Become a Kinship Care Provider

Introduction

Take our questionnaire about becoming a foster care provider.

Relatives play an essential role in helping to meet the needs of children who are unable to live with their parents. The connection to family, relatives, and community is important to a growing child:

Children can live with people they already know and trust.
Children can maintain their personal and cultural identity.
Families learn to rely on their own resources and strengths.
Relatives participate as responsible and integral members of the child and family's support team.

Relatives not closely related to a child may need to be licensed. Contact your local office for information.

Kinship Providers (licensed & unlicensed) can take all classes provided by the Resource Family Training Institute. See Pre-service and Ongoing training pages for information on current class offerings.

Introduction

Requirements

Responsibilities

Financial Assistance

Permanency Options

Relative Placement Through DCFS - the benefits children experience growing up with extended family. Clinical Issues for the Relative Caregiver - addresses unique issues of relatives caring for children. A Relative's Guide to Child Welfare Services (7836 Kb) DSHS Kinship Care in Washington State Support Groups for Grandparents & Relatives Raising Children

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SERVICES

Introduction