Foster Care Organizations in Hawaii: Catholic Charities, It Takes an Ohana, and More

The Hawaii DHS does not operate the foster care system alone. A network of contracted agencies and nonprofit organizations handles recruitment, training, support, and advocacy — and for most prospective resource caregivers, these organizations are the first point of contact rather than DHS itself.

Knowing what each organization does, and when to contact which one, makes navigating the system significantly easier.

Catholic Charities Hawaii (CCH)

Catholic Charities Hawaii is the most prominent contracted partner with DHS in the foster care space. They manage multiple programs that touch nearly every stage of the resource caregiver experience.

Statewide Resource Families (SRF) Program

The SRF program is CCH's primary foster care support program. It provides:

• Pre-service H.A.N.A.I. orientation and training sessions (the required 15-hour curriculum before licensure)
• Licensing assessment support for prospective caregivers
• Ongoing training for license renewal (the 13 hours per year required since 2023)
• Case coordination and resource referrals for licensed caregivers

Catholic Charities is one of the main organizations conducting H.A.N.A.I. training statewide, including webinar options for Neighbor Island applicants.

Therapeutic Foster Care: Nā 'Ohana Pulāma (NOP)

CCH manages Hawaii's therapeutic foster care program, which serves children with significant emotional and behavioral needs. Families in the NOP program receive:

• Intensive pre-placement training beyond standard H.A.N.A.I. requirements
• 24/7 support from a CCH program worker
• Higher monthly compensation structured to reflect the complexity of therapeutic care

If you are specifically interested in caring for children with the highest level of need, the NOP program through Catholic Charities is the pathway.

The Resource Caregiver Warm Line

Catholic Charities Hawaii operates the Warm Line — a telephone support line specifically for licensed resource caregivers available seven days a week from 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM.

• Oahu: (808) 545-1130
• Neighbor Islands: 1-866-545-0882
• Email: [email protected]

The Warm Line is for support, advice, and de-escalation. It is not a complaint line or a formal case reporting mechanism. Experienced CCH staff answer calls and provide practical guidance for whatever caregivers are navigating.

Contact Catholic Charities Hawaii: Website: catholiccharitieshawaii.org For foster care programs specifically, look for the "Foster Care" section under their programs and services.

It Takes an 'Ohana (Program of Family Programs Hawaii)

It Takes an 'Ohana is the consumer-facing brand of Family Programs Hawaii, a nonprofit that serves as a resource and advocacy organization for Hawaii's foster and kinship caregiver community.

What They Do

• Support groups: Peer support groups for resource caregivers, kinship caregivers, and foster alumni. Schedules vary by island and season; check their website for current offerings.
• Caregiver resources and education: Toolkits, guides, and informational materials for navigating the foster care system. They have produced Hawaii-specific materials on permanency, the H.A.N.A.I. curriculum, and resource caregiver rights.
• Legislative advocacy: Family Programs Hawaii advocates at the state legislature on behalf of resource families — working on issues like board rate adequacy, caregiver rights, and system reform.
• The Warm Line: Family Programs Hawaii co-manages the Warm Line with Catholic Charities Hawaii (the numbers listed above connect to both programs' support staff).

Presentations and Seminars

Family Programs Hawaii and It Takes an 'Ohana periodically conduct public presentations, including the "So You Want to Become a Foster Parent" educational series. These sessions are often the first community touchpoint for families in the pre-application research phase.

Contact It Takes an 'Ohana / Family Programs Hawaii: Website: ittakesanohana.org These resources also address legislative updates — when Hawaii passes significant changes to child welfare law (like Act 144 in 2024), Family Programs Hawaii publishes accessible explanations for caregivers.

Partners in Development Foundation — Hui Ho'omalu

Hui Ho'omalu is a program of Partners in Development Foundation (PIDF), based in Honolulu. It serves as a primary contractor for DHS in resource caregiver recruitment, training, and licensing support, primarily on Oahu.

What They Do

• Host orientation sessions for prospective resource caregivers
• Assist with the licensing process, including support for the Binti portal
• Provide ongoing training and support for licensed caregivers
• Outreach to specific community networks (faith communities, cultural organizations)

For Oahu-based applicants, Hui Ho'omalu is often the first agency contact after reaching out to DHS.

Contact Hui Ho'omalu / PIDF: Website: pidf.org

Child and Family Service

Child and Family Service (CFS) is a multi-service social services agency with locations across the islands. While not exclusively a foster care organization, CFS provides:

• Therapeutic services for children in foster care and their caregivers
• Family support programs that intersect with the foster care system
• Mental health and behavioral health services covered by Med-QUEST
• Case coordination for families navigating multiple systems simultaneously

For caregivers dealing with the behavioral health needs of children in their care, CFS is a potential referral for specialized services.

Contact Child and Family Service: Website: childandfamilyservice.org Multiple office locations across Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island.

Resource Caregivers Hawaii (RCG.hawaii.gov)

This is the state's official resource portal for resource caregivers — not a separate organization, but worth knowing as a standalone resource. RCG.hawaii.gov hosts:

• The Binti portal login and documentation resources
• The official DHS licensing checklist
• Approved ongoing training lists (used for license renewal)
• H.A.N.A.I. training materials and schedules

If you are in the middle of the licensing process, this site should be bookmarked.

Who to Contact First

For most prospective resource caregivers, the practical starting order is:

1. Attend an orientation — through Catholic Charities Hawaii or Hui Ho'omalu, or by contacting your island's DHS licensing unit directly
2. Submit your application and activate Binti — through the DHS licensing unit
3. Complete H.A.N.A.I. training — coordinated through Catholic Charities Hawaii
4. Use the Warm Line when you have questions or need support during and after the process

The organizations listed here exist to make the licensing process and the caregiving experience more manageable. Use them early and use them often.

For a complete, step-by-step guide to the Hawaii foster care licensing process and a full directory of contacts by island, see the Hawaii Foster Care Licensing Guide.

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