MD- http://children.webmd.com/guide/kids-healthy-eating-habits


    Healthy Alternatives for Kids
      Unhealthy Habits Healthy Replacements
    Breakfast Fruit Loops

     

    Pop-Tarts

    Muffins

    Sausage

    Sugar-filled Juices

    		 Oatmeal with fruit

     

    Fresh Fruits

    Whole Grain Bread with Egg and Cheese

    Turkey Bacon

    Water, 100% Juices, Diluted Juices
    Snack Fruit Roll-ups

     

    Potato Chips

    M&Ms

    Cookies

    Soda

    Chocolate Milk

    		 Fruit Leather (healthy version)

     

    Pretzels

    Trail Mix

    Fig Newtons

    Water with fruit slices/flavoring

    Skim Milk
    Lunch French Fries

     

    Chicken Nuggets

    Fast Food Burgers

    Applesauce

    Packaged Lunches

    		 Rice Cakes

     

    Grilled Chicken

    Turkey Sandwich

    Sliced Apples

    Brown Bag Lunches
    Dinner Pizza

     

    Spaghetti

    Lasagna

    Grilled Cheese

    Burrito

    		 Cheese Quesadilla

     

    Pasta Salad

    Homemade Mac & Cheese

    Turkey Melt

    Tacos
    Dessert Ice Cream

     

    Candy

    Chocolate Milkshake

    		 Yogurt

     

    Fruit

    Fruit Smoothie

Healthy Eating Habits and Suggestions for Teens

  • Eat Slowly
    • Teens are often rushed to finish their food quickly; this can cause the development of unhealthy eating habits
  • Learn a Serving
    • To eat healthy teens need to be able to identify and recognize appropriate serving sizes
  • Focus on Produce
    • Teens need to get in the habit of regularly eating fruits and vegetables and eating them without additional high calorie dips or spreads
  • Importance of Water
    • Proper hydration is important to maintaining a healthy weight, warding off fatigue and keeping the body properly functioning
  • Eat with Others
    • Eat with family or friends instead of eating in front of the television. This will cause a teen to eat slower and focus more on what he is eating rather than what he is watching on television
  • Reference: Live Strong- http://www.livestrong.com/article/272266-healthy-eating-habits-for-teens/
Healthy Alternatives for Teens
  Unhealthy Habits Healthy Habits
Breakfast Captain Crunch

 

Chick-fil-A

Pop Tarts

Muffins

Sausage

100% Juice

 Honey Nut Cheerios

 

English Muffin w/ Turkey Sausage

Fresh Fruits

Whole Grain Bread w/ Egg & Cheese

Turkey Bacon

Water/ Diluted Juices (Water and Juice)
Snack  Fruit Roll-ups

 

Potato Chips

M&Ms

Cookies

Soda

Chocolate Milk

 Fruit Leather (Healthy Version)

 

Pretzels

Trail Mix

Fig Newtons

Water/ Perrier w/ Fruit Flavoring

Skim Milk (No Chocolate)
Lunch French Fries

 

Chicken Nuggets

Fast Food Burgers

Applesauce

Packaged Lunches

 Sweet Potato Fries

 

Cubed Grilled Chicken

Turkey Sandwich

Sliced Apple

Brown Bag Lunches
Dinner Pizza

 

Alfredo Pasta

Lasagna

Steak

Burrito

 Cheese Quesadilla

 

Pasta Salad

Homemade Mac and Cheese

Fish

Tacos
Dessert Ice Cream

 

Candy

Chocolate Shake

 Yogurt

 

Fruit

Fruit Smoothie

 

Healthy Habits and Suggestions for Adults

  • Eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods.
  • Enjoy plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Eat moderate portions.
  • Eat regular meals.
  • Reduce and don’t eliminate certain foods.
  • Balance your food choices over time.
  • Know your diet pitfalls.
  • Make changes gradually.
  • Remember, foods are not good or bad.
  • Reference: Real time- http://www.realtime.net/anr/10eattip.html
Healthy Alternatives for Adults
  Unhealthy Habits Healthy Habits
Breakfast Fruit Loops

 

Waffles

Sausage Biscuit

Biscuits & Gravy

Pop Tart

Starbucks Coffee

 Akashi Cereal

 

Wheat Toast

English Muffin

Turkey Bacon

Granola Bar

Home Brewed Coffee
Snack Red Bull

 

Corn Chips

Donuts

Potato Chips

Cookies

Fruit Juice

 Water/ Crystal Lite

 

Rice Cakes

Wheat Bagel

Pretzels

Wheat Crackers

Eat a Fruit
Lunch Ramen Noodles

 

White Bread

Hamburger

Sushi

Soda

 Pasta Salad

 

Wheat Bread

Turkey Burger

Fillet of Grilled Fish

Water/ Tea
Dinner Chicken Pot Pie

 

Baked Beans

Potatoes

Cocktails

Beer

 Grilled Chicken Salad

 

Green Beans

Green Peas

Red Wine

Water
Dessert Chocolate

 

Ice Cream

Chocolate Cake

 Dried Fruit

 

Sorbet/Yogurt

Pound Cake

 

DCF Transformation Project

Attached is information on DCF’s Transformation Project. The Florida Department of Children and Families is transforming its child protective practice. We will discuss it in the next phone conference.

May2012_EPressMB.pdf