Seattle’s Child is proud to partner with the state Department of Children, Youth and Families Strengthening Families Washington to honor outstanding caregivers doing important work on behalf of children.
All month long, we’ll introduce you to Unsung Heroes from around the state: biological parents, grandparents, foster and adoptive parents. Some volunteer at local schools; some have started nonprofits; some mentor others in their communities. Enjoy their stories.
Jacinda White, Tulalip
Jacinda White easily meets and surpasses what is typically required for a foster parent for the children in her home.
When you hear “I only want babies,” there’s a stigma and belief set about who the foster family might be. Thankfully, Jacinda and her family are able to blow that expectation out of the water and make each child in her home comfortable, confident and able to catch up with their milestones.
Jacinda is a knowledgeable and dedicated caregiver for medically fragile infants. Jacinda is able to balance a child’s medical appointments within their family and ask for help whenever needed through case aide time, respite support, or reaching out for support emotionally when needed. Jacinda is also able to keep children within their communities and families of origin by remaining connected to birth parents with open arms and an open heart. Jacinda has no hesitation to participate in parent/child and sibling visitation, connecting children to relatives, and being an ongoing support to birth families.
Jacinda is able to be outspoken about a child’s needs and best interests, especially when they are medically fragile and experience more complications when in out-of-home placement. To Jacinda, foster care and being a foster parent is truly about keeping a child in as normal of a situation as possible while meeting their emotional and physical needs. Jacinda has successfully participated in two reunifications and keeps all children who were in her home, no matter the length of time, within her heart and part of her family and network of support.
Jacinda is truly an unsung hero and someone we wish we could replicate for all foster parents.
Nominators: Drew Beam and Paige Pettit with Youthnet
More Unsung Heroes:
Amy Jensen has shown her boys what a mother can do
Through grief, Susan Barbeau has been there for her child, her community
Josie Garcia is passionate about her family and community
Marysville couple form beautiful bonds while helping kids heal
SW Washington family share “big, amazing hearts” with foster community
Brian McClay, adoptive dad and champion to kids facing challenges
