Community of Fostering

The Y of Greater Seattle has been licensing and supporting foster parents for over 30 years. The YMCA’s dedicated staff offer a bridge to nurturing, safe, and loving foster homes by providing personalized support based on the unique needs of each child & family.

The Y's Community of Fostering offers outstanding support for foster kids and parents.

We believe that the best way to make foster care a healing and supportive community for kids is to offer each child and foster family the individualized support they need to thrive and succeed.

The Y has been licensing foster homes for over 30 years, since 1987. In those years, we’ve learned and developed the best ways to build our community and support our families. We know the key to success is treating foster parents as professionals and the most important members of the child’s support team.

Benefits of Fostering with the Y

Ease of Access

The YMCA does not charge any fees for licensing and home studies. We support you throughout the licensing process and are available to answer any questions and provide individualized assistance.

Free YMCA Family Membership

Your membership gives your whole family access to free and discounted programs for children and families, including facilities with water parks, high tech game rooms, rock climbing, and so on at over 30 YMCA branches across King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties. Membership rates for kids’ activities and Parent’s Night Out allow you to work out or spend some quality time with other adults.

Self-Care

Foster parents providing full-time care accrue respite. Taking a few hours, days or even weeks of respite gives foster parents an opportunity to rest & recuperate, as well as to ensure they are staying healthy in mind, body, and spirit.

Care Reimbursements

Foster parents receive a mix of non-taxable and taxable monthly payments to assist with covering the costs of providing foster care.