Become a Foster Parent
Being a foster parent isn't always easy but it is always worth it. You can change a young person's life for the better today.
Support Youth in Your Community Experiencing Foster Care
The YMCA of Greater Seattle has been licensing and supporting foster parents and providing individualized support to youth in foster care for almost 35 years. In recent years, we have expanded to offer additional services and programs that encompass our YMCA Community of Fostering, including our Foster Care Licensing Program, Caregiver Support Program, In-Home Behavioral Rehabilitation Services, and Kinship Licensing. These programs provide vital case management and other critical services to youth and caregivers.
The Community of Fostering proudly serves families and caregivers in areas of Pierce, Snohomish, and King Counties. We welcome LGBTQIA+ families and BIPOC families. Our program strives to be inclusive as we are on a collective journey as staff, volunteers, interns, and foster families to become an anti-racist and affirming organization, and we are committed to continued growth and learning.
Here to Support You on Your Fostering Journey
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Become a Foster Parent Today
You can be a part of the YMCA Community of Fostering by providing youth with a temporary home where they can heal at their own pace and be celebrated for their unique gifts. Our program focuses on supporting reunification between youth and their biological families whenever possible, as the best outcome for youth in out-of-home care.
If you have the space, passion, and patience for helping kids and families heal and grow, you're off to a great start.
Get Started
We're standing by to answer your questions through a no-pressure, transparent chat. Contact us to get started.
Get Clear About Foster Care
Learn about the needs, issues, and how to get involved in supporting, advocating for, or becoming a Foster Parent.
Why Foster at the Y?
There are many benefits to fostering with the Y including a large team of support who will get to know you, your family, and your foster child.
Kinship Foster Care
If you or someone you know is caring for a relative's or close friend's child, learn more about kinship care with the YMCA.
Mental Health Support
Behavioral Rehabilitation Services provides intensive, temporary support for youth with complex behavioral and emotional needs.
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Alternatives to Foster Parenting
Help Increase Stability and Positive Outcomes for Exploited Youth
ConnectUP provides coordinated services to children and youth who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing commercial sexual exploitation, and to the individuals and families who provide care for these children.
Volunteer to Support the Fostering Community
Becoming a foster parent or kinship caregiver isn’t the only way to make an impact. Whether it’s by calling or video-chatting, donating, sending takeout, being a virtual buddy, or simply challenging our own perceptions, we all have a role.
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STAY ENGAGED WITH THE Y
Counseling Services
We’re here for you with counseling services that span mental health, substance use, and psychiatric care for people of all ages in King County.
Are You Experiencing a Crisis?
For immediate assistance with a behavioral health crisis or a young person’s safety or shelter, call the King County 24-Hour Crisis Hotline at (866) 427-4747.
Join the Y!
With a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, improving health and well-being, and supporting our neighbors, your membership will not just bring about meaningful change in yourself, but also in your community.
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