For 12 years, Gene and Sandy tried to have a child. Gene worked as a pastor in Jerome, and she taught special education. They seemed destined to raise children in a loving, stable home, but it didn’t happen. They grew frustrated and burdened with all that love and no child to give it to. They prayed on it.

“Some people know why they're on the planet,” Gene said. “My wife is on the planet to be a mom.”

It’s said that God works in mysterious ways, and tests us to see if we can unlearn our own intentions, rip up our own plans, and discover a life that gives. (Follow this link to watch a video version of Gene and Sandy's story.)

They dared not wait for biology, and society provided. They adopted two babies from families they knew, and then when a mother in their church learned that her children might be removed from her home, Gene and Sandy chose to become foster parents.

“We were licensed one day and had two boys the next day,” Sandy said. “One of them was autistic, and the other boy was angry.”

Part of the reason Sandy said she wanted to wait to have her own children before fostering, is because she couldn’t let them go. To welcome a child and say farewell, it’s difficult. They knew that they’d want to keep every youth who entered their home.

Those first two boys? Gene and Sandy adopted them. They were the first of six boys they’d adopt out of foster care. That angry boy is now 26 years old. He is a successful welder and owns his own home.  

“We had very serious talks with him before we would agree to adopt him and his brother,” Sandy said. “And he told us one day, ‘mom and dad, you saved my life. If I had not come to your home, I don't know where I would be today.’”

Two of those youth are diagnosed with low-functioning autism spectrum disorder, and another with Asperger’s Syndrome. As a special ed educator, Sandy was uniquely positioned to help them, but she hopes that other parents who are less experienced will take the time, study the disorders, and open their homes to special needs youth.

At one point they had 10 children in their home, with their adopted children, foster children—and their miracle baby. After years of trying, they conceived, and Sandy gave birth to a little girl.

“I saw [Sandy] light up with these first two babies, and then we had a biological child, and they brought such joy and passion out of her. I wanted to help her in that kind of ministry.”

The little girl fit right in with this big mixed family with meager means living in an old church. If they wanted more, they were quiet about it.

“We had a lot of children in our home with different needs, different abilities, and different personalities,” Sandy said.

Those differences included behavioral health concerns and developmental disabilities. At school, the autistic youth was being put in an extended resource inclusion room and left there. Sandy felt like they could do better.

“I had to advocate for that child,” Sandy said. “Those are things that you have to do as a foster parent when you receive these children. They have a special need, not only just trauma, but some of them do have special needs as far as autism, ADHD, other things that they have to deal with.”

Gene is not a special ed professional. He’s a pastor, custodian, salesman, and a philosopher of sorts. He was short on experience with special needs youth, but he went the distance by caring, mentoring, and fathering a series of boys and girls who didn’t have father figures.

“Adoption and even foster care were an answer to our prayers in a profound way,” Gene said. “When we were fostering, if we could have taken them all in, we would have. There were times, though, that we had to say no just because we didn’t have enough space.”

But if they could, they helped. They helped children flourish, or just rest. They had youth who would run away and others who’d never let them go. They learned “a process of developing yourself” as Gene put it.

They never had to develop alone. The Department of Health and Welfare caseworkers, counselors and staff lent incredible support. They knew how to find resources for the children, helped with evaluations and medical care

“You have a network behind you, a team of people,” Gene said. “Each child had their individual unique needs, and we had a whole network of people we could turn to, and they were very responsive at helping us to be able to navigate some of those challenges.” They are now grandparents, with a house filled by the sounds of children.

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 2-1-1 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.

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

More than 150 foster parents and foster children gathered last Saturday at Bruneau Dunes State Park to launch the second year of the Foster Family Passport Program—a growing partnership between the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) and Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR). 

The strong turnout reflected both the success of last year’s pilot and the excitement around this year’s expanded offerings. With free annual access to Idaho state parks, the Passport Program gives foster families a chance to spend quality time outdoors, explore nature, and build memories together.

Saturday’s event brought together an incredible team of contributors and supporters. Key partners like Regence BlueShield of Idaho, Idaho Business for the Outdoors (IBO), and new sponsors such as the Capital City Kiwanis Club, Charles Schwab Boise Branch, Idaho Botanical Garden, and Micron helped make the day a success. Their time, donations, and volunteer efforts helped make sure families felt welcomed.

