SAVE THE DATE:  FEB 21 & 22  

2012 CALIFORNIA PARENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Our Mission Statement

Our mission is to transform at risk parents, children and youth into dedicated family units by providing Parent Partners and other Support Services designed to minimize out of home placements, encourage expedient reunification and to lessen the negative experiences, anxiety, and trauma that affect our children as a result of being separated from their family of origin.                                  

We will make a difference.

Our Vision:

All families are provided with services to develop healthy attachments, life long commitments to one another, and the means to put the safety and well-being of their children and youth first.

"The only thing worth stealing is a kiss from a sleeping child."

                                   Joe Houldsworth

HOW WE CAN HELP:

• Attend court hearings with you and help you to understand the juvenile dependency or family court system

• Help you to learn how to have a good meeting with social workers and other professional team members.

• Attend Team Decision Meetings with you and your social worker.

• Help you to problem solve by sharing successful tips that have helped other parents.

• Help you to understand and advocate for your parental rights and the rights of your child in the child welfare system.

• Be a good listener, be some one to lean on and encourage you when you are feeling overwhelmed or discouraged.

• We have a weekly support group for parents going through the same trials you are that is facilitated by parents that have had similar experiences.

• 24 Hour Message Center: 619-277-7909

Children have the right to live and grow in the arms of their family of origin.

        BPA Values

As we pursue change in all of our endeavors, we desire to establish a strong and united sense of purpose, as well as a solid foundation of guiding principles.  These principles are basic truths that we wish to live by and work by. 

 Therefore, as individuals, and as a whole we agree to be P R O A C T I V E and to:

 Protect our children

 Respond with a positive attitude

 Open our minds to new ideas

 Act morally, honestly and ethically

 Care about ourselves and our community

 Treat all people with courtesy and respect

 Insist on equality and individuality

 View our children as foremost

 Expect change to happen

BEING PROACTIVE WILL MAKE   A DIFFERENCE!

For your convenience, you can attend an

 Old Town Parent Support Group

the 2nd and 4th TUESDAY

(of every month - except holidays)

6:30pm - 8:00pm

3878 Old Town Avenue

San Diego, CA 92110

CALL (619) 683-5655

FOR MORE INFORMATION

YOU CAN BEGIN TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY!

Please join our

PARENT

SUPPORT GROUP

Are you involved with CHILD WELFARE SERVICES?  Don’t know where to turn for help and support? Are you recently reunited with your child - or wish you were?

There’s hope!  There IS a place for you to go!  

The Parent Support Group is a place where you can……

-vent about what you’re going through

-find other people who have gone through the same thing

-ask questions, learn what does and doesn’t work, find possible solutions

-find out about resources that can help you. 

1st and 3rd 

THURSDAY

(of every month - except Holidays)

  6:30pm – 8:00pm     

CHILDREN WELCOME

 Toyota of El Cajon

        Community Room next to the Kitchen

       Corner of Arnele & Marshall in El Cajon City

For more information call (619) 277-7909

American Sign Language Interpretation

(Please phone ahead for appointment)

   Proud supporter & collaborator of 

Family-centered Association of Counseling, Education, & Therapeutic Services

SUGGESTIONS FOR SUCCESS

DOCUMENT EVERYTHING!  Keep a notebook handy and document or journal your progress or delays everyday. 

Keep a folder with you at all times so that you can store, review and have readily available, all of the important papers concerning your case.

Get a pocket calendar or day timer that you can work with and keep track of all of your appointments.

Remember that first impressions are very important.  Dress and act in a professional manner. 

Be assertive - NOT agressive.  Be polite and use appropriate language.  Don't forget to breathe!

In most cases, you are permitted to have someone with you to help you to be calm, organized, and to advocate for you and your case. Be sure that you let others know that you would like to bring support.

If you need to miss an appointment, be sure to call at least 24 hours ahead to cancel. 

Ask how you can be more involved in your child's life, ask the foster parents or kinship caretaker to talk about ways you can build a working relationship with them.

Always try to look at the situation through your child's eyes and always keep your child's best interest at heart.

Be positive and optimistic. Be openminded and willing to take suggestions. Ask a lot of questions and write down the answers.