Fostering Care For Island Keiki

By Linda Santos
Wednesday - September 30, 2009 Share

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By Linda Santos, President & CEO
Family Programs Hawaii

Every child deserves a loving, nurturing family. But the reality is when parents are stressed and unable to provide a safe home, the foster care system must step in to protect the children.

Founded in 2004, Family Programs Hawaii (formerly Foster Family Programs of Hawaii) works in partnership with public and private organizations to prevent children from entering the foster care system, support families and children already in the system, and help youth transition out of care to successful adulthood.

With offices in Honolulu, Hilo and Waipahu, and a receiving home in Maili, FPH serves more than 4,000 children and families every year:

A family in Hilo that struggled with substance abuse and domestic violence was able to get control of their problems and prevent their children from being placed in foster care through our Voluntary Case Management program.

Six siblings from Nanakuli, removed from their parents because of abuse, were able to stay together in our shelter while they continued in their home schools and remained connected with their community. They are now living with relatives.

Keiki from foster families can play in a homelike atmosphere at Family Programs Hawaii’s receiving home in Maili

In preparation for successfully transitioning out of the foster care system, 20 high school seniors are currently enrolled in the eXcel program to get the necessary support to continue their education in college or vocational training.

Other success stories come out of our annual Summer Picnic at the water park, statewide resource family support services and training, foster sibling visitation program and the upcoming Holiday Party for 2,000 foster children and their families.

We at Family Programs Hawaii believe that it is the responsibility of the entire community to help ensure the safety and well-being of our children. To garner support for these programs, we have launched an “I Help Kids” campaign to encourage community members to join our efforts through donations and volunteerism.

We help kids. Join us! Visit www.FamilyProgramsHawaii.org for more opportunities to get involved.

Hawaii charitable organizations may send requests for space in either Proof Positive or the free advertisement below to dchapman@midweek.com.