Together--for the Kids

Frustrated foster parents in Washington State are seeking strength in numbers. The 600 families of the Foster Parent Association of Washington State have formed an unprecedented alliance with the state's largest union. They hope the power of the union, the Washington Federation of State Employees, will spur the Children's Administration to improve oversight and provide better training for foster parents. (State officials declined to comment.) The whole system is "in crisis," says Mary McGauhey, foster mom to two children with special needs. "Families are asked to care for children they just aren't trained to handle."

Unionization is expected to lead to...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!