UJA-Federation of New York’s Post

Well hello to LinkedIn network! How has your 2024 started so far? My world right now is filled with packing boxes in last stages of preparing for my homecoming back to Melbourne. As I take hold of each item to pack, using the Kondo method - does this spark joy? What has been the ‘story’ of the vase, item of clothing that t-shirt from Eurovision in Malmo, the painting I bought in a flea market or the egg flip that has been in the family and is 60ys old! It’s taken longer to pack, assess, identify then decide what do I need for the next stage! Some things are of course from my Mum’s possessions, and represent her history. This brings me to the synergy of how do we prepare for implementing next stages of MAA’s strategic plans? What opportunities will arise from the new draft Act - a pivotal time for age care sector. And what do we need to help spark joy for our community, members, partner organisations?… most importantly, how can we make greater impact for older people’s lives in 2024?. Now, that sparks 🔥 joy 🥹. This can be the year we recognise that spiritual care is at the heart of transformation in aged care, the role of a spiritual care practitioner as a professional is elevated to where they should be - as recognised, endorsed members of every care delivery setting. Recognition of skilled SC practitioners, using world leading National Guidelines, integrating validated spiritual care assessment tools. Whom are able to recognise and respond to spiritual distress or other trauma, key advocates and allies for all diversity, beliefs and cultural traditions. The trained listener, helping older people to identify and connect with meaning and purpose through the next phase of life and events, the ultimate ageism breakers, the people who can walk alongside - offer hope, empower and role model ways for others in how to hear people’s inner narrative, and work within a multidisciplinary approach. It’s a human right. We need spiritual care to be recognised and funded, to be respected and counted in AN-ACC, in 200 minutes of care, and spiritual care to be fully integrated into models of care. A normal way of doing business. These thoughts came into focus over the past few weeks of inner reflection, time of transformation can sometimes be hard when deliberating and considering the merits and costs. When initiatives are good, the needs and enough momentum exists… sometimes timing is simply perfect, the right things just flow into place. I’m filled with quiet optimism that this time is here. I leave you a beautiful example of a short video from one of our members that came into my LinkedIn feed today (in this case coming from a faith based perspective, spiritual care is also confidently delivered in non-faith based organisations too) - take time to watch, and you’ll see how this can be done and why the gentle people working in spiritual care do more than you may ever know…

Did you know that children who have spent time in foster care are 3.5x more likely to experience PTSD like that of a war veteran? Placement stability is an integeral part of helping mitigate the affects of trauma children in the foster care system experience. Once healthy stability is achieved, children can begin the process of learning how to form healthy trust-based attachements. This is vital to their healing journey. Keeping sibling groups together, whenever possible, is a monumental part of lessening the overal impact that the trauma of removal can cause for a child. Think about it, even if a child is in a desperate situation and removal is a necessary, they are still being ripped away from all that is familiar to them. For children, routine and control are two extremely important components for healthy development. When children are able to enter into the unknown space of the Child Welfare System and navigate it with their sibling, the trauma that comes with removal can have less severe lasting affects. They have eachother and intimate connection and that gives them a sense of control and safety. I am so excited to see that Christian Bale has discovered this reality and has a passion to help make it possible for siblings to remain together during foster care placement.

“When all wars are done, a butterfly will still be beautiful.” When all wars are done, the tender green branch the butterfly alights on will still be beautiful. When all wars are done, the gentle breeze that cradles the butterfly on the branch will still be beautiful. When all wars are done, the child whose eyes sparkle and lips gleam seeing the butterfly dance in the breeze will still be beautiful. When all wars are done, the parents’ soft joy of seeing their child happy and safe will still be beautiful. When all wars are done, the warm homes that welcome families will still be beautiful. When all wars are done, human communities will still be beautiful. When all wars are done, the world will still be beautiful. When all wars are done… Wait, why does it take wars to realise the beauty of these beauties? PS: The first line is a quote by Ruskin Bond.

Reunification month gets lost in the other celebratory months because it’s viewed as the expectation. It’s not considered an act of “going above and beyond.” Reunification month is the most important month. Parents facing themselves, having uncomfortable conversations and experiences, accepting responsibility for their actions, and overcoming adversity. Their children working through circumstances outside of their control, building stronger bonds with their families to understand grace, love and compassion. This doesn’t get recognition because what’s the picture to be posted on social media? What do you say about these folks who did this work? Our system doesn’t recognize them as “heroes” because it’s what we are supposed to do. WV subsides adoptions from foster care a great deal. Minimum $700 per month until the child turns 18 plus a Medicaid card. When a child is reunified, they don’t get any support. The case is closed. They get Medicaid if the qualify for Medicaid. Milestones should be celebrated not shamed. I’m glad to see more recognition for reunification.

📜 Planning for the future is an act of love. Consider the importance of testamentary guardianship in securing a stable and nurturing environment for your children. Your choices today shape their tomorrow. More here https://bit.ly/3RhN2hW #Guardianship #LegacyPlanning

📜 Planning for the future is an act of love. Consider the importance of testamentary guardianship in securing a stable and nurturing environment for your children. Your choices today shape their tomorrow. More here https://bit.ly/3RhN2hW #Guardianship #LegacyPlanning

Strengthen your family bonds with our top tips and heartwarming stories! 👨👧👦 Discover the joys of fatherhood in our newest blog post. Click here: https://nuel.ink/I6qdF3

 Sibling rivalries, conflicting visions, and generational clashes. Have you seen these issues turn dinner-time discussions into family feuds? Learn more about Veritage Family services at https://lnkd.in/ggXWNQWx

As a household grows, there are bound to be new dynamics at play. In the tip sheet "Navigating Family Dynamics in Kinship Families: Tips for Service Providers," you'll learn strategies from Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network Subject Matter Expert @Dr. Joseph Crumbley on working through experiences that may arise within a new family structure. https://lnkd.in/d3GzfXJh