There are so many reasons to foster with the Y of Greater Seattle. 

We've been licensing and supporting foster parents and providing individualized support to children and youth in foster care for almost 35 years. From personalized case management to therapeutic services, our incredible staff team is here to support you through every step of your journey.

You can be a part of our community by providing children in foster care a loving temporary home, where each child can heal at their own pace and is celebrated for their unique gifts, with the ultimate goal of reunifying children and families. 

Watch the video to learn more about what it looks like to foster with the Y and see the top ten reasons to choose the Y below:

1. INDIVIDUALIZED SUPPORT

Foster parents and kinship caregivers receive individualized support and intervention based on the unique needs of the family and each child (0-21) placed in the home. The YMCA uses a team approach to provide services and works closely with the youth’s DCYF social worker, natural supports, and other providers. 

2. CONNECTION

Caregivers licensed with the YMCA are a part of the YMCA Community of Fostering. They are connected to a peer network of experienced and newly licensed caregivers who work together with YMCA staff to support each other and the children in foster care. 

3. AFFIRMING AGENCY COMMITTED TO ANTI-RACISM

The YMCA is proud to license LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC families to meet the cultural needs of children, youth, and young adults in foster care. The YMCA proudly proclaims that Black lives matter. We cannot empower all people, especially the young, to achieve their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body until we disrupt racism, achieve equity, and justice for all, and press forward to become an anti-racist organization.

4. TRAINING

Receive support from your YMCA licensor to complete all licensing requirements and ongoing training and paperwork needed for a license renewal. Work closely with a YMCA staff member dedicated to caregiver education and development to receive specialized recommendations to increase your skills. Attend the YMCA’s monthly Foster Parent Support Group to learn from fellow caregivers and the group’s moderator who is a veteran foster parent with over 20 plus years of experience. 

5. CASE MANAGEMENT

YMCA families who have a youth placed in the home long-term will receive case management services directly from the YMCA in addition to coordination with the youth’s state social worker. Children with more needs may receive additional support depending on eligibility. 

6. 24/7 CRISIS SUPPORT

The YMCA is responsive to the needs of children in foster care and caregivers and provides crisis stabilization and other support when needed. Caregivers can access crisis support services at any time they are needed.

7. RESPITE

Caregivers need a break! YMCA families receive regular monthly respite hours and can connect to a community of foster parents capable of providing respite care.

8. THERAPEUTIC SERVICES

YMCA staff and veteran foster parents have extensive experience in supporting the system’s most vulnerable and high-needs kids. Eligible children may have a YMCA therapist and/or case aide support and receive wrap-around mental health services.

9. EXPERTISE IN SUPPORTING TEENS

Teens in foster care experience the most barriers to finding safe and stable homes. Our staff at the YMCA have a passion and the necessary experience to support teens and their caregivers.

10. FREE FAMILY MEMBERSHIP

All YMCA licensed foster parents and kinship caregivers receive a free family membership to access any King, Snohomish or Pierce YMCA branch.

Learn more about Fostering with the Y >>