How to Become a Foster Parent in Washington
Foster children face obstacles every day that most of us can only imagine. Many struggles with anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and between 31% and 46% of former foster youths face homelessness by age 26.
A lack of proper care and support contributes to the problem, as many kids are stuck waiting for the right placement. You can help by getting a foster license and opening your home to these children and teens.
If you want to know how to become a foster parent in Washington, you've come to the right place. You need to know here about the process, finding support, and more.
Quotes about foster care
How to Become a Foster Parent in Washington
Close to 400,000 children are in the U.S. foster care system, and the numbers are on the rise. Yet, the path to becoming a foster parent in Washington can often seem unclear. FosterUSKids.org is your source for information and guidance, connecting you with a local Washington agency to simplify becoming a foster parent.
HOW TO FOSTER: A SIX-STEP GLANCE
There are six steps to complete before you can bring a child into your home as a licensed foster parent in Washington:
- Request Information About Fostering –
FosterUSKids puts the Washington foster care and adoption agencies at your fingertips. - Attend an Orientation Meeting for Foster Parenting –
Learn more about the foster parent journey: how to become a foster parent, the characteristics of kids in foster care, and state foster care rules and regulations.
- Submit a Foster Parent Application –
Your agency’s social workers will help you with the required documentation, background checks, personal references, and state-specific criteria.
- Attend Pre-Service Training –
Around 30 hours of formal parent training cover essential topics from what to expect to trauma-informed foster care.
- Complete an Assessment and Home Study –
This vital process includes a home visit and interviews with social workers to ensure you are a good fit and ready to be matched with a foster child.
- Receive Your Foster License –
The typical 3 to 6-month process results in getting your foster family license and then welcoming a foster child into your home!
Parenting is a rewarding journey marked by commitment and growth. For foster children in Washington, the search is not for a perfect parent but someone they can count on for love, care, and a stable home – a foundation that will make a life-altering difference.
We at FosterUSKids are grateful you are on the path to learning more. For detailed guidance through every step, contact a Washington child-placing agency now.
Requirements to Foster in Washington
If you have questions or you're experiencing an emergency, contact your Child Welfare Office. If you're dealing with a medical emergency, contact 911 immediately.
The crisis support line for your local Child Welfare Office is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There is also after-hours support via the Contact Central Intake at 1-800-301-1868.
Washington residents can also access their regional mental health crisis line regardless of whether they have insurance. These helplines are open and staffed 24/7 all year round.
Washington foster families also have the Alliance Caregiver Retention, Education, and Support (CaRES) program. New parents can learn from CaRES mentors. Alliance CaRES partners with the Department of Children, Youth & Families to provide resources and assistance to foster and kinship families across the state.
Foster parents can also access discounts across Washington, such as state parks, zoos, etc. You can find more information about these free programs and discounts on the CaRES website.
Online tools, such as foster parent portals, help make fostering easier and streamline the application process.
Foster FAQs for Washington
You're likely wondering how you can get started, what you need, or whether you're ready to take the next step. While a foster advocate can answer your questions and explain the process more in-depth, here are a few FAQs that should also help.
Who Can Become a Foster Parent?
As long as you're responsible, flexible, empathetic, and willing to put in the time and effort, you can be a foster parent. Foster parents go through special training that teaches them about trauma-informed care. These courses teach you about what a foster child goes through, why they may behave in a certain way, and what parenting techniques you should use.
Single or married adults can apply to foster. If you're married, the state requires you to be married for at least one year before applying.
Can I Work and Still Foster a Child?
Yes! Plenty of parents work full-time and foster as well. The key requirement is that you have the time and energy to see to a child's needs.
Parents caring for younger children may be eligible for daytime childcare services.
How Do I Get Started?
The first step is to research the requirements in your state. This guide hopefully helped with that part. Private agencies may also have additional requirements for parents.
Talk to your partner and children if applicable. Fostering affects the entire family, and everyone should be on board. Once you're ready, contact your local child-placing agency.
Foster a Child in Washington
We hope this guide taught you more about how to become a foster parent in Washington and who can qualify. Your fostering journey can begin today. All it takes is one call.
If you want to learn more about foster care in Washington, click the link below.
Foster agencies in Washington
General Foster FAQs
General Statistics About Foster Care
8,894
Children in Washington foster care in 2021
2,582
Children in Washington are awaiting to be adopted
22
On Average a child is in Washington will spend in foster care
6
Is the average age for a child in Washington foster care in 2021
States across the U.S. are experiencing a foster family shortage, with too many kids in the system and not enough licensed caregivers to house them. Washington is no exception, which is why there's such a need for parents like you.
Here are some of the latest statistics for the state, which highlight the situation:
- There are 8,894 children in Washington's foster care system
- 3,849 entered foster care in the 2021 FY
- 2,582 were eligible for adoption as of September 30th, 2021
- 1,091 of those awaiting adoption had parental rights terminated
- The median age of children in foster care is seven years old
- 38% of foster youths live in a licensed foster home (non-relative)
- 34% live in a relative's foster family home
- Half of all case plan goals are to reconnect the child with their parents
- 29% of case plan goals include finding a family to adopt the child
- Foster children and teenagers spend a median time of 22 months in care
- The median age of those awaiting adoption is six years old
These kids not only need parents to open their homes, but they need love and stability in their lives. They also need someone willing to help them stay in school and study hard and to encourage them to learn about independent living.
The sad reality is that not only do many foster youths struggle with mental health issues and homelessness after exiting the system, but they also struggle to keep up with their peers in school. Moving around and missing school days has a significant impact on their studies.
Only 50% of foster children finish high school, making it difficult to find stable employment when they become adults.
Thankfully, you can help these kids through their time of crisis.
Support Services for Foster Parents in Washington
Anyone can become a foster parent if they have the right attitude and lots of love to give. You'll have to go through the necessary training first and complete all the steps in the licensure process.
In Washington state, applicants need to complete an orientation and Core Training course. They also must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Parents are at least 21 years old
- You live in a safe, comfortable environment
- You have a bed and enough room for each child
- All family members are in good health
- All adults must pass a background check
- You must be financially stable with a reliable income
- Parents must complete the orientation and training
- You finish the home study process
In addition to the basic requirements, foster parents should also have enough time and energy to devote to a child. You'll need to be flexible and empathetic since you have to work as part of a team that includes the birth parents, the case worker, etc.
You can also apply by contacting an approved private agency in your area.
NOW IS THE TIME TO BECOME A FOSTER PARENT IN Washington
Every day in Washington, children from all age groups enter foster care, some with no belongings of their own, all without an adult they can depend on. Every Washington kid needs a soft place to land and a place to call home. Whether you can offer temporary care or become a forever family, your interest could mean a brighter, more secure future for a child in Washington.
Still undecided? A Washington child-placing agency is here to guide you, providing answers about stipends, coaching, therapy resources, and foster parent training.
Take the next step: Begin your parenting journey by fostering a Washington child today.
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