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Foster Care

Foster Care Programs

Youthnet has provided traditional foster care services for over 50 years, and in 2017 we added a therapeutic foster care program to our services. These programs work seamlessly together, and foster families have the option to work with both programs supporting kids of all ages. And both are contracted with the state to license foster homes, match kids with these families, and provide ongoing support and services, such as:

  • Youthnet licensors walking you through the entire licensing process
  • Ensuring small case loads of Youthnet Case Managers
  • Youthnet Visit Supervisor providing transportation and supervision during your foster child's visits
  • Weekly foster parent Zoom support groups
  • Quarterly foster parent trainings, including dinner and childcare
  • 24/7 On Call support
  • Respite
  • Case Aide Services (for youth in our therapeutic program)

When we provide case management, our goal is to support all of the individuals in the process. Fostering is tough work, and it's important to us that you know no one is ever in it alone.

**Youthnet is a no-fee agency. There is no cost to license with Youthnet or to receive our services**

What is Therapeutic Foster Care?

Neglect, abuse, and moving from home to home creates complex trauma for kids in foster care.  They have had to overcome difficult life experiences at a young age, and sometimes, this is expressed through challenging behaviors. 

Washington state acknowledges that some kids need extra support through a Therapeutic Foster Care Program from a private agency like Youthnet.  By working closely with the state when one of these kids needs a home, our team can designate and/or locate and license therapeutic foster families that would be a good fit for the child.  Youthnet works with all levels of foster parents, but therapeutic foster parents receive more training to better support the higher level needs of these kids.

Are you interested in becoming a licensed Kinship Caregiver? Click Here to learn more! 

Service Areas

We license foster families in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, Island, San Juan, King, Pierce, Kitsap, Clallam, Jefferson, Mason, Thurston, and Gray's Harbor Counties for children and youth of all ages.


How do I become a foster parent?

Call (360) 420-2206 or send us an email and we will walk you through every step of the process!  Overall, to become a licensed foster family, the following qualifications must be met:

  • Be over 21 years old
  • Be financially stable
  • Be able to pass a criminal background check
  • Meet state home safety qualifying requirements
  • Attend an orientation (with Youthnet or with DCYF)
  • Attend a 24-hour Caregiver Core Training (online)
  • Complete 30-minute online Medication Management training
  • Complete nationally certified infant/child/adult First Aid/CPR and Bloodborne Pathogens training
  • Complete a TB screening
  • Complete all required paperwork
  • Participate in a home study with a Youthnet licensor

Visit our "Licensing & FAQ" page to get a more detailed outline and resources on the process, requirements and common questions all interested families navigate with us!

Once licensed, foster parents must continue to meet all safety requirements and participate in ongoing trainings.

Youthnet welcomes adults of all genders, races, and religions.  We also welcome single parents, partnerships, married couples, and LGBTQ identified parents.  Foster parents can be renters or home owners.


April 2021

Select a Date to View

Interested in fostering or want to know more about foster care in general? Join our team over Zoom for an online Foster Care Info Meeting. Participants will learn why kids and teens come into foster care, what services available to kids and families, who can become a foster parent, what is required for licensing, the differences between licensing through a nonprofit and the state, and how to get involved. Your video/audio participation is optional, and those who participate through either video, audio, or comments will receive a training certificate. If you're not able to attend this month, you can view our calendar below.


What if I'm not ready to foster full-time?

Become a Respite Provider

Respite parents are part of a youth’s extended foster family.  In the same way that many youth occasionally spend a weekend at their aunts’, uncles’, or grandparents’ houses, Youthnet works with respite parents to provide the same opportunity to foster youth and foster families.  The licensing process to become a respite provider is the same as the process to become a foster parent.  If you’re interested in fostering but aren’t quite ready to do it full time, respite is a great place to start!

Volunteer

Visit Fostering Family WA to view a variety of volunteer opportunities, or volunteer for Olympic Angels or Seattle Angels to support a foster family in your area.

Learn More

Visit Washington Fosters to learn more about foster parenting in Washington State.

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