What We Do
We’re here to honor and uplift the rights of foster youth — together. This resource 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.
Meet the Pono Process Team
Who We Are
Professionals with heart and firsthand experience. Each member of our team brings deep knowledge and lived experience from Hawai‘i’s foster care system. We understand the journey because we’ve walked it ourselves, and we’re here to support youth with empathy, expertise, and a commitment to making things pono—right, respectful, and rooted in care.
Melissa Mayo
Pono Process Lead
Tianna Celis-Webster
Tianna Celis-Webster
Pono Process Navigator
How To Use The Pono Process
Step 1
Current foster youth shares their concern online, email, call, or text.
Step 2
Pono Process Navigator receives the concern and checks in with the youth for more information.
Step 3
Pono Process Navigator shares the youth's concern with your team. A youth's team consists of:
- Social Worker (SW)
- Resource Caregiver (RCG)
- Guardian Ad Litem (G.A.L)
- Court Appointed Special Advocate (C.A.S.A).
Step 4
The youth and their team will work together to find a solution for the concern. The Pono Process Navigator will check-in to make sure that the concern is being addressed.
Step 5
If more support is needed, Pono Process Navigator will bring in Child Welfare Leadership Team to help find a solution.
Step 6
If the youth's concern is not solved, the Pono Process team will support the youth in exploring legal options.
Resources
Foster Youth Bill of Rights
This video breaks down the rights you have as a young person in foster care in Hawai‘i—like being safe, respected, and heard. Knowing your rights helps you speak up, make informed choices, and get the support you deserve. Whether you’re in care now or just want to understand more, this video is here to remind you: your voice matters, and you have the right to be treated with dignity and care.
Hawaiʻi Rights of Children in Foster Care
In Hawai‘i foster care, you have rights to stay safe, be healthy, go to school, and be heard. You can stay connected with family, join activities, and help plan your future. Starting at age 12, you’ll get life skills and support for independence. No matter who you are, you deserve respect and care.
Normalcy for Children and Young People in Foster Care
Normalcy for Children and Young People in Foster Care
Normalcy for Children and Young People in Foster Care
Being in foster care doesn’t mean missing out on life. You have the right to do normal things—like joining sports, hanging out with friends, going to sleepovers, and exploring who you are. Caregivers are encouraged to support your growth, independence, and identity while keeping you safe. Whether you’re parenting, LGBTQ+, have a disability, or just figuring things out, you deserve respect, support, and chances to thrive. Your voice matters, and you should be part of decisions about your life.
Don't Say No Til You Know Handout
Normalcy for Children and Young People in Foster Care
Normalcy for Children and Young People in Foster Care
Just because you’re in foster care doesn’t mean you should miss out on life. This guide helps caregivers say “yes” to things that help you grow—like sports, sleepovers, social media, jobs, and even prom. It reminds adults to check your age, maturity, and safety, not just say “no.” You have the right to be included, respected, and supported in doing the things that make you feel like you.