Mahalo to our speaker, Michele Carvalho with Hui Ho'omalu who talked to us about foster care in East Hawaii. There are 1400 children in foster care in the state and 1/3 of these children are on the Big Island. The majority of the children are between the ages of 1 and 2 years old whose parent are in drug treat and can not care for their children themselves. There is a crisis situation in East Hawaii because of the high case loads. Case workers average 40-50 cases per worker with multiple children per case. The state has paid millions of dollars to settle cases with families because of neglect. Foster families feel unsupported by the system. A bill was introduced to cap the caseload to 20 children per case worker. This bill did not pass but 4 new case workers were added. To learn more on how you can help contact Hui Ho'omalu at 808-987-5988, www.pidf.org
While on Oahu, Randy ran into former South Hilo Rotarian Rev Moki Hino at Pacific Club on Oahu. He sends his Aloha!
Starting in November, Rotarian will be able to buy a ticket for a drawing for fabulous prizes donated by our fellow Rotarians. You may buy as many tickets as you like and the drawing will be held at the end of each meeting. Kris Speegle is donating the first item , fabulous Allstate cooler with wine, coffee, mugs and an umbrella!
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