SUPISA Hosts Informational Session to Address Utah Foster Care Shortage
Published: November 14, 2025 | Author: Southern Utah University | Read Time: 2 minutes
As the month of November celebrates gratitude and community, the Southern Utah Pacific Islander Student Association (SUPISA) at Southern Utah University is turning its focus toward an important issue facing families across the state — the Utah Foster Care shortage crisis.
In alignment with the organization’s ongoing commitment to civic engagement and community involvement, SUPISA is hosting an informational session titled “Needing More Families: A Conversation on Utah’s Foster Care Crisis.” The event will take place on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Southern Utah University’s ST-141 CB.
The session will feature Align Utah Foster Care Agency, who will lead a courageous conversation about the realities and urgent needs within the foster care system. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the fostering process, the challenges currently faced by Utah’s foster families, and how individuals and communities can help fill this critical gap.
According to Utah Foster Care, there are currently 1,756 children in the foster care system across the state — but only 822 licensed foster families. The number of licensed foster families in Utah is now at its lowest point in 25 years, underscoring the growing need for public awareness, support, and participation.
“As Pacific Islanders, we deeply value the concept of 'aiga (Samoan) orʻohana (Hawaian) — family,” said Ms. Muasita Talafiti Suani, President of the Southern Utah Pacific Islander Student Association. “This initiative is close to our hearts because every child deserves a loving, supportive home. By hosting this event, we hope to inspire our community to take action, whether through fostering, advocacy, or simply spreading awareness about this urgent issue.”
Through this informational session, SUPISA hopes to not only highlight the immediate need for more foster families but also to strengthen the connection between higher education, local organizations, and the broader Utah community.
Event Details
Event: Information Session on the Utah Foster Care Crisis — Needing More Families
Hosted by: Southern Utah Pacific Islander Student Association (SUPISA)
Featuring: Align Utah Foster Care Agency
Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Time: 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Southern Utah University, ST-141 CB
This event is free and open to the public.
Tags: Community
Contact Information:
Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu