Link Source: https://www.courts.wa.gov/newsinfo/?fa=newsinfo.internetdetail&newsid=50132
A record number of Washington counties are hosting Family Reunification Day celebrations this summer, bringing parents and children together with judicial officers, child welfare workers, community members and others to recognize the hard work and the support that bring families back together after separation. The events recognize both families who have completed reunifications, and those now working to reunify their families.
More than 20 counties across the state are planning celebrations this summer, the fifth year of the statewide recognition.
The 2023 Family Reunification celebrations take place as a new state law, the Keeping Families Together Act (HB 1227), goes into effect on July 1. The law recognizes the enduring trauma caused by children’s removal from their families, and raises the standards under which courts can order children removed from their parents. If children must be removed to prevent imminent harm, significant efforts must be made to find suitable placement within their family.
While June is proclaimed Family Reunification Month in Washington, courts and communities celebrate throughout the summer. Details of local celebrations can be found on the Administrative Office of the Courts’ (AOC’s) Family Reunification Day page, which is updated as new event details become available.
“Celebrating parents with their families is so important in this work. It’s acknowledging all the hard work of the parents and celebrating the family as a unit,” said Tonia McClanahan, a Parent Representative with the state Office of Public Defense who serves as co-chair of the state Family Reunification Day Steering Committee.
“Families are meant to be together,” she said. “When we as part of our communities support the celebrations, we instill hope in those still struggling and hope in each other. Thank you for recognizing our families.”
As of March 2023, more than 7,200 children were placed in out-of-home care in Washington. Reunification of families is the primary goal of “dependency,” the legal process in which dependent children are taken into the oversight of the state. The majority of children separated from their parents — about 60 percent — return home after parents make improvements that are guided by child welfare workers and monitored by courts.
The statewide recognition of Family Reunification Month is sponsored by the Washington Supreme Court Commission on Children in Foster Care, which is co-chaired by Supreme Court Justice Barbara Madsen and Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) Secretary Ross Hunter. The Commission launched the celebration in 2018 to highlight the primary goal of reunifying families when struggles have led to separation.
However, many community celebrations were just developing when the pandemic hit.
“It’s been a long road back. While we realize the many issues facing our courts in ‘getting back to normal’ post-Covid, the celebration of the reunified family is an important goal for every court,” said Kitsap County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Basset, co-chair of the state Family Reunification Day Steering Committee. “Showing our support for their ongoing success not only sends the message that we stand behind them, but also demonstrates our commitment to families, including to those who are new to the dependency system.”
The Washington Supreme Court Commission on Children in Foster Care was established in 2005 and brings together judges, legislators, attorneys, child welfare officials, and representatives of foster parents, birth parents and foster youth who have the knowledge and ability to improve the journeys of foster children through the dependency process. The Commission acts by improving court processes, laws, regulations and policies so children can move safely and more quickly into stable homes, either through reunification with parents or through adoption.
CONTACT: Kitsap County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Bassett, Co-Chair, Family Reunification Month Steering Committee, jbassett@co.kitsap.wa.us; Parent Representative Tonia McClanahan, Steering Committee Co-Chair, tonia.ssw.wa.opd@gmail.com; or Lorrie Thompson, Senior Communications Officer, Lorrie.Thompson@courts.wa.gov.
IN OTHER STATE NEWS:
Twelve announces plans to scale production of sustainable aviation fuel made from CO2 in Washington State--WA COMMERCE DEPT.
More than $300 million awarded to support clean water projects.
OLYMPIA –
More than 125 clean water projects across Washington are on the list to receive $313 million in grants and loans from the Department of Ecology.--DOE
Cleaning up: Cleanup of shoreline and sediment moving forward for Seattle’s Gas Works Park.
Gas Works Park, on the north shore of Lake Union, was once home to a gas manufacturing plant. The plant was constructed in 1907 and operated until 1956, providing fuel for the growing population of Seattle. Prior to industrialization, the area was home to three indigenous communities — the Duwamish, Hachooabsh, and Shilsholes.--DOE
Fish and Wildlife Commission will hear updates on draft Conservation Policy, wolves, and legislation during June 22-23 meeting in Seattle.
OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is scheduled to hear updates on a variety of topics during its June 22-23 meeting in Seattle, including the draft Conservation Policy, state recovery status for wolves and western gray squirrels, land and facilities transactions, agency awards, and legislative issues and budget requests.--WDFW
State revokes, suspends licenses, certifications, registrations of health care providers.
