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SUMMER TREATS AT AUNT MAE’S SWEET TOOTH

By Julie Mana-ay Perez

Feeling a craving for something sweet this summer? When you walk into Aunt Mae’s Sweet Tooth downtown, it’s like walking into a literal candy shop. Every turn you take is a new sweet you want to try. Featured on their menu is a bacon toffee that includes small bits of applewood bacon, Aunt Mae’s gourmet toffee with milk chocolate and chopped almonds. At first bite, the toffee was soft and chewy while the bacon combined with the chocolate produced a savory flavor.

The real reason I made a stop to Aunt Mae’s was to taste their ice cream sandwich. In between two soft snickerdoodle cookies is ice cream made by Rosemary’s Family Creamery and chunks of English toffee spread around its edges. It’s a perfect summertime treat!

Not only do they serve up toffee, but also a variety of sweets, such as candy apples, rice crispy treats, fudge and nuts.

2020 THANK Carpet/Flooring/Tile YOU Carpet/Flooring/Tile

It has been a pleasure serving you.

And we want you to know we appreciate your business. We will do everything possible to merit the con dence you have shown in us.

Come by and see us soon.

E T

www.billraytile.com (661) 366-3255

6301 E. BRUNDA D, CA

ank You Kern County

for voting Archer the Storeff r voting Arche h r th he Stor f efront as one of the “Best Furniture Stores!” ront as one of the h “Be B st Furni iture Sto ores s!”

We appreciate your support and are honored to serve this community we call home.

M-F 10AM-5PM | SAT. 10AM-4PM Please visit us @ 3510 Allen Rd., Suite 102. or call 661-809-2687.

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING TOWARDS?

Let the Valley Strong Retirement & Wealth Management Group help assess your tolerance for market risk, develop a comprehensive plan, and build a portfolio to help you pursue your goals.

Schedule an appointment with a Valley Strong Financial Advisor online at valleystrong.com/advisor or call (661) 833-7730.

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Director of Wealth Management LPL Financial Advisor CA Insurance License #0E24250 (661) 833-7588 jim.hussey@valleystrong.com

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SUMMER CAMP

Coming Soon

Are you looking for your kids to try something new summer? Here are some great escapes to help them create, learn, inspire and activate.

ARTS

JOIN US FOR THE HEALING HEARTS ART CAMP Saturday, August 7, 2021 • 10am - 4pm For children ages 5-16 who have lost a loved one to take time to re ect on the loved ones they are missing and help begin the healing process.

Arts & Crafts Music, Games & more Lunch & Lite Snacks

REGISTRATION HoffmannHospice.org/ events/heart-art camp CAMP IS FREE Limited Space Available Reservations are Required!

661.410.1010

for more information

LOCATION

The Hoffmann Hospice Bereavement Building 4325 Buena Vista Road

CHILDREN'S MUSIC CLASSES

HARMONY ROAD MUSIC SCHOOL

What’s going on: Join us for a fun-filled musical summe. We will offer several camps and classes for kids, ages 16 months to teens. • Junior music camp for ages 4, 5 and 6. •“Intro to Piano” Camp for kids ages 4 1⁄2 to12. • Toddler music classes (age 16 months to 3). • Summer piano lessons (ages K to adults). Who’s invited? Kids from toddlers to teens. When does the fun start? June, July and August. Where do I sign up? Call us at 661-665-8228 or enroll online at www.harmonyroadbakersfield.co Cost: $125 and up, depending on the camp Location: 5381 Truxtun Ave. (near Mohawk St.)

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Summer Guide

A list for family, friend adventures near and far

The Picnic Planner Co. designs a picnic set for models AJ Zadora, Sara Shouhayib, Jaqueline Arnold and Michele Marie's pup, Stella, the golden retreiver. The photo was taken at The Park at River Walk.

THERE ARE PLENTY OF ADVENTURES FOR YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS AWAITING THIS SUMMER. CHECK OUT OUR LIST OF SUGGESTIONS. GRAB YOUR HAT, WATER AND SUNSCREEN AND HIT THE ROAD OR TRAILS!