Highlights included hiking the park’s famous 470-foot dune, fishing with Idaho Department of Fish and Game, learning how to set up a campsite, and participating in hands-on STEM activities. Families explored educational booths, visited the park’s planetarium, viewed the sun and moon through telescopes, and joined the Idaho State Park Junior Ranger program—led by mascot Scout and IDPR staff.

More than 100 volunteers greeted families with gift bags, raffle prizes, and smiles. For some kids, it was their very first visit to an Idaho state park—a meaningful milestone in a safe, supportive setting.

This growing initiative builds on the foundation laid by the Idaho Legislature’s and Gov. Brad Little’s $23 million investment in child welfare this year, aiming to provide foster families with not just resources—but community, connection, and positive experiences.

More Fostering Family Adventures are planned across Idaho this summer, so stay tuned. We’re just getting started!

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 2-1-1 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.

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

As Idahoans, we value our health, our families, our independence, and our communities. With recent measles outbreaks reported in several U.S. states, including Montana, it's a good time to consider how we can stay informed and prepared.

Understanding measles

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can linger in the air for up to two hours. Symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive rash. While many recover without problems, measles can lead to serious complications, especially in very young children and people with weakened immune systems.

Before we had a vaccine, almost all people got measles at some point in their lifetimes. In Idaho, over 1,000 cases were reported most years in the 1950s. 

The introduction and widespread use of vaccination began in the 1960s. The measles vaccine is highly effective, and for most people, two childhood doses of vaccine is all they will ever need to protect themselves against measles for their lifetime. 

Reported cases of measles have dropped dramatically since the 1960s, and in most recent years, no cases are reported in the state. 

While widespread vaccination was very successful at eliminating measles in the U.S., international travelers continue to reintroduce the virus, which has spread among mostly unvaccinated communities. This highlights the important role of continued vaccination to protect people and communities from the disease.

In 2024, cases of measles began to increase in the U.S.. So far in 2025, there have already been more cases than in all of 2024, with an especially large number of cases being reported in Texas and New Mexico. While no cases have been reported yet in Idaho, the summer travel season is beginning, and I am concerned that we will see cases in the state.

Staying informed and prepared

Here are some steps you can take to stay informed about measles:

• Know the signs: Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of measles to recognize it early.
• Check your records: Review your and your family's immunization records to understand your health history.
• Consult healthcare providers: If you have concerns or questions about measles or your health, reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
• Stay updated: Follow reputable sources like the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics and your local public health district for the latest information about any measles in your area and other health topics.

Community health

Being informed helps protect not just ourselves but also our communities. By understanding measles and how it spreads, we can make choices that contribute to the well-being of those around us.

Q&A: Common questions about measles

How serious is measles?

Measles can be serious, especially for young children and individuals with compromised immune systems. Complications can include pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and, in rare cases, death.

How does measles spread?

Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours, making it highly contagious.

What should I do if I think I've been exposed to measles?

If you believe you've been exposed to measles, contact your healthcare provider immediately. They can guide you on the next steps, which may include monitoring for symptoms or receiving post-exposure prophylaxis.

How can I protect myself and my family from measles?

Staying informed about measles, understanding how it spreads, and consulting with healthcare providers about your health history are key steps in protecting yourself and your family.

Historically, vaccination has played a crucial role in preventing measles, eliminating it from circulating in the U.S. by the early 2000s. However, cases have jumped in 2024 and increased even further in 2025. Vaccination remains the surest way to prevent the disease.

Where can I find more information about measles?

Reliable information is available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov/measles and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare at www.healthandwelfare.idaho.gov. 

Dr. Christine Hahn is Idaho’s state epidemiologist and the Division of Public Health’s medical director. 

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

Scott Matlock has serious game—both on the football field and in digital gaming arenas. But it’s his big heart that stood out last week when he used his unique platform as a former Idaho foster youth, rising NFL star, and passionate gamer to inspire local   foster kids in downtown Boise. 

Student athletes with Boise State Esports hosted an event at their downtown arena Thursday, April 17, where dozens of youth in foster care and their families were able to tour the world-class gaming facility, meet Matlock, and play videogames with him and members of Boise State’s varsity Esports team. 

“Now that I’m in the league, I want to use my platform to help people who were in my shoes,” he said. “It’s really cool to be able to do that now.”

Throughout the day, Matlock offered high fives and fist bumps, signed autographs on everything from t-shirts to footballs, and played family-friendly games like ‘Fall Guys” with foster youth. He even squared off against Boise State’s varsity squad in a few competitive rounds of League of Legends.

