Foster care is designed to be a temporary living situation for children and youth who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or the death of their caregivers. A safe return home is the primary goal.

Foster families take children into their homes and hearts, creating a safe and secure place to grow until reunification. For some children, an alternative permanent home must be found.

To be considered for a foster care license, an applicant must:

• Be at least 21 years of age.

• Have sufficient income to support themselves without relying on foster care payments.

• Discipline children in a positive manner without the use of physical punishment.

• Provide supervision appropriate to the age or specific behavior of the child as outlined by the social worker.

• Complete training: First Aid/CPR, Blood Borne Pathogens, Licensing Orientation, and Pre-service Training.

Any adult living in the potential foster home must:

• Complete a background clearance check with the FBI and Washington State Patrol.

• Submit tuberculosis tests dated within the last year.

Youth ages 16 to 18 in the household must also complete a Washington State Patrol check.

Washington State laws about foster home licensing are covered by the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). You can review the foster parenting WACs on our Guidelines, Laws & Rules page.