SEATTLE – Jan. 13, 2022 – A new $2.5 million five-year federal investment in kinship families will support children and families experiencing out-of-home care in King County. Local nonprofit Amara and its partners, the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) and the University of Washington School of Social Work (UWSSW), are one
Category: Kinship Care
WA State Increases Support to Kinship Caregivers
Washington State recently passed SB 5151 which allows for “child specific licensing.” This law will greatly increase the amount of resources and support kinship caregivers receive. By making it easier for relatives and close community members to serve as caregivers, we can support safety and stability for kids.
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.
Meet the Amara CaRES Kinship & LGBTQIA+ Support Team!
We’ve partnered with Alliance CaRES (a program of the University of Washington’s Alliance For Child Welfare Excellence) to provide support to caregivers across the state of Washington who identify as LGBTQIA+, are caring for a youth who identifies as LGBTQIA+, or are caring for a relative or someone they had a close relationship with before
In the News: Amara in the South Seattle Emerald
Thanks to the South Seattle Emerald for reprinting Trey Rabun’s excellent post, “Kinship Care Can Help Transform the Child Welfare System.” You can read it on their site or on our blog.
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.
Grayson’s Story: A Foster Family and Birth Family Come Together
“Our situation is unique,” says Jonathan Biron, referring to the close relationship he and his family have with their son Grayson’s biological family. “But it doesn’t have to be.” We are so inspired by the relationship the Biron Family has with Grayon’s mom Laura, his Uncle Rob, and other members of his birth family which