Become a Foster Parent

Being a foster parent opens the door to exciting and rewarding opportunities. Because foster children are so vulnerable, becoming a foster parent isn't easy. There are forms to fill out and training to complete. Being a foster parent isn't the right fit for everyone. If you are unsure, apply. During the application process we will help determine if fostering is the right fit. There are many ways to help and support foster kids other than being a foster parent. Contact us for more information.

Ready to get started! First, review the eligibility requirements, below. If you meet the requirements, download and complete the forms at right then submit to our office.

Eligibility Requirements for Foster Care Parents

Applicants must:

Be at least 21 years of age.
Have a main source of income; not rely on foster care reimbursements.
Be able to provide proper supervision for their foster children.
Be first aid and CPR certified.
Be certified in bloodborne pathogen control (a 1-hour online course)
Complete a licensing orientation session (in person or online).
Complete 24 hours of pre-service training.
Submit an up-to-date tuberculosis test.

Adults 18 and older living in a potential foster home must:

Successfully complete a background clearance.
Submit an up-to-date tuberculosis test.

Financial Assistance

Foster payments cover the child's expenses, but nobody fosters "for the money."

While foster parents are required to have a primary source of income, financial assistance is presented to foster parents to assist with providing for their foster children. These funds are for child-care related costs such as food, clothing and housing.
Each foster child receives dental and medical insurance while in foster care.
Each foster child receives a clothing voucher.

Staff Support for Foster Parents

Every foster child has a caseworker that works together with the foster parents to help determine and meet the needs of children in foster care. Additional supports include: monthly visits from an agency caseworker, staff available around-the-clock to assist with concerns, training opportunities, monthly meetings and social activities.

Completing Your Application

Please visit the Department of Children, Youth, and Families website to download and complete the following forms or stop by our office to pick up an application packet.

Foster Homestudy Application Form (10-354)
Background Check Authorization Form for everyone in the home 16 years and older (09-653)
Applicant Medical Report (13-001)
Financial Worksheet (14-452)
Marital / Domestic Partnership History Form (09-979)

The questions are designed to help us understand your background and interests. The questions are the same ones you would want answered if your child was going to someone else's home. Our goal is to place a child with you whose needs you can meet and who will enjoy being part of your family for fostering.

Next Steps

After you complete your application please mail it to our office or hand deliver it. If you would like to talk with our director when you hand deliver your completed forms, please contact our office to schedule an appointment.

After you submit your application forms, we will help you to complete a number of important sessions and trainings. Your orientations, pre-service training, HIV/AIDS training, and home study will take place in your home, arranged around your schedule. If being a foster parent is the right fit for you, we will work with you to become a foster parent. When you are a foster parent we will be here to provide ongoing support for you and your child.

The Washington state welfare system qualifies families to be licensed as a foster/adoptive home. Lorene's Place II works within the state requirements and offers expertise to guide prospective foster parents through each step. All Lorene's Place II, families are fully trained and licensed for both foster care and adoption. This prepares our foster parents for all outcomes and makes the process as seamless as possible for our foster children, foster parents, and our agency.

It's easy to get started now. Download and complete the forms listed above then submit them to our office.

When given the opportunity, young people make positive choices and fulfill their potential in life. Building relationships strengthens feelings of self-worth and fuels a desire to learn.