RESOURCE WEBPAGES, by TOPIC

These webpages identify external resources on specific topics of interest to foster, kinship and adoptive families.

FASD from a Trauma Lens webinar

Broadcast on February 11, 2020, this webinar features Barb Clark from NACAC.

  • Webinar, FASD from a Trauma Lens webinar

    Webinar recording

  • PPT, FASD from a Trauma Lens webinar

    Slides from 2 11 20 webinar


My Future website

A website produced by the Department of Defense with data from the Departments of CommerceEducation and Labor. Site offers information and tools on post-high school career, education and military options.

  • Website, My Future website


Evidence-based Interventions for Children with FASD webinar

Originally recorded January 16, 2020, presented by Dr. Molly Millians of Emory University.

  • Webinar, Evidence-based Interventions for Children with FASD webinar

    Webinar recording

  • PPT, Evidence-based Interventions for Children with FASD webinar

    Slides for 1 16 20 webinar


FASD Forever

This website features resources written by Jeff Noble, an FASD caregiver and others with FASD experiences. A free e-book, Making Sense of the Madness: An FASD Survival Guide, is available by signing up for the Newsletter.

  • Website, FASD Forever


Kinship Care: Know Your Rights as a Relative Caretaker

From Virginia Poverty Law Center, a review of kinship caregiver rights and benefits.

  • Document, Kinship Care: Know Your Rights as a Relative Caretaker


Critical Decision Points for Families of Children with Disabilities online modules

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), through grant funding provided by the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD) and assistance provided by the Training and Technical Assistance Center (TTAC) at James Madison University has developed five web-based training modules for parents, school professionals, and other community stakeholders that work with families whom have a child with a disability.   Parents and caregivers have certain goals in mind when their children go to school. Regardless of whether or not their children have disabilities, all parents want their children to learn, explore, and experience as much as they possibly can.  Parents strive for their children to complete their public education, obtain a diploma, and be fully prepared to move on toward their chosen path, whether that is immediate employment, higher education, or something else.  In order for children to achieve these goals, there are certain decisions that will have to be made along the way.  The modules created relate to the Critical Decision Points for Families of Children with Disabilities curriculum and are designed to assist participants in understanding four things as they prepare to make these decisions:

  • What are some of the keys to a child’s academic success?
  • What decisions will need to be made regarding a child’s educational path?
  • At what point should we be making these decisions?
  • What information is needed so that we can make the most well informed decisions possible for a child?

There are a total of five modules that range in length from three to five minutes, which can be completed in a single viewing or broken up over time to meet individual time constraints.

The curriculum for these modules is also available in print and online.  A fully accessible online version is located at the following web link: Virginia Department of Education’s Special Education – Parents Section.  To obtain a printed copy of the curriculum or to ask questions about the module training opportunities, please contact Tracy Lee, Family Engagement Specialist, via email, at Tracy.Lee@doe.virginia.gov, or by phone, at (804) 225-3492.

  • Website, Critical Decision Points for Families of Children with Disabilities online modules


Practice Guides for Transitions for Students with Emotional Disorders

Resources from a Translating Evidence to Support Transitions (TEST) grant is to increase the use and adoption of research-based best practices in transition planning services for high school students with emotional and behavioral disorders receiving special education services.

Scroll down page to find Practice Guides, Presentations and other resources.

  • Website, Practice Guides for Transitions for Students with Emotional Disorders


Virginia Family Special Education Connection

This website provides a one-stop-shop for parents, families and caregivers of children with special needs to:

  • Access local school system contacts and disability services in your community
  • Explore an abundance of resources, including assistive technology and behavioral supports to help your child succeed.
  • Learn about and plan your child’s educational program
  • Understand your legal rights and responsibilities

Parents and families can and do make a difference in their child’s education.

  • Website, Virginia Family Special Education Connection


Young Children who are Exposed Prenatally to Substances and Their Families

A collection of linked resources on young children prenatally exposed to substances, from the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA) and the IDEA Infant & Toddler Coordinators Association (ITCA).

