Download - Foster Care Presentation
Foster Care
Placement
Washington State
Presented By
Jason Graefen
Presentation Objectives
Applicants (What it takes to get started fostering children)
The process (Samples of forms)Foster Pride (Training)A look at the professionals behind
placementThe social and cultural aspects of foster
placement
Foster Applicants (What do I Have to do First?)
Find an agency Must be at least 21 years of age Must be employed Must obtain a Tuberculosis Test (all family members
18 yrs of age and older) CPR/First Aid Certification and HIV/Blood Born
Pathogens Certification (30HRS) Have a home meeting the standards of licensing
requirements Home study participation
The Process
Once prequalification for the applicant is met then the process begins.
On the next few slides you will see examples of the forms used for DSHS qualification.
If you are applying through an agency contracted with DSHS you may be required to fill out additional forms with that agency as well.
DSHS Application
Background Check
Driving Record Request
PRIDE
Stands for: Parent Resources for Information, Development, and Education.
The PRIDE program is a 40HR training required by all applicants to get licensed to foster with the state.
The program also offers specialized trainings:– Teens in care-supporting and attachment– Caring for children who have experienced
domestic violence– Preparing children for successful adulthood– Working together to improve the educational
outcomes for youth in care
The Professionals who Make it Happen:The Social Worker or Care Coordinator
Plays a role in the placement process Is usually responsible for initial follow up Is responsible in some cases for short term
placements and respite May participate in facilitating family case
study Directs Case Aid support if any is presented
The Professionals who Make it Happen:The Foster Licensure
Is responsible for licensing foster parents. Must comply with state laws in licensing applicants
and ensures applicants also meets state requirements for licensing
Directs long term placements Does initial home Inspection Establishes a family case study and individual
autobiographies of family members Conducts interviews of each individual member of
the foster family
Culture: Gay Couples
A foster agency at their discretion determines eligibility of gay and lesbian couples.
Foster agencies under the umbrella’s of religious organizations allow gay men and lesbians to adopt only if they are not in a homosexual relationship. DSHS will license gay and lesbian couples as long as they meet the same criteria as heterosexual couples.
Agencies do not object to the placement of gay and lesbian youth.
Single Applicants
DSHS and other foster agencies do allow single applicants to be licensed as foster parents.
Single applicants are required to meet the same criteria as a foster couple and are usually expected to provide extra resources to meet the needs of the children placed in their care.
Religious Beliefs
No agency can discriminate in placing children or licensing applicants on the basis of religious beliefs.
When placing children foster Licensures have foster parents sign a document stating that the child is not required to practice or attend a religious service that is not of their own faith.
New foster parents can request a child of a specific religious belief if it is an issue for the parents.
Economic Status
Foster parents are required to have at least part time employment as mandated by state law
The agency is responsible for making sure that applicants and current foster parents meet all of the needs of the children placed in their care.
Resource
If your interested in becoming a foster parent
You can call: Statewide Foster Parent Recruitment Information Center
at 1-888-KIDS-414 (1-888-543-7414)
They will give you information regarding your local state social service agency office and agencies contracted to license foster parents in your area.