Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed HB 1204, better known as the “Implementing the Family Connections Program” bill, into law April 20, 2023. This means that Amara’s Family Connections Program is now a permanent program, serving parents and caregivers involved in the child welfare system.
Several Amara staff testified in support of this important bill, including Katie Biron, Family Connections Program Manager, and Leroy Pascubillio, Family Connections Program Certified Lead Mentor. Both Katie and Leroy have lived experience with the program, and this made signing day extra special.
Children and youth placed in out-of-home care thrive when they see their parents and caregivers working together as a team. Our Family Connections Program brings parents whose children are placed in foster care and those caring for the children (kinship/foster caregivers) together for positive partnership.