How to get started in foster care? (foster parents, meeting)

[Mopeyface]

Hello, I and my husband have discussed possibly becoming foster parents but are unsure how to actually get started on the path. I realize there is training and home studies and such that would need to be done, but do we just call up DSHS (we are in Washington state) and say "hey, we'd like to be foster parents" or is it better to work through an agency? From what I've read it sounds like an agency can offer more support and be very helpful, but I'm unsure how to locate a good one or what criteria to ask about and so on.

Any information would be greatly appreciated!

[Lizita]

Here is some info about becoming a foster parent in your state: Become a Foster Parent

They apparently have a foster family recruitment line in your state at 888-543-7414. I'd start there and they should be able to give you info about local agencies as well. The major foster care agencies in my area, like Lutheran Charities and Catholic Charities, offer regular info meetings for prospective foster parents. It's probably available in your area too. The meeting that I attended was very informative and I got a chance to get all my questions answered. I'd highly recommend going to one of these meetings, maybe even at two different agencies so you can compare them.

I don't know if it's better to go through an agency or the state but I would guess that you'd do better with an agency as they tend to be smaller and have more resources than the state since they can fundraise to get more income while a state agency has to stick to an ever shrinking budget.

Good luck!

[brokencrayola]

OP, yes, just call Health and Welfare and tell them you want to start the process of foster parenting. They will probably take your info and have a social worker call you back. I am in Idaho and we were foster parents for 5 years.