‘News’ Articles
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?
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!
ITAO’s Advisory Committee
It Takes An `Ohana’s Advisory Committee wants to know how we can best help you and also let you know what we are doing. Please help us do that by following this link to take a very short survey.
Transition Guides to Assist Foster Youth and Supporting Adults
Follow this link to download guides with help for both current and former foster youth and their supporting adults. The guides help take inventory of Youths’ current assets, identify resources and plan for a bright future. Each domain lists assets and skills Youth need to develop and hone prior to entering adulthood.
Adoption Tax Credit Update
Congress recently passed a bill to avert the “fiscal cliff,” with the bill signed on January 2, 2013. The bill made the adoption tax credit permanent. However, it is not refundable. Follow link to learn more.
ONGOING TRAINING REQUIREMENT FOR RESOURCE CAREGIVERS
As all states are mandated to establish an Ongoing Training Requirement for Resource Caregivers by the Federal Government to further ensure the safety and support of our children, youth and all of our families, the Hawaii Department of Human Services has initiated a Mandatory Ongoing Training Requirement for all licensed resource families beginning 1/1/13. Follow link for more details.
Helping Children Deal with Tragic Events in the News
This weekend, we all mourned the passing of 20 very young children and six brave adults. As resource families and child welfare professionals, acts of violence against children sadden us deeply. Every act of violence against a child reminds me of the work left to be done. Let us continue our work of meeting the needs of the children and youth in our community and the families that care for them. Follow this link to learn more on “Helping Children Deal with Tragic Events in the News” from Mr. Rogers.
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Interested in Foster Care Adoption? Wendy’s Wonderful Kids, a new program at Family Programs Hawai‘i, is searching for adoptive families for children waiting in foster care. Follow link to learn more about the program and the children currently in need of forever families!
