Tag Archives: Talbot County Department of Social Services

Jackie Veeney Retires from Talbot County Department of Social Services

Jackie Veeney, Assistant Director of Talbot County Department of Social Services, recently retired after 34 years of State service. Instead of a traditional retirement gift, Veeney’s wish was for a non-traditional retirement gift which would support the mission of Talbot Community Connections (TCC), the nonprofit fundraising arm of the Department of Social Services. TCC raises funds for unmet needs of vulnerable children and adults in Talbot County, including providing support for the Children’s Advocacy Center. In honor of Jackie’s retirement, a celebration was held by staff at the Department of Social Services and Jackie’s friends, raising over $2,100 for the TCC. Pictured left to right are Jackie’s daughter Natalie Veeney Ford and Jackie Veeney.

Potlucks at Easton Family YMCA Offer Newly Licensed Foster Parents Support

Several new foster parents have been licensed in Talbot County following recent PRIDE (Parents Resource for Information, Development, and Education) trainings. PRIDE, a model for the development and support of foster and adoptive families, is a 27- hour training program designed to strengthen the quality of family foster care and adoption services by providing a standardized framework for recruiting, preparing, and selecting foster and adoptive parents. It also provides these parents with in-service training and ongoing professional development that provide the skills to manage the issues they will encounter with the children in their care.

In addition to trainings and professional development, foster parents licensed through the Talbot County Department of Social Services are invited to participate in quarterly potluck gatherings. These gatherings offer foster parents the opportunity to support one another, as well as offer their families a chance to mingle and participate in family fun. As a Department of Social Services partner, the Easton Family YMCA has offered its new Thomas E. Hill Center for Youth Development for a few of the foster parent gatherings. The Center’s new climbing wall has been popular among the children in attendance. It was through this partnership with the YMCA that two YMCA employees became interested in becoming foster parents.

Wanda Ball-Gross, who currently works with the YMCA’s Childwatch Program, learned about becoming a foster parent from a foster family utilizing childcare at the YMCA. She comments, “I had been exposed to a family that did foster care while living in Severna Park as a child. I always admired how the children interacted with one another as they spent time as one big family. I think it was a sign that I met foster families here. I have realized that this is where I am supposed to be.”

Newly trained foster parents Jodi and Bob Davis of Easton also learned about the need for foster families at the YMCA where they both work. Jodi is Director for Youth Development at the YMCA and Bob, retired from the MD Department of Natural Resources, works with the YMCA climbing wall. Jodi comments, “We are huge outdoor people and feel that being able to expose kids to the outdoors is important. The PRIDE training put us in the shoes of the children, helping us to understand what they have lost when they go into foster care and how we can help with that.” She adds, “One of the exercises we did involved us writing down our dreams and then having someone else take the piece of paper and tear it up. It helped us look at things through their eyes.”

For further information about becoming a foster or adoptive parent in Talbot County, contact Katie Russ at the Talbot County Department of Social Services at 410-820-7371. An information session will be held on April 12, 2012 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Queen Anne’s County Department of Social Services, 125 Comet Drive in Centreville.

In photo: Newly trained and licensed Talbot County foster parents recently participated in a potluck gathering at the Easton Family YMCA in Easton. Pictured front row, left to right, are Kathy Jenkins of Easton, Katie Russ, coordinator of Option Respite at the Talbot County Department of Social Services; Christina and Greg Taney of Easton, Christine M. Abbatiello, LGSW, Special Projects Coordinator at the Talbot County Department of Social Services; and Jodi Davis of Easton. Pictured back row, left to right, are Wanda Ball-Gross of Easton, Kim Crews of Wye Mills, and Bob Davis of Easton.

Talbot County Department of Social Services Share Child Support Successes Through Community Lunch ‘n Learns

The Talbot County Department of Social Services’ Child Support Program is offering a series of “Lunch ‘n Learns …A Conversation About Child Support,” throughout the community to promote program successes and to educate the community about various child support services, including employment resources for non-custodial parents. These community conversations are a result of an Administrative Office of the Courts grant, “Putting the Child in the Talbot County Child Support Program.” The meetings will not only create awareness of Child Support’s valuable functions, but it will also dispel common held myths and misconceptions.