WHERE TO GO

CALM ZOO (10500 ALFRED HARRELL HIGHWAY): Sitting on 14 park-like acres, the beloved California Living Museum Zoo features several animal species and plants. With many businesses reopening this summer after the nationwide shutdown, CALM Zoo, along with other entertainment businesses, is starting to open its doors to the public. CALM Zoo is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adult admission is $10, seniors age 60 and above are $7, kids 3 to 12 years old are $6, and children under 3 years old enter free, along with veterans and military. Visit calmzoo. org for more details and guidelines.

COLOR ME MINE (9000 MING AVE., H3): Take the kids out for a couple of hours to enjoy their time at Color Me Mine, where they’ll have a selection of pottery items to choose from and to paint however they want. Color Me Mine is located at The Marketplace on Ming Avenue, so when the painting session is finished, take a stroll through this plaza, grab an ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery and finish it with a movie night at Regal Edwards.

MUSEUMS: Plan a short educational trip by visiting some of Kern County’s historic museums. Kern County is filled with so much rich and influential history, so why not learn more about the community that surrounds you? The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science (2018 Chester Ave.) reopened in May with several improvements and restoration after a fire. Schedule a tour, register for science camp or take part in their art challenges. Visit buenavistmuseum.org for more information on operating hours and admission. Another prominent museum to visit is the Kern County Museum (3801 Chester Ave.) where guests are able to learn about Kern’s important history dating back to the 19th century. The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. And there’s also a

CALM Zoo

C ol or M e Mine

Triassic Vineyards in Tehachapi.

Continued from Page 41

2021 summer camp available! Visit kerncountymuseum.org for more information.

TEHACHAPI’S AWARD-WINNING WINE SCENE: Though I don’t recommend bringing children under the age of 21 to wineries, places like this can be a fun time with older family members and friends. When you think of wine tasting, you might think of places such as Napa and Paso Robles. But why travel that far when there are award-winning wineries in our Kern County backyard? Triassic Vineyards (24627 Cummings Valley Road) features a wine and dine catered scene with live music. Reservations are required. Visit triassicvineyards.com for more information and operating hours. Tehachapi Wine & Cattle Co. offers a variety of wines. Visit tehachapiwinecattleandcompany.com for operating hours and information.

BALBOA PARK IN SAN DIEGO: If you like being near the coast, San Diego is known for its beaches, parks and warm climate. Balboa Park is filled with museums, art sculptures, theaters and playgrounds — the ultimate destination for playtime for kids and adults. The San Diego Zoo is in Balboa Park. No matter where you go in San Diego, it’s filled with fun for everyone.

MURRAY FAMILY FARMS (6700 GENERAL

BEALE ROAD): Murray Family

Farms is one of those perfect family activities during the summer. Visitors have the choice to pick their own berries depending on what’s harvesting, taking hayrides and enjoying tours. The fun doesn’t stop during the summertime, though; stay up

Tehachapi Wine & Cattle Co. Balboa Park in San Diego

The BLVD in Bakersfiel

River rafting is available all throughout Kern County. to date with Murray Family Farms events throughout the year to keep on with the family fun.

FORESTIERE UNDERGROUND GARDENS IN FRESNO: A beautiful garden and a historical landmark sits at Forestiere Underground Gardens, a subterranean home illuminated by natural skylights. This place dates to the 1900s and offers tours to learn about the landscape, history and nature surrounding the gardens. Though all children are welcome to visit, older children and young adults would enjoy the serenity this place offers.

THE BLVD (3200 BUCK OWENS BLVD., SUITE 300): If you’re thinking of last-minute ideas to spend quality time with the kids, The BLVD in Bakersfield happens to be one of those places that has a bit of everything — entertainment and food for kids and adults of all ages. The pricing depends on activity but The BLVD offers bowling, a beer garden, an arcade, laser tag, billiards, a ropes course, karaoke and sports viewing if you’re not into physical activities. The BLVD is open Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight.

