SERVICES

Licensing Requirements

Foster parents are people who enjoy parenting and are willing to share their homes, time, energy, and love with children who have suffered neglect or abuse.

In Washington State, you can become a foster parent if you meet these requirements:

• You are 21 years of age or older.
• You do not have a disqualifying criminal history or a history of founded child abuse and neglect.
• You have a regular source of income to meet your own family's needs.
• You have completed the Application for Foster Family Home Care License.
• You completed the required number of hours of Foster Care & Adoptive Parent Pre-service Training.
• You have completed CPR/First Aid and Blood Born Pathogens training.
• You and all family members 18 and older are free from Tuberculosis (TB).
• You have your home inspected to meet minimum licensing requirements.
• You participate in a home study of your entire family.

Application for Foster Family Home Care License
Complete the application and mail it to your nearest Division of Licensed Resources. Find your local office.

• Foster Family Home Care License Application - Word | PDF

Training Requirements:

• Orientation - You must attend an orientation session in person or may view videos and take an orientation quiz. View Current Orientation Courses
• Pre-service Training - You are required to take 30 hours of Pre-service Training and a First Aid/CPR and Blood Born Pathogens course. Training courses are offered regularly in all regions of Washington State. View Pre-service Training Courses
• Ongoing Training - As of March 1, 2005, all licensed family foster homes (including private agency, Children Administration and licensed relative homes) will be required to complete 36 hours of ongoing training during each three year licensing period.
  
  Read frequently asked questions
  Read complete policy
  

Washington State laws that pertain to foster home licensing can be found at :

• Washington Administrative Code Title 388, Chapter 148 (WAC 388-148)

Background Check Requirements Prior to Placing a Child in Your Home

• Read the Background Check Requirements
• Frequently Asked Questions