Yakima site for state foster parent confab

YAKIMA -- As many as 600 foster parents are expected to attend a statewide conference beginning Sunday at the Yakima Convention Center.

“We Are Family” is the theme of this year’s annual conference, now in its 26th year.  The three-day event brings together more than 600 foster and adoptive parents, relative caregivers, Department of Social and Health Services staff and others who care for the welfare of children.

The conference features emcee Debbie Wooten, a comedian from Tacoma, and keynote speakers Jerry Tello and Scott Q. Marcus. Tello is co-founder of the National Compadres Network and the Director of the National Latino Fatherhood and Family Institute in California. Marcus is a motivational speaker.

Children’s Administration, in DSHS, is a sponsor with partners from 20 nonprofit, tribal, faith-based, educational, private and state organizations and agencies.

-- Leah Beth Ward