  • Website, Young Children who are Exposed Prenatally to Substances and Their Families


Social Security Benefits for Children and Adolscents

A great one page comparison table for families and professionals from the Center for Transition Innovations at VCU.

  • Factsheet, Social Security Benefits for Children and Adolscents


PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment

The road to adulthood for youth with disabilities is filled with opportunity, and parents play a key role. PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment is ready with the information families want, presented in a way families can use. The site features a wide array of transition-related resources for families and youth.

  • Website, PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment


Learn more about FFF- 2019 ‘Your Need to Know’ TV program

Formed Families Forward was pleased to be featured on the Fairfax Public Access television show “Your Need to Know”. Learn more about how FFF started and the wealth of services and programs we offer to foster, adoptive and kinship families!

  • Website, Learn more about FFF- 2019 ‘Your Need to Know’ TV program


Section 504 Flow Chart

This handout from PACER Center offers a flow chart for distinguishing Section 504 support from special education/IDEA services.

  • Factsheet, Section 504 Flow Chart


Guidance to States and School Systems on Addressing Mental Health and Substance Use Issues in Schools

This Joint federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMS) informational Bulletin provides guidance to states and school systems about addressing mental health and substance use issues in schools. It provides examples of approaches for services in schools and describes some Medicaid authorities that states may use to cover services.

Several best practice models, including multi-tiered systems of supports, are discussed.

  • Document, Guidance to States and School Systems on Addressing Mental Health and Substance Use Issues in Schools


Virginia Family Network, NAMI Virginia

The Virginia Family Network (VFN) is a statewide network of families who support, educate, and empower other families with children and youth with mental health needs while also promoting family-driven and youth-guided policy throughout the child-serving systems.  The initiative is designed to “meet the family where they are” through activities such as providing support groups, training, resources, and mentorship from other families with children and youth with mental health needs. We are committed to ensuring that no matter where a family lives, they have access to the support and information that they need so that no family ever feels alone. VFN is Virginia’s Statewide Family Network and voice for families.

VFN is a program of NAMI Virginia.

  • Website, Virginia Family Network, NAMI Virginia


Research and Training Center for Pathways to Positive Futures

At Portland State University, the Pathways to Positive Futures center aims to improve the lives of youth and young adults with serious mental health conditions through rigorous research and effective training and dissemination. Our work is guided by the perspectives of young people and their families, and based in a positive development framework.

  • Website, Research and Training Center for Pathways to Positive Futures


Special Education Eligibility- A “Less Than 5” minute video

This FFF “Less Than 5” minute video reviews the special education eligibility process and offers families some helpful tips.

  • Video, Special Education Eligibility- A “Less Than 5” minute video


Helping Children Cope After a Traumatic Event

From the Child Mind Institute.

In the wake of a traumatic event, your comfort, support and reassurance can make children feel safe, help them manage their fears, guide them through their grief, and help them recover in a healthy way. This guide was assembled by psychiatrists, psychologists and mental health experts who specialize in crisis situations. It offers simple tips on what to expect, what to do and what to look out for.

  • Website, Helping Children Cope After a Traumatic Event


Getting Ready for IEP meetings- A ‘Less than 5’ minute video lesson

This FFF “Less than 5” minute video lesson highlights some key information and hints for preparing for Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings.

  • Video, Getting Ready for IEP meetings- A ‘Less than 5’ minute video lesson


Childhood Trauma: Understanding, Supporting, and Preventing online modules

A self-paced online module,  created by the Military Families Learning Network’s Early Intervention team to explore childhood trauma, disability, and trauma-informed practices in early childhood settings.

The interactive module includes four units that cover the prevalence and impact of trauma, manifestation of trauma in young children, providing trauma-informed supports, and preventing future trauma.  It is designed to be a high-level overview of the topic and a starting point for professionals working with young children and their families.

  • Video, Childhood Trauma: Understanding, Supporting, and Preventing online modules