RIVER RAFTING: Get some fun in the sun and sand in your toes with river rafting. The options are endless around Kern County. You’ll find rafting businesses like Kern River Outfitters (6602 Wofford Blvd., Wofford Heights), Sequoia Adventures (43365 Sierra Drive, Three Rivers) and Sierra South Mountain Sports (11300 Kernville Road, Kernville) to name a few, depending on where you’re next destination is.

A DAY OUT WITH PICNIC PLANNER & CO.: Who doesn’t want to sit out in the sun on a picnic blanket surrounded by food and the people you love. The Picnic Planner Co. founder Cristal Garza started her business in November 2020. Garza was one of those individuals who loved to travel. One of her favorite memories is having a picnic by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. She wanted to bring that sense of happiness to Bakersfield and offer an activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Plan one of these elegant and fun picnics with Garza around the Bakersfield area. Follow her on Instagram to get the latest updates @thepicnicplannerco.

SIGHTS TO SEE (WHILE HIKING, STROLLING)

WIND WOLVES PRESERVE (16019 MARICOPA HIGHWAY): Less than an hour away from Bakersfield lies the beautiful Wind Wolves Preserve. This land is home to Tule elk, California

Tehachapi Mountain Park

Continued from Page 43

condors and kit foxes, just to name a few, as you may encounter them while strolling. Wind Wolves is one of many perfect outdoor activities to do with your family — an affordable day trip to hike, bike, camp, bird watch and picnic.

BRECKENRIDGE MOUNTAIN: Just 11 miles southwest of Lake Isabella and at 7,500 feet, Breckenridge Mountain isn’t Kern’s highest summit, but it’s a beautiful vacation getaway. Take your family here for a perfect camping trip; just remember to obtain a campfire permit. Breckenridge Mountain is great for rock climbing, hiking and feeling awe-inspired by the history and sights from the mountain.

KERN RIVER TRAIL: Take a nice and easy stroll out on this trail with the family. It lies between Bakersfield and Lake Isabella, where its visitors will have a wondrous view of wildflowers, lavish green trees and an alluring view of rolling hills.

SOLVANG: If you’re familiar with the Santa Barbara area, you might have heard of this gem of a town. Solvang falls under the Santa Ynez Valley and is known for its Danish-style architecture and wineries. Traveling there is a bit of a drive, but the sights you see while you’re on your way are priceless. Along with its many wineries, there are boutiques, bakeries and eateries inspired by Danish foods and a whole town to walk around. Being there will make you feel like you’re in “Little Denmark.” during the winter season because of snowfall. If you’re looking for a one-day getaway, look no further. The park offers hiking, camping and equestrian trail riding.

JAWBONE CANYON: If you’re feeling the desert, look no further than Jawbone Canyon near the Mojave Desert. The area was originally a popular location in the late 1800s for gold mining. Now the land covers a beautiful desert landscape with trails for any family to explore freely.

UNAL TRAIL: Situated farther away from Bakersfield sits Unal Trail — an easy hike to the crest of the Greenhorn Mountains. The best time to visit is during the spring and summer seasons, when visitors can see Wofford Heights and the Alta Sierra. When visiting, you’ll see mountain bikers, runners and hikers.

PINE MOUNTAIN CLUB: The southwestern area of Kern County hides a private mountain community, where adventure awaits. During the peak of the summer season, people can enjoy a variety of recreation, including golf, tennis, hiking, camping, swimming, horse riding and even summer camps.

While taking a nice stroll in the area, remember to enjoy Pine Mountain Club’s surrounding nature from Fern’s Lake, rows of primrose flowers and the wildlife. In

Pine Mountain Club’s surrounding area, visitors can view Sawmill Mountain, Mt.

Pinos, Westside Mountain Park and Cerro

Noroeste.

LITTLE PETROGLYPH CANYON: Located in Ridgecrest at the Coso Rock Art District lies a high desert immersed with rocks, sage and Joshua trees hovered by blue skies. This hidden treasure is spread in the volcanic badlands between the Coso mountains and the Sierra Nevada and it is home of one of the

Little Petroglyph Canyon

Pine Mountain Club

TEHACHAPI MOUNTAIN PARK (17350 WATER CANYON ROAD, TEHACHAPI): One of nature’s gems lies eight miles southwest of Tehachapi between the San Joaquin Valley and the Los Angeles Basin. The park is generally open year-round, but be careful

best preserved illustrations of Native American art in the country. Take a day trip with the family to educate yourselves and appreciate the Native American culture and history. And you get to hike a beautiful view while you’re at it!

