I’ve heard it said that if everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself. It’s in this collaborative spirit that the Department of Health and Welfare worked with diverse partners this week to unveil the Idaho State Park Foster Family Passport, a program that gives foster families access to more than two dozen parks under management of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.

State parks are places where Idahoans go to camp, swim, float, hike, and picnic in the great outdoors, and foster families can now access them for free.

Officials from Parks and Rec, DHW, Regence BlueShield of Idaho, and Idaho Business for the Outdoors joined a half-dozen local foster families to unveil the new passport at a news conference on Wednesday, and I was inspired by the enthusiasm and spirit of collaboration underlying the effort. 

This is the most recent example of the department’s renewed focus on child welfare and our goal of doubling the rate of foster families in Idaho. To help make this happen, we’ve waived all adoption fees through the department, simplified licensure of foster homes, and released a Foster Parent Bill of Rights.

We’ve also reorganized our child welfare leadership team and program structure. We worked with Gov. Brad Little to expand paid parental leave for new foster parents. And we cosponsored screenings of the inspiring film, “Sound of Hope,” which chronicles the true story about 22 families from a rural church who adopted 77 kids from the foster system.

Every single child deserves to grow up in a safe, loving, and nurturing home. In Idaho, we’re proud that 95% of our children never require intervention from child welfare services, a testament to the strength and dedication of our families. Yet, for the 5% of Idaho’s children who do enter our child welfare system, sometimes, to keep them safe, foster care becomes a necessary step.

When that happens, it is our responsibility as Idahoans to unite in support of these children. Caring foster families can make all the difference in their lives, providing the love and stability that every child deserves. 

I want to extend my deepest thanks to Idaho Parks and Recreation, Regence BlueShield of Idaho, and Idaho Business for the Outdoors for joining the Department of Health and Welfare in this effort. The new parks program is a beautiful way to bond, build relationships, and create lasting memories through the unmatched beauty of Idaho’s outdoors. Thanks to each of you for your vision and commitment.

As of this week, DHW has 1,401 children in foster care and 1,124 licensed foster homes—only about half of what we need. If you have the ability to provide a safe and loving environment for Idaho’s foster children, I urge you to call 2-1-1 today to learn more about becoming a foster parent.

If long-term fostering isn’t the right fit for you, there are many other ways you can contribute. You could provide short-term respite care for other foster parents, support programs like the Idaho State Park Foster Family Passport, or sponsor one of the upcoming First Time Adventure events. There are countless opportunities to help nurture Idaho’s future generations.

And most importantly, thank you to Idaho’s foster parents, some of whom were with us this week. Your dedication is deeply appreciated, and we’re honored to support you in any way we can.

You can read more about Wednesday’s event in the Idaho Capital Sun and Idaho Press. 

If you have questions about the new Idaho State Park Foster Family Passport, please visit the attached FAQ. 

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.