Jefferson County
In May 2023 the Dental Commission indefinitely suspended the dental assistant license of Sarah Gates Smith (D161348089). In April 2022, Smith was convicted of driving under the influence and negligent driving and did not comply with subsequent conditions on the license.--DOH
2) NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION:
Cantwell Welcomes Reopening of Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park
Ridge closed to visitors since May 7 lodge fire; NPS announces area will reopen on June 27--details
Improved Broadband Connectivity Coming to Puget Sound Region Thanks to $11.7 Million Grant
Federal grant will boost internet access for 100,000+ residents in Whidbey Island, Lummi Nation, San Juan County, Point Roberts, and Northwest Whatcom County; New infrastructure can help close the ‘homework gap’ for over 2,000 students in Blaine School District.--Details
KILMER APPLAUDS HISTORIC LAUNCH OF $575 MILLION COASTAL AND TRIBAL CLIMATE RESILIENCE CHALLENGE
UNPRECEDENTED INITIATIVE TO DRIVE RESILIENCE AND CLIMATE ADAPTATION, PIONEERING A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH FOR UNDERSERVED COASTAL AND TRIBAL COMMUNITIES--Details
KILMER ANNOUNCES $9.4 MILLION FEDERAL GRANT TO REPLACE PORT OF BREMERTON BREAKWATER IN PORT ORCHARD--details
Senators Murray, Casey, Kaine, and Hirono Urge Congressional Action Ahead of Child Care Funding Cliff as New Century Foundation Report Warns of Major Economic Consequences--details
Murray, Schumer, Senate Democratic Women Hold Press Conference Ahead of Dobbs Anniversary, Announce Floor Action on Commonsense Bills to Protect Women’s Fundamental Freedoms--details
3) WORLD & NATIONAL
Build Future Rooted in Equality, Secretary-General Tells Sciences Po Students, Urging Them to 'Resist the Siren Call of Companies Destroying Our Planet’--UN PRESS RELEASE
General Assembly Adopts Resolution Urging Unity to Tackle New, Emerging Threats, as Speakers Assess Progress in Advancing Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy--UN PRESS RELEASE
Remarks on the UN General Assembly Adoption of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy--USUN
Official Says Ukraine Well Prepared to Liberate Russian-Occupied Territory--DOD
Killings drive Israelis and Palestinians ‘deeper into an abyss’, warns Türk.
A particularly deadly week of violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory’s West Bank risks spiralling out of control, UN human rights chief Volker Türk said on Friday, after a “major intensification” involving Israeli airstrikes and drone attacks.--UN NEWS
NATION
California Skilled Nursing Facility and Management Company Agree to Pay $3.825 Million to Settle Allegations of Kickbacks to Referring Physicians--DOJ
Justice Department Announces New National Security Cyber Section Within the National Security Division--DOJ
Statement from U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona on Recent Long-Term Trend Assessment for 13-Year-Olds--Dept. of Education
U.S. E-cigarette Sales Climbed during 2020-2022
Increases in number of brands, and sales of disposable devices and flavors popular among youth--CDC
FDA Inspection Blitz Leads to More Than 180 Warning Letters to Retailers for the Illegal Sale of Youth-Appealing Elf Bar and Esco Bars E-Cigarettes
Recent Studies Show Elf Bar Sales Increasing, Calls to Poison Centers About Elf Bar Exposure Among Children Under 5 Raise Concerns.--FDA
4) BUSINESS
Statement by Secretary Vilsack Regarding India’s Reduction In Retaliatory Tariffs on Agricultural Products--USDA
The Future of Office Spaces May Be Tied Up in Red Tape
A U.S. Chamber survey of commercial real estate experts shows local zoning and permitting regulations often get in the way of converting empty office space into residential units.--US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Opening Remarks
Governor Michelle W. Bowman
At “Fed Listens: Transitioning to the Post-Pandemic Economy,” a plenary session at Policy Summit 2023: Communities Thriving in a Changing Economy, hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, Cleveland, Ohio--THE FED
Maryland Restaurant Owner Pleads Guilty to Employment and Other Tax Crimes--DOJ
National Taxpayer Advocate issues midyear report to Congress; highlights filing season challenges and focuses on strategic priorities--IRS
5) LOCAL NEWS & LOCAL MEETINGS
IN FOCUS: City to Receive $16.13 Million RAISE Grant for Puget Sound to Pacific Multi-Use Trail Initiative.
The City of Port Angeles has been selected to receive a $16.13 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant for the Puget Sound to Pacific Multi-Use Trail. Spurred by the Puget Sound to Pacific Collaborative, this grant will fund the planning and design of 34 multi-use trail segments across the Olympic and Kitsap peninsulas. The City will accept the award as the Lead Agency Applicant and in partnership with 12 jurisdictions across the state.
The exciting Puget Sound to Pacific (PS2P) initiative aims to complete a 200-mile regional trail network, comprised of the Olympic Discovery Trail and Sound to Olympics Trail. Once constructed, the PS2P network will extend from the Washington state ferry terminals at Bainbridge Island, Kingston, and Port Townsend, to the Pacific Coast in La Push. The PS2P will also serve as the western end of the 3,400-mile Great American Rail-Trail.
“The development of our Olympic Discovery Trail system thus far has necessitated strong leadership and great partnerships. Those responsible for its success have demonstrated hard work, perseverance, and taking action with courage,” said Port Angeles City Manager Nathan A. West. “This grant opportunity broadens our joint efforts and heightens the success of a regional trail system that will benefit residents and visitors for generations to come.”
The RAISE grant will be utilized to fund planning and design work that address approximately 100 miles of gaps within the trail network, make safety improvements, and ultimately, facilitate new connections amongst communities across the state. Construction funding will be sought in future years as planning is completed.
