New Directions Program for Children in Foster Care Starts June 25th

Below is info about a great program through the OU Health Science Center.

The New Directions Program will be starting their next group on Thursday, June 25, at 6:00p. They are prepared to have up to 16 children participate in the next group and need your help in getting out information and sending referrals their way in the next few weeks! Anyone can make a referral for services. Any and all help is great appreciated!

New Directions…

** Targets children ages 3-12 in foster care at least, in part, due to parental substance abuse, and their foster parents.

** Administers cognitive and developmental screenings

** Assesses current psychosocial functioning

** Is a combination of the Children’s Program (Jerry Moe) at the Betty Ford Center and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

** Is a 12-week group therapy program designed to help foster children and foster parents more effectively cope with the negative impact of parental substance abuse.

** Provides education and advocacy to foster parents in a supportive environment

** And is FREE, FREE, FREE!

Incentives for children and foster parents to participate include:

=>$10 Wal-Mart gift cards to foster parents and foster children for completing up to four assessments (up to $40)

=>Free childcare during group hours

=>Free light meal for families from 5:30p-6:00p on group days

=>Mileage reimbursement by OKDHS for up to 25 miles roundtrip, three times a month

=>Up to 18 hours of free CEUs for foster parents

To make a referral, contact: Susan Schmidt, Program coordinator
Phone: (405) 271-8858.
A downloadable referral form is also available on the New Directions website.