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Licensing & FAQ

Welcome!  This page is a resource for families who are in communication with a Youthnet licensor, and are in the process of becoming a licensed foster family.  If you are interested in fostering through Youthnet, please send us a message.  We will set up a time to meet, talk about the process, requirements, and forms, and guide you through the process.

Checklist

Required Training

  • Caregiver Core Training is a self-paced 24-hour training required for all foster families. Only the primary caregiver is required to take the entire training, however we ask that two-caregiver households both participate whenever possible.

  • CPR/First Aid Training

    CPR must be nationally certified, cover infant/child/adult CPR, and contain an in-person component. The course linked above is free for prospective foster parents. If you prefer a different training provider, please check with your licensor to ensure the training meets all requirements.

  • The course linked above is free for prospective foster parents. If you prefer a different training provider, please check with your licensor to ensure the training meets all requirements.

  • Check this link to view our upcoming orientations and register through Zoom.

  • This 30 minute training is required for each caregiver.


Licensing Forms

After reviewing the above trainings, a Youthnet Recruitment Specialist will reach out to you to further discuss your foster care aspirations and household.  The Recruitment Specialist will assist your family with setting up an account via the Washington Caregiver Application Portal (WACAP) to complete necessary paperwork. Please reach out to Youthnet if you have already began the application process elsewhere or if you have any questions about the paperwork requirements.

Preparations for Licensing with Household Members

  • Please schedule a physical with your doctor (appointment must be made within the last 12 months) if you are interested in being pre-approved for adoption.

  • Tdap/Dtap

    All children in the home will need to be current on their tdap/dtap vaccinations and provide documentation.
    If licensing to care for infants age 0-2, all adults will also need to be current on their tdap vaccinations.

  • Flu Shot Documentation

    If licensing to care for infants age 0-2, all adults and children in the home will need to show current flu shot documentation and maintain this annually.

  • Pet Vaccinations

    All pets in the home will need up-to-date rabies vaccination records.


Nannies & Household Members

Nannies (regular childcare, at least once a month), adult children living in the home, and roommates are required to submit the following via WACAP or to your licensor.

  • Copy of driver's license
  • TB Screening (within the last 12 months)
  • CPR must by nationally certified, contain an in-person demonstration of your learning, and cover infant/child/adult CPR.

  • Copy of current auto insurance

Minimum Licensing Requirements

  • All foster parents are required to read and familiarize themselves with WACs prior to licensing and throughout their licensure.


Age-Specific Licensing Requirements

Ages 0-2

  • Current Flu Shot Documentation for All People In the Home
  • Current Tdap/Dtap Immunization Documentation for All People In the Home
  • Must have a crib or Pack n' Play

    Manufacture date must be shown on the crib or Pack n' Play (usually in the form of a sticker)
    Pack n' Plays must be manufactured after February 23, 2013
    Cribs must be manufactured after 2011
    A maximum of 2 3/8" between vertical slats of the crib
    Cribs, infant beds, bassinets, and playpens must be made of wood, metal, or approved plastic, with secure latching devices and clean, firm, snug-fitting mattress covered with waterproof material that can be easily disinfected

  • Age-appropriate child-proofing

    Ensure that all toxic or dangerous substances/items are out of reach/inaccessible
    Install magnetic locks in lower cabinets that contain potentially dangerous items
    Ensure that furniture is secure and won't tip over if pulled
    Install outlet covers
    Install blind anchors and wrap the cords out of reach

  • A wall-to-wall barrier is required to prevent foster children from burns
    Click the link above to view an example

  • Install safety gates in stairways

Ages 2-6

  • Age-appropriate child-proofing

    Ensure that all toxic or dangerous substances/items are out of reach/inaccessible
    Install magnetic locks in lower cabinets that contain potentially dangerous items
    Ensure that furniture is secure and won't tip over if pulled
    Install outlet covers
    Install blind anchors and wrap the cords out of reach

  • A wall-to-wall barrier is required to prevent foster children from burns
    Click the link above to view an example

  • Install safety gates in stairways

FAQ

  • Does Youthnet license relative caregivers?

    Yes! When children come into foster care, Washington State values keeping children with relatives when possible. By choosing to become a licensed foster parent, relative caregivers can gain access to a variety of free supports and services. You can choose a child-specific license or a general license. We encourage families to select a general license. This gives you the option to also provide placement or respite for other children in foster care, now or in the future.

  • Unfortunately, if the child is from out of state and placed using an ICPC, Youthnet is unable to facilitate this. Please visit DCYF's website for more information regarding licensing directly through the State.

  • How long will it take to become licensed?

    In general, the entire licensing process takes approximately 3-4 months. From the time you submit your application/background packet, you and your Youthnet licensor will have 2-3 months to complete all remaining paperwork, documentation, interviews, and the home inspection. From there, your Youthnet licensor will write your family's Home Study and submit this to the state for approval. Their approval process typically takes about 4 weeks.

  • Your Youthnet licensor will do an initial walk-through of your home and let you know exactly what you need to meet the minimum licensing requirements. Most families already meet many of these requirements and just need to make a few adjustments or purchase a few items. If you'd like to see the inspection checklist in advance, click on the link above.

  • How do medications need to be stored?

    Foster parents must have a place in their home to store prescription and non-prescription medications that is locked and inaccessible to their foster children (this includes vitamins). These should be stored in a locked container/drawer/cabinet with a key or combination code (such as a locked tackle box or a security box). Frequently used items (such as your coffee maker) cannot be stored in the same container as your medications.

  • What are the requirements for pools, hot tubs, and other bodies of water?

    Hot tubs must be secured with a locking cover and be kept locked when not in use. All swimming pools and other bodies of water must be fenced with a locking gate or other licensor-approved safety device, if they cannot be emptied after each use (in some instances, 4'+ above-ground pools do not need to be fenced.) Make all potential water hazards, including wading pools, inaccessible to children when not in use. Please contact your licensor prior to purchasing or installing any of these items, to be sure they meet the requirements. We will create and sign a safety plan for each body of water on your property.

  • Water testing documentation is required for families on private water.  The test must be recent, within the last 12 months. There are a variety of testing locations available, and you can search for a location near you by clicking on the link above. Drinking water must be tested for: E. Coli, Coliform, and Nitrates. Many of our families have used Edge Analytical in Burlington, WA.  At this location, the tests total approximately $56 and take approximately 10 business days for processing.

  • We have private septic. What is required for our septic test?

    Septic testing documentation is required for families on private septic. The test must be recent, within the last 12 months. The test should show that your system is in good working order and that there are no concerns.

  • What are the requirements for our pets?

    All animals on your property must be safe and properly cared for in a sanitary manner. You must comply with city, county, state and federal statutes and regulations regarding animal safety, vaccinations, standard veterinary care. Please provide a copy of your pet's vaccination records (including rabies) to your licensor and store their medications in a separate locked container.

  • Do I need to be a home owner, or can I be a renter?

    You do not need to be a home owner to be a foster parent. Many of our foster families rent homes or apartments!

  • Is childcare available for foster parents who work outside the home?

    Yes! When foster parents work part time or full time, daycare is paid for by the State during a foster parent's work hours. For two-parent households, daycare is paid for during times that both parents are simultaneously working outside the home.

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