HI H.O.P.E.S Initiative

The HI H.O.P.E.S. Initiative

The Initiative works to ensure that young people who’ve experienced foster care — primarily those between ages 14 and 26 — have the relationships, resources and opportunities they need for success. We do this by working with public and private partners on the state and local level to improve policies and practices, promote youth voice and engagement, apply evaluation and research, and create community partnerships. Our work creates opportunities for young people to achieve positive outcomes in permanency, education, employment, housing, health, financial capability, and social capital.

The HI H.O.P.E.S. Initiative is a partner of the national Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative and the Annie E. Casey Foundation. For more information about the national work, please go to www.jimcaseyyouth.org.

HI H.O.P.E.S. Youth Leadership Boards

HI H.O.P.E.S. (Hawaiʻi Helping Our People Envision Success) Youth Leadership Boards are comprised of current and former foster youth between 14-26, with boards on Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, Maui and East and West Hawaiʻi. As the youth voice of the HI H.O.P.E.S. Initiative, their mission is to educate, advocate and collaborate for improvements in the foster care system and better outcomes for foster youth. HI H.O.P.E.S. youth boards also serve as the youth advisory council to the Child Welfare Services Branch of the Department of Human Services, State of Hawaiʻi.

HI H.O.P.E.S. Match Program

The HI H.O.P.E.S. Match Program—Hawaiʻi’s version of the Opportunity Passport®—helps young people ages 14–26 who are in or leaving foster care build money skills, confidence, and independence. By taking a Financial Literacy Training, young people learn the essential skills around banking, credit, saving, and more. After finishing the training, they open a youth-friendly bank account with a $190 stipend and start saving toward personal goals. With support from caring adults, youth can buy important items—like a car, school costs, or housing—with a $1 for $1 match that helps them move into adulthood with more stability. The program is built on the belief that every young person deserves strong relationships, helpful resources, and real chances to succeed.

Pono Process

The Pono Process offers additional support for children and young people in foster care, especially during moments when their rights may not be fully recognized or upheld. It’s designed to empower youth with clarity, connection, and tools to advocate for themselves and others.