The success of reuniting children with their families or finding them other permanent homes is highly dependent on OCS worker caseloads. In 2018, House Bill 151 was passed by the Alaska State Legislature and signed into law by (then-Governor) Bill Walker. The bill was passed as an attempt to improve OCS caseworker training and reduce caseloads among OCS caseworkers. Unfortunately, the public often views OCS caseworkers in a negative light. For many foster youth(s), especially those who have been successfully adopted into permanent, loving homes, the OCS caseworker is seen as a blessing in disguise.  

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The purpose of this website is to educate the public about foster child adoptions and the importance of OCS caseworkers in that process. Amanda Metivier, Associate Director at the Alaska Child Welfare Academy and the Executive Director at Facing Foster Care in Alaska, shares about the role of OCS caseworkers in the foster child adoption process. Les Gara, former Alaska State Legislator, shares how the provisions of House Bill 151 were meant to reduce OCS caseloads and better equip OCS caseworkers to do their job. Gary and Sheri Becker share about their experience in adopting five children out of the foster care program. Finally, Roxanne Zorea shares about how her life changed following her adoption from foster care.