Creating a Community of Foster Care
The Y of Greater Seattle has been licensing and supporting foster parents for almost 35 years. We know the key to success is treating foster parents as professionals and the most important members of the child’s support team.
For those called to the work of foster parenting, there is no greater gift you can offer a child, a family, and our community. We're on a mission to provide every child who needs it a safe and loving foster home to work toward reunification with their families.
Why Foster Parenting?
We need your help. The number of children in foster care has increased nearly 23 percent since 2012, while Washington state struggles to keep up with foster parent demand. This leaves many children to spend the night in hotels or sent out of state.
Fostering Fills in the Gaps
Foster Parenting is a powerful way to support children’s healing by providing them a safe and loving temporary home.
Fostering Empowers Families
It supports the child’s birth parents while they receive the necessary help to work towards reunification.
Fostering Creates a Better Future for All
It provides youth with additional positive adult role models and contributes to the health and well-being of community and families.
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Learn More
If you have the passion and patience for helping kids and families heal and grow, you're off to a great start.
Get Started Today
We're standing by to answer your questions through a no-pressure and transparent chat.
Who Can Foster?
Who can become a foster parent? What are the different ways of fostering? Read our FAQS to learn more.
Why Foster with the Y?
There are many benefits to fostering with the Y: a large team of support who will get to know you, your family, and your foster child.
Alternatives to Foster Parenting
Become an In-Home Respite Provider at the Y
Certified In-Home Respite Providers can provide care for children out in the community or they can go into the home of currently licensed foster parents and provide support to the family and children. In-home respite care does not require licensing. Contact us to learn more.
Become a Host Home at the Y
Many young adults are "almost there" and just need an extra boost to make the next step in adulthood. If you are 21 or older, live in King County, and have a spare bedroom, you can be a host home and help a young adult get on their feet.
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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Resources for Foster Parenting
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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.
Get Involved
There are opportunities to volunteer, donate supplies, host or foster a young person, and more.
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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