WHERE TO EAT

BAKERSFIELD SPOTS: There are so many delicious restaurants in Bakersfield but some iconic eateries in this city are Luigi’s (725 E. 19th St.), Frugatti’s (600 Coffee Road), Hodel’s Country Dining (5917 Knudsen Drive) and Dewar’s Candy Shop (2700 Calloway Drive).

TEHACHAPI SPOTS: If you’re around the Tehachapi area, there are many popular staples such as Kohnen’s Country Bakery (125 W. Tehachapi Blvd.), Red House BBQ (426 E. Tehachapi Blvd.), Steampunk Cafe and Grill (20324 W. Valley Blvd.), Keene Cafe (30256 Woodford Tehachapi Road) and Big Papa’s Steakhouse and Saloon (1001 W. Tehachapi Blvd.).

DELANO SPOTS: When you pass through Kern County, you’ll eventually see Delano. Though it’s a small town, you’ll find eateries worth visiting such as Elmer’s Drive-In (1112 Cecil Ave.), Mi Nayarit Restaurant (408 11th Ave.), Generals Cafe & Grill (2343 Girard St.) and La Barca Famous Tortas (1302 S. High St., Suite C).

KERNVILLE SPOTS: While traveling through or near national parks in Kern County, visitors will see Kernville. The area is not only known for its prominent nature scene, but also its small eateries, like Ewing’s on the Kern (125 Buena Vista Drive), The Pizza Barn (11401 Kernville Road), Kernville Saloon (20 Tobias St.), Cheryl’s Diner (11030 Kernville Road) and Cracked Egg Cafe (16 Big Blue Road). Luigi's in Bakersfield

Kohnen's Country Bakery in Tehachapi.

Coastal Boutiques | Family Fun Waterfront Dining | SweetWaterfront Dining | Sweet Treats Treats Water Rentals | ArtisansWater Rentals | Artisans

Meet

Nothing is more special than a pup you can’t live without. For Krystal Puls, Koda, a male German Shepard mix, came into her life just three years ago when she stumbled upon his kennel at the Bakersfield SPCA.

“Even under the circumstances, he was a happy boy,” Puls said. “I would try to walk away and he would immediately try to look through the fence to find me — that’s when I knew he needed to be ours.”

Koda is now 5 years old and Puls can’t remember life without him being in it.

“I never want to. If my life altered, it would be the fact that he has changed my life for the better. And he’s improved my mental health an incredible amount,” she said.

Koda is the kind of dog who loves to play ball in the backyard, go for walks at The Park at River Walk and take new pictures with his bandanas for his Instagram account.

Puls said one of the things she loves most about Koda are his qualities — he’s silly, unique, chomps like an alligator when he’s really excited and he turns any bad day around with just one little smile.

Follow more of Koda on Instagram at @thelifeofkoda1.

Ashes

Dodger

Marcel

Quinn Charlie Chloe

Gizmo Lexi

Merle Haggard Kern Pema

Roman Sofi Dakota, Abby and Georgia Demi

Littlefoot

Priscilla Luna

Pucci

Shadow Charlie

Building success

in the classroom

Parents, children advocate in local public schools

BY DIANNE HARDISTY

Advocating for your child in local schools can be a daunting challenge for some parents and a battle cry for others. But the goal should be for educators and families to work together to create successful students.

That was the conclusion of several local teachers and school administrators, who were asked to give parents advice as to how to appropriately and successfully advocate for their students.

Advocates range from parents of gifted children seeking ways to advance their talented students to parents of children experiencing a variety of physical, emotional and learning challenges.

