As a kinship caregiver, you may not have to complete some of these requirements. Let your assigned worker know if you need help or if you cannot meet any requirements.
STEP 1
Complete an Application in the Washington Caregiver Application Portal (WA CAP) by Binti
- Kinship caregivers that already had a child placed in their home by DCYF will be sent a link to WA CAP.
- Kin that are being considered for placement by a child's DCYF caseworker will be sent a link, too.
- You will enter your name, address, date of birth, and other basic information. During this process, you will also complete a background check. If you have been charged with a crime in the past, please do not assume this will prevent you from getting licensed. Talk about your individual circumstance with your assigned worker.
STEP 2
Meet with Staff for Home Visits and Interviews
After you turn in your foster home application, you will be assigned a worker. The assigned worker will connect with you and help you navigate these tasks:
- Completing interviews, both in-person and virtually. At least one interview must happen in your home and include the home inspection.
- Review the Foster Home Licensing Inspection Checklist, to learn what licensing staff are looking for.
- Interviewing household members, including your children.
- Contacting your adult children (if you have adult children).
- For couples, licensing staff will complete at least one interview with both adults and another interview with each adult individually.
STEP 3
Your Assigned Worker will Complete a Home Study
The home study is a report that your assigned worker will complete when they are finished collecting information from you.
The home study puts together all the information gathered during the home study process and shows that you are able to provide a safe, healthy, and nurturing home. You will get to review a draft of your home study before it is final and be given a copy of the completed home study.
STEP 4
Home Study Process Road Map
The home study process takes approximately 120 days from application to completion.
Follow along and track your progress:
