LIHU‘E — The number of foster family providers in Hawai‘i is down some 20 percent, officials said, yet another consequence of a struggling economy. The primary reason is the economic circumstances of communities have changed — people have lost jobs,
LIHU‘E — The number of foster family providers in Hawai‘i is down some 20 percent, officials said, yet another consequence of a struggling economy.
The primary reason is the economic circumstances of communities have changed — people have lost jobs, have had struggling family members move in with them, or have even had to move in with family members themselves, according to Hui Ho‘omalu, a nonprofit contracted by the state Department of Human Services to recruit and train families for foster care licenses.
“We need folks to give the gift of foster care, and call us to see if this is something you can do for our youth,” said Stephanie Helbush, statewide general license recruitment and training coordinator for Hui Ho‘omalu. “These children are not able to be in their home environment and desperately need a place to call home during this difficult time.”
To meet the current need for foster care providers, the group must license 280 families statewide by June. Specifically, they need families willing to take in teenagers, sibling groups, as well as families of Hawaiian descent; but all types of families are being requested.
“Hawaiian kids taken from homes and put into non-Hawaiian homes have cultural issues,” Helbush said. “The same is true in Alaska’s native Eskimos.”
By this time last year, 49 families were licensed statewide. This year, it’s only 40. In 2009, Hui Ho‘omalu licensed 157 families. In 2010, they licensed 100. Currently, there are approximately 1,400 children throughout Hawai‘i in foster care.
The age range of foster children is newborn to 18. By 18 or 19, they “age out,” unless the courts decide there is a need, such as continued education. The average age of a foster child is 8 years old.
“We will continue to provide services for them after 18 years old, if they are pursuing higher education,” Helbush said, “and that includes paying for their housing and other necessities while they attend college.”
Some foster families formally adopt foster children who are in need of long-term guardians.
Owen Tango, 50, of Kekaha has become the legal guardian of the foster child he took into his home seven years ago, shortly after completing the three-day preparation course required to become a licensed foster family provider.
He said he relates well to foster children having been adopted by his grandparents after his father died. The experience inspired him to become a care provider for other children.
“We would encourage others to open their hearts and their homes,” Tango said. “It’s rewarding to be a foster parent and seeing the positive changes in a child and contribute to what they’re learning.”
Foster children may need care for anywhere from a day to many years, depending on the circumstances, but the average length of time is two years.
DHS said the current number of licensed foster families in Kaua‘i is 70. Of them, 32 are generally licensed foster care providers and 38 are child-specific.
“Six or seven years ago, the rate of taking kids out of their homes was really high,” said Toni Schwartz, DHS public information officer. “Now, we have a differential response system that involves intervention and counseling, and helps keep kids in their homes. It helped lower the levels needed for foster care, especially short term.”
Children are placed into foster care for any number of reasons, but abuse and neglect are the most common, Schwartz said.
The agency will first try to place the child or siblings with a family member, also known as a “child-specific” care provider.
“We try to keep children on their respective islands and even in their communities whenever possible,” Helbush said. “It lessens the impact of being in foster care, helps keep things familiar.”
To contribute to expenses, the state provides $529 per child per month to the resource family. Additional funds are available if a child has special needs, such as specific medical care.
“Foster families can be single parents or even people with no family,” Helbush said. “It doesn’t have to be a family that already has children. They need to have space in their home, and we can work through the rest. We do a home study interview process about their interests and backgrounds. Getting that kind of information helps us understand the type of child to place in the home.”
Those interested in becoming resource family providers are subject to a background check and must complete necessary classes toward receiving a foster care license.
To find out more information about foster parenting on Kaua‘i, contact Monica Ka‘auwai at 346-8184, the state office at 888-722-5911, or go online to www.pidf.org.
• Vanessa Van Voorhis, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or by e-mailing vvanvoorhis@kauai
pubco.com.