“The best form of advocacy works like a ladder,” said Jeremy Adams, a longtime teacher at Bakersfield High School and adjunct instructor at Cal State Bakersfield. “You start with your own child. Can my student correct or confront the problem he or she is encountering on his or her own? Are they able to advocate without the parent? “If not, then the next step up would be to ask is this the type of solution a teacher can address? This would usually be behavioral or related to class environment or grades. If the issue is one of school policy or needing an IEP (Individualized Education Program) then find the appropriate member of the administration. “Finally, if it is a broad topic, like curriculum or wanting to rename a school, as South High is currently doing, then contact a trustee. The biggest mistake is skipping steps, or going straight to a principal,” Adams said, nothing that principals are likely to delegate the call to other staff members.

Educators interviewed for this article stressed the importance of parents helping their children become “self-advocates.”

“Help your child's teacher get to know your child —what they like and don't like; how they best learn; what they are interested in; what motivates them; what they are afraid of, etc.” — Michelle McLean, retired school superintendent

“Teach your child from a young age to advocate for themselves,” said Michelle Moses Beck, a longtime teacher in the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District, who now substitutes in the Kern High School District. “If there is a question about a grade, a missing assignment, etc., the child should be the one to approach the teacher first.

“Yes, even primary students. It’s very good practice for them to be independent and take responsibility for their own learning. After all, the child is the one enrolled in the class, not the parent.

“Practice with your child how to approach the issue. You can say things like, ‘Ask your teacher when he/she is not explaining things to the class,’ or ask your teacher politely using words such as, ‘May I retake that test for a better grade?’ Or, ‘I don’t understand why I got this grade. What can I do to get a better grade next time?’ You don’t need to be the intermediary here.”

Students need to be their own advocates as they age.

“As kids get older, it is a good idea to teach them to move toward self-advocacy,” said Diana Wentworth Greenlee, a veteran Kern High School District English teacher, who now works as a school psychologist in San Diego. Greenlee recalled that many of her high school students would explain their learning challenges and she appreciated receiving the information.

“Most teachers appreciate the heads-up,” Greenlee said. “We want your children to be strong and independent moving forward as they learn to accommodate challenges into adulthood.” Kern High School teacher Whitney Weddell shared a similar sentiment. “Parents should strive to empower their students to advocate for themselves, too, as part of growing into maturity,” Weddell said. Other “parent advocacy tips” given by local educators include:

RELATIONSHIPS

“To successfully advocate for a child in school, it is best to get to know the educators,” said Peggy Dewane-Pope, an eighth grade English teacher at Earl Warren Junior High School. “When we build positive connections — before there are concerns — goodwill is already in place when issues come up.”

“Become familiar and build relationships with your child’s teacher and principal even before school begins for the year,” said Michelle McLean, who retired in 2018 as the superintendent of the Arvin Union School District, after a long career in the Bakersfield City School District. “Read the parent handbook and become familiar with the polices and practices of the school.

“Help your child’s teacher get to know your child — what they like and don’t like; how they best learn; what they are interested in; what motivates them; what they are afraid of, etc.”

McLean urged parents to talk to their children about school events and volunteer, if possible, in school activities. “Respect the rules of the school and the classroom, and teach your child to do so, as well.”

UNDERSTAND YOUR CHILD’S CHALLENGES

“Make an appointment with the family doctor to discuss your child’s challenges,” said school psychologist Greenlee. “Ask the teacher, counselor, or administration for a meeting with the student-study team” to develop a plan to support your child, which might involve testing for special education, or for certain health issues that could result in implementing a plan to remove barriers to education.

DOCUMENT YOUR CONCERNS

“If a parent thinks a problem is developing, consider documentation,” said Dewane-Pope. “For instance, if it’s a social and emotional concern, note specific behaviors like eating or sleeping pattern changes, self-harming, emotional outbursts, and the like. While data may seem like a cold way to start, a parent armed with statistics gives a clear indication of the problem and how it has changed over time. Parents should clearly note their concerns. Ask yourself, ‘What am I seeing? What data is a concern?’ Often, schools have support services that can be tapped if the concern is clear.”

DON’T GIVE UP!

“If the parent is unsatisfied with the response a teacher gives, parents should go up the ladder to a dean, or principal, and then to the school district if necessary,” Weddell said. “Parents should not give up.”

joys The of being a foster and adoptiveparent

BY JOSH BENNETT

Over the years, the traditional definition of a family has changed from a mother, father and children to include stepparents, stepchildren and foster and adopted children.

