COVID-19 RESOURCE GUIDES (FAMILY & PROFESSIONALS)

COVID-19 Family Resource Guide

This guide was created to highlight some resources that may be useful to your family during this challenging and stressful time. This is not meant to be a comprehensive guide and we encourage you to reach out to the Foster Adopt Minnesota HELP Warmline to get specific supportive resources for your needs and/or your family’s needs.  If you have any questions about this resource guide or if you’re looking for supportive services, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the HELP Warmline by phone at (612) 746-5137 or by email at help@fosteradoptmn.org.

Vaccine Connector

The Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector is a tool that helps Minnesotans find out when, where, and how to get a COVID-19 vaccine.  Sign up, learn more, and get answers to frequently asked questions.

STAY INFORMED - NATIONAL & LOCAL UPDATES

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH): https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html

Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS): https://www.cstsonline.org/resources/resource-master-list/coronavirus-and-emerging-infectious-disease-outbreaks-response

Minnesota Children’s Cabinet COVID-19 Family Resource Guide – Find resources in Minnesota for child care, case and economic assistance, health care coverage, housing, food resources, financial support for college students, tax information, business support and more.

PARENTING RESOURCES

Videos

  • Helping Your Children Manage COVID-19 Realities: Beyond the Facts and Into the Effects on our Lives with Anne Gearity, PhD through the Minnesota Association of Children’s Mental Health (Video): https://macmh.org/publications/covid-19-resources/#1
  • Best Resource to Help Your Kids During the Pandemic with Dena Johnson, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Canyon Lakes Counseling (Video): https://www.canyonlakescounseling.com/best-parent-resource/
  • The Window of Tolerance by Beacon House – Window of tolerance is a term used to describe the zone in which a person is able to function most effectively. When people are within this zone, they are typically able to readily receive, process, and integrate information and respond to the demands of everyday life without much difficulty: https://youtu.be/Wcm-1FBrDvU

Articles


MN Adopt Webinar Library

Check out MN Adopt’s Webinar Library to add more tools to your parenting toolbelt. We’ve highlighted a few to consider below. Webinar Library: https://fosteradoptmn.org/education/webinar-library/

Center for Adoption, Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) Webinar Library

C.A.S.E. is offering all of their On-Demand webinars for FREE using the coupon code HOME at checkout. Choose from a wide variety of adoption-related topics from emotional-regulation, to supporting children FASD, to dealing with loss and grief https://store.adoptionsupport.org/webinars

HEALTH & WELLNESS

MN ADOPT HELP Specialists

HELP Specialists can assist your family with identifying and accessing appropriate supportive, educational, and therapeutic options for anyone in your family (including parents!). Possible financial assistance is available for therapeutic services. Warmline Phone: (612) 746-5137 | Email: help@mnadopt.org

County Crisis Contacts

Access a directory of mental health crisis phone numbers by county here:

Crisis Text Line

Text “MN” to 741741 (standard data and text rates apply) for free, 24/7, confidential crisis support from a trained Crisis Counselor. Learn more: https://www.crisistextline.org/

Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health (MACMH)

MACMH created the following resource page to help families and professionals support both their own mental health as well as the mental health of the children in their care as this public health crisis unfolds: https://macmh.org/publications/covid-19-resources/

Telehealth / Telemedicine Coverage

Contact your medical and mental health providers to ask about their telehealth process so you can continue receiving necessary care at your residence (i.e. by phone or video conference call). Telehealth services should be covered by your insurance company according to an emergency signed into Minnesota law by Governor Tim Walz on March 17, 2020 (see the emergency bill below). The emergency bill states that health insurance companies “shall not exclude or reduce coverage for a health care service or consultation solely because the service or consultation is provided via telemedicine directly to a patient at the patient’s residence.” This includes all mental health services provided by a licensed mental health professional (LICSW, LPCC, LMFT, LADC). See Article 3, page 8 of bill SF No. 4334 for more information:
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/text.php?session=ls91&number=SF4334&session_number=0&session_year=2019&version=list&format=pdf

