FosteringWA

WHAT IS FOSTER CARE?

Foster care provides a home to children and youth who are temporarily separated from their families due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or the death of their caregivers. A safe return to the child(rens) biological home is the primary goal. Foster care is an opportunity to care for children who will benefit greatly from your love and support and gives you the chance to help one child at a time.

TYPES OF CHILDREN NEEDING FOSTER CARE:

• Range in age from 0-18.
• May be part of a sibling group (2 or more).
• Come from diverse ethnic and cultural populations.
• May have medical, mental and/or physical health issues.
• May have developmental delays.
• May have suffered trauma due to neglect or abuse.

All foster children are affected by the separation from their family. Sometimes this stress and worry shows up in their behavior. Some children have not experienced the usual routines of family life and need extra understanding and patience.

WHO CAN BE FOSTER PARENTS?

Foster families take children into their homes and hearts and create a safe and secure place to grow until reunification. To be considered for a foster care license, an applicant must:

1. Be at least 21 years of age.
2. Have sufficient income to support themselves without relying on foster care payments.
3. Successfully complete a background check.
4. Complete training:
   • First aid/CPR
   • Blood-borne pathogens
   • Licensing orientation
   • Pre-service training