To the editor:

What words would you choose if you had a chance to thank those who go above and beyond the call?

I find I am at a loss for words that fully reflect the deep gratitude and respect that is rightfully due to Island County’s foster and relative parents. Parents, you hold children’s hearts in your very hands. It is by your exceptional and selfless commitments, that children are assured safe, nurturing home environments while they await the outcomes of dependency court proceedings in our county. You are the angels amongst us. Your community is deeply grateful to you!

May is the month that Washington state pays official tribute to foster and relative parents. With thanks to all who came together to honor Island County parents during the May appreciation event and special thanks to Oak Harbor Eagles Lodge 2362; Rep. Barbara Bailey, 10th District; Judge Vickie Churchill, Island County Superior Court; County Commissioner Mac McDowell; Carla Grau Egerton, Island County CASA; Jan Stettler, the Department of Child and Family Services; Laurie Alexander, Children’s Administration Region 3.

For those who have ever considered becoming a foster parent, please respond to this call to action. For more information call: Dept. Child/Family Services (1-800-760-5340) or Olive Crest (1-800-743-6783) or Service Alternatives (1-425-345-2853).

For those who cannot serve as full-time foster parent, there are many other ways to help:

Consider becoming licensed to provide occasional (respite) childcare for foster parents. (Contact numbers above.)

Consider serving to supervise visits between children and parents as parents work toward safe, stable reunification (1-800-760-5340).

Consider becoming a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) to safeguard the best interests of children and to advocate for those best interests within Island County’s judicial system (washingtonstatecasa.org), Island County CASA (360-240-5560).

Or consider joining a small growing group of other thoughtful citizens who are determined to develop local strategies and investments to generate tangible, sustainable improvements for youth in-care, Island County Stanwood Community Network. (331-5636).

With gratitude from the Appreciation Event Planning Team,

Christina Urtasun, Olive Crest, Fostering Together

Karen Richman, Department Child & Family Services – Oak Harbor

Patti Carroll, Island County-Stanwood Community Network