About Hui Ho‘omalu

INTERESTED IN FOSTER CARE?  WE NEED YOU…

There are approximately 1200 children in Hawai‘i who are not able to live with their families.  We especially need families willing to accept older children/teenagers and sibling groups.


Children are moved from their homes for reasons such as:

  • Physical Abuse
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Psychological Abuse
  • Neglect/Medical Neglect

Parents/caregivers need time and support to improve the home environment or learn to provide a safe one for their children. 


When children have to be removed from their homes the ideal place for them would be a relative/friend’s home that they are familiar with, a home in their neighborhood and school district, a culturally similar home.  Most of the time this does not happen.  Children are often placed in families and areas that are completely unfamiliar to them.  In addition to having to deal with the trauma of leaving their homes and families, they must transfer schools and get acquainted with a new community.


That’s where you come in…we need Resource Families of every cultural background, in every community in Hawai‘i. 

Give the gift of foster care… be there for a child and their family when they need it most.


Paul and Dottie Brennan made a difference in Fred's life


 Bill and Wainani Lee are meeting the need in Hilo


Owen Tango is meeting the need on Kaua‘i


Patti and Len Poleshaj are meeting the need on O‘ahu


Be the rock for a child in need


THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS TO BE A RESOURCE FAMILY

  • The desire and ability to accept a foster child into your home based on the reunification plan made by the state.  Foster care is temporary and a resource home needs to be a safe and nurturing environment  for the child in foster care while a permanent plan is made.  Reunification with birth family is the goal for every child who enters foster care.  If the child cannot go back, the next option is placement with relatives.
  • Space in your home for an additional child  Generally, a child in foster care may not share a room with an adult, but may share a room with other children of the same gender.
  • Income must cover usual household expenses A household must be able to show that regular household expenses do not exceed monthly household income.
  • Pass both a criminal and a child abuse and neglect back ground check Resource Caregiver(s) and adult household members must be able to show a recent/credible history of safe behavior.

(Please note that this is an abridged list of requirements. Our staff would be happy to clarify or explain the full requirements over the phone)


TRAINING FOR RESOURCE CAREGIVERS

Caring for children who have experienced trauma is different.  People who are interested in becoming Resource Caregivers or those who just want to learn more about foster care in Hawai‘i attend H.A.N.A.I. Training.  H.A.N.A.I. stands for “Hawai‘i Assures Nurturing and Involvement.”  Some of the topics covered in H.A.N.A.I. include:
  • Understand the Department of Human Services
  • The role of the Resource Family
  • Child Abuse and Neglect
  • Attachment
  • Separation and Loss
  • Discipline

Training sessions include (9) hours of in-person sessions and (9) hours of DVD segments to be viewed on your own time.  Here are links to the DVD segments online:


H.A.N.A.I. Orientation

H.A.N.A.I. Session Two

H.A.N.A.I. Session Four - Disk 1

H.A.N.A.I. Session Four - Disk 2



Training sessions are available on all islands.  Please call 441-1117 for upcoming classes.  


CONTACT US

Call or email us.  We have staff on O‘ahu and all the Neighbor Islands that can answer your questions and assist you with the licensing process. 


I CAN'T BE A RESOURCE CAREGIVER BUT I STILL WANT TO HELP.  WHAT CAN I DO?

  • Refer your friends and family!  You could be eligible for a $200 `Ohana Reward!

  • Invite us to come and share the need at your workplace, church, and community group.  We can do presentations (as short as 5 minutes), share information at booths, etc.
  • Insert our ad in newsletters, magazines, paystubs
  • Print and post our flyer in your workplace, community.

Loading...