“This award is fantastic news,” said Jeff Bohman, Peninsula Trails Coalition President. “Not only will it benefit Port Angeles and the Olympic Discovery Trail, it’s also a tremendous opportunity for agencies from across three counties to work together on a nationally significant project – one that will bind our communities through a regional network of trails. The Peninsula Trails Coalition looks forward to partnering with these agencies to fulfill the potential of this grant.”
Co-recipients and beneficiaries of the grant include Clallam, Jefferson and Kitsap counties; the cities of Bainbridge Island, Forks, Port Townsend, Poulsbo, and Sequim; the Quileute and Suquamish tribes; the Port of Port Townsend; and the Washington State Department of Transportation.
“I was thrilled to hear from Senator Murray that we had been awarded a RAISE Grant for the PS2P Project,” said Port Angeles Mayor Kate Dexter. “The City of Port Angeles is honored to be the lead agency on this amazing collaboration, which will benefit the entire region and beyond. We look forward to working with our local and regional partners to complete this very important and exciting project.”
The City of Port Angeles, along with other recipients, thank Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, Representative Derek Kilmer, and Governor Jay Inslee for their tremendous advocacy and support of this exciting, quality-of-life initiative.
The Puget Sound to Pacific (PS2P) Collaborative was established by the Peninsula Trails Coalition, Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation, and the North Kitsap Trails Association to provide funding for the planning and design of projects to complete the Olympic Discovery Trail and Sound to Olympics Trail. To learn more about this project and the PS2P Collaborative, please visit www.ps2p.org or email info@ps2p.org.
https://www.cityofpa.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1440
City Council Special Meeting
Notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Port Angeles will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, starting at 5:00 p.m. Listening and webcast options will be available at www.cityofpa.us. The meeting will be conducted as a hybrid meeting. In hybrid meetings, members of the public, Council members, and City staff have the option to attend in person at the City Hall Council Chambers, located at 321 East 5th Street in Port Angeles, or remotely via telephone or video link. This meeting is open to the public. Details
https://www.cityofpa.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1437
LIFTED - Precautionary Boil Water Notice
On Wednesday, June 21, 2023, water was restored to the homes impacted by a water outage in the Monroe Road area of Port Angeles. A localized precautionary boil water notice was issued, and door hangers placed at the impacted homes.
https://www.cityofpa.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1438
Clallam County Meetings
Clallam County work session for 6/26/23
https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06262023-856
Clallam County Commission meeting for 6/27/23
https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06272023-857
Port of Port Angeles Commission meeting for 6/27/23
https://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06272023-6894
City of Sequim Council meeting for 6/26/23
https://www.sequimwa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/2856
City of Forks Council meeting for 6/26/23
https://forkswashington.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Agenda-06262023.pdf
JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS
Jefferson County Commission meeting for 6/26/23
https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/8d7beb60-4c63-4c39-b23a-ba0338168f6f
Special meeting of the City of Port Townsend for 6/26/23
Weekly devotional
BIBLE VERSE: 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (New King James Version)
But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.
Weekly Bible Study
All Things That Pertain to Life and Godliness
One purpose of the book of 2 Peter is to combat heresy and Gnosticism. True knowledge is introduced (1:2) and this through Jesus Christ. True knowledge comes from fellowship with Christ (Colossians 1:9-10). False knowledge is that Gnostic doctrine that denies the deity of Christ, that defies God’s authority, and is an inevitable failure under God’s plan of salvation. Another purpose of this book is to assure the Jewish Christians, to whom it was written, of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The main subject of the book of 2 Peter, however, is salvation to all men.--TFTW
https://truthfortheworld.org/all-things-that-pertain-to-life-and-godliness
Free bible studies (WBS)
https://www.worldbibleschool.org/
Learn English using the bible as text (WEI)
http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/
(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)
1233 E Front St, Port Angeles, WA 98362
The Chosen: About the life of Christ
https://watch.angelstudios.com/thechosen
THIS WEEK'S VIDEOS
Real or Fake? Glenn Reacts to WILDEST News He Missed on Vacation.
That’s communist-crazy!” “How is THAT happening at the White House?” These are just a few of Glenn’s reactions to the news he missed while on vacation in Europe. His producers put him on a strict no-news diet, although news of Trump’s federal indictment over “classified documents” did find its way across the pond. BlazeTV host Stu Burguiere takes Glenn through some of the biggest headlines in a “two truths and a lie” format. Headlines like "President Joe Biden said it was a 'such a dumb question' to ask why he was referred to as the 'big guy' in an FBI informant file," "Biden nearly gets handful of Eva Longoria’s breasts," and "in latest gaffe, President Biden repeatedly claims his daughter is his wife." Only one of those is fake, but how can you tell at a glance anymore with how absurd our culture has become? Will Glenn’s brain MELT when he learns what happened at the White House during its Pride event or that Cornel West has entered the presidential race? Will Glenn be able to tell REAL headlines from FAKE ones?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEYxaM09L68
Philemon - Imitating Christ-tftw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHqgzfr3u8A
The Port Angeles Globe is a weekly Publication, every Saturday-- Publisher, Peter Ripley
Night Owl Comics: The Sons of Liberty, The Patterson Family