He also gave a heartfelt and fun 30-minute interview on Boise State’s Twitch feed, sharing insights about being raised in foster care, playing football for Boise State, and, of course, his passion for gaming.

Matlock, who grew up in foster care in Idaho, started playing football in high school and quickly discovered that his 6-foot, 4-inch frame, innate skill, and dogged work ethic were suited to sports, and the gridiron in particular. He went on to play for the Boise State Broncos and, since 2023 the Los Angeles Chargers where he’s become one of the NFL’s only players working on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.

During his interview with Boise State Esports host Jacob Palmer, Matlock shared personal stories about growing up in foster care, advice for youth in the system today, football memories from the blue turf, and his favorite gaming moments—mixing humor with heartfelt reflections.

In a poignant moment, Palmer asked Matlock what advice he had for foster youth who were there in the room with him.

“There’s always light at the end of the tunnel no matter how dark it may seem,” Matlock said. “There was always light for me that I saw at the end of the tunnel. I just stayed the course and focused on the things that matter right now which was growing up, being a kid, going to school, making friends.

“I had a lot of people helping me, keeping me on the right track and the right path, so definitely this (being in foster care) is not the end all, be all.”

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

Child welfare is not the responsibility of one agency or one group—it takes all of us. From judges to foster families, attorneys to caseworkers, nonprofit advocates to faith leaders, every person who touches the child welfare system plays a role in shaping better outcomes for Idaho’s children and families.

That spirit of shared responsibility was on display at the Children and Families Institute Conference in Boise on April 17, where more than 300 attorneys, judges, advocates, nonprofit representatives, and Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) staff gathered to collaborate on how best to support vulnerable families. The conference was put on by the Administrative Office of the Courts.

DHW leaders kicked off the two-day event with a panel presentation and discussion about the department’s efforts to double the rate of foster families in Idaho—a goal that relies on strong partnerships across systems.

“It takes all of us,” said DHW Deputy Director Monty Prow. “Everybody in this room who’s worked with these issues knows that there’s usually not just one piece of the system. It takes guardian ad litems, DHW staff at all levels, certainly members of the court, and advocates along the way—to support where we’re trying to head in order to be leaders and innovators in this space.”

Highlights from DHW’s panel included:

Prow also spoke about the department’s goal of improving child welfare including the reorganization of child welfare services from one division into two smaller divisions: Youth Safety and Permanency, which handles traditional child welfare work, and Family and Community Partnerships, a new DHW division that’s harnessing the power of community to support foster families.

Youth Safety and Permanency Deputy Administrator Wendy Seagraves gave a status update about the department’s work. The rate of foster homes in Idaho has increased from 0.74 in June 2024 to 0.94 now. The number of kids in congregate care in the same timeframe has reduced from 240 to 180 kids. The department has stopped using short-term rentals, and it’s reduced the number of out-of-state placements by nearly 50%.

Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Chief Jared Larsen reported on 2025 legislative and regulatory changes impacting foster families, emphasizing that these changes allow the courts more latitude to consider what’s in the best interest of children.

Family and Community Partnerships Administrator Laura Denner reiterated the importance of partnerships and the inclusion of foster families into events. She highlighted several upcoming events and developing partnerships.

Director of Faith Based Initiatives Sage Dixon said his office is focused on reaching out to the faith community to help recruit  foster parents, treatment foster families, and to provide additional support for existing foster and adoptive families.

The impacts of these innovations and milestones show that when people and groups work together, they produce better outcomes for a bright future for Idaho’s families.

The DHW panelists offered a special thanks to the courts for inviting the department to be a part of the day’s training. DHW looks forward to continued collaboration to improve the lives of Idaho’s youth and families.

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

Kate is an Idaho foster mom who encourages Idahoans to consider how they might support children in care. As a foster mom, adoptive mom, and biological mom, she’s experienced parenting from a variety of perspectives.

“If your fear is that you’ll get too attached, you are the perfect person to foster,” she said.

(Watch a video version of Kate’s story here.)

In addition, Kate has experienced the foster care system from different perspectives. As a volunteer with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), she helps represent children in the court system. No matter the setting, she said she shows up as an advocate for kids—offering consistency, stability, and compassion during a chaotic time in their lives.

And she stressed that she works hard to empathize with biological parents whose children land in her care. “I think every single human person is searching to feel connected and to feel loved,” Kate said. “[The parents] need just as much love and support as the kids do.”

