The Department of Health and Welfare is chalk full of unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to improve the lives of others they will never meet. One of those heroic groups is our child welfare workers, who protect vulnerable children, support families, and foster safe, nurturing environments.

The second full week of September each year is Child Welfare Worker Appreciation Week, which we’re honoring this year Sept. 8 to 14. This is an opportunity for all of us at DHW to pause and celebrate the dedication, compassion, and resilience of our child welfare workers—especially right now while we collectively pursue the goal of doubling the rate of resource families in Idaho.

DHW is pursuing that goal in a variety of ways. We’ve reorganized our child welfare leadership team and program structure to create more oversight and support. We’ve waived adoption fees through the department, simplified licensure of foster homes, and released a Foster Parent Bill of Rights.

We also worked with Gov. Brad Little to expand paid parental leave for new foster parents. And we cosponsored screenings of “Sound of Hope,” a movie that chronicles 22 families from a rural church who adopted 77 kids from the foster system.

But the unquestionable backbone of our work to care for children and families in need is our child welfare workers. From the complex nature of family dynamics to the emotional weight of their responsibilities, they show incredible commitment and compassion to Idaho’s most vulnerable.

After meeting and working with many of DHW’s child welfare professionals, I can confidently say that this isn’t work, but a calling, and Idahoans are better served thanks to their passion and compassion. Every day, child welfare workers step into the most difficult situations with grace, patience, and determination to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

In 2023 alone, child welfare workers at DHW impacted the lives of countless children and families. Their ability to balance the needs of children with the unique circumstances of each family ensures that every case receives the individual attention it deserves.

Moreover, the emotional support and professional guidance provided to foster parents and families enables them to be successful in their own journeys, which ultimately helps shape brighter futures for children in their care.

As we celebrate Child Welfare Worker Appreciation Week, let’s not forget that child welfare workers are at the core of DHW’s mission.

Thank you to all our child welfare workers for your compassion, perseverance, and commitment to the children and families we serve. You are the heartbeat of our organization.

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