15th of February 2023
4 Things to Remember in Providing Trauma-Informed Care
Almost half a million children are in the foster care system in the United States. Fostering is one way to provide safety and stability for them as they wait to be placed with a permanent family through adoption. As such, becoming a foster parent can be rewarding for you and the child as you help them develop emotionally, physically, and socially. However, the Children’s Bureau reports that children in foster care are often victims of abuse and trauma and cannot remain […]
Read More23rd of January 2023
Trinity Youth Services Responds to the Mass Shooting in Monterey Park
Trinity Youth Services (TYS) stands with the California Alliance of Child and Family Services in sharing the sorrow of the recent mass shooting in our community of Monterey Park. Our deepest sympathies to those who lost loved ones or who were injured in this senseless act of violence during a day intended for celebration and hope. This devastating incident hits close to home with a TYS foster care office, staff, and families residing within Monterey Park. Our hearts go out […]
Read More14th of July 2022
How to Encourage Your Spouse to Become a Foster Parent, Even If They Are Afraid to Take the Leap
I’ve heard this statement time and time again: “Eve, I’d love to become a foster parent, but my partner does not approve.” Although I can definitely understand that this can be a sensitive issue that may spark a debate, I don’t believe that all is lost if your partner is less than thrilled about fostering. Here’s what I know: So many people believe the myths they’ve heard or read about fostering or foster youth, but don’t truly know all of […]
Read More30th of June 2022
6 Tips to Teaching Your Foster Child About Gun Violence to Help Them Stay Safe
The rise of gun violence across America is causing shockwaves and panic throughout our communities. It seems as if every time we turn on the TV, or turn on the computer, we are seeing more and more headlines about innocent people, including children, being gunned down. These news stories can cause youth to experience sadness, anxiety, grief or depression. Some children may also fear leaving their homes, or fear going to school. Some youth may even become triggered, especially if […]
Read More15th of June 2022
There’s Much to Celebrate in June
A Message from the CEO: Happy June! Where did the first half of 2022 go? I am finding it hard to believe there are only 206 shopping days until Christmas! I hope we will all take the time to reflect upon the fathers and father figures in our lives and thoughtfully observe our newest federal holiday, Juneteenth, as these two events both fall on Sunday, June 19. Last year I shared that Juneteenth is a commemoration of the end of […]
Read More8th of June 2022
June is National Reunification Month
For over a decade, the child welfare community has celebrated June as National Reunification Month. The American Bar Association (ABA) Center on Children and the Law and other national partners created the National Reunification Month in 2010, as the most desirable and positive legal permanency option for children. According to recent data, reunifications is the permanency option achieved by most children in the child welfare system. Reunification month is an incredible opportunity for the child welfare system to commit to […]
Read More4th of May 2022
Trinity Youth Services Updates Vision Statement to Reflect Hopes for Those Served, Adds to Value Statement
A Message from the CEO: The concept I associate most with Spring – even late Spring, is, of course, change. In California, we really don’t experience the significant changes in weather other regions enjoy. However, subtle changes are taking place everywhere around us, and even small changes can bring about huge results. Nowhere is this more prevalent than at Trinity Youth Services. This past month, Trinity team members from every location and every level of the organization collaborated on a […]
Read More21st of April 2022
4 Things You Can Do to Keep Your Child Safe from Child Abuse
Did you know that four children per day die as a result of child abuse, and that 70% are under the age of 4? Child abuse can have devastating effects that last a lifetime, including PTSD, depression, social anxiety, and more. In order to protect your child from being abused, here are a few things you can do to keep your child safe. Teach your child appropriate and inappropriate behaviors by role playing and giving them rewards when they can […]
Read More31st of March 2022
Trinity Youth Services CEO, Cher Ofstedahl, Named a District Assembly Woman of Distinction
As part of an annual recognition of Women’s History Month in the State Capitol, Assemblymember Chris Holden announces Cher Ofstedahl as Claremont’s 2022 Woman of Distinction. The 41st Assembly District’s Women of Distinction from throughout the district include Juanita West-Tillman (Altadena), Cher Ofstedahl (Claremont), Chief Colleen Flores (La Verne), Maritza Flores-Travanti (Monrovia), Elizabeth McSwain, (Rancho Cucamonga), Marilyn Sparks (San Dimas), Bertha Aguirre (Sierra Madre), Cathy Billings (South Pasadena) and Kim Anthony (Upland). Over 150 nominations were sent to Assemblymember Holden […]
Read More30th of March 2022
Creating a Forever Family with Older Children: ‘I Was Completely, Utterly Wrong About Teens’
Thomas and Nichole Wilken tried everything in their pursuit to have children, but it wasn’t until Nichole suffered a blood clot during an in vitro procedure and subsequent stroke, that the couple explored adoption. A friend referred them to Trinity Youth Services in 2019 and decided to foster after learning that there are thousands of children locally who need a loving home. After a 5-6 month process of getting approved, the family started fostering babies, hoping to end up with […]
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