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Becoming A Foster Parent

Steps to Becoming A Foster Parent:
  1. Orientation
  2. PRIDE Pre-Service
  3. Paperwork
  4. CPR and Blood-borne pathogens training
  5. Home study interview and walk through
  6. Receiving your license
  • Orientation-Before attending an orientation, it is important that you research the state (DSHS) or private agencies that license foster families. There is a drastic difference between licensing agencies and you want to find one that will fit your family the best. In our resources section you will find links to agencies we are familiar with and the DSHS foster care website.
  • PRIDE Pre-Service is a 27 hour class provided by the state. They are spread out by the month. Classes are offered during the week and or during the weekends. Anyone interested can get a copy of their schedule at the orientation class provided or visit the DSHS web site where the schedule is posted online.
  • Paperwork should be started and completed as soon as possible. You will get your paper work at orientation and any more information about the paperwork will be provided during the orientation. It is best to have your paper work completed before your home study begins.
  • A home study is preformed after you have completed the Orientation and Pride classes. You should have your home study performed by the agency that you are planning on being licensedby. Such as Catholic Family Services or Lutheran Family Services, Tacoma Youth for Christ, or a private agent who specializes in home studies. During your family home study you will typically have four sessions where a social worker will visit your home and ask your family questions related to the paperwork you fill out. The social worker will also check your house to make sure it meets all the requirements for foster care. You will be given a list of things to check prior to the social worker performing the home check.
    • There are two different types of home studies. The first type is the home study/walk through that your licenser will perform in order to approve you and your home for licensing. The second type is a pre-adoptive home study. These home studies are required if you desire to adopt through the foster care system. Before a child that is on the track for adoption will be placed with you, you must have your pre-adoptive home study completed.
  • Once your home study has started your agency will have a total of 90 days to complete your license application. If the agency is unable to get your license application completed and sent in by the 90 day window you will have to start the entire foster care process from the beginning. Once your agency sends your completed home study in to licensing, you should receive your foster care license within a few weeks.
  • During your home study you get to choose how many kids you are willing to have in your home as well as the age range, gender, etc. You are limited in this choice by how many rooms and beds you have available in your home. When you are licensed you will only be licensed for the number of children you specify. So if you choose to be licensed for one child from age 3 to 8 you will only be able to foster one child in that age range in your home. If you decide that you would like to have more kids and expand or change the age range you can Jet your social worker know and they will have you re-licensed for more kids. This requires your social worker to resend in your paper work and no additional paper work from you.
Contact Nicole Kittleson at 206.992.2034