Idaho lawmakers help raise more than $66k for youth in foster care

For the second year in a row, members of the Idaho Legislature's Republican Caucus helped spearhead a Christmas gift drive to support Idaho youth in foster care, raising $66,000 for young people preparing for adulthood.

Organized by Luisa Uribe-Holtzclaw and her husband, Rep. James Holtzclaw, R-Meridian, the drive more than tripled last year's total. Donations from lawmakers and Idahoans statewide - including the Republican Caucus, Coeur d'Alene Tribe, Ada County Sheriff's Office, Elite Property Management, and Idaho nonprofit Astegos - funded gift cards for more than 300 youth ages 16 to 23 who are currently in foster care. There were 130 individual donations ranging from $12 to $40,000.

"These young people are working incredibly hard to build their futures, often without the family supports many of us take for granted," Uribe-Holtzclaw said. "This effort is about showing them they are seen, valued, and supported by their community, especially during the holidays."

The gift cards will help youth meet essential needs as they prepare for key transitions such as entering the workforce or pursuing college or technical training. Funds can be used to support education, employment, and independent living - all critical areas for older foster youth navigating the turn into adulthood.

"This is one of the few drives in Idaho that focuses specifically on older foster youth," said Republican Caucus Chair Rep. Jaron Crane, R-Nampa. "These young adults are taking on enormous responsibility at a young age, and this is a practical way for us to stand with them as they take those next steps toward independence."

Youth ages 18 to 23 may participate in Idaho's Extended Foster Care Program, which was approved by the Legislature in 2021 and expanded to age 23 last session. The program provides support for education, employment, housing, and life skills through the state's Independent Living Program.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare also continues broader efforts to strengthen foster care statewide. Since June 2025, the department has been working to double the ratio of foster families to children in care. During that time, the ratio has increased from 75 foster parents per 100 children to 103 per 100, with a goal of reaching 150 families per 100 children in the coming year.

"Every gift card represents more than financial help. It represents hope, encouragement, and belief in these young people," said DHW Director Juliet Charron. "On behalf of the foster youth we serve, I am deeply grateful to Luisa Uribe-Holtzclaw, Idaho legislators, and community partners who stepped up in such a meaningful way."

The Department of Health and Welfare thanks Uribe-Holtzclaw, Idaho legislators, and community members for their generosity, leadership, and continued commitment to supporting youth in foster care.

A group gathered at DHW's downtown Boise office on Tuesday, Dec. 23, to hand off gifts. Photos from that gathering are available at the following link: https://publicdocuments.dhw.idaho.gov/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=35506&dbid=0&repo=PUBLIC-DOCUMENTS.

Captions:

1. From left to right: Idaho Republican Caucus Chair Rep. Jaron Crane, R-Nampa, Cole Scott from Astegos, Astegos Founder and CEO Tim Flaherty, Rep. James Holtzclaw, R-Meridian, Luisa Uribe-Holtzclaw, and DHW staff including Director Juliet Charron, Family and Community Partnerships Administrator Laura Denner, Youth Safety and Permanency Administrator Jean Fisher, and Child, Youth and Family Services Deputy Director Monty Prow.
2. Luisa Uribe-Holtzclaw signs a giant check for $66,000, which will be given to youth and young adults in foster care aged 16-23 in the form of gift cards.
3. Youth Safety and Permanency Deputy Division Administrator Wendy Seagraves and Division Administrator Jean Fisher (right) take a look at a box of gift cards that will go to youth and young adults in foster care.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.