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.
Supporting Kids and Teens Experiencing Foster Care
The Y of Greater Seattle has been licensing and supporting foster parents and providing individualized support to children and youth in foster care for almost 35 years. 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 to reunify children and families.
The YMCA’s foster care program proudly welcomes LGBTQIA+ families and BIPOC families, and strives to be inclusive. We are on a collective journey as staff, volunteers, interns, and foster families to become an anti-racist and affirming organization, and are committed to continued growth and learning.
Here for You for Your Entire Fostering Journey
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Become a Foster Parent
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. 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.
Be A Respite Provider
Certified In-Home Respite Providers can care for children out in the community or for currently licensed foster parents. In-home respite care does not require licensing.
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.
Resources for Foster Parenting
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Alternatives to Foster Parenting
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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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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