From the Desk
of the Executive Director:

No Slack in Summer!

Summer is here with full heat, sun, and hopefully, some family fun and vacation for all staffs and foster families!

Yet as always in our field, kids' needs go on!  Sadly, summer bring more incidents of accidents where children are hurt unexpectedly and unintentionally. The lagging economy brings increased incidents of caretaker frustration and neglect where severe and occasionally fatal outcomes occur for kids. News headlines are regularly reporting both categories!

Ever vigilant, we continue to recruit caring homes where we can train and support children and bridge parents whom we serve. From OTFCA 'headquarters', I continue to work with DHS and OHCA toward our mutual goals of increased services to kids based on the child's individual needs and assessment and on fiscal stability for our agencies in this precarious time.

The concept of 'bridge' becomes more and more significant every day. We 'bridge' with our TFC families, kids, and bio-families. We are all equals with different roles on one team! We 'bridge' with regulatory partners DHS, OJA, OHCA, and ODMHSAS on behalf of policies that support providers, children, and families across our state.

Proudly, OTFCA is envied nationally for the quality of service provided in TFC and also for the collaborative 'bridge' we have with all the many parts of this tapestry called therapeutic foster care.

In appreciation for each of you,

Laura