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About Us

A HISTORY OF HELPING FAMILIES
Since 1971, ITAO has made a difference in the lives of thousands of children in Hawaii by offering resources and information to those in the community concerned with protecting the interests of children and youth in out-of-home care, while providing responsible advocacy.

VALUES
We believe that through education and support, resource caregivers (foster parents) will develop the skills to become credible, tenacious, excellent advocates for children and themselves.

We believe in improving the quality of foster care by empowering resource caregivers, adoptive parents, and legal guardians with information, skills, and support which enable them to effect change.

We are committed to providing easily accessible, accurate, and useful information, especially to prospective resource caregivers, adoptive parents, and legal guardians.

We are committed to working in a spirit of respect, love, and care.

ITAO MISSION
The It Takes An `Ohana mission is to offer resources and information to those in the community concerned with protecting the interests of children and youth in out-of-home care, while providing responsible advocacy.

SERVICES
Advocacy – With first hand knowledge of the challenges faced by resource and adoptive families, ITAO advocates for a quality foster care system by sponsoring legislation and contacting decision makers. On an individual level, ITAO teaches parents how to advocate for the needs of their children.

Information Services- Providing a way for resource caregivers to communicate their needs – and to get real-life solutions to these needs – is at the core of ITAO’s mission.  ITAO maintains a library of books and videos, this website, and email listserve to keep resource families in touch.

Referral Services -ITAO’s working relationships with a variety of agencies gives the association the unique ability to find the right resources for children and families in need. ITAO’s mentor services provide one-to-one support and guidance in resolving difficult situations.

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