Who can become a foster parent?
Anyone with a good home, a clean criminal record, and a strong commitment to helping youth in need. Foster parents must be licensed by the State of Hawaii which requires a number of steps. You'll need to show that you have room in your house and will have to go through an application and approval process, as well as a training program.

What steps are required to become a foster parent?
First, complete the brief questionnaire online. Or if you are more comfortable with speaking directly with a Hale Kipa caseworker, call 589-1829, ext. 400. You'll be asked basic questions about your family and your home. We will contact you and send you the full application. You will then have to complete other forms and clearances that include a fingerprint check, medical clearances and character references. Click here to see the complete list of requirements.

Once you've been cleared, you will be entered into the training program. After completing the training and the required home evaluation, you will be given your license.

What training do I need?
Hale Kipa uses the P.R.I.D.E. training, a nationally recognized program created for the purpose of preparing foster parents for licensing. All foster parents in Hawaii must complete the Pride training, among other requirements, before getting licensed. The P.R.I.D.E. training is offered at regular intervals throughout the year, and requires a commitment of about 3 hours per week for 7 weeks.

What is required of a foster parent?
Foster parents must care for foster youth in their home as they would for their own children. They must provide for all nutritional, educational, medical, and recreational needs, as well as providing extra attention for the youth's particular therapeutic needs. In addition, foster parents must meet with the Hale Kipa caseworker at regular intervals, and keep records of events.

Can I choose the age or gender of my foster child?
No, but you can express preferences. Hale Kipa will make every effort to place children that you are most comfortable with. Of course, you are never forced to accept a placement.

What ages are the youths Hale Kipa places?
Our youths range from 9 to 17 years old. We do not place infants or young children.

How big does my house have to be?
There is no size requirement for your house, but each foster child must have at least 50 sq.ft. of room, including bed, and have a dresser and closet space.

Can foster youth share a bedroom?
Yes, with a child of the same gender, as long as the foster youth  has at least 50 sq.ft. of room.

Are there different programs for fostering within Hale Kipa?
There are four programs within Hale Kipa that place youth in foster homes: Kamala Homes, Hanai Homes, Foster Care with Therapeutic Services and Independent Living Foster Homes. Find out about these programs by clicking on the links.

Do foster parents get paid?
There is a foster board payment for families to cover the cost of providing for foster youth in their home.

What if the foster child needs medical or dental treatment?
All foster youth have full medical and dental insurance.

Additional questions? Email us and we'll respond right away.