Frequently Asked Questions

The amount of time it takes to become a foster parent varies. Once you’ve submitted your application and completed the required foster parent training, the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families’ licensing division has up to 120 days to review your file.

Our private agency offers more assistance throughout the foster parent process than the state. We provide individual case management and support for each child placed in your home, including financial assistance to help you meet the needs of children in your care. Our team is available 24 hours a day to address any questions or crisis situations you may encounter working with foster children. We can help you access critical services, collaborate with social workers and community partners, and find the best solutions to tackle your foster care challenges.

If you are over the age of 21 and able to pass a Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families background check, you may be eligible to become a foster parent. An application listing all individuals living in your home is required. You must attend foster care training and have a childcare plan if you work outside the home. Regular income is also a foster parent requirement.

If you meet the above foster care adoption requirements, you can begin the foster parent process. Our preferred candidates have a positive attitude, an open mind, and the willingness to adapt parenting strategies to meet children’s needs. They must be willing to donate their time to work collaboratively with the Fostering Solutions staff, social workers, and other community providers to secure necessary services for foster children in their care.

Reimbursement depends on the needs of the child. Fostering Solutions sends a monthly, tax-free reimbursement for each child in your home to cover your foster care adoption costs. We also provide mileage and daycare reimbursement for children participating in DCYF Behavioral Rehabilitation Services.

Of course! If you want to become the foster parent of a family member, the same application process as non-relative caregivers applies.

Yes. You can be a foster care volunteer  for children in need of respite (short-term) foster care services by simply making our staff aware of your wishes.

Foster homes currently licensed through another agency can transfer their license to Fostering Solutions. This process requires filling out the same paperwork and submitting the same documentation as your initial foster parenting license. The amount of time it takes to complete this process varies. Though we wish there were another option, unfortunately, there is no faster process at this time.

Fostering Solutions offers foster care and adoption services in Yakima, the Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Richland, Pasco), Ellensburg, Selah, Prosser, Grandview, Granger, Wapato, Toppenish, Sunnyside, as well as other cities in our geographical region. 

Yes, you can! Call 509-902-8428 to learn more about our donation process. A friendly reminder: As a for-profit company, we cannot provide a tax-exempt donation receipt.