Be A Voice......
To Help Improve Foster Care In Washington State

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Trying To Become A Licensed Foster Parent?

As the Unified Foster Care license is being rolled out across the state we would love to hear your licensing experience. Good or Bad!

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Struggles as a Foster Family?

We are always wanting to bring issues to the CAFPT Meeting that are effecting foster families the most. If you have any suggestions or are struggling or have a thought for change please let us know.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Foster Parent Survey?

Has anyone recieved by mail or had a phone call regarding the Foster Parent Survey they are sending out to foster families?

Monday, July 16, 2012

CAFPT Children's Administration Foster Parent Team Successes

 

Since the implementation of the CAFPT Children's Administration Foster Parent Team in November 2007, the team has fulfilled the legislative direction to consult quarterly.  CA staff and foster parents come together in meetings held in each region and video conference technology is now utilized for the state quarterly consultations with CA staff and the state foster parent representatives.  The team has directed their efforts towards operationalizing the mission of CAFPT:  “Strive to improve the well being and protection of all children in foster and relative care, and to enhance and strengthen
services for children and caregivers in the state of Washington”.  For a list of CAFPT successes as identified by Amy Gardner and Meri Waterhouse, please CLICK HERE!


 

CAFPT Foster Parent Representatives


REGION 1 NORTH
Cindy Gardner rc.gardner@comcast.net h: 509-928-2040 c: 509-714-6961


REGION 1 SOUTH
Victoria Erwin Victoriaerwin9@yahoo.com 509-386-2423
Gina Coats ginacoats85@yahoo.com 509-952-3851


REGION 2 NORTH
Debra Ellsworth dkfoster3@ymail.com 360-941-2244
Shala Crow fosterhearts@hotmail.com 360-220-3785


REGION 2 SOUTH
Tess Thomas TMT3000@aol.com 206-760-8020

Talya Miller mytie5683@aol.com 206-786-1491

REGION 3 NORTH
Elizabeth Griffin Hall elizanngriffin@aol.com h: 360-876-7515 w: 253-473-9252
Josh Hinman fostercare4kids@gmail.com 360-536-3205


REGION 3 SOUTH
Amy Gardner michaelamy52@msn.com 360-200-2102
Sarah Blanchette nymow@yahoo.com 503-501-6969


FPAWS: Foster Parent Association of Washington State
FPAWS is an all volunteer, non-profit association, led by experienced caregivers who provide support and helpful services to all caregivers (foster, adoptive, and kinship) in Washington State. In addition, FPAWS advocates for caregivers with Washington’s legislative officials, all levels of Children’s Administration staff and other community service providers to enhance the child welfare system. Contact FPAWS at www.fpaws.org or 1-800-391-CARE (2273).

What Is The CAFPT Children's Administration Foster Parent Team?

Engrossed Substitute House Bill (ESHB) 1624 was passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on April 20, 2007. This bill requires regional and statewide quarterly meetings between Children’s Administration (CA), foster parents, and the Foster Parent Association of Washington State (FPAWS).
Section 10 (15) of this bill requires CA to:
* Consult with foster parents, including members of the FPAWS, at least quarterly on regional and statewide levels.
* Receive information and comments regarding how CA is performing the duties and meeting the obligations regarding the following:
  • Recruitment of foster homes
  • Retention of foster homes
  • Effective training for foster parents
  • Coordinated and comprehensive plan that strengthens services for the protection of children.
In response to ESHB 1624, a workgroup with regional and HQ representatives, Casey Family Programs, FPAWS and licensed and unlicensed caregivers was created and has met on three occasions. The workgroups mission was to provide recommendations regarding the structure, process and participation in regional and statewide quarterly meetings between Children’s Administration (CA), foster, unlicensed, and relative caregivers, and the Foster Parent Association of Washington State (FPAWS).