Resources and Links
Reminders and Announcements:
Change in Location for Tuesday, September 14th, 9:00am - 12:00pm Orientation in Kent!!
Please note, this date only the Orientation will be held at Calvary Chapel South in Kent. Click here for a map and directions.
Did you know. . .
There is a Foster Care Clinic at Harborview?
- The Foster Care Clinic offers primary care and consultations for foster children with medical, behavioral and other special health care needs. Their team consists of a pediatrician, nurse, and social worker. Click here for more information
Remember, foster parents receive two days (48 hours) of respite every month, and can "bank" up to 14 days. If you would like to schedule respite, call your social worker.
Becoming a Foster or Adoptive Parent
Types of Homes Needed: Different ways to foster.
Becoming a Foster Parent Overview and Foster Home Inspection Checklist: What is involved in foster care licensing?
Become a Foster Parent: This links directly to the DSHS website with detailed information on all aspects of foster parenting
Foster Parent Training: Statewide link to many PRIDE and Orientation Schedules for all Regions
Orientation Schedule - Region 4/ King County: 2010 Orientation Schedule for in-person classes.
Online Orientation Course : Applicants for foster home licensure must attend an orientation session in person or view these videos and take an orientation quiz.
NWAE Link to PRIDE Schedule for October - December 2010: PRIDE (Parent Preparation) Course Schedule. PRIDE is a requirement for licensing.
Foster to Adopt Orientation Schedule for 2010: a requirement for people considering participation in the Foster to Adopt program.
Keep the Beat CPR and First Aid : free certification classes for for Foster/Adoptive and Kinship care providers.
Foster & Adoption Agencies - A directory to most of the private agencies in Whatcom, Island, San Juan, Snohomish and King Counties. Please let us know if we are missing any!
Adoption Questions - FAQs regarding adopting through Washington State.
NWAE (Northwest Adoption Exchange) - a terrific resource for those considering adoption; includes a list of children who are legally free and waiting for parents!
Adoption Referral & Information Service: this is an excellent resource for support groups, education, and other information. There is quite a bit on International adoptions, but much applies to domestic adoptions also.
National Adoption Day Official Site
A 4ever Family - Great site full of resources for pre and post adoptive families. Hosted by adoptive parents.
Washington Administrative Code: The laws governing foster care licensing.
Training Opportunities
These courses can be used for continuing education requirements for licensed Foster Parents.Fostering Together Support Groups: many of our Support Group meetings also qualify as ongoing training hours!
Free On-Line Video Training through the State
In-Service Training Available through Netflix (you must be a subscriber to Netflix to access these dvds.) View the dvd (some are available to view online), printout and complete the worksheet and give it to your licensor for credit.
Family Resource Training Institute
Links and Special Programs
New Standards and Allowances for Mileage Reimbursement to Foster Families
The State rules and allowances for mileage reimbursement have changed. Download instructions and claim forms here. If you have any questions regarding this policy change, contact your area placement supervisor.
Region 3 - Communication Flow Chart: Who do I call when. . .?
Caregiver Connections: the Caregiver Connection (the monthly publication to foster parents) will not be mailed anymore. Go here for the electronic version.
Important information on window blinds in licensed homes!
- Please read the linked handout for information on window blinds and upgrade kits.
Fostering Together Support Groups: Free monthly meetings for licensed and prospective foster parents. This is a fantastic resource for networking, training hours, and a no-pressure place to get questions answered.
Educational Tutoring Services provides tutoring to many foster children.
W.I.C.: Washington State's Women, Infant and Children's nutritional program.
- Foster children under age five and foster teens who are pregnant are income eligible for WIC.
More information on W.I.C. can be found at WithinReach Washington: www.parenthelp123.org or the Family Health Hotline at 800-322-2588 -
UPDATE - WithinReach Washington has new programs added to help families cope with the current economic situation - be sure to check for new programs available in the benefit finder!
F.P.A.W.S: Foster Parents Association of Washington State.
The Foster Parents Association of Washington State (FPAWS) is a non-profit corporation chartered in 1973 providing support and services to foster families throughout the State of Washington. The Association has evolved over the years to develop direct support for adoptive, foster and kinship parents as well as initiating legislative action for the betterment of foster and adoptive families
Parent Map: Connecting parents and the community around the Puget Sound region/Greater Seattle. Parent Map is a vital link to opportunites, events, and activities throughout the region.
Cakes for Kids: Cakes for all occasions for foster children
Children's Museum, Seattle: Foster Familes get a discounted membership; see the website for more details.
Treehouse4kids: Tutoring assistance; Clothing and supplies; Funding for special programs and summer camps for foster children.
Enuresis (Bedwetting/Bladder control problems) Information
Providing Health Care to Minors under Washington Law: Handout from the Children's Admistration regarding ages of consent for health care services.
Baby's First Year helpful information on keeping infants and toddlers safe.
Childcare Resources: King County referral service for childcare.
- North King County: 206-329-5544
- East King County: 425-865-9350
- South King County: 253-852-3080
Snohomish County Childcare Resource and Referral 425-258-4213
Washington State Resource and Referral for Childcare 1-800-446-1114
Help with African American hair care. Mez and Bea specialize in all types of hair and styles. Call them for consultations and appointments - ethnic hair care can qualify for Treehouse Little Wishes funding.
Dentists Accepting the Medical Coupon a list of some of the area dentists other foster families use. Feel free to let us know if you have any additions, comments, or find any of these providers no longer accept the coupon.
Office of the Family and Children's Ombudsman The Family and Children's Ombudsman investigates complaints in Washington state about agency actions or inaction that involve:
- Any child at risk of abuse, neglect, or other harm.
- A child or parent involved with child protection or child welfare services.
They intervene in cases in which we have determined that an agency's action or inaction is unauthorized or unreasonable. In addition to addressing complaints, we work to identify system-wide issues and recommend appropriate changes in public reports to the Governor, the Legislature and agency officials.
CARE: a program of Friends of Youth designed to come alongside caregivers with foster children or young relatives that are acting out inappropriately. CARE helps with problems like: Inappropriate sexual behaviors, sexually acting out, property destruction, physical agression and more. 1-888-263-3457
Sibling House: Sibling House is dedicated to providing a haven for siblings in foster care to stay together, and runs programs to aid this effort. They also are devoted to raising awareness of the general population about foster care. Further, Sibling House acts as a clearinghouse of sorts for donated goods and services on behalf of foster families.
FIRST: A statewide program that helps foster parents under investigation: Luanne Hawley 253-219-6782
