About Fostering
“When I was seven or eight years old, I felt I was going to have an orphanage. I loved children and wanted a lot of them. Then about 8 years later I heard the words, ‘You will never be able to have children of your own’. Those were terrifying words . At that time I didn't remember my childhood dream, I only knew the pain I felt.
Now years later that dream has been fulfilled. My husband and I have been foster parents for the past 6 years and can’t imagine life any other way. You forget the fears of loving and losing as you realize that you are making a difference in the life of a child-a stepping stone for each of these children to grow into responsible adults. We have the opportunity to love them through their sorrow and through their joy. They have a future beyond anything they can imagine. That future gets touched and shaped by each family who loves them through the good times and the bad times.
This is our life's calling and we want to step up and say, ‘Here we are; use us to mold these children's lives any way we can.’ There is always ‘one more’ life we can touch.”
— Debbie & Leonard, Foster and Adoptive Parents
What is Foster Care?
Foster care is the temporary placement of children with families or individuals outside of their own homes into licensed homes due to child abuse or neglect. The goal of foster care is to provide for the physical, emotional and social needs of children in a "substitute" family setting until the child's own family can be reunited. Some children may ultimately be placed for adoption.
Who can Foster?
We are dedicated to finding a home for every child. You don’t have to be married or own a home to foster, just be willing to open your home and your heart to a child in need. All potential foster parents must meet the licensing requirements set out by the State. Basic Requirements include:
- Must be 21
- Must pass a background check
- Must have a self-supporting income
Our Foster Parent Recruiters will assist you through the application and licensing process and help you meet state regulations. Once you submit your application, licensing takes approximately 90 days.
Types of Foster Care
There are so many ways to serve! From respite to therapeutic foster care, DSHS offers a variety of foster care options to match your comfort level and availability.
Respite
Respite care provides short-term, time-off for other foster parents. Respite care-givers take foster children for a weekend or more, allowing their foster parents some time away. This could also include child-sitting while parents have specialized trainings or just need some time alone. Respite care is perfect for potential foster parents looking to open their homes for short periods of time depending on their schedule.
Short Term Foster Care
Short Term Foster Care provides foster parents an opportunity to help out while knowing how long the child will stay in their care.
Long Term Foster Care
Long Term Foster Care provides extended care for children who remain in safe care for many years. The increased length in stay allows young children to bond with their permanent family. The relationship is unique as the foster parents can impact the child’s life in so many ways.
Therapeutic Foster Care
Therapeutic Foster Care provides specialized care for children with special emotional or behavioral needs, including sexually abused, emotionally disturbed, physically assaultive and sexually aggressive youth. They need care-givers who are specifically trained and prepared for these situations. Increased supports and wrap-around services are available for this type of foster care.
Medically Fragile/Disabled Foster Care
Specialized Foster Care provides care for children with medical challenges or developmental disabilities, including Down Syndrome, drug-affected babies, children with diabetes, mental or physical delays, feeding tubes, etc. They need care-givers who are specifically trained to respond to their medical and physical needs.
Getting Started
We understand that becoming a foster parent is not an overnight decision. We have a network of foster and adoptive parents who are ready to help you make the right decision for you and your family. For more information, visit our Resource page, or contact us.
