"Fostering the future"

 King 5 News Story Link:  http://www.king5.com/topstories/stories/NW_101209INV-foster-parents-KS.20d84724c.html
FPAWS Response to King 5 News Story: 
As long as there is a Foster Care system, there will be a system that needs improving. To that end we at the Foster Parents Association of Washington State will dedicate our time and effort. The combined knowledge from foster, adoptive, kinship parents, social workers and other caring people working with us can make life better for kids in care.
What is FPAWS doing to improve the Foster Care System?
-FPAWS is working to bring education and community networking to foster, adoptive, kinship parents, through Mini-Conferences in each Region annually.
-FPAWS is building a trusting relationship with Children’s Administration to deal with a culture that at times cooperates with disrespecting and/or retaliating against a foster, adoptive, kinship parents.
-FPAWS provides knowledgeable Regional Representation so foster, adoptive; kinship parents can connect with local support.
-FPAWS knows that meeting with CA staff can be intimidating for foster, adoptive, kinship parents. FPAWS can provide support for foster, adoptive, kinship parents by accompanying them to these meetings.
-FPAWS provides live support and guidance at 800-391-2273.
-FPAWS is building a Professional website to help keep interested parties informed and connected at www.fpaws.org .
-FPAWS provides support and guidance through email at fpaws@fpaws.org.
-FPAWS is working to get current contact information to keep foster, adoptive, kinship parents updated on resources they may need.
-FPAWS is creating a centralized system to collect complaints from foster parents in order to identify the what, when, where and with whom their problem is and then problem solve, identify and address local and statewide issues.
-FPAWS is working with CA officials to create a more respectful CPS/DLR investigation process for foster parents. Most often these investigations should lead to support rather than reprimand and/or a revocation. There needs to be a time limit for unfounded findings and licensing violations remaining in our files so that a 10 year old licensing violation cannot be used against a foster parent today.
-FPAWS is often the only voice for foster parents on State committees and at meetings where system issues are discussed. FPAWS ensures that foster parent voices are heard.
-FPAWS is working with the National Foster Parent Association to bring low cost legal services to foster, adoptive, kinship parents.
-FPAWS is working with Enrolled Agents to bring free and low cost tax services to foster, adoptive, kinship parents.
-FPAWS is building a Professional website to help keep interested parties informed and connected.
-FPAWS can provide support to areas wanting to start a local association.
-FPAWS will step up when the media needs information from the foster, adoptive, kinship parent’s world.
Please join us in our efforts: Become a member or help us through a donation by clicking the links to the right.
 
For Help with foster care questions or issues call the FPAWS toll free line: 
1-800-391-2273
For information on becoming an FPAWS sponsor or sustaining donor please call:
FPAWS Executive Assistant Mary-Jeanne Smith at 509-876-6245
 
Question & Answer Session with Foster Parent:
http://www.king5.com/specialreport/stories/NW_101209INV-q%26a-investigators-KS.20e402e6c.html
FPAWS Ways to Improve the system link:
http://www.king5.com/topstories/stories/NW_101209INV-foster-parents-KS.20d84724c.html