Faq
Can a single person be a foster parent?
Yes, single people can provide excellent care.
Can you help me convince my partner we should foster?
All mailings will be sent in a plain envelope with only our PO Box number. You are welcome to share the materials with your partner.
How long do foster children stay in foster care?
Initially, the goal for all foster children is to return home to their family or to their tribe. As children stay in care a concurrent plan is developed. This can include long term foster care, guardianship, or adoption. Children in CHAP can expect to be in their foster home six to twelve months.
Do foster children see their biological families?
Most children in foster care visit their biological parents on a regular basis as part of their court-ordered plan to reunite the family.
Can a foster child share a room with my child?
Because of the special needs of the child we serve we prefer that children in our program have their own room.
Generally, what kind of problems do the children have?
Children in our program often exhibit behavioral problems, developmental delays, learning delays, sleep disturbances, bedwetting, and emotional instability. Compass workers will help the foster parents to address and understand these problems.
Once I become licensed, how long will it be before children are placed in my home?
Most often CHAP has a list of children waiting for a foster home. We make every effort to match you with a child that would fit in with your family. You may want to start out by doing respite.
What is the relationship between the State and private agencies like Compass?
Children usually enter foster care through Washington State Children’s Administration. The child is then assigned a social worker. State placement workers find foster homes for children by contacting State foster families, placing children in group homes, and by contacting private agency workers. The State contracts with private agencies, like Compass Health, that have their own foster home licensors. The agency matches children to foster homes within their agency. Private agencies provide case managers and other services.
How do I become a foster parent?
You must:- be over 21 years of age
- have a regular income and be able to maintain your own family without foster care payments
- provide a separate bedroom for the child
- ability of all family members over the age of sixteen to pass a criminal background check and child abuse check
- possess a valid driver's license and automobile insurance
- be willing to accept that foster placements are temporary
- provide the names of at least three personal references
- present or obtain a valid First Aid/CPR and blood borne pathogens training
- complete free foster parent pre-service training, provided by Compass Health (needs to be completed by both parents.)
- pass a home inspection and safety guidelines (some types of dogs exclude families from our program)
- submit a personal history which includes detailed information about yourself
- provide a calm environment, structured and predictable routines, clear rules, consequences and rewards
- have basic knowledge of child development, appropriate parenting and discipline for children with mental health issues
Contact us today!
We would love to talk to you about becoming a foster parent.
Request our free packet of information about becoming a foster parent with Compass Health Therapeutic Foster Care.
We are located at Compass Health, 4526 Federal Avenue, Everett Washington 98203.
Call 425-349-8480 or e-mail us at diana.beal@compassh.org.
Be sure to give us your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address.