From July 2020 to April 2021, the Kern County Department of Human Service Adoption Agency has given 126 foster children permanent homes and families through the adoption process. However, there are still plenty more children and teens in the foster care system in Kern County who are seeking a family.

Before a foster child can be adopted into a family like the 126 who were fortunate enough to have done so in that nine-month period, there is a long process the child and any prospective foster parent must go through.

“Children come into foster care because they’ve been abused and neglected,” according to Jana Slagle, the outreach and communications supervisor at the Kern County Department of Human Services. “There’s a legal process, we go to court, warrants are issued before children come into foster care and when they are deemed to need protected custody, they are placed into a foster home.”

While that is an extreme case, the main goal of KCDHS is to be able to return the child back to the biological parents — as long as they follow their generally six-month case plan and legal proceedings to show the proper effort to get their child back. If they don’t, and run out of chances to do so, then the child is eligible for adoption.

“When you consider the children that are not able to return to their biological families, it’s important that they have stability and children do better in families rather than being in long-term foster care or not having a family, so it’s crucial to having a child that is successful, healthy and stable,” added Slagle.

In the meantime, social workers first try to place children with a family member to maintain stability, but if they are unable to, the social workers work hard to place the children in the right home.

“Sometimes people come that are relatives,” Slagle said. “We have social workers that locate family members for kids to live with. We always want to put kids with relatives when

Julie Lara, right, holds up her adopted daughter Ava on her adoption day.

STEPS TO BECOMING A FOSTER PARENT

Before being accepted as a foster parent, you will have to go through a short but extensive process and will have to complete these steps:

1. Complete Resource Family Approval (RFA) orientation online or register to attend a class at (661) 631-6204.

2. Create an online e-Adopt profile and begin te application process.

3. Complete the following: a. All adults in the home need to be fingerprinted b. Request criminal record exemption (background checks) as needed. c. Complete health questionnaire form. A physician will need to approve of you taking care of a child. d. Obtain CPR/First Aid certification and tae a tuberculosis test. e. Attend pre-service training.

4. Schedule a home and ground inspection with KCDHS to make sure the area is “child-proof.” This includes having enough bedrooms for the number of children you want to take in and making sure the home is safe and up to code. The social worker will help you prepare.

5. You will need three references to vouch for yourself being a good parent.

6. Interviews and an evaluation of you and your family living in your home, as well as a psychosocial assessment to find out ow you were raised and disciplined and your reasons for becoming a foster parent, are conducted. The process takes about three months and after approval, you may be able to take placement of a foster child into your home. For more information, call 661-631-6300.

Julie Lara’s oldest son, Joe, holds up Ava on her adoption day.

Continued from Page 51

we can. Sometimes we can put the children with a relative before they get approved if they meet certain criteria to remove some of the trauma from the child when they get removed from their parents and put them with someone they know.”

The process to become approved to be a foster parent takes about three months, according to Slagle, but anyone can apply to become a foster parent and any foster parent is eligible to adopt.

“We’re not looking for perfect people,” said Slagle. “In fact, what we’ve found is that people that have been through something difficult in their own lives and have overcome it are much better foster parents than someone that has had the ‘perfect life,’ People that have worked through a problem and made mistakes and can tell us what they did to overcome; those are the kind of people that are good foster parents.”

One example is Julie Lara. Lara became a foster parent in 2017 to attempt to foster a family member to prevent her from entering the foster care system. Fortunately for that child, she was placed with another family member, but Lara stayed on course and continued her path to becoming a foster parent.

Lara currently has four children, three of whom came to her through the foster system. Her first two foster children, a 4-year-old girl and a boy who is 3, she received when they were 4 months old. She later adopted both. She later gave birth to a son who is now 2 and recently was placed with a 2-month-old daughter in May, who she hopes has a different outcome than her other adopted children.

