We learned a tremendous amount about the foster care system while earning the educational credits

My wife and I have been fostering children here in Washington State for 14 years. We started as a kinship family and then became licensed foster parents in 2010, after falling in love with making a difference in the lives of the children we serve. We were introduced to FPAWS during that transition, which has been an incredible support and phenomenal pillar to us and the foster community.

Our first experience with FPAWS was their annual conference at Great Wolf Lodge, a multi-functioning training event.

We learned a tremendous amount about the foster care system while earning the educational credits that foster parents need to maintain our licenses. The information shared with us is has been invaluable and has led to our success as foster parents during this 14-year tenure. Any foster parent that attends their conference(s) will agree that although foster care is so rewarding, navigating and getting the support and education we need can be extremely challenging and very disheartening, to say the least. During our travels, we have experienced, seen, and heard the good, the bad, and the ugly of foster care. FPAWS conference has been amazing in being a relentless advocate, support, and resource for us and the children we serve.

The best part about the conference, besides the education we receive, is that it has been and continues to provide memorable experiences for the children that are in our homes including our bio kids. They experience so much fun, a sense of family, and can make new friends, which is not always easy for them, who share the same experience of being separated from their loved ones for whatever reason. For us, witnessing this and seeing them enjoy themselves as a child … not a “foster kid is priceless. We are and will forever be grateful to FPAWS, their staff, and the conference that they provide. Again, it has become a pillar for us foster parents!

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