Keeping Kids Safe was founded in 2024 by a group of foster parents who each have a unique journey, background, and experience with the system. This led us to where we are now - a powerful group of grown ups with a passion to Keep Kids SAFE. We strive to educate and make an impact with children in our community.
Our team is made up of dedicated professionals, foster parents, service providers, and community members who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children who need a voice. We work together to gather and provide data, educate, and voice the concerns around the safety of children involved in the child welfare system in Washington State
We are proud to partner with a variety of local organizations to advocate for mutual goals. From meeting with community members, education the general public, meeting with our state legislators, our partners help us extend our reach and impact in the community.
I’ve been a foster parent for six years, witnessing firsthand the impact of trauma, the power of reunification, and the challenges families face without proper support. Early on, I was told my views on safety came from a place of privilege, but my own upbringing tells a different story. As the child of divorced parents, I saw my mother struggle to re-enter the workforce and both my parents work to heal and prioritize us, even when help was hard to ask for.
What I learned is that, despite hardships, my parents always put us first and filled our home with love and safety. That belief guides me today, both at work and at home: it’s an adult’s job to keep kids safe.
Region 5
Becoming a part of something bigger has always been my passion. When I had not yet found a partner, I saw foster parenting as a meaningful way to give back, make a difference, and pursue my dream of motherhood. For nearly a decade, I served as a foster parent, caring for children and supporting families in need. Recently, I stepped back from foster care to focus on advocacy for children impacted by HB 1227. With experience both as a foster parent and an in-home provider, I have witnessed firsthand the profound consequences when children are not adequately protected, and I am committed to ensuring their voices are heard and their safety prioritized.
After years working in childcare and witnessing the effects of abuse and neglect on children, my desire to make a difference deepened when I supported one child in particular. Nine years ago, I became a licensed foster parent and welcomed 15 children into my home, eventually adopting my youngest daughter. Her case was severe, yet not uncommon. I later relinquished my foster care license to dedicate myself fully to supporting other children like my daughter, helping them find safety and hope for the future.
My husband and I have been foster parents for 16 years, welcoming nearly 60 children into our home during that time. As a mother of four and a passionate advocate for the safety and well-being of children across Washington State, I am dedicated to supporting families and collaborating with birth parents, fellow caregivers, and community partners. I strongly believe that meaningful changes to HB 1227 are needed—changes that will keep children safe while also giving parents a real opportunity to access recovery services in a timely manner.
Region 3
Tristan is a fierce and compassionate advocate for children and families, grounded in her deep belief that every child deserves both safety and love. Having fostered more than a dozen children and served as a 1624 Representative, she brings a powerful voice shaped by lived experience. When she saw policies that failed to protect children, Tristan refused to stay silent. Now, she speaks out with courage and conviction—working to build a system where every child is protected, every family is supported, and every voice is heard.
Born addicted to drugs and involved with child protective services from an early age, my challenging childhood shaped my passion for protecting vulnerable children. For nearly 18 years, I have operated one of the largest visitation agencies in Washington State, serving thousands of families and making a significant impact in the community. Through years of experience and witnessing many changes, my commitment remains focused on advocating for continued improvements that protect and support children.
Statewide
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.