Eastern Idaho has reached a milestone worth celebrating. As of June 30, Idaho’s Region 7—which covers eight counties in central and eastern Idaho—became the first of Idaho’s seven regions to surpass the goal of having 1.5 foster families for every foster child. 

Since then, the region has continued to meet that mark, holding steady above 1.5.

This is more than a statistic. It reflects the commitment of the people of eastern Idaho, including foster parents who open their homes, child welfare professionals, community partners, and DHW staff working behind the scenes.

Gov. Brad Little and DHW Director Alex Adams have both championed the need for more foster families throughout the past year. With strong support from the Idaho Legislature, Idaho secured a historic $23.2 million investment to strengthen prevention services, expand staff, extend foster care to age 23, and improve support for kinship care and foster families.

Statewide, the numbers are moving in the right direction. One year ago, Idaho had just 0.75 foster families per foster child. This week, that number has climbed to 0.95 — a testament to the dedication of families and professionals across Idaho.

Region 1, which includes North Idaho, is also making tremendous progress, currently at 1.32 foster families per foster child. The momentum statewide is real — and growing.

But there’s still work to do. While reaching 1.5 is a milestone, it’s not a finish line. It’s a signal that the vision is within reach: a system where every child who needs foster care can stay close to their community and receive the care and stability they deserve.

To the residents of eastern Idaho — thank you. Your efforts are inspiring the rest of the state and changing lives in the process. And to those across Idaho — with continued collaboration, compassion, and commitment, we can all help Idaho reach the goal, one foster family at a time.

Idaho needs foster parents

If you’ve ever considered fostering, know that your willingness to offer a home—even for one child for one season—can change a child’s life forever. For more information, call 211 or visit the Department of Health and Welfare’s foster care page. You could be the difference that turns a story of struggle into one of hope and belonging.

Monty Prow is deputy director of the Division of Child, Youth, and Family Services at DHW.

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