Become a Foster Parent in Washington State - Community & Family Services Foundation

Why become a foster parent

If you have a heart with extra love and a desire to make a difference in the lives of children, becoming a foster parent may be just what you’re looking for.

Why become a respite home

If you are not quite ready or willing to take on the full responsibility of foster parenting but want to open your home to children on a part-time basis and offer respite to foster parents, becoming a licensed respite home is what you’re looking for.

How to become a foster parent

We at Community & Family Services Foundation (CFSF) are looking forward to working with you! Becoming a foster parent is one of the greatest ways to directly impact a child’s life!

At CFSF our mission is to rebuild the future for foster children through foster parents and we would love to have you join us! Foster parents hold a crucial role in serving the needs of every type of child, from birth through age 18, from mild to severe needs.

Please contact our Licensors for information. insert information on general process of becoming a foster parent written up by a licensing supervisor.

A monthly reimbursement is given to the foster home for each child that is placed in the home. This reimbursement is to meet the needs of the child and to cover the additional living costs for the home. Our staff will provide support on your journey as a foster parent.

We look forward to walking through each step of the licensing process with you!

Feel free to call us at (360) 895-7889 or click the button below

New Foster Contact Form

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of support will I receive once a child is placed in my home?

Once you are licensed with CFSF and have placement you will have the support of a case manager. You also have our CFSF placement team, licensing team, clinical directors, respite department, and if your placements qualify, case aides.

What behaviors or needs should I expect from children in foster care?

Children in care come from trauma and trauma is shown in various ways. Some children have bigger behaviors and needs, but it is not something we can predict about children. Your placement team will try to get as much information as possible prior to placement if any information about the child is known.

Do I get to choose the age or needs of the child in foster care?

1. You will work with your licensor during the licensing process for age ranges. You do get to let us know your placement preference for foster children and during the licensing process we ensure you are equipped to handle your preferred age and needs. Our placement team respects your preferences that are noted during the licensing process and as they may change over the course of your license.

What do I need to do to prepare my home for foster care?

You will work with your licensor during the licensing process to make sure your home is up to standards of the WACs. Your home does not need to be 100% up to standard before you meet your licensor for the first time. Your licensor will leave you with a list of items and adjustments that are needed before your packet is submitted for final approval.

Does licensing cost me anything?

Licensing for foster care and adoption with CFSF does not cost you. The expenses that you may have during the licensing process, such as purchasing items for your home, are the only cost to you.

How long does the licensing process take?

On average the licensing process can take between four and six months.

Can I work full time and still be a foster parent?

Yes, you can work full time and be a foster parent. Flexibility is great to have for children’s appointments and needs. If needed, we ask you to identify daycares and supports during the licensing process.

Will I have contact with the birth family?

Contact with birth and biological family members is possible. The goal of reunification often includes visits and communication.

Can I travel with foster children?

Yes, foster children can travel with you. If you have any travel plans, please let your case manager know ahead of time. Court approval and/or social worker approval is needed in advance depending on the travel plans.

Do I need my own home to be licensed?

You do not need to own your own home to be licensed. You can live in an apartment or with family. What we look for during the licensing process is room and space for foster children. If you have specific questions, please reach out to your licensor.

Can I adopt through CFSF?

CFSF is a foster care agency, but we do support adoption if you are given the opportunity once you are licensed. Adoption expenses, such as lawyers, do fall under your responsibility.

What does the placement process look like?

As a licensed CFSF home, all placements need to be made through our placement coordinators. We work partnered with DCYF and place the same children. We will get placement referrals for children in need and review them. If they are a good fit for your home, our placement coordinators will reach out to you. You may also see a need on Facebook which you can request more information about the child by stating “cipr to CFSF” or let your CFSF placement coordinator know and they will reach out.

How long can placement take?

The placement timeline can vary depending on your preference for children. We can not predict children coming into care that will need a home. Our placement coordinators know your preference and keep an eye out for the right fit.