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January jobs report: Unemployment rate falls to 4%, wages rise more than forecast; Trump signs order imposing sanctions on International Criminal Court over investigations of Israel; Ten Commandments in public schools debate reaches South Dakota; Virginia ranks among worst states for wage theft; Mexican long-nosed bat makes appearance in Arizona.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi strikes a Trump tone at the Justice Department, federal workers get more time to consider buyouts, and an unclassified email request from the White House worries CIA vets.

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During Black History Month, a new book shares how a unique partnership built 5,000 schools for Black students, anti-hunger advocates say ag communities would benefit from an expanded SNAP program, and Americans have $90 billion in unpaid medical bills.

ID offers free state park passes for foster families

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Tuesday, August 13, 2024   

Foster families will have free access to Idaho state parks under a new initiative.

The Idaho State Park Foster Family Passport program will give families annual passes to the state's 30 parks. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and the Department of Parks and Recreation are partnering on the program, which is funded by Regence BlueShield of Idaho and the Idaho Business for the Outdoors.

Laura Denner, division administrator of family and community partnerships for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, explained the motivation behind the program.

"We really know that outcomes are better for the families and children when they're engaged in extra activities and Idahoans really love the outdoors," Denner pointed out. "We thought this was a great opportunity to help those families get out and be together in our Idaho wilderness."

Denner noted there are about 1,400 foster children in Idaho but only about 1,100 foster families, about half the number the state needs. Denner hopes additional benefits like the passport program will help attract more families to fostering.

Along with passes, Denner said the Department of Parks and Recreation is offering classes throughout the state so foster kids and their families can learn outdoor skills.

"It might be cooking over a campfire, building a campfire, setting up a tent and a camp space," Denner outlined. "It could be things like paddleboarding."

Denner added the state is finding other ways to retain and attract foster families as well. Starting in October, state employees who become foster parents will be eligible for eight weeks of parental leave when they welcome a child into their home.


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