Forum

The Network is beginning to look at our advocacy policies that further our mission of improving services to participants.

As part of that, we want to make sure that we--and you--are connected with organizations who are already working to advocate for systems change and legislation. We're already a part of the CBMS Coalition and the Colorado Social Legislation Committee.

With what advocacy organizations should the Network connect?  What are your thoughts?

Empowerment Skills for Family Workers, the credentialling program being offered this year by the Network, recommends the following best practices for home visitation safety:

•   Schedule:  document your visitation schedule; share with colleagues or post at your agency; include contact information for your home visits; have a policy about what to do when you don't check in or return to work
•   Cell phone:  program in 911, agency and emergency contact numbers; call your agency before and after home visits
•   Car:  park for ready departure--this may mean backing in to a drive; lock your car; place belongings in the trunk
•   Personal:  carry only what you need; dress appropriately and leave valuables at home; carry limited keys, credit cards and cash; use bathroom before visiting; arrive with sufficient gas; trust your intuition and leave if necessary to put your own safety first

North Carolina recommends these procedures: http://www.ncoes.net/Policies/home_visitation_safety%20.pdf.  King County, WA, has a thorough list of recommendations for workers, too.  How about you?  What do you think makes for a good safety policy?

Join us for a discussion on this topic and other policies, February 17, 11:30AM in central Denver.

The Network’s Aussie Treasurer emailed these thoughts from abroad…thanks, Lisa!

I was at the mall yesterday and noticed that people seem to be a little more stressed and a crazier than usual. By the way, to the person in the orange Honda Element yesterday – I didn’t realize getting out of car spots was a life and death situation. And I am sorry if I delayed your departure by pulling out.

We are lead to believe the holidays are meant to be joyous, fun and merry – but for many of us, the holidays are chaotic and full of stress.  Additional work, personal and family stress can leave us feeling run down and exhausted – and acting a little crazy. So here are 10 suggestions to help manage the stress this holiday season:

10. Breathe…Breathing exercises are a quick and easy way to reduce stress. You can do them anywhere and at anytime. Check out this link for some basic exercises: http://stress.about.com/od/breathingexercises/Breathing_Exercises_for_Stress_Management.htm  

9. Take the time to appreciate the little things.

8.       Keep your expectations in perspective – I will let you in on the secret not everything will look or go perfectly this holiday season.  So don’t sweat the small things… it’s ok if the napkins don’t match the placemats perfectly.

7.       Remember you don’t need to go overboard with the gifts.  My husband and I were talking about our favorite gifts from our childhood and it should be no surprise we couldn’t actually remember any. We can however recall our most memorable Christmas (for me it was my first white Christmas). So put down the credit card and focus on making the day a memorable experience. As I tell my husband “my present to him is… my presence alone.”

6.       Just Say No! If your schedule is full, your schedule is full… no need to over extend yourself. People will understand, after all most of our schedules are chaotic during the holidays.

5.       If help is available there is no shame accepting it – you are only human.

4.       Keep it short & sweet. Try to remember you can not pick your family or change their behavior; the only person you can control is you.

3.       Eat Well. The holidays are full of delicious sweets and indulgences, but remember not to go overboard. Overindulgence will only add to your stress.

2.       Get Some Exercise. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and combat any overindulgence.  While you may not be able to keep up your usual fitness routine, you’ll be surprised at what a brisk 10 minute walk will do.

1.       If all else fails, throw your arms in the air and embrace the crazy holiday season!!  After all, the holidays will pass quick enough and you will be back to your old self in no time.

How does our use of acronyms cloud our true meaning, either working with colleagues or participants?  I can think of countless times I've breezed right through a conversation using acronyms like CBMS or HMIS, assuming that others understand what I mean.  Realistically, I know that only the workers who use those systems know all of the intimations I'm making when I take the shortcut of an acronym instead of explaining clearly what the obstacles or benefits are of these two systems.

CDHS' 16-page list of their common acronyms even has some new ones to me, and some definitions could be more clear.   Thinking about how we use acronyms is just one of the mindful exercises in the Cornell Family Development Credential course that's now taking place.

Anyone have other acronym definition lists to share?  Do you have any examples of how you explain acronyms in ‘plain language’ with participants?

Hello,

I am required to obtain Professional Liability insurance for a new position that I will be starting at the end of October. I'm having a difficult time getting this type of insurance. Several of the large companies have recommended that I obtain this through the associations I am a member of...

Does anyone have contact information for Commercial Insurance agents? I'll be a contracted worker for Jefferson County providing career counseling and advocation.

Any tips or advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you, Regina