DHW Voice
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We need your help to double the rate of foster families in Idaho
If you’re willing to open your heart and your home to a child in need, we need your help.
This month, I’m thrilled to join the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) team. It is an honor to work alongside department staff and the dedicated, compassionate Idahoans who make a difference for Idaho kids every day.For over two decades, I’ve dedicated my career to supporting youth and families, most recently serving as director of the Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections.
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Older Posts
Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are passed from one person to another through sexual activity. They can also be passed from one person to another through intimate physical contact.
They don’t always cause symptoms or may only cause mild symptoms, so it is possible to
In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, I am continuing my blog series on the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect.
In Idaho, workers in the child welfare program with the Department of Health and Welfare
Idahoans are well-known to be dog lovers – many households have more than one dog, and parks and trails are full of our canine buddies. It’s important to keep in mind that even though our pups are outdoor adventure companions and indoor snuggle-buddies, they are still animals
In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, I am continuing my blog series on the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect.
When parents are unable to care for their children, for various reasons, family members
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently recommended a second booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for certain people who have a higher risk of getting very sick or even dying from the disease.
Getting the booster dose is a personal decision
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and it is the perfect time to recognize the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect.
Reporting child abuse, neglect or abandonment
In Idaho, the Child Protective Act requires
Making progress toward Strategic Goal 4: Strengthen the public's trust and confidence in the Department of Health and Welfare
Just over two years ago, Idaho had its first reported case of COVID-19. Now, as Idahoans reflect on two years of life during the pandemic, we have
Children do best with their families. Children thrive when they are safe, nurtured, and loved.
All children deserve to live in a safe, nurturing environment. They deserve to have their needs met – a home, food, clothing, medical care, and education. They deserve a chance to be
As COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are declining in Idaho and the United States, more attention is being focused on what has been called “long COVID,” “post-COVID conditions,” or “long-haul COVID,” among other names.
Long COVID is still being studied, but it has a
Given an increased interest in the child welfare system, I would like to share a bit of the process and the role of the Department of Health and Welfare (DHW).
First, I need to be clear that specific child welfare cases are confidential, and we cannot release any details about
Idaho is working to reduce a concerning increase in overdoses and overdose-related deaths. Fentanyl-related overdose deaths are on a dramatic rise in Idaho.
To help address the impacts of fentanyl, Gov. Brad Little is launching an initiative called Operation Esto Perpetua with