#child programs

Tennessee Department of Children’s Services Commissioner Jennifer Nichols today named Sandra Wilson deputy commissioner of the department’s Office of Child Programs. Wilson is a veteran child welfare professional with 34 years of experience in both Tennessee and Kentucky and has served as interim deputy commissioner of child programs since April. As deputy commissioner, Wilson is responsible for child program staff and operations in 12 twelve regions across the state. She also oversees all statewide child programs including child protective services assessments, foster care, adoptions, independent living services, non-custodial services, provider network development, and the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC).

“We were fortunate to have someone as knowledgeable and experienced as Sandra already on our team to step into the interim role earlier this year; she has proven she is up to the challenge of leading the office and inspiring the Child Programs staff across the state to stay focused every day on helping children and families,” Commissioner Nichols said. “Sandra’s entire career has been driven by helping improve the lives of our most vulnerable citizens, and she brings a wealth of personal perspective to the role of deputy commissioner.”

Wilson joined DCS in 2005 as consultant to help improve regional organizational and operational practices throughout the department. She later oversaw the development, coordination and monitoring of activities associated with federal funding requirements; helped form a statewide workgroup that led to the department’s accreditation; evaluated all program areas to determine right-sizing;  and was responsible for improving the department’s case manager mentoring program.

“Over the past several months, while serving as interim deputy commissioner of child programs, I have acquired an even deeper appreciation for the dedicated staff and community partners who serve our children and families daily,” Wilson said. “Collectively, they embrace a culture of engaging and strengthening families through a shared commitment to improving the quality of child welfare practice. I am honored and excited to be a part of that culture.”

Prior to joining DCS, Wilson served seven years for the Kentucky Department of Community Based Services as a service region administrator in Louisville, with leadership and oversight responsibility for child welfare, adult protective services, the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, child support and Medicaid programs administered by a staff of 750 at 10 locations throughout the metro area. She also spent 12 years with the Kentucky Department of Human Resources as a regional administrator.

As parenting is the trickiest job on the planet, there are millions of parents facing parenting problems. No matter whether you are a parent of 3 years old kid or a teenage child, there can be several problems and issues you face daily. Raising a child can be very difficult. You need to understand your child in the best possible way.

Parents should understand that as they are finding it difficult to deal with their child, their kid can also feel the same. The children may feel that he is being misunderstood by the parents. There can be several problems which the child is going through. The teens and adolescents face unique challenges in their everyday life. The children's problems and challenges are often overlooked by the parents. The kid may have learning problems at school or he might find it difficult to get along with their friends. Such problems should be addressed.

The children feel insecure and deserted during the growing years. It can be tough for the teenagers to cope up with the changes taking place in their bodies. There may be times when you find your teenage child agitated and irritated all the time. You do not need to worry as this is a common problem in teens.

There is no single rule which works for all the children. Hence, trial and error method should be tried. You should think of various methods which can help you strengthen your relationship with your child. You can sit with your child and discuss the issues with them. Communicate with your child on a regular basis.

It is important that the children stay away from drugs, alcohol, smoking and much more. The parents should throw light on such topics. They should make the child understand he / she should stay away from these type of bad habits. Talk to your child about the frightening subjects too.

The parents should know their child's friends and peers. They should know about child's hang out places. Keeping a watch on the teen and tween child is very important. Ensure that he doesn't get into a bad company.

Counseling for the parents and the children can help you to strengthen the family bonds. You can build positive relationships with your child when you start understanding why is the child behaving in such a way. Navigate through the issues your child faces and help them solve them.

While searching on the Internet, you would come across several parenting programs and on-line workshops which are meant for the parents. They can be a good source of information and learning for the parents to deal with their child's behavior.

The teens not only misbehave at the home, but also misbehave at school. The parents should meet the teachers and the principals and discuss about what can be done for improving the behavior of the child. The contracts can be signed between the teachers and the children to set the rules for the child's behavior.