OLYMPIA -- The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Children's Administration (CA) will host a free one-day foster care resource summit "All Kids are Our Kids" from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., November 1 at the Warm Beach Camp and Conference Center in Stanwood, Snohomish County.

"All Kids are Our Kids" is a one-stop opportunity of resources, networking, and information involving foster children and all children in DSHS care and their caregivers. Experts in the fields of child care, education, health services, cultural diversity, developmental disabilities, legal issues, drug addiction, and other topics will be available at workshops and information booths during the conference.

"Supporting foster parents and attracting potential caregivers for abused and neglected children is one of the most important functions we can offer," says Randy Hart, CA Region 3 Administrator. "Sponsoring community events and networking opportunities like this can raise awareness of the need for more foster parents and volunteers."

On average each month 60 children in Snohomish County must be placed out of their home. The optimum goal is to have two to three beds available for every one child needing a place to live because foster care workers do not want to separate siblings and want to place children in their school district.

Workshops, panels, keynote speakers, and 33 resource booths with representatives from DSHS, The Boeing Company, YMCA, Family to Family, Catholic Community Services, Passion to Action, Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney, Snohomish County Office of Public Defenders, Resource Family Training Institute and other organizations and agencies will be on hand to discuss, encourage and advise.

Successes achieved by foster children and their families, kinship caregivers, social workers and all those who make a difference in the lives of children "in the system" will be celebrated throughout the conference. An afternoon open mic session will feature shared personal stories.

The public is invited; advance registration is advised as space is limited. To register contact Lori Lee Haener of CA at (425) 339-4818, or Haen300@dshs.wa.gov. The Warm Beach Camp and Conference Center is located at 20800 Marine Drive, Stanwood, Washington 98292.