“The goal is always to reunify, but if you can’t, you’re able to adopt,” said Lara. “It’s always good I think to be a part of giving the kid back to the parent. This hasn’t happened to me but you were able to take care of them and give the kid back to the parent, I would love to be a part of that story. I’m hoping I get that story where I am able to say ‘here’s your child back, thank you for allowing me to be a part of their life,’ but only time can tell.”

Lara added that the process to becoming a foster parent wasn’t difficult, outside of child-proofing her home and getting it approved by KCDHS, and the potential wait for a call from a social worker, which wasn’t long.

“My very first one, the day I signed my paperwork, they told me it could take up to a year to get a phone call and

STEPS TO ADOPTING A FOSTER CHILD

When it is determined that a foster child cannot be reunified with teir biological parent, the child is eligible to be adopted. Here is the timeline for that process, which can take up to 18 months, depending on the age of the child. Biological parents of younger children are only given six months to get their children back, but parents of older children are given more time, depending on the relationship with the child.

1. When family service is terminated, the social worker will request an adoption review to determine the best plan for the child.

2. If adoption is viable, at the time reunification sevices have ended, the court will order a 366.26 hearing to occur within 120 days.

3. Assignment of the child’s case is transferred to the social worker within five days and the worker has 80 days (30 days prior to the hearing) to complete an adoption assessment to submit for approval.

4. The supervisor must review, approve and return the assessment to the worker within 21 days of the hearing so that it can be forwarded to the court worker.

5. The court worker completes the court report, which includes the assessment and the department’s recommendation for the child and submits it 10 days before the hearing.

6. The court continues to review the child’s circumstances every six months until the child is no longer a dependent of the court.

7. If parental rights are terminated and the child is free to be adopted, the social worker will submit a request for adoptive home study within 10 days following the termination. The home study is assigned to a foster agency and is completed in six months.

8. After approval of the home study, the social worker gets Adoption Assistance benefits appoved and has adoptive placement scheduled within 45 days.

9. The adoption finalzation hearing is scheduled within 30 days of adoptive placement. The Kern County Adoption Center is located on 3711 Columbus St. You can contact them at (661) 873-2400.

then two days later we got a call and we got this little girl,” said Lara. “It happened so fast. After her adoption, we got a call probably about four months later about a little boy and we took him. He was adopted in November 2020.”

While many foster parents tend to take in babies and young children, like Lara who does so for personal reasons, there is a need for prospective parents to take in others.

“Sometimes people want to become foster or adoptive parents because they want babies and we have a multitude of people that want to do that, which is awesome, but we need more people to also be open to whatever the needs are,” said Slagle. “Some of the bigger needs are teenagers, sibling groups, because we want to keep kids together when they are taken from their families, and kids with special needs.”

For those wanting to foster older children, there is a local resource for them and the parents to use. The Dream Center of Kern County, which is located on 1801 19th St., is a resource for any children and young adults who have spent at least one day in the foster system to successfully transition into adulthood.

“If you’re a parent of a foster youth, you would want your child to come here so they can start to learn to build their resume and start applying for jobs,” said Jayme Stuart, child and family sources coordinator at The Dream Center, who mentioned that they see about 700 to 800 people go through a year to use the numerous resources at hand. “We have advocates here to help with any kind of struggle they’re having with school, we might have clothing, workshops and activities to help them build skills and develop leadership qualities. It’s good for the youth to feel like they’re a part of a community and that they have a big support system available to them.”

For anyone considering becoming a foster parent, you don’t need to worry about being rich or having a big house. You just need “love in your heart,” according to Lara, as well as perseverance to stick out the process, giving 100 percent for the child and understanding that they have been through a lot and it takes time for them to adapt.

“There’s so many kids in the foster system that need a good, loving home and a safety net. Even if it’s temporary, they need a place to call their home,” added Lara. “I’d love to encourage any parent to get into fostering and take a leap of faith. Everyone wants to feel loved and safe and if you can provide that, don’t worry about anything else.”

And for those foster parents who end up having the ability to go through with fully adopting their former foster children?

“People who adopt, especially out of foster care, are amazing people,” Slagle said. “You see their lives change and the child’s life forever changes. It’s very inspiring.”

Julie Lara, right, holds up her adopted daughter Ava on her adoption day.