Last spring, Idaho children living in KinCare with grandparents and other extended family members were invited to explore the meaning of family through poems, essays and drawings in the fourth annual My Family. My Story. art contest. Children from across the state sent in their poems, short essays, and drawings that described how living with someone other than their parents makes a positive difference in their lives. On Friday, July 17^th, the children’s art work will be celebrated across the state during Idaho KinCare Family Day, which Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter has proclaimed.

Idaho Secretary of State Lawerence Denney will officially present the Idaho KinCare Family Day proclamation at 9:30 a.m. in the Governor’s Ceremonial Office. Two art contest winners from each of the three age groups also will be announced. A reception with cake and ice cream will follow at Capitol Park in Downtown Boise. KinCare families and the public are invited to attend the presentation and reception.

In Idaho, more than 29,000 children live in households headed by grandparents or other relatives. Across the state, extended family members preserve the meaning and function of family for thousands of children who might otherwise be in foster care. The My Family. My Story. art contest is intended to recognize and celebrate the contributions of these relative caregivers.

The 211/Navigation Idaho KinCare Project and community partners sponsored the contest exclusively for children living in KinCare families. For more information about the My Family. My Story. art contest, please call the Idaho CareLine at 2-1-1 or visit http://www.211.idaho.gov/kincare/myfamilymystory.html.