The Women Who Raised Me: A Memoir
The author, Victoria Rowell, is a former foster youth who is presenting July 19th at the `Ohana is Forever Conference in Kaneohe. I look forward to reading her book before we hear her.
ITAO Offers Support for Those Who Care for Children and Youth Affected by Foster Care
One of the most important things a caregiver of children and youth in foster care can do is to help them heal from trauma. If you can give the children in your home nurturance, structure, predictability, they have a chance of building good things inside themselves. We want to help you foster such an environment! Click here for a quick read that will explain some of the basics and give you tips by the author of “The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog” and“Born to Love”, Dr. Bruce Perry.
Another important factor in bringing good outcomes for our children and youth is education. According to the National Working Group on Foster Care and Education’s October 2011 report, “Success in school can be a positive counterweight to the abuse, neglect, separation and impermanence experienced by children and youth in foster care. Click here for the entire report.
It Takes An `Ohana (ITAO) became a part of Family Programs Hawaii’s (FPH) in 2010, allowing ITAO to renew our concentration on our core mission with greater support and resources. Click here to check us out on Facebook.
Reunification Heroes
Hawai`i is celebrating National Reunification Month for the first time this year by honoring Mr. U’U & Ms. ‘Satyo’ Dosland. You can find their story on the American Bar Association website by following this link. This story demonstrates the power of love – a father’s love for his children as well as a social worker’s love and dedication to bringing healing to the families she works with.
Pehea ‘oe a me kou ‘ohana?
Calling all Hawaii’s resource families! Please follow this link to our very short survey so we will know how we can help you!
Update on 2013 Legislation
Follow this link to read the results of this year’s legislative session regarding foster care in Hawai`i. We send a big “Mahalo!” to all who helped us move these initiatives forward this year – we couldn’t have gotten this far without your help! We also thank our State Legislators – their support was phenomenal!
Need To Know
The 4 Protective Factors
One of the most important things adults can do to help Foster Children and Youth develop into caring, competent, and confident adults is to incorporate these 4 vital Protective Factors* into their lives.
Relationships with caring and supportive people
Every foster youth needs at least one supportive adult who provides steadfast encouragement and guidance. This caring adult presence plays a crucial role in determining the Foster Youth’s success. This person may be a family member, older sibling, teacher, coach, or other caring adult.
A Sense of Hope & Purpose
These often come from religion/spiritual association, faith, and culture. Identifying with a particular group or culture can instill a sense of pride. Believing that God (or whatever spiritual deity they have been exposed to) loves them, is a reminder that with the presence of hope and faith, they are never alone and can persevere through anything. Supportive adults (ministers, resource caregivers, Sunday school teachers, coaches, judges, social workers, etc.) who say positive things such as “you are great”, “we love you,” and “God loves you” are powerful messages for a child who may not hear them anywhere else.
Work and Responsibilities
Foster Children and Youth given the opportunity to develop a strong work ethic, even in the face of adversity, have important tools to fall back on when things get tough. Youth given household responsibilities and/or are able to work outside of the home are more resilient because later in life they are able to persevere, even when things are difficult.
Opportunities to Participate in Meaningful Activities
Help instill a sense of self in Foster Children and Youth by encouraging them to be active in dance, music, art, student government, clubs on campus, sports teams, etc. These are all meaningful ways to develop a sense of identity. Learning new skills will lead to greater self-confidence, which will in turn help Children and Youth make good life choices.
*Protective Factors based on Emmy Werner’s Kauai Longitudinal Study. Download the guide for adults who support foster youth.
