STEP 2

Complete Training

All future foster parents are required to participate in pre-service training:

• Caregiver Core Training (CCT)
  *Required for primary caregiver, recommended for all caregivers

  Learn more and register for CCT through the Alliance

• Bloodborne Pathogens
  *Required for all caregivers over the age of 18

  Take the Alliance eLearning

To see courses in another language, please change your locale at the bottom of the page.

• First-Aid and CPR
  *Required for all caregivers over the age of 18
  1. Search the web for an in-person class near you that fits the age group you want to care for.
  2. Verify with the trainer that the class meets national standards set by the American Heart Association.
  3. Keep your receipt and certification card.
  4. Once your license is issued, you can request reimbursement for the class from your licensor.

STEP 3

Pause! Wait! Hold On!

Have you gathered the information you need, did you get your questions answered, do you feel ready for the next step? If so, you are in the right place! Use the next set of instructions to request a link to complete your licensing application.

If not, please let us help you. Use the contacts on the right side of this page to get your questions answered. If you aren't sure who to contact, start by filling out an inquiry form.

STEP 4

Contact a CPA or LD to Complete an Application

If you are getting licensed through a Child Placing Agency (CPA), follow the steps they provide.

If you are getting licensed by DCYF's Licensing Division, send a request to your region's local licensing division team letting them know you are ready to apply:

Region 1 - dcyf.fostercarelicensingregion1@dcyf.wa.gov
Region 2 - dcyf.fostercarelicensingregion2@dcyf.wa.gov
Region 3 - dcyf.fostercarelicensingregion3@dcyf.wa.gov
Region 4 - dcyf.fostercarelicensingregion4@dcyf.wa.gov
Region 5 - dcyf.fostercarelicensingregion5@dcyf.wa.gov
Region 6 - dcyf.fostercarelicensingregion6@dcyf.wa.gov

Contacts for Spanish Speakers - Dirección de correo electrónico para personas que hablan Español dcyf.fostercarelicensingespanol@dcyf.wa.gov

STEP 5

Meet with Staff for Home Visits and Interviews

After you turn in your foster home application, you will be assigned a Licensing Division (LD) staff person known as your licensor. Your licensor will connect with you and:

• Complete interviews, both in-person and virtually. At least one interview must happen in your home and include the home inspection.
  • Review the Foster Home Licensing Inspection Checklist, to learn what LD staff are looking for.
• Interview household members including your children.
• Contact your adult children (if you have adult children).
• For couples, LD staff will complete at least one interview with both adults and another interview with each adult individually.

STEP 6

Licensing Timeframe

The licensing process takes approximately 120 days from application to license.