It Takes an 'Ohana
Hawaii's Foster Care ResourceIt Takes an ‘Ohana is a program of Family Programs Hawaii. We provide the latest news in foster care and updates to Hawaii’s child welfare laws. For more information on foster care and strengthening families in Hawaii, visit our main website by clicking the button below.
Update on 2013 Legislation
Thank you for helping us move the following initiatives forward this year – we couldn’t have gotten this far without your help!
- HB986 The Department of Human Services has begun to develop a plan for increasing the foster care reimbursement rate. HB986 will remain in conference during this time, meaning that the bill will not have to go through hearings on both sides of the legislature; it can be quickly convened and sent to the floor for approval, then onto the Governor’s desk, hopefully early in the 2014 session! We will keep you updated as this work moves forward.
- SB1340 – now ACT 252 Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed Senate Bill 1340 into law July 1, 2013, at the State Capitol before an audience that included politicians, policy makers and youth advocates, young and old alike. SB 1340, now Act 252, extends voluntary foster care to age 21 in Hawai`i. Act 252 will take effect July 1, 2014. Governor Abercrombie said “Through SB1340, which extends the voluntary foster care age to 21, we are sending a message to former foster youth that we will continue to support their transition to adulthood, independence and self-sufficiency. Doing so lays the foundation for long-term positive outcomes for youth when they leave foster care. It will also result in substantial cost savings in future government services.”We thank the many talented people who worked to make this dream a reality!
Supporters of Senate Bill 1340
Senate Bill 1340 now Act 252
Gov. signs SB1340 into law
Questions? Contact us at 540-2543 or jwilhoite@familyprogramshi.org.
“Families that generally want to provide this care are telling workers that they cannot afford to take on a foster child because of the amount that they themselves would have to contribute to the care. The families are not becoming foster families for the sake of getting the money. The issue is that the funds provided do not cover the actual costs of caring for the child.” – Judith Clark, Executive Director of Hawai`i Youth Services Network, relating to SB59.
News Coverage of Bills:
Click here for coverage of SB1340 signing.
Click here for the April 27th story in the Honolulu Star Advertiser regarding SB1340, extending foster care to age 21 in Hawai`i.
Click here for Hawai`i News Now March 14th report on SB 1340.
Click here to listen to the HPR news report filed by political reporter Wayne Yoshioka. Wayne interviewed Resource Caregiver Jamie McOuat, Representative Mele Carroll, Representative Sylvia Luke and FPH Family Advocate Judith Wilhoite (It Takes an ʻOhana) to highlight the bills that would increase the reimbursement rate for foster care.
You can click here to see a TV news report from KITV regarding both SB59 and SB1104.
Click here to read an article in the Honolulu Star Bulletin on the reimbursement rate increase.
Click here to view the February 22, 2013 F.A.P.E. Now! program that focuses on extending foster care in Hawai`i from age 18 to 21. The panel consisted of foster care alumni Noy Worachit (HI H.O.P.E.S. Youth Leadership Board Member), Delia Ulima (Statewide Initiative Coordinator, Hawaii Youth Opportunities Initiative, EPIC ‘Ohana, Inc.), Rachel Thorburn (DHS Independent Living Program Coordinator) and Judith Wilhoite (Family Advocate for Family Programs Hawaii’s It Takes An `Ohana program).
ITAO’s Advisory Committee (IAC)
In September, 2011, Family Programs Hawaii’s (FPH) It Takes An ‘Ohana Program (ITAO) brought together a group of experienced resource caregivers and adoptive parents who have a passion for creating the best outcomes possible for Hawaii’s children affected by out-of-home care. The ITAO Advisory Committee (IAC)was trained by author and consultant, Shanah Trevenna, on how to find effective solutions to issues and how to create “bridges” between all stakeholders in the child’s life including resource caregivers, families and the Department of Human Services (DHS). In 2012, DHS and Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) representative joined our group.
IAC identifies focus areas we believe to be most pressing for resource families and work to improve them. The first issue identified was “How to assist resource caregivers help foster youth transition into adulthood positively”. We worked with the State Legislature, DHS and EPIC `Ohana Conferencing to help create Imua Kakou – Hawaii’s program that allows foster youth to continue to be supported into their transition to adulthood and assisted in their journey to become independent and self sufficient. In 2014, we were finally successful in advocating for an increase in the foster care reimbursement rate.
Resource and adoptive families give children a chance to heal and feel supported through a very difficult time in their lives. It is challenging work, but this guidance and love can make a big difference in a young person’s life while benefiting the whole community. And that is why IAC is committed to helping all resource families have the resources and information needed to be the best caregivers they can be to the children and youth in their home.
Are you interested in becoming involved with IAC? If so, please contact Judith at (808) 540-2543 or email jwilhoite@familyprogramshi.org.
Mahalo for your time and for all you do to create a better world for Hawaii’s keiki and youth!
More Articles
Mental Health America-Hawaii’s “Finding Help Phone List”
Follow this link to be able to link to Mental Health America-Hawaii’s WONDERFUL new statewide Manuel that contains contact information (phone numbers and websites) for agencies and programs that offer assistance with substance abuse, anger management, grief support, mental health problems, domestic violence, homelessness, sex abuse, employment, developmental disabilities; and help for seniors, children and adolescents, veterans, immigrants.
2011 Annual Child Welfare Law Update Conference Handouts
Follow this link to see the latest information available regarding child welfare laws and policy in Hawai`i. There you will find the handouts from the 2011 Annual Child Welfare Law Update Conference that was held on August 12, 2011.
Braided Cord: Tough Times In and Out
[AMAZONPRODUCTS asin="0984200711" desc="0"]Liz Kulp was diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) as a young teen. Knowing her...