Thinking About Fostering? 10 Reasons to Become a Foster Parent

For more than 35 years, the Y has been walking alongside families and youth involved in the child welfare system. We've witnessed firsthand the powerful ripple effects a dedicated caregiver can have—not just on a child’s life, but the entire community. Whether you feel called to give back or are looking to grow your family through fostering, becoming a foster parent is a meaningful journey rooted in compassion, resilience, and community. Here are 10 reasons why you should consider becoming a foster parent: 

1. Make a Direct Impact in Your Community 

Foster parents provide safe, temporary homes for youth while their families work toward reunification. Once licensed, you’ll partner with a Y Placement Coordinator to accept placements within your county. We work to keep youth close to their home communities and schools—reducing disruption and supporting continuity. Your decision to foster helps strengthen families right in your neighborhood. 

2. Be a Trusted Mentor 

Youth in foster care benefit deeply from stable, supportive adults. Many have experienced frequent moves and inconsistent expectations. As a foster parent, you offer guidance, structure, and encouragement during a critical time. You’ll help youth access services, try new hobbies, participate in school or sports—and feel like a kid again. 

3. Redefine What Family Means 

The primary goal of foster care is family reunification. While most placements are temporary, the relationships built can last a lifetime. Many of our Y foster families remain connected to the youth they’ve cared for—celebrating milestones, offering support, and in some cases, becoming permanent family through adoption or guardianship. Fostering expands your family in ways you never expected. 

4. Amplify a Child’s Voice 

As a foster parent, you become vital to a youth’s support team. You’ll collaborate with biological families, caseworkers, teachers, and therapists to advocate for the child’s needs and ensure their voice is heard. You are often the person who helps them navigate systems and speak up for themselves. 

5. Support Healing and Growth 

Youth in foster care may carry the weight of trauma, neglect, or loss. You can be a consistent, calming presence that helps them feel safe, understood, and empowered. With guidance from our Y case managers and access to community resources, you’ll gain tools to support healing and promote emotional resilience. 

6. Be Part of Systemic Change 

The child welfare system is complex, but your voice matters. Foster parents can participate in statewide listening sessions, policy discussions, and advocacy efforts that lead to meaningful reforms. Organizations like The Mockingbird Society work with caregivers and youth to push for changes that improve outcomes for families across Washington. 

7. Lift Other Families 

At the Y, new foster parents often begin by providing respite care—short-term placements that offer a break for long-term caregivers. This also helps you build experience at your own pace. Over time, many foster parents form supportive relationships with the youth’s biological families, continuing to offer care even after reunification. You become part of a larger, interconnected support system for both parents and children. 

8. Strengthen Your Parenting and Life Skills 

Foster parents complete ongoing training to stay licensed, with many free learning opportunities available through The Alliance for Professional Development, Training, and Caregiver Excellence. These trainings cover trauma-informed care, youth development, and more—skills that benefit your foster parenting journey and any work or volunteer role involving youth. 

9. Grow in New and Unexpected Ways 

Foster parenting is challenging—and deeply rewarding. Each child is unique, and so is every journey. At the Y, we ease new families into long-term placements and provide proactive case management to prevent caregiver burnout. Our approach prioritizes matching youth needs with caregiver strengths so you never navigating challenges alone. 

10. Build Lasting Friendships 

Fostering can feel isolating without support. That’s why the Y offers connection and community. With over 50 licensed families in King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties, you’ll meet other caregivers at events, support groups, and through respite care. Our monthly caregiver support group, led by a veteran foster parent, provides a space to share, learn, and grow together.

Learn more about what it means to foster with the Y >>

What Fostering with the YMCA Looks Like