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.
How & Why To Read Aloud To Keiki
Every time you read aloud to your child, you are helping set the stage for their future educational success! Research shows that reading aloud to children is one of the most effective ways parents and caregivers can help children develop the language skills that they will use to be successful in school and through-out their lives.
Furthermore, the National Working Group on Foster Care and Education’s October 2011 report begins with these strong statements: “Success in school can be a positive counterweight to the abuse, neglect, separation and impermanence experienced by children and youth in foster care. Education has the potential to markedly improve their life chances and their ability to contribute to society as productive adults.”
To give the keiki in your home a head start, download this fact sheet for tips on Reading Aloud by clicking on the title.
A Year with Foster Family ~ A Lifelong Template for Boy
Click here to read the wonderful story about foster parents Paul and Dottie Brennan and their reunion with the first of over 20 foster children that they have welcomed into their Maunawili home. We hope that it brings joy and inspiration to continue the work you do everyday to help children and youth affected by out-of-home care.
This story is written by Lee Cataluna and was recently posted on the Honolulu Star Advertiser.
More Articles
DHS Confidentiality Rules–Chapter 17-1601
The Department of Human Services recently implemented a new rule (Hawaii Administrative Rule 17-1601 to consolidate the mandated Federal and State confidentiality requirements.
DHS Mandated Reporter Guide
The purpose of this booklet is to help you understand the responsibilities of a mandated reporter and to assist you in identifying and reporting suspected child abuse or neglect to Child Welfare Services.
DHS Procedures Manual–Services to Family/Relative Foster Parents
DHS states that it is essential that complete information be provided to foster parents, whether family or non-family, for each child placed in their home, to ensure that the optimal placement for each child is realized.