The Child Support Program facilitates financial support for children, establishes paternity for children, and provides opportunities for non-custodial parents to obtain employment skills . In fiscal year 2011, the Talbot County Child Support Program realized a number of successes. The program managed 1063 child support cases, paternity was established in 100 percent of the cases requiring paternity, and payment was collected in 97.34 percent of the child support cases. Talbot County’s Child Support Program ranked first in Maryland for having the highest percentage of paying cases in all four quarters of the last fiscal year.

In addition to achieving these successes, Talbot County’s Child Support program offers a Non- Custodial Parent Employment Program and Young Fathers Program, both of which help participants to identify and remove barriers to employment in order to be financially independent, support their children, and become good role models for the future generation.

According to Dawn Coleman, Talbot County’s Child Support Supervisor, “In these difficult economic times, we are pleased that we can educate our partners about changes to Child Support policies and guidelines, as well as make them aware of the parent resources we offer to support families.”

While the county’s judiciary partners are key to the Department’s initiative, efforts are also underway to educate the Talbot County employer community to better understand Child Support polices and guidelines as they relate to employee wage withholding.

For further information about the Talbot County Child Support Program or to arrange a presentation to your business or organization, contact Dawn Coleman, Child Support Supervisor, Talbot County Department of Social Services at 410-770-4848.

In photo: Talbot County Department of Social Services first Child Support Lunch ‘n Learn was held recently to educate the community about program services, including employment resources for non-custodial parents. Pictured left to right are participants Nancy Smith, Assistant Director of Child Support/Administration; Dawn Coleman, Child Support Supervisor; Kathy Foster, Health Officer for Talbot County; Rachel Wolpert, Staff Attorney Talbot County Legal Aid; Lynn Spinner, Office Services Clerk; Emily Joiner, Program Coordinator Talbot County Fatherhood Programs; and Kevin Rosenthal, private attorney.

Mid-Shore Foster Families Celebrate at Annual Holiday Party

Foster families from Caroline, Dorchester and Talbot counties recently celebrated at their annual Holiday Party at the Cordova Volunteer Fire Department in Cordova, MD. Over 200 foster and adoptive parents and their children attended this year’s event. Activities included a holiday store, arts and crafts, a holiday meal prepared by Susie’s Kitchen in Centreville, a DJ, and a visit from Santa. Talbot Bank, the Cambridge Elks Lodge, the Salvation Army and other community partners helped purchase the gifts for the foster children.

For further information about becoming a foster or adoptive parent in Talbot County, contact Katie Russ at the Talbot County Department of Social Services at 410-820-7371. An information session will be held on January 31 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Caroline County Department of Social Services, 207 S. Third Street in Denton.

In Photo Above: Pictured left to right are Debbi Short, Talbot County Department of Social Services Advisory Board member, and daughter, Banchi Short; Master Jo Ann Asparagus of the Caroline County Circuit Court, and Pam Clay, Talbot County Department of Social Services Advisory Board member.

In Photo: Evan Ensminger, son of Talbot County Foster Parents Lisa and Todd Ensminger, reviews his list with Santa Claus at the Regional Foster Care Holiday Party.

In Photo: De’Avion Camper, son of Dorchester County Foster Parent Elisa Camper, tells Santa Claus what he would like to find under the Christmas tree.

Caldwell Named 2011 Adoptive Parent of the Year

This month, Sharon Caldwell was named by the Talbot County Department of Social Services as the adoptive parent of the year. When Sharon of Easton decided to become a foster parent, after raising a daughter of her own, little did she know that she would end up adopting two beautiful girls, Trinity and Naiobi. The sisters’ adoption was finalized on March 28, 2011.

Caldwell comments that her love of children and a desire to help the community was her motivation in becoming a licensed foster parent for Talbot County Department of Social Services in October 1991. During the 20 years that Ms. Caldwell has been licensed as a foster parent, she has provided a home for a variety of children with multiple needs.

According to Susan Merriken, Foster Care and Adoption Supervisor at the Talbot County Department of Social Services, “Sharon was able to offer the girls emotional stability, commitment and love while at the same time allowing Trinity and Naiobi to maintain a relationship with their birth family.”

The adoption has become a family affair for Sharon, whose 27-year old daughter, Karen, helps care for the two sisters every other weekend when Sharon works as a care manager at Heartfields in Easton. Caldwell’s twin sister is also becoming licensed as a foster parent this year.

