Hui Ho‘omalu

E Pūlama ia Na Pua o Hawai‘i (Cherish the children of Hawai‘i).

On September 1, 2006, Partners in Development Foundation (PIDF) was awarded a master contract from the State of Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS) to create and implement innovative strategies to better meet the needs of Hawai‘i’s children in foster care as well as the Foster/Resource Families who care for them. Specifically, this statewide initiative addresses the identification, recruitment, screening, training and ongoing support and retention of Foster/Resource Families for children and families that are in the care of DHS.

Infused throughout this new endeavor lies the concepts of collaboration, partnership, teamwork, community building and resource sharing. PIDF in partnership with Catholic Charities Hawaii (CCH), Foster Family Programs of Hawaii (FFP), Kōkua ‘Ohana (KO) another program of PIDF, and a consortium of other community providers form the basis of Hui Ho‘omalu (a group to protect and shelter), all working together to advance Hawai‘i’s foster care system.

In addition to overseeing the overall management of the contract, PIDF also conducts General Licensing for foster/resource families. The General Licensing Branch focuses on coordinating the recruitment, training and licensing of General Foster/Resource Families. CCH focuses on searching, training, assessment and licensing of Child Specific Foster/Resource Families as well as addressing the training needs of backlog Foster/Resource Families. FFP provides support services to post placement foster/resource families. This includes a Warm Line to provide information and referrals, training opportunities, a statewide Resource Manual, and support groups, etc. Kōkua ‘Ohana focuses on recruiting and providing support services for Native Hawaiian Resource Families.

Ongoing development of partnerships with communities, agencies, organizations, and individuals are key to reaching our goals. Together, we can provide a nurturing and safe environment for our foster keiki as well as supporting, retaining and increasing the pool of Hawai‘i’s Foster/Resource Families.

Carol M. Morimoto Project Director

Carol was born and raised on the island of Oahu. She obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, and is currently a licensed social worker in Hawai‘i. Carol has been with Hui Ho‘omalu since its inception in September 2006 initially as the Assistant Project Director. Prior to this, she has worked in various areas of social services including home health care, geriatric care, and adult and child/adolescent mental health. She was also with the University of Hawai‘i School of Social Work for 13 years training graduate social work students through a practicum program at the Hawai‘i State Hospital. Carol is also very creative. She has been the lead person and designer in creating all Hui Ho`omalu advertising ads statewide. She also enjoys making jewelry, utilizing semi-precious gemstones, and participates in numerous craft fairs. Whenever possible, Carol and her fiancée, Dave, try to get in a game or two of golf, which isn’t often enough due to their very busy schedules. They also share a cat named “Cosmo”.

Hui Ho‘omalu to Benefit from Island 98.5 Mother’s Day Show

Foster Care Appreciation Month Youth Talent Show and Dinner

Thursday, May 21, 2009
Partners in Development Foundation Celebrates National Foster Care Month at the Windward Mall with “Rekindle Hope” Event

Friday, February 20, 2009
Tūtū & Me and Hui Ho‘omalu Staff Participate in the East Side Family Summit on the Island of Kaua‘i
Family values and strong families are at the heart of strong communities...

RAC Newsletter MARCH 2009