Q: Can a single person be a foster parent?
A: Yes; we have a number of single people who provide excellent care.

Q: Is there an upper age limit for foster parents?
A: No; older people are some of our best foster parents. If there are health concerns, however, the licensor may ask for a statement from your doctor.

Q: What if the parent(s) work outside the home?
A: This is normally not a problem—many good foster parents work outside the home. Employed foster parents are reimbursed for the child-care costs related to foster children.

Q: How long do foster children stay in foster care?
A: Foster care is a temporary arrangement for children. The amount of time a child spends in foster care depends on the particular child and his/her parents—and it is hard to predict. The law requires, in most circumstances, that every effort be made to reunite children with their parents as soon as it appears safe for the child. If the child can not be reunited safely within a certain period of time, the law requires that another permanent home be found for the child. Most children do return home within the first 30 days of foster care. If a child can not safely return home that quickly it often takes from 6 to 18 months to resolve the safety issues or locate another permanent home. A small number of children are in foster care more than two years. An even smaller number remain in foster care until age 18.

Q: Do foster children see their biological parents during the time they are in foster care?
A: Most children in foster care visit their biological parents on a regular basis, at the DSHS offices or another location in the community, as part of the court-ordered plan to reunite the family. Foster parents are expected to cooperate with the child’s visitation plan. This does not mean the foster parents have to meet the parents or even have their identity revealed, but it is in the best interest of the child if the foster parents are willing to work with the bio-parents. The location and schedule of visits is arranged between the biological parent(s), the court, and the assigned social worker. Foster parents are expected to assist with transportation to and from visits. If there is difficulty with this, assistance with transportation to and from visits can be arranged by DSHS.

Q: How long does it take to be licensed?
A: From the time we receive your application, it normally takes between 30-90 days.

Q: Is it true foster parents can not spank the foster child?
A: Yes. Foster parents are prohibited by law from using any form of physical punishment. Positive discipline, combined with warmth and caring, should be used in educating the child to conform to the standards of your family and our society.

Q: Can a foster child share a room with my child?
A: Yes; however, each must have his/her own bed and children over 5 must be of the same gender to share a bedroom.

Q: Would I have any choice about the types of children or adolescents placed with me?
A: Absolutely. We license homes for children aged newborn through 17 years or, occasionally, older. Foster parents can specify their preferences as to the ages or gender of the foster children placed in their home, as well as any behavioral problems they don’t feel equipped to handle. Foster parents should only accept children they believe they can manage in their homes. When contacted about a possible placement, you have the right to ask about the child’s known needs and behaviors and accept or refuse placement based on that information.

Q: How many children could I be licensed for?
A: A number of factors affect how many children can be placed with you. Single parents can be licensed for a maximum of 4 children including your own, assuming the home has adequate facilities to meet the requirements. Couples can be licensed for a maximum of 6 children, including your own children. Each child needs about 50 square feet of bedroom space; there can only be 4 children in a bedroom; and children younger than 1 year can sleep in a crib in the master bedroom.

Q: What kinds of problems do the children generally have?
A: Children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse, neglect, or abandonment often exhibit behavioral problems, developmental delays, learning delays, sleep disturbances, bedwetting, and emotional instability. Some may have symptoms of pre-natal alcohol or drug exposure such as irritability, extreme sensitivity to stimulation, distractibility or an inability to learn from consequences. The child’s assigned social worker helps the foster parents to understand and address these problems.

Q: Once I become licensed, how long would it be before children were placed in my home?
A: It depends on the type of care you want to provide. If you are planning to care for school-aged children, of either gender, in regular or emergency “receiving” care, or respite care, you would probably begin to receive calls fairly soon after becoming licensed. More specialized homes, and those taking only pre-school aged children, usually have to wait a bit longer as there are fewer of those children needing foster care. (See “Types of Foster Homes” section.)

Q: Can we take the foster child with us on vacation?
A: Yes. However, you must have prior arrangements approved by the social worker regarding all out of state travel.

Q: Can we leave the foster child with a baby-sitter?
A: Foster parents need a social life of their own. The person employed to baby-sit needs to be at least 18 years old (with a few exceptions). Respite care might also be available. Please consult with the child’s social worker.

Q: Is there a problem with our having pets?
A: Generally not. Families and their foster children obviously enjoy having pets. We would be concerned only if there were issues of safety, cleanliness, or health factors: ie, a child’s allergies.

Adoption FAQ

Q: How long will it take to have a child placed in my/our home?
A: This is determined in large part by matching the specific needs of a child/children to the specific needs, interests, and abilities of your family. The amount of time varies, but it is usually 6 – 18 months.

Q: What are the costs of adoption?
A: Fees vary with agencies – they range from no fees, to fees that are reimbursable through Adoption Support Services, or to fees that are required by an agency that are not reimbursable.

Q: Are there any services available after the adoption is final?
A:Adoption Support Services is available if your child/family meets program eligibility criteria. Services may include medical, counseling, reimbursement of legal fees, and some financial maintenance. An Adoption Support Agreement must be authorized before an adoption is finalized.
In addition there are a variety of post-adoption services available through different Counties, Private Agencies, Professionals, Adoption Support Groups, and the Northwest Adoption Exchange in Seattle (206.441.6822).