Caldwell adds, “I so enjoy us being a family together and doing family activities, whether it is getting ice cream or going to the park. The girls seem very happy and adjusted. Naiobi, age seven, is a Girl Scout and Trinity, age 9, plays soccer and enjoys drawing. It is wonderful to watch them grow up.”

For information about becoming a licensed foster/adoptive parent, contact the Talbot County Department of Social Services at 410-770-4848 or attend the regional information session for prospective foster/adoptive parents on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Talbot County Department of Social Services at 301 Bay Street, Unit #5 in Easton. The next nine-week P.R.I.D.E. Training at the Talbot County Department of Social Services begins January 4, 2011, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

In photo: Pictured left to right are Naiobi, Sharon and Trinity Caldwell. Sharon Caldwell was named the 2011 Adoptive Parent of the Year by the Talbot County Department of Social Services.

Audrey Hansen of Easton Named Talbot County Foster Parent of the Year

The Talbot County Department of Social Services recently announced that Audrey Hansen of Easton was named the 2011 Foster Parent of the Year. Although Hansen has only been a foster parent since September 2010, she has played an important role in providing short term emergency and weekend respite care for children of all ages in Talbot County.

According to Susan Merriken, Foster Care and Adoption Supervisor at the Talbot County Department of Social Services, “In the short time she has been a foster parent, Audrey has never said ‘no’ when we have asked her to take a child. She has been a vital part of our foster care team in providing children in Talbot County safe environments in times of need.”

Hansen, who works full-time with the Maryland Department of the Environment never had children of her own. She comments, “I always wondered about doing foster care because I have always loved kids, including my nieces and nephews. I didn’t think I could do foster care and work full-time. I found out differently after taking the Department of Social Services Parent Resources for Information, Development and Education (P.R.I.D.E.) parent training program for foster and adoptive parents.”

She credits the supportive staff at the Talbot County Department of Social Services, the Talbot County Public Schools and the Easton Family YMCA with making her job as a foster parent successful adding, “I learned that there are many support systems available to help foster parents who work, including before school and afterschool care in Talbot County.”

Although Hansen started with teenagers, she has had children of all ages, from elementary through high school. She states, “I love giving these children a safe and happy place to stay, where they may gain a sense of normalcy they may never have had before.”

Hansen explains that the children she has had in her home are respectful and a delight to have around, which is often not the perception of the community. She adds, “These children just want to know someone cares. It has been the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I am able to give back to the community by keeping these children in the community they know, which is one of the most important aspects of being a foster parent.”

For information about becoming a licensed foster/adoptive parent, contact the Talbot County Department of Social Services at 410-770-4848 or attend the regional information session for prospective foster/adoptive parents on Tuesday, June 21 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Talbot County Department of Social Services at 301 Bay Street, Unit #5 in Easton. The next nine-week P.R.I.D.E. Training at the Talbot County Department of Social Services begins Wednesday, July 6, 2011, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

In photo: Pictured left to right at the recent Multicultural Festival in Easton are Audrey Hansen of Easton, 2011 Foster Parent of the Year for Talbot County, who has just painted the face of Milan Jiggetts of Hurlock, daughter of Paris Quillet, Regional Independent Living Coordinator with the Dorchester Department of Social Services.

Talbot County Department of Social Services Wins Golf Cart Award in Easton St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The Talbot County Department of Social Services golf cart won the “Best Decorated Golf Cart” award for its theme, “Helping hand in children’s lives by the judges during the Easton St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The cart’s theme was developed by agency staff to correspond to the department’s outreach and services for children and families. Foster children and foster parents decorated the craft hands which covered the brim of the golf cart’s hat. Talbot County foster parents also walked in the parade.

For further information about becoming a foster or adoptive parent in Talbot County, contact Katie Russ, Coordinator of Option Respite, at 410-820-7371. Upcoming foster parent information sessions will be held on April 20, 2011 at the Caroline County Department of Social Services, 207 S. Third Street in Denton and June 9, 2011 at the Talbot County Department of Social Services, 301 Bay Street, Unit #5 in Easton. All sessions are from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Talbot County Department of Social Services Announces 2010 Adoptive Parents of the Year

Michelle and Peter Prado of Delmar, MD were named as the 2010 adoptive parents of the year by the Talbot County Department of Social Services (DSS). In January 2010, the Prados adopted their daughters, Christine (now age 15), Anna (now age 14) and Nakita (now age 11) after having fostered the girls since 2006.

