OLYMPIA -- For a quarter of a century, home-based heroes have met annually at the Foster Parent and Relative Caregiver's Conference at locations across Washington. The Ocean Shores Convention Center in Grays Harbor will be the site of this year's milestone event on September 23 – 25.

"For these are all our children" is the theme of this 25th annual conference. The event brings together 600 foster and adoptive parents, relative caregivers, Department of Social Services (DSHS) Children's Administration (CA) staff, tribal members and other caregivers for children.

One of the largest gatherings of its kind in the world the Foster Parent and Relative Caregiver's Conference features keynote speakers, 48 educational and inspiring workshops, a town hall meeting with CA Assistant Secretary Cheryl Stephani, and other fun and informational activities.

"For us to be successful in the foster care arena, we need the help from the community," says Cheryl Stephani. "From every neighborhood, every school, and every corner of the state we ask citizens to be partners with us to care for abused and neglected children."

"About 11,000 children are in placements outside their own home. With specialized training of our caregivers and services for children, we are helping them to achieve their goals."

This conference has provided foster parents and caregivers an opportunity to gain knowledge and training on how to care for these children and the issues they face. In addition to networking with other parents and social workers, attendees learn about self-care, mentoring, cultural needs, safety, health, and medical issues.

CA partners with 20 non-profit, tribal, faith-based, educational, private and state organizations and agencies to present the much anticipated three-day event.