The Hownikan spoke with four FireLodge employees to learn more about what they do and how FireLodge serves the CPN community. Cortney Newell is the Indian Child Welfare comprehensive case manager. Nancy Jasna works as an Indian Child Welfare case manager. Heather Calton serves FireLodge as the family preservation coordinator. Desiree Pickering, “the money lady,” is a program analyst who works with three different departments.
In September 2022, Adalynn Grace Climer’s adoption was finalized after her time as a foster child through FireLodge Children & Family Services. Now, she’s reaching new milestones and the Climers are creating new traditions.
Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s FireLodge Children & Family Services welcomed DeAnna Voeks as its new foster care and adoption specialist in June 2022.
Native Americans are up to four times more likely to have their children taken and placed into foster care than their non-Native counterparts.
Appropriate boundaries promote healthy development in children and are a necessity, alongside love and support. They allow children and adults to feel safe, have clear expectations and know what is acceptable.
With support from FireLodge Children & Family Services, many Citizen Potawatomi Nation foster children successfully and safely return to their families. FireLodge answered some questions frequently asked by prospective families interested in fostering and adopting Potawatomi children.
While many potential foster parent applicants hesitated during 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, Tribal member Lacey Buettner opened up her home for the first time. After working with FireLodge Children & Family Services, she felt confident in stepping up to the task.
FireLodge Children & Family Services advocates for and protects children and vulnerable adults who are at risk of being abused or neglected. Social services and child welfare programs do not stop services, even amidst a global pandemic.
While oftentimes the goal is to work with parents and guardians to reunite with their children, there are cases where finding a permanent, loving family becomes necessary.
Preserving families and promoting healthy, safe homes for children is the goal of the FireLodge Children & Family Services Family Preservation Program.