Foster Care

Placement

Washington State

Presented By

Jason Graefen

Presentation Objectives

Applicants (What it takes to get started fostering children)

The process (Samples of forms)Foster Pride (Training)A look at the professionals behind

placementThe social and cultural aspects of foster

placement

Foster Applicants (What do I Have to do First?)

Find an agency Must be at least 21 years of age Must be employed Must obtain a Tuberculosis Test (all family members

18 yrs of age and older) CPR/First Aid Certification and HIV/Blood Born

Pathogens Certification (30HRS) Have a home meeting the standards of licensing

requirements Home study participation

The Process

Once prequalification for the applicant is met then the process begins.

On the next few slides you will see examples of the forms used for DSHS qualification.

If you are applying through an agency contracted with DSHS you may be required to fill out additional forms with that agency as well.

DSHS Application

Background Check

Driving Record Request

PRIDE

Stands for: Parent Resources for Information, Development, and Education.

The PRIDE program is a 40HR training required by all applicants to get licensed to foster with the state.

The program also offers specialized trainings:– Teens in care-supporting and attachment– Caring for children who have experienced

domestic violence– Preparing children for successful adulthood– Working together to improve the educational

outcomes for youth in care

The Professionals who Make it Happen:The Social Worker or Care Coordinator

Plays a role in the placement process Is usually responsible for initial follow up Is responsible in some cases for short term

placements and respite May participate in facilitating family case

study Directs Case Aid support if any is presented

The Professionals who Make it Happen:The Foster Licensure

Is responsible for licensing foster parents. Must comply with state laws in licensing applicants

and ensures applicants also meets state requirements for licensing

Directs long term placements Does initial home Inspection Establishes a family case study and individual

autobiographies of family members Conducts interviews of each individual member of

the foster family

Culture: Gay Couples

A foster agency at their discretion determines eligibility of gay and lesbian couples.

Foster agencies under the umbrella’s of religious organizations allow gay men and lesbians to adopt only if they are not in a homosexual relationship. DSHS will license gay and lesbian couples as long as they meet the same criteria as heterosexual couples.

Agencies do not object to the placement of gay and lesbian youth.

Single Applicants

DSHS and other foster agencies do allow single applicants to be licensed as foster parents.

Single applicants are required to meet the same criteria as a foster couple and are usually expected to provide extra resources to meet the needs of the children placed in their care.

Religious Beliefs

No agency can discriminate in placing children or licensing applicants on the basis of religious beliefs.

When placing children foster Licensures have foster parents sign a document stating that the child is not required to practice or attend a religious service that is not of their own faith.

New foster parents can request a child of a specific religious belief if it is an issue for the parents.

Economic Status

Foster parents are required to have at least part time employment as mandated by state law

The agency is responsible for making sure that applicants and current foster parents meet all of the needs of the children placed in their care.

Resource

If your interested in becoming a foster parent

You can call: Statewide Foster Parent Recruitment Information Center

at 1-888-KIDS-414 (1-888-543-7414)

They will give you information regarding your local state social service agency office and agencies contracted to license foster parents in your area.