“Love is Respect”
February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

In honor of Valentine’s Day and National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, we would like to take some time to recognize statistics and warning signs of violence in teen dating. We hope your family never has to deal with such an issue, but recent studies have shown that 1 in 10 teens will experience abuse in a teen relationship and approximately 10% of adolescents report being the victim of physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner.

Resource: Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month | Youth.gov.

If you have a teen or foster child who is dating, try to have an open dialogue with them about their relationship. Don’t wait until your teen is upset to ask them what is wrong, ask them how their significant other treats them. Make a point to meet their partner or host a date at your house so you can see how they interact. If you are concerned that your child may be susceptible to an abusive relationship, look for the following signs of abuse:

1. Their partner checks their cell phone or email without permission.
2. Constant put-downs from their partner.
3. Extreme jealousy or insecurity.
4. Explosive temper.
5. Their partner is isolating them from family or friends.
6. Their partner is making false accusations.
7. Mood swings.
8. Physically hurting them in any way.
9. Possessiveness.
10. Telling them what to do.

If you have concerns or want to learn more about teen dating violence, please visit Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention | Info on Teen Dating Violence (teendvmonth.org).

Texas

Nikkita Watts resides in Crowley, TX where she currently lives with her mother and father in their amazing home. Ms. Watts became a licensed foster parent with TFI on December 16, 2022. During her time with TFI, Ms. Watts has successfully forested an 8-month-old for 4 months. Though it was a short time, it was evident to see this child placed with Ms. Watts blossom into a warm, bubbly, and charming boy. Ms. Watts and her family allowed this child to grow with love and a supportive home during his stay. Ms. Watts continues to keep her home open to accept another child.

We are so proud to highlight this exceptional family as a Texas TFI Foster Family. They exemplify everything that our mission stands for!

Recruitment Corner

The recruitment team is always trying creative ways to share the news about the need for more foster parents. We have been busy in all of our states in the past month, and we have a lot planned for February! Our Texas recruiter, Traci Roberts, hosted a Minister’s Brunch with great networking opportunities in January. She also attended the Metroplex East Provider meeting and the Recruitment Subcommittee meeting in different areas of Texas. On February 1, Traci met with the Mayor of Wichita Falls to discuss what city commissioners can do to help spread the word about the need for foster care. Traci will continue to attend various events around Texas to bring awareness about the need for foster families.

In Kansas, Shelby Grissom is celebrating the 100^th day of school at local schools by sharing 100 TFI stickers and fruit snacks. On February 8, she met with foster care staff in the Pittsburg and Parsons area to discuss recruitment opportunities. Then, on Valentine’s Day, she will be delivering goodies with TFI stickers and flyers to schools. Talk with your foster care worker to find out about local support meetings in your area this month and bring a friend!

Our Oklahoma recruiter, Rachelle Huffman, represented TFI at Winterfest in Sallisaw on January 27. She also attended Cupid’s Crafts and Gift Show in Sallisaw on February 10. Rachelle is planning a pay-it-forward event at Daylight Donuts in the Tulsa metro area in late February. Also happening in Oklahoma, starting April 1, there will be new benefits added to the Sooner Select Children’s Specialty Program. Town hall meetings will be held in Tulsa, Lawton and Edmond this month. Find out how you can get these benefits by clicking the “learn more” button here.