At-Home Health & Wellness Activities

LEARNING ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS & TEENS

  • Minnesota Zoo – Nature Learning Activities – “Get outside and into learning in nature! Did you know that nature play is one of the most effective strategies for helping young children to grow physically, emotionally and cognitively? In fact, almost all preschool objectives can be met outside! Try these easy and fun activities in your backyard, walk around your neighborhood or local park.”– https://mnzoo.org/educator-corner/nature-learning/
  • Science Museum of Minnesota – Learn along with the Science Museum by trying out some of their experiments that you can do right from home! – https://new.smm.org/learn/ 
  • Como Zoo & Conservatory Digital Legacy Learning – “While we all #StaySafeMN and practice social distancing, check this space for challenging, fun learning opportunities. Then, tune in Monday – Friday at 1:30pm on our Facebook page for special LIVE zookeeper talks and gardener talks.” – https://comozooconservatory.org/como-live/ 
  • Minnesota Historical Society – The MNHS invites you to learn about history from wherever you are! They have videos and activities to help you discover Minnesota History – https://www.mnhs.org/historyathome 
  • Check out their online and low-tech educational resources to help students with distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic – http://education.mnhs.org/distancelearning 
  • 3M Science At Home Experiments – “Fun and educational science experiments designed for students ages 6-12. These simple, at-home experiments conducted by 3M scientists use common household items and are designed to reinforce core scientific principles. School systems, educators, parents, and caregivers are encouraged to use this educational content in virtual classrooms and at home. Check back weekly.” – https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/gives-us/education/science-at-home/science-experiments-for-kids/ 
  • KidsGardening.org – “KidsGardening is here to support our growing community of parents, educators, and gardeners as they think creatively about ideas to get kids gardening and ways to stay connected to nature…find links to kids garden activities, garden-based educational resources, gardening advice, and other helpful tips to inspire you to just keep growing.” – https://kidsgardening.org/garden-ideas-kids-parents-teachers/#funathome 
  • America’s Test Kitchen Kids – Recipes, experiments, quizzes, party ideas, and more all focused on fostering curiosity and creativity in young chefs! – https://www.americastestkitchen.com/kids/home 
  • Toys from Trash – Discover hundreds of fun, creative, and simple projects made from things you can find around your home or maybe even in your trash! – http://www.arvindguptatoys.com/toys.html 
  • 20 Learning Activities to Keep Kids Busy by Understood.org: https://u.org/3deWGvH
  • Top 25 Podcasts for Kids & Teens by Common Sense Media: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/the-best-podcasts-for-kids
  • Scholastic Learn at Home – Day-by-day projects to keep kids reading, thinking, and growing: https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html
  • Starfall – Activities and games that assist children in growing their reading capacity K-3. https://www.starfall.com/h/
  • National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN): Simple activities for children and adolescents: Parenting while sheltering in place, https://www.nctsn.org/resources/simple-activities-children-and-adolescents
  • Brain Pop: Find hundreds of educational lessons, videos and quizzes on a variety of topics like math, science, health, engineering, art and music, and more. Brain Pop is offering their materials to families for free during the pandemic – https://www.brainpop.com/

ONLINE GROUPS FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS

  • NACAC Online Groups
    NACAC has transitioned several of their in-person support groups to an online platform. There are online groups for children (ages 4-8 years old), teens, and parents/caregivers. You can view and access NACAC’s online groups from the group calendar by clicking on the link below.
    NACAC Online Group Calendar:
    https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=mnasncalendar%40gmail.com&ctz=America%2FChicago
    The North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC) also has several private Facebook groups for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers. To join NACAC’s Facebook groups visit NACAC’s website or complete the Online Group survey by clicking the link below.
    Online Group Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PCGCJ72
  • Adoption.com
    This online forum option has been identified from numerous adoptive, foster, kinship and birth parents to be a helpful way to be connected with—and learn from—other parents around the country (and world). People can read and share their experiences in whatever way feels right for them.Website: https://adoption.com/forums
  • Family Voices of Minnesota (not adoption-specific)Family Voices provides virtual support groups for parents with a child who has special health care needs or disabilities. They also have a parent-to-parent peer support program where you will get connected with another parent who has a child with similar needs or experiences.Phone: (612) 440-1609
    Email: connected@familyvoicesmn.org
    Website: http://familyvoicesofminnesota.org/parent-groups
  • NAMI Online Parent Resource Support (not adoption-specific)
    The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Minnesota’s online Parent Resource group is the perfect solution for parents who cannot attend a group in person. You can talk live to real people from the comfort of our home by using a computer, tablet, or smartphone to connect to your peers. These groups are help parents discover resources to meet the challenges of raising a child with a mental illness, learn coping skills, and develop problem-solving skills.Contact: Jennie at jenniebrinkworth@gmail.com
    Website: https://namimn.org/support/resource-groups-parents-children/
  • NAMI Parent Warmline (not adoption-specific)
    Feeling isolated and overwhelmed by your child’s behaviors or mental illnesses? Not sure where to start or who to talk to? No time to attend support groups or classes? Even phone calls a challenge? Connect with a Certified Peer Specialist through NAMI’s parent email warmline.Phone Warmline: (651) 288-0400 or text “Support” to 85511
    Email Warmline: parent.resources@namimn.org
  • Attachment Trauma Network (not adoption-specific)
    ATN hosts private, online peer-to-peer support groups that are moderated 24/7 by experienced therapeutic parents. These groups are for families providing primary care to a child with attachment and trauma issues. ATN will place you in a group that best meets your needs based on the information you provide. Membership is FREE for parents and caregivers.Website: https://www.attachmenttraumanetwork.org/needhelp/#supportgroups

