Local Non-Profit is Recruiting Foster Families

Maui Youth and Family Services is looking for families for its Therapeutic Foster Program.

The program provides a safe, family-based setting for ages 10 to 17 that have behavioral and emotional issues who are experiencing difficulties in the home or community.

MYFS Foster Parent Joe Kawaha and MYFS Family Therapist Yvonne Manupuna at Island Art Party in March. Photo Courtesy

The Foster Program can provide youth with a temporary alternative to home for up to six months.

Foster families receive a monetary stipend as well as extensive initial and ongoing training and support from MYFS staff on how to help young people cope with daily stressors, make healthy decisions and strengthen family relationships.

Foster families and youth participate in outings throughout the year such as; whale watching, rolling skating and a recent visit to Island Art Party in Kīhei in March, where the owners waved the entrance fee for youth. There is also an annual holiday party.

These experiences allow foster parents and youth to bond and get to know each other, which helps with the youth’s development. They also give foster youth an opportunity to participate in “normal life activities” that other young people do with their families.

“Every day we see the difference foster families make in this community and in the lives of young people in need,” said Julie Shoup, MYFS Foster Program Therapist. “Offering a stable and caring home environment for our youth is an extremely rewarding and life-changing experience.”

MYFS is a licensed Child Placing Organization that recruits and licenses foster parents with approval from the Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services.

Click here for more information or contact program staff at 808-579-8414, ext. 8202 or [email protected]