Fostering Together, an organization that supports foster parents throughout Washington State, is bringing an innovative solution to Whatcom County.
When children enter foster care, there is often an uncomfortable period of waiting as social workers locate foster homes. This is a nation-wide problem, but in Bellingham two different groups are approaching it with innovative solutions.
Fostering Together is hoping to place volunteers in the offices of the Department of Social and Human Services to care for children while they wait for a new foster home. This approach, called Office Moms & Dads, was piloted in Oregon and is expanding as it sees success.
Also operating in Bellingham, Skookum Kids offers 3–4 full days of care for children new to the foster care system in addition to supplying them with new clothes, toys, books, coats, and shoes.
Skookum Kids founder, Ray Deck III, said: “This is a complicated problem, and communities from all across the country are dealing with it in their own way. We’re proud to be part of addressing this important need here in Bellingham.”