Becoming a foster parent is not an easy decision. These are children who have been turned over to the state because of extreme cases such as abuse and neglect at the hands of their biological parents. Taking them in, therefore, requires as much time and commitment as it would caring for one's own children, if not more.

For these reasons, the number of foster children in need of homes is always greater than the number of foster parents willing to take them in. But the state — in essence, the "parent" to these youths once they enter the foster-care system — can change that. And Gov. Linda Lingle has taken a positive step to do just that.

On Thursday, the governor signed an administrative directive that will grant state employees who are licensed foster parents administrative leave so they can attend Family Court hearings involving their foster children. Prior to this move, state employees were required to use their vacation time in order to be present in court.

"Foster parents make tremendous sacrifices and dedicate valuable time and unwavering love to care for foster children," said Lingle in a prepared statement. "This directive is one way we can support state employees who are foster parents."

Among the myriad issues of foster care, this is but one piece. But it's no small matter.

The Family Court hears cases that greatly affect children's lives, including the termination of parental rights, adoption, guardianship, and abuse and neglect. Foster parents can offer insight during these hearings by letting the court know how the child is doing in school and how their behavior has been since they've been in the foster home.

This is all information that must be taken into account when making such critical life-altering decisions.

There are approximately 2,100 children in Hawai'i's foster-care system, and there is much more work to be done to ensure that they are well taken care of.

But with this incentive, perhaps more state workers may find it easier to make the decision to become a foster parent.

And for the sake of these vulnerable youth, maybe counties and private employers will follow the governor's lead.