Please use this checklist as a guide throughout the licensing process, and contact your licensor if you have any questions.

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 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.

One Application per household

A background check is required for each person in the home age 16+.
After completing the online background form, it's required to save a PDF copy and email this to your Youthnet Licensor.

Required for each person in the home age 16+

Required for each person in the home age 16+

Families must be financially stable, meaning that they are able to support their family's current needs without outside assistance.

Please schedule a physical with your doctor (appointment must be within the last 12 months) and have them complete this form and a TB test.

TB screening is required for all adults in the home age 18+. If you do not pass the screening a TB test is required and the results must be documented by a doctor within the last 12 months and provided to your licensor.

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.

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.

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

After completing the online background form, it's required to save a PDF copy and email this to your Youthnet Licensor.

This form is only required if the individual was not included on your Application form.

CPR must by nationally certified, contain an in-person demonstration of your learning, and cover infant/child/adult CPR.

All foster parents are required to read the WAC handbook prior to licensing.

Log into your Youthnet Foster Family Website for access to Video Worksheets.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.