PODCASTS & BLOGS TO FOLLOW

BOOK & FILM LISTS

  • Trinka and Sam Fighting the Big Virus by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network – The purpose of the story is to help children cope with their fears and worries related to COVID-19. As the story shows, you can help your child by letting your child know they are loved and sharing what is being done to keep the family safe and well. A caregiver guide is available in the back of the book that provides ways parents can use the story with their children. You can download the book for free here: https://www.nctsn.org/resources/trinka-and-sam-fighting-the-big-virus
  • The Story of the Oyster and the Butterfly: The Coronavirus and Me by Ana M. Gomez – Click here for a PDF of this interactive storybook to help you and your children express their feelings that can come up in times of stress.
  • Tapestry Books – Specializes in adoption related books and resources for adoptive families, birth families, adoptees, and adoption professionals. Website: https://tapestrybooks.com/
  • Center for Adoption Support & Education (C.A.S.E.) – Adoption-focused book lists, film lists, and factsheets. Website: https://adoptionsupport.org/education-resources/for-parents-families/free-resources-links/
  • Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Adoption List – Lists reviews by professionals and families on books related to adoption, trauma, and parenting. Website: https://www.jkp.com/usa/parenting/adoption.html
  • EmbraceRace – Lists of multicultural and diverse books from around the web. Website: https://www.embracerace.org/resources/childrens-books

STAY CONNECTED

Stay connected to loved ones, colleagues, and even medical providers with video conferencing. There are several free options to choose from accessible by phone, computer, and tablet:

ONLINE SAFETY

Zero Abuse Project

The Zero Abuse Project provides useful tips and resources to help promote online safety for kids and teens. Check out their Online Safety Tips, Social Media Tips for Parents, Cyberbullying Prevention, and more on the Zero Abuse Project website: https://www.zeroabuseproject.org/victim-assistance/jwrc/keep-kids-safe/online-safety/

LGBTQ YOUTH SUPPORT

Online & Phone Support

The resources below have been adapted from the Human Rights Campaign https://www.hrc.org/resources/direct-online-and-phone-support-services-for-lgbtq-youth

Feeling connected to peers through school groups and youth drop-in centers is crucial for LGBTQ young people. Sometimes, these places are the only chance for LGBTQ youth to fully be themselves and feel affirmed. When access to those programs and activities is limited or cut off, that can have a significant impact on their overall well-being. Here are some resources that LGBTQ youth and their parents/guardians can access online or by phone.

  • The Trevor Project has several direct online resources specifically for LGBTQ youth: Trevor Lifeline is a crisis intervention and suicide prevention phone service available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386.
    TrevorChat is a confidential online instant messaging with a Trevor Counselor, available 24/7, at https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help-now/
    TrevorText is a confidential text messaging with a Trevor Counselor, available 24/7/365, by texting START to 678678.
    TrevorSpace is an affirming international community for LGBTQ young people ages 13-24 available at trevorspace.org
  • Q Chat Space is a bully-free online community of LGBTQ teens that can chat with other LGBTQ teens and trained staff from LGBTQ centers around the country.
    You can access Q Chat Space at www.qchatspace.org
  • Gender Spectrum Lounge is a global online community for gender-expansive teens, their families and support professionals to connect, collaborate and find resources.
    You can access the Gender Spectrum Lounge at genderspectrum.org/lounge
  • Many PFLAG chapters are meeting virtually or providing 1:1 virtual support as requested for parents/guardians or LGBTQ youth.
    Go to pflag.org/find to look up the PFLAG chapter in your area and reach out by phone, email or on social media to learn more about their virtual support options.
  • Family Equality Neighborhood is a virtual hub for LGBTQ+ families and offers a robust calendar of activities from toddler dance parties to creative writing workshops for teens.
    You can access the Neighborhood at https://www.familyequality.org/neighborhood/

FREE/REDUCED INTERNET & COMPUTERS

ADOPTION/KINSHIP ASSISTANCE BENEFIT INCREASE OPTIONS

Options to increase Adoption Assistance and Kinship Assistance benefit levels for foster, adoptive and kinship families

The Child Safety and Permanency Division at the Minnesota Department of Human Services released guidance regarding how to provide support to Minnesota’s foster, adoptive and kinship families caring for children. This includes options that may increase benefit levels for children and provide additional family supports.

To learn if you qualify for an increase in benefit levels, contact the county that completed your child’s Minnesota Assessment of Parenting for Children and Youth (MAPCY) assessment and request a reassessment. You can also direct questions to your Adoption Assistance worker at the Minnesota Department of Human Services. If you do not know who your Adoption Assistance worker is you can contact the Adoption Assistance team by email at adoption.assistance@state.mn.us and they will respond to you as soon as possible.

Click here to view the guide for options that may increase benefit levels for children and provide additional family supports.

