STATE INCREASES EFFORTS TO SUPPORT, RECRUIT FOSTER PARENTS WITH NEW INCENTIVE FOR STATE EMPLOYEES

July 5 - "We wanted to do something, and this is a good step," Governor Lingle said as she signed an administrative directive to boost efforts to provide safe and loving homes for Hawai`i's foster children and support state employees who are licensed foster parents for abused and neglected children.

Under the directive, which takes effect immediately, state employees will be granted administrative leave so they can attend Family Court hearings involving their foster children. This new leave program acknowledges the invaluable contributions of foster parents and encourages other state workers to consider opening their homes to foster children.

"On any given day, we have about 2,100 children in state care," said Department of Human Services (DHS) Director Lillian Koller. "Our foster parents are often involved in making critical life decisions for these children, so it is important that they are able to attend Family Court hearings and offer their insights and recommendations to the judge."

• If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, please call (808) 441-1117 on O`ahu or (888) 879-8970 toll-free from the Neighbor Islands.
• Watch this news conference here.