The FIRST Program provides neutral advice and support to foster parents statewide.
Licensed foster parents may experience an investigation when someone makes an allegation against them.
I’m glad that this program was created. Being investigated is scary, especially when the allegations aren’t true or you feel like the investigation is in retaliation for daring to open your mouth and call out wrongdoing on the part of the department. Hopefully, the FIRST Program will not only help caregivers, but will also help keep the department from retaliating against caregivers who file complaints against them or disagree with their decisions. I’m really hoping that this program helps is many different ways.