Foster Parent Resources

This page is organized alphabetically and provides resources for children from newborns to youth who may be experiencing extended foster care.

Adolescent Programs

DCYF’s adolescent program works hard to build and share resources for all adolescents in care. Visit the DCYF web pages learn more about programs that support adolescents:

Alliance CaRES

CaRES is available to foster parents throughout their fostering journey. Visit the CaRES website for resources, information about support groups, and special events. They can connect you to a peer mentor, too, who is available to listen, problem solve, and help identify local resources.

This webpage identifies just a few of the groups or trainings that CaRES offers. Visit the CaRES Support Groups webpage to see all of their groups, events, and trainings.

Child Care

Child care is available to kinship caregivers if there is not a caregiver at home due to employment or continuing education. Talk with your child’s caseworker to access child care.

To find a child care near you, contact Child Care Aware of Washington for a list of licensed providers that match your needs, which may include locations, hours, rates, or types of care. You can visit the Child Care Aware of Washington website at or call 1-800-446-1114.

Contact Information

We want all caregivers to feel empowered while children and youth are in their homes. See the communication guide on when you should contact your caseworker and who you should call or email if you need additional assistance:

Evidence-Based Programs

Foster families are able to access a variety of evidence-based to help foster children. These are provided at no cost to the foster family but have limited availability. If you are experiencing issues with placement and an in-home service may be helpful, contact your caseworker for more information.

Forms and Guides

Forms Caregivers Complete

Forms Caregivers Receive

Guides

Grief and Loss

All caregivers may experience grief and loss throughout their time caring for children and youth in care. This is natural and to be expected. Our partners at the CaRES team provide resources and supports for all caregivers who may be experiencing grief and loss or want to be prepared.

Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers

Mental and Behavioral Health

Missing from Care

Caring for children and youth may present unique challenges. If a foster child you are caring for is missing or on the run we want to provide you with the resources necessary to help ensure their safety.

Prevention Tips for Caregivers:

Youth at Risk to Run:

Reporting Responsibilities for Foster Parents

Payments

Register and set up direct deposit with the Social Service Payment System (SSPS) to receive payments and reimbursements including monthly foster care maintenance payments. Follow these instructions and visit the SSPS webpage for more information.

  1. Complete the direct deposit form and W-9 forms using the directions on the first page of each form:
  2. Register for the Provider Portal or review instructions for calling in your invoice.
    • Option 1:  Register and use the SSPS Portal Registration instructions to register with SSPS.
      • We encourage you to use the provider portal because you can:
        • Review the information you provided and make changes
        • Easily update an address, phone number, or email
        • Easily email SSPS questions
        • View real-time invoicing
        • See all remittances and invoices, tax documents        
    • Option 2:  Review instructions on how to use the “Invoice Express” phone system

Permanency

The Permanency Planning Matrix describes each of the permanent plans listed below in detail. The descriptions below are offered as a quick review of what you’ll find in the Permanency Planning Matrix.

Respite

Respite is a vital resource for all caregivers, licensed and unlicensed. It plays an important role in maintaining placement by giving caregivers time to relax, attend trainings, and possibly prevent placement disruption.

Contact your regional placement desk or your CPA to request respite, or to let others know you are available to provide respite.

School-Aged Children and Youth

  • Help Me Grow Washington Hotline - this hotline provides information and referral on a broad range of health and social services related to raising children of all ages. Topics of interest to kinship caregivers include nutrition, immunization, dental health, child care, child development, child safety, teen health, children with special needs, and parent/sibling support. Call 1-800-322-2588 (TTY 711).
  • Informing Families is a resource provided by the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council, in collaboration with the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and other partners throughout the state. The website provides information on services, resources and opportunities to help children and adults with developmental disabilities live full and meaningful lives.
  • School District Foster Care Liaisons - School District Foster Care Liaisons can help answer questions and resolve concerns. 
  • Treehouse Educational Advocacy