COVID-19 Professional Resource Guide

During this time, we at Foster Adopt Minnesota are aware that professionals who provide support to some of our most vulnerable families and children will experience secondary traumatic symptoms.  This guide provides links to common resources that may be helpful to reduce stress for you and the clients you serve, as well as provide important education on trauma and how it can impact families and individuals.  This is not meant to be a comprehensive guide and we encourage professionals to reach out to the Foster Adopt Minnesota HELP line to get specific supportive resources for families as well as professional consultation.  Accessing teletherapy options for yourself is another way to gain support as you assist your clients.

If you have any questions about this resource guide, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the HELP Program by phone at (612) 746-5137 or by email at help@fosteradoptmn.org.

TELEHEALTH/TELETHERAPY COVERAGE

Telehealth / Teletherapy Coverage
Telehealth/teletherapy services should be covered by your insurance company according to an emergency bill Governor Tim Walz signed into Minnesota law on March 17, 2020 (see the emergency bill below). The emergency bill states that health insurance companies “shall not exclude or reduce coverage for a health care service or consultation solely because the service or consultation is provided via telemedicine directly to a patient at the patient’s residence.” This includes all mental health services provided by a licensed mental health professional (LICSW, LPCC, LMFT, LADC). See Article 3, page 8 of bill SF No. 4334 for more information:

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/text.php?session=ls91&number=SF4334&session_number=0&session_year=2019&version=list&format=pdf

TRAUMA FOCUSED RESOURCES

Child Mind Institute

https://childmind.org/

This website is supporting professionals during COVID-19 with daily email tips on how to assist families.  It is also a source of up-to-date articles on mental health concerns.  There are also Spanish speaking resources available.

Dan Siegel’s Hand Model of the Brain & Flipping Your Lid

Both of these videos are great to explain what is happening when children get really activated or “flip their lid” and their fight or flight response kicks in.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network

https://www.nctsn.org/

The mission of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network is to raise the standard of care and improve access to services for traumatized children, their families and communities throughout the United States. This site has e-training, webinars, downloadable materials and more. Spanish speaking resources are available.

Beacon House

https://beaconhouse.org.uk/resources/

This website has a host of free resources, including videos related to trauma, attachment and adoptive, foster and kinship families. Many are family- and school-friendly with easy to understand language.

Inner Work World

http://www.innerworldwork.co.uk/

This website is a collection of creative works in different formats to support parents and professionals working with children who have experienced trauma.  It is family-friendly and also offers great supports for educators.

Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health (MACMH)

MACMH created the following resource page to help families and professionals support both their own mental health as well as the mental health of the children in their care as this public health crisis unfolds: https://macmh.org/publications/covid-19-resources/

FETAL ALCOHOL EXPOSURE (FASD) RESOURCES

PROOF Alliance (Formerly MOFAS)

https://www.proofalliance.org/

Proof Alliance (formerly known as: The Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization whose mission is to eliminate disability caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy and to improve the quality of life for those living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).  Since 1998, Proof Alliance has been the statewide organization serving as the leading voice and resource on FASD in Minnesota (and on a national level) – standing up for the rights of the FASD community, providing education and training so FASD is better understood, and working to ensure that all women know that there is no safe level of alcohol use during pregnancy. They have training and support for families and professionals.

Oregon Behavioral Consultants

http://www.oregonbehavior.com/

Nate Sheets, FASD Behavioral Consultant has a series of videos related to cognitive supports for children, young adults and adults who are diagnosed with FASD. They are also applicable for other types of diagnosis that relate to difficulties in regulation. You can view the videos on the YouTube channel below and directly access the Oregon Behavioral Consultants website at the address above.  They have trainings, podcasts and other supportive information on their website.  Sheets also does worldwide consultation.

ADOPTION, FOSTER AND KINSHIP RESOURCES

Center for Adoption Support & Education (CASE)

Impact of Adoption

  • Is Adoption Trauma:
    This video is related to trauma that is experienced by adoptees who are placed at birth.  It also talks about “connecting the dots” so that adoptees are better able to understand why they are feeling anxious or get activated when they think someone is going to leave them.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rk09dfwRNPE

Transracial Placement/Adoption Resources

  • Podcast: Adoptees On
    http://www.adopteeson.com/
    Each episode is a one-on-one conversation between the host, an adoptee herself, and an adult adoptee guest who tells story of relinquishment, life challenges, and reunion. The website also has a lot of resources.

Kinship Resources

Foster Care Resource

With the ongoing issues regarding the COVID-19/Coronavirus outbreak universities across the country are closing their physical campuses. This includes the dorms which are the primary housing for many former and current foster youth. With campus closures lasting through the end of the spring semester, these students risk becoming homeless. Please help us sponsor housing for these students.

https://www.togetherwerise.org/help-displaced-students/

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