The Prados became a licensed treatment foster home through Mentor Maryland after not being able to have children of their own. Both always wanted a large family and Peter recalls, “When the three sisters arrived, it was like it was God’s plan for us. We had an instant family.” He adds, “In addition to having a bunch of kids of our own, we wanted to make a difference in the world. Through this experience of fostering and adopting these girls, we feel we will leave this world a better place.”

The sisters were part of a sibling group of five children from Talbot County, three sisters and two brothers, who needed foster homes. While Christine, Nakita and Anna were placed in foster care with the Prados, their brothers were placed in foster care with a different family a half hour from the Prado home. During the girls’ placement in foster care, the Prados were very involved in assuring that the girls got to weekly supervised visits with their birth parents and monthly visits with their brothers.

Michelle comments, “They were a family unit and needed each other. Because the girls were older, we wanted them to have open communication so they could maintain these relationships.”

When reunification with the birth family was not possible and the Prados adopted the girls, they entered into a post-adoption agreement with the girls’ birth parents to assure that the girls had continued contact and visits with their parents. The Prados agreed to assume all responsibility for supervising and scheduling of the visits. On the same day the girls were adopted, one of their brothers was adopted by his foster parents.

Michelle recalls some dramatic changes that have occurred since the girls came into her care, “They are all excelling in school. One daughter has achieved merit honor roll and the other is now attending Delaware Technical College to study math while still in high school. The third daughter has great sports potential.”

According to Kami Morris, LGSW, of Talbot County DSS, “The Prados take a hands-on approach with the girls and always encourage them to strive to reach their highest potential. The Prados offered the girls’ emotional stability, commitment and love at a difficult time in the girls’ lives.”

The Prados were always willing to be a resource for the girls’ brothers and in April 2010, the other brother was placed in the Prados’ home as a foster child.

Michelle, who left a full-time job outside the home to assume a very full-time stay-at-home mom job at home, comments, “I can’t imagine life without them. I am very happy and love having these children in our lives.”

Hudkins Named Talbot County Foster Parent of the Year

Since 1996, Karen Hudkins of Trappe has fostered and given respite care to over 30 children in her home, as well as adopting three of them.  Hudkins was recently honored as Talbot County’s Foster Parent of the Year at the Mid Shore Foster Parent Appreciation event at the Krystal Q in Easton.

In addition to being a foster and adoptive parent, Hudkins and her husband Rick have raised four of their own children and are involved in the lives of their 12 grandchildren.  When asked why she took on such an onerous task, Hudkins comments, “If you give children one thing, like a safe home in which to stay, they could have everything one day.”

For Hudkins the reward of being involved in foster care is that she can do something meaningful for the lives of these children.  She has become such a proponent of foster care that she now assists in teaching the Parents Resource for Information Development and Education (PRIDE) Foster Adoptive Training for new foster/adoptive parents.  She cites her close relationship with the Talbot County Department of Social Services as critical to her success as a foster parent, stating, “It is important to be a part of the team supporting these children, working with the social workers, the biological parents and with other foster parents.”

Susan Merriken, Foster Care and Adoption Supervisor at the Talbot County Department of Social Services, comments, “Karen Hudkins is always willing to go the extra mile when we call her about children in need.  She even answers calls in the middle of the night.”

For information about becoming a licensed foster/adoptive parent, contact the Talbot County Department of Social Services at 410-770-4848 or attend an upcoming information session on Thursday, June 24, 2010, from 6 to7:30 p.m. at the Caroline County DSS in Denton.

Talbot Foster Families Celebrate at Holiday Party

Over 50 children representing families involved with foster care in Caroline, Dorchester and Talbot counties gathered at the Easton Fire Department for the region’s annual Foster Care Holiday Party.  Among the activities included where a holiday meal, catered by Jimmy’s Grille; dancing with DJ Mark Savage; and a visit from Santa.  Every child who attended the event received a small gift.

For further information about becoming a foster or adoptive parent in Talbot County, contact the Talbot County Department of Social Services at 410-770-4848.  An information session will be held on Tuesday, February 9, 2010, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Caroline County Department of Social Services, 207 S. Third Street in Denton.