We’re peeling back the curtain on foster care and adoption! Join us on March 30th from 12:00-1:00pm as we take a deep dive into what our foster care program actually does for kids and families, what makes Amara’s approach unique, and what we’ve learned as we’ve transformed our approach over the past decade.
Category: Foster Care
Preparing to Meet the Needs of Children Coming into Foster Care
As many Amara foster families are aware, referrals for children needing foster care have changed significantly since March 2020. While this appeared to be due to the pandemic, we know now it’s more than that. Our counterparts at the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) have shared that they are making concerted efforts to
Focusing on Amara’s Foster Care Service Area
At Amara we strive to ensure that everyone we work with receives quality professional service delivered with compassion and respect. We believe the hallmarks of quality service are integrity, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity. We are committed to positive long-term outcomes for children, youth, and families. We promote healing, racial and LGBTQIA+ equity, and re-envisioning our
The Power of Relationships: Sarah, Josh, and Samantha
We believe in the power of relationships. Sarah, Josh, and Samantha show us that amazing things happen when all of the adults – regardless of whether they are foster parents, family members, or parents – are supported to be there for youth.
LGBTQIA+ Youth in Foster Care Deserve to Thrive
At Amara, we believe that we have a role in supporting youth in foster care to thrive by supporting relationships and authentic connections that center Black, Brown, Indigenous, and LGBTQIA+ identities.
Every Child Deserves a Best Start – Even During a Pandemic
“I wish this program was around when I started fostering!” This is just one sentiment Danielle Hammond, Amara’s Child Screening and Family Support Specialist for Amara hears when she connects with caregivers. Read more about the impactful work Danielle does to support development of youth in foster care.
A New Law Helps Kids in Foster Care Stay Connected to Their Families
We are thrilled that the Washington State legislature passed the “Strengthening parent-child visitation during child welfare proceedings” bill (HB 1194) that officially went into effect on July 25, 2021.
Voices of Foster Care: James & Devon Abejo
Devon and James began their foster care journey with the intention of adopting a baby. But something happened along the way: the couple fell in love with foster care and quickly realized the tremendous impact they could have on children and families as foster parents.
Kinship Care Can Help Transform The Child Welfare System
Trey Rabun, Amara’s Associate Director of Kinship and Community Services, writes about his professional and personal journey which led him to centering kinship care. He asks the question, “Why weren’t we truly prioritizing these families as placement options and then supporting them at the same level as foster parents?” Read more about why supporting kinship caregivers can transform the child welfare system and how Amara is shifting to meet this need.