Books News
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.
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. In addition to the newsletter, ITAO maintains a library of books and videos, this website, and email listserve to keep foster parents 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.
Read our Privacy Policy here.
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.
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?
by Judith on January 31, 2013
Update on 2013 Legislation
by Judith on January 29, 2013
ITAO’s Advisory Committee
by Judith on January 29, 2013
Transition Guides to Assist Foster Youth and Supporting Adults
by Judith on January 23, 2013
Adoption Tax Credit Update
by Judith on January 14, 2013
ONGOING TRAINING REQUIREMENT FOR RESOURCE CAREGIVERS
by Judith on January 7, 2013
Helping Children Deal with Tragic Events in the News
by Judith on December 17, 2012
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
by Judith on November 27, 2012
Books News
How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character
In his book “How Children Succeed”, Paul Tough argues that the qualities that matter most have more to do with character: skills like perseverance, curiosity, conscientiousness, optimism, and self-control. Click here to read more.
Books News
Hootah’s Baby
A new book has just come out that can help explain adoption to children who have been taken from biological parents due to neglect or harm!
Hootah’s Baby is a story about a mother owl whose life-style choices have made it impossible to be an effective mother. The community steps in to ensure the baby’s safety. It is not about whether or not the mother loves her baby. It is all about mothering skills and the child’s need to be safe. Follow link to learn more.
