Foster Licensing and Requirements
Requirements:
- You must be at least 21 years old
- No disqualifying criminal record or findings of abuse/neglect
- A regular and adequate source of income to support you and your own family—not be dependent on foster care payments
- Sufficient and safe home to house a child/ren
- Discipline children in a positive manner—no physical discipline is permitted—ever!
- Emotionally mature; physically healthy and psychologically stable
- Provide supervision appropriate to the age or specific behavior of the child as outlined by the social worker.
Tasks:
- Be tested and clear of TB (all family members over 16)
- Pass a criminal background check (all family members over 16) forms will be provided in your licensing packet
- Submit fingerprinting (all family members over 16) forms in packet
- Pets must have current rabies shots
Training:
- Attend an orientation which are held monthly in both Bremerton and Tacoma at the DCFS offices or available online—see training schedule for dates and contacts
- Participate in 27 hours of PRIDE/pre-service training
- CPR/First Aid and HIV/AIDS training
- Additional training hours required if you plan to take youth with SAY or PAY issues
- Participate in ongoing training once licensed
Application:
- Fill out and submit application—it will be provided to you at your first training session. Be detailed and honest.
- Meet with your licensor
- Complete a home inspection meeting all safety requirements (a list will be included in your licensing packet)
Foster Care Resource Network mentors are available to assist you in the licensing process and through your first placement. From there you will access the Foster Parent Liaison for your county who has office space in the Tacoma and Bremerton DCFS offices.
If you would like to visit the State’s website please cut and paste the following into your browser:
http://www.dshs.wa.gov/ca/fosterparents