Kate and her husband have welcomed foster children with a range of needs into their family, including teens and youth with developmental disabilities or mental illness. She said their home is often a place of firsts: the first consistent meals, the first time a child is encouraged to go to therapy, the first time a young person begins to understand what stability can feel like.

One teen in their care had spent years bouncing in and out of foster homes, unsure of what love or permanence felt like.

“It was really hard for her to realize what stability looked like,” Kate said. “She would fight against love because it felt so uncomfortable for her. It took a while. Going to therapy was so good for her. We just would not stop showing her love. We loved her where she was at, that day. She slowly began to accept us.”

Today, the same teen is learning to love herself. Though her journey is sometimes still challenging, Kate said it’s clear that she’s healing. She’s learning to think in new ways — to see herself and her future differently.

“The way she thinks now has completely changed,” Kate said. “She’s been able to heal and think rationally. It’s amazing to watch her healing.”

Kate knows not everyone can foster — and that’s okay. But she wants more people to know there are still countless ways to help.

They can donate clothing, baby gear, or gift cards to organizations that support youth in foster care. They can volunteer with CASA. They can offer moral support to families who are fostering or reunifying with their children. Kate noted that when youth are returned to their birth families, those families are often rebuilding from the ground up and need community support.

While each family’s story is different, the needs across the state are real and growing, and Kate believes there’s a place in the foster care community for everyone — even those who want to help in small or quiet ways.

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 2-1-1 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.

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

We were honored today to have Gov. Brad Little join us at the Department of Health and Welfare to mark a major milestone for Idaho’s children and families: signing of a child welfare budget that adds $23.2 million in new funding and 63 additional staff to build capacity where it’s needed.

As the governor pointed out, this historic investment is the largest of its kind in state history, and it reflects our shared belief that every Idaho child deserves a safe, stable, and loving home.

Last June the governor issued the Promoting Families and Protecting Children executive order and set a vision for how we care for vulnerable children and support the families who raise them. Since then, we’ve worked to translate that vision into action—reducing barriers for foster parents, increasing the number of available foster homes, and expanding partnerships with community organizations across Idaho.

This new budget strengthens that momentum, adding:

• Prevention specialists who can work with families early—before a crisis escalates.
• More clinical staff to provide timely, compassionate care for children in the system.
• Greater support for kinship placements and treatment foster homes, so children can remain in family-like settings even in difficult circumstances.
• Expanded efforts to bring Idaho kids currently placed out of state back home.

This investment isn’t just about systems and services. It’s about making good on Idaho’s promise to children—that we will listen, protect, and support them. And it’s about recognizing the incredible work of foster parents, child welfare professionals, community partners, and everyday Idahoans who open their hearts and homes to children in need.

We know the work isn’t finished, but with this budget, we’re turning the page. We’re investing in solutions that prioritize stability, healing, and long-term well-being—solutions that reflect the Idaho way: community-driven, family-centered, and focused on what’s best for kids.

To everyone who helped get us here—Gov. Little, the Legislature, foster families, community partners, social workers, all of DHW’s divisions and staff—thank you. Let’s keep going.

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

March is National Social Work Month, a time to recognize the extraordinary people who dedicate their lives to protecting and uplifting children and families. In child welfare, our work is challenging, emotional, and complex—but it is also incredibly meaningful.

Every day, our caseworkers, supervisors, and support staff show up with compassion and determination. They navigate difficult decisions, advocate for children’s well-being, and provide critical support to families in crisis. Their work is not just a job; it is a calling.

To our frontline social workers: Thank you for your unwavering commitment to Idaho’s children. You listen when a child needs a voice, guide families toward stability, and collaborate with foster parents, courts, and community partners to create lasting change. Your impact extends beyond what is seen. You’re shaping brighter futures.

To our partners in child welfare—foster families, community advocates, and service providers—your contributions are invaluable. It takes all of us working together to ensure children have safety, stability, and hope.

I encourage everyone to take a moment this month to recognize a social worker in their life. A simple thank-you can go a long way in affirming their vital role in our communities.

To the dedicated professionals in Child, Youth, and Family Services—your work matters, and we appreciate you.

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.

Krystal is an Idaho foster mom whose compassion and good will are rooted in experience.

When she was 11 or 12 and her older siblings had moved away, her mom took in youth who didn’t immediately have a place to go in times of crisis. The family didn’t have a lot of resources, and they weren’t wealthy, but they had big hearts and opened their door.

“It was helpful to have a kid there like myself to help them through that initial process of transitioning to another place,” Krystal said. “Seeing where these other children came out of made me appreciate more of what I had in my life and all the things my mom provided to me.”

(Watch a video version of Krystal’s story here.)

Krystal’s sense of compassion developed in adulthood. She studied and found work helping the mentally ill in Idaho. She got married and had a child. The couple thought they were one-and-done parents, but circumstance and their own good will changed that.

At daycare, Krystal discovered a young boy who didn’t have winter clothes. Their son was growing out of some of his clothes, so they offered the boy some hand-me-downs.

Krystal then learned the boy was in foster care and needed a home. She asked herself, “could we do that?” When she brought it up with her husband, his first reaction was, “we could do that.”

Building trust

Uncertainty works against trust, and when the boy arrived in Krystal’s home he was worried someone would take him away.

“He had so much independence it was almost a fault,” Krystal said, describing that he wouldn’t even let her help him out of a car seat.

He was 2 years old, and he didn’t trust. It took time for them to foster a sense of security and for the boy to accept help.

“I started to explain the ‘why’ to him,” Krystal said. “He was still so little. I verbalized everything, explained it. He has something engrained in him from the environment he was in before.”

Learning to be a family

The boy is now 6, almost 7, and a permanent part of Krystal’s home as an adopted son. Even so, the process continues. He learned that his brother can help him brush his teeth, but at first he resisted.

“I explained to him, ‘Your brother is here doing the same task as you are. He’ll help you, too,’” she said.

It was an adjustment for their biological son as well. He was an only child, and suddenly there was another boy in the house. But Krystal was filled with hope as she watched their growing relationship.

“To see it in action, it was so fulfilling as a parent to see your child’s first reaction was kindness,” she said.

Foster care and adoption may be two of the ultimate forms of goodwill, and for Krystal and her family, the goal is to keep this young Idahoan in their family forever.

Now, years later, the promise is kept, and Krystal’s core compassion, learned from her mother when she was a girl, has matured into a generational kindness that endures.

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 2-1-1 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.

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

This past Sunday, March 2, the Maker Shop in Boise hosted its Foster Care Festival, a lively event filled with hands-on woodworking demonstrations, family-friendly activities, and opportunities to support foster youth transitioning into adulthood. 

More than 50 attendees of all ages gathered to learn about woodworking, enjoy free food and games, and see firsthand the impact of Foster Care Furniture—a nonprofit dedicated to helping young adults develop valuable skills.

The festival showcased live demonstrations about how to transform scrap wood into beautifully crafted, functional pieces. 

One of the event highlights was a safety demonstration using a high-tech saw designed to prevent injuries. To illustrate its effectiveness, a hot dog was placed near the blade—instantly triggering the saw’s safety mechanism, stopping the blade in a split second. This presentation underscored the importance of safety in woodworking while captivating the audience.

Beyond the hands-on fun, the event had a deeper purpose: raising awareness about the challenges faced by foster youth aging out of the system. Each year, between 300 and 500 young people in Idaho transition out of foster care, often without the necessary support to navigate seamlessly into adulthood. 

Recognizing this gap, Bruce Wingate, Founder and President of Foster Care Furniture, created a free 13-week woodworking program to equip former foster youth (ages 18-26) with practical skills, resume-building assistance, and job interview preparation.

Participants in the program not only learn woodworking but also explore career paths in carpentry, construction, and related trades.
Through Foster Care Furniture, apprentices craft furniture that is later sold, with proceeds reinvested into programs that directly benefit them. With the support of a recent $50,000 grant from the Idaho Workforce Development Council, the nonprofit can now offer trainees $15 an hour while they learn—providing financial relief alongside career training.

The festival was a celebration of resilience, opportunity, and community support. Families enjoyed interacting with costumed movie characters, winning prizes, and learning about how they can contribute to this meaningful cause. As Idaho continues to seek solutions for supporting foster youth, initiatives like Foster Care Furniture provide not just skills, but hope for a successful future.
For more information about Foster Care Furniture or to donate, visit fostercarefurniture.com.

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, it can be as small as committing to one kid for one season of their life. Please call 2-1-1 or (800) 926-2588, or visit DHW's foster care page for more information. Your willingness to open your home can make a profound difference in a child’s life. 

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