Why become a foster parent?
Foster parents give children and youth a safe, loving, temporary home. You make it possible for them to stay in their school and stay connected to their family, community, and culture.
If you have a family member in foster care, learn how you can support them by visiting our kinship page.
What kind of foster parents are you looking for?
- Value sibling relationships and keeping siblings together
- Racially and culturally diverse
- Open and affirming of LGBTQIA+ children and youth
- Aware that foster care is temporary
- Supportive of parents and reunification
- Interested in caring for children and youth with complex medical needs
What support do foster parents receive?
- A monthly foster care payment based on the age and needs of the child or youth. Learn more by reviewing the Caregiver Supports Resource Level Determination guide.
- Reimbursement for transportation expenses.
- Free training through The Alliance and support through The Alliance Caregiver Retention, Education, and Support (CaRES) program. Learn more by visiting The Alliance and CaRES websites.
- Respite care or a break from parenting.
- Pass programs and discounts for activities and experiences. Visit our Support and Resources page to learn more!
What about adopting from foster care?
Guardianship and adoption may be considered for children who cannot return to their parents and don’t have relatives available to care for them.
Washington requires adoptive families to be fully licensed as a foster home if they want to adopt. If you would like to learn more about adoption through foster care, visit DCYF’s adoption page.
What if I'm not ready to foster full-time?
Respite care is a great way to start fostering! Respite care is temporary care that gives caregivers a break. Visit the respite webpage for more details or read a short description about becoming a respite provider.
