Tribal Foster Care

Since time immemorial, tribal communities have cared for their children in times of need. It is the tradition of Native American people to care for their children through extended family and their community. Tribal members are our best hope for finding, training, and supporting Native families to care for Native children in foster care. The Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) needs Native families across the state to ensure children removed from abusive and neglectful situations remain close to their family, friends, community, and culture. 

Why Native Foster Homes are Needed

  • In Washington, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth represent approximately 1% of the overall population and 4% of the population of children in foster care. (The AFCARS Report: Washington, 2023)
  • Tribal community is family: family connections in tribal communities extend beyond the notions of a nuclear family.
  • Evidence shows that children’s mental and physical health are best served when placed with a family member or tribal member. (Bell, T., & Romano, E., 2017)
  • Native foster homes keep Native children connected to their culture and community.
  • Washington State ranks among the top 10 states with the highest rate of Native children in foster care. (Puzzanchera & Taylor, 2021)

Types of Foster Care

Kinship Care

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) uses the term "kinship care" to refer to the full-time care of a child by relatives and suitable person. "Suitable person" refers to unrelated kin or close family friends. While often provided by grandparents, kinship care includes many other relationships, such as adult siblings, "bonus" aunties and uncles, neighbors, and more.

The kinship licensing process removes licensing barriers for kinship caregivers by providing waivers for non-safety requirements (income, training, vaccinations, etc.) until the new kinship rules go into effect. During the licensing process, the caregiver is provided with safety items needed to get licensed (baby gates, baby proofing equipment, fire extinguisher, smoke detectors, etc.).  See the full list of non-safety waivers.

For more information on becoming licensed for Kinship Care, visit our Kinship Care Overview webpage.   

General Foster Care

General foster care is providing care to an unrelated child by providing a safe, loving, temporary home. You make it possible for them to stay in their school, and stay connected to their parents, siblings, culture, and community. Native foster homes are needed to care for Native children who do not have family or community members available or able to care for them. 

For more information on becoming licensed to provide care to unrelated children, visit our Become a Foster Parent webpage. 

Foster Care Licensing Options

When you have decided you are ready to become a licensed foster parent, you have the choice of getting licensed with the state/DCYF, Child Placing Agency (CPA), or Tribal Child Placing Agency. Getting licensed through a CPA/Tribal CPA can be a good choice if you want: 

  • Additional ongoing support in understanding and working with the foster care system.
  • To be licensed with an agency that reflects your culture and specializes in working with families like yours. 
State LicensingChild Placing Agency/Tribal CPA
Caregivers work directly with local Licensing Division staff for licensingCaregivers work directly with local private agency staff.
Caregivers self-advocate for specific needs, services, and resourcesCPA/Tribal CPA provides advocacy for family and child needs, services, and resources
Services are coordinated by caregiver and DCYF or Tribal case workerServices are provided or coordinated by the CPA/Tribal CPA
 Families receive individualized support from the CPA/Tribal CPA

Helpful Resources

Other Foster Parenting Resources