YMCA Foster Care Program

Our Foster Parenting Coach, Jessica Kessler, is registering to attend. If you're a caregiver or interested in becoming a foster parent, register today!

Registration is now open for the Parent Retreat Conference: "Parenting on Purpose" with Family Success Northwest! Join CaRES at this fun and educational event held 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1 in the Asia Pacific Cultural Center, 4851 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma.

Find all registration and conference information at https://familysuccessnw.org/parent-retreat-conference

Learn. Connect. Recharge. Gain practical parenting strategies, meet other parents and community members, and leave with tools and support that last long after the retreat. This conference is open to all parents, caregivers, and community members who work with children impacted by trauma. Free lunch will be provided.

https://www.seattleymca.org/social-impact-center/get-involved/foster-parenting

Are you looking for some fun activities for foster families? Check out a few places that offer discounts to foster families. Check each website to confirm the discount and if proof or identification is needed.

Register on Eventbrite at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1990656712815?aff=oddtdtcreator

https://www.seattleymca.org/blog/parenting-teens-foster-care

Parenting Teens in Foster Care Parenting Teens in Foster Care Last updated: April 2, 2026, at 2:16 p.m. PT Originally published: March 31, 2026, at 9:02 a.m. PT There's a moment that happens in almost every conversation with prospective foster parents. When asked what ages they’re open to caring for, many hesitate at the idea o...

https://www.seattleymca.org/blog/helping-foster-youth-heal-supporting-children-through-grief-and-loss

Helping Foster Youth Heal: Supporting Children Through Grief and Loss Helping Foster Youth Heal: Supporting Children Through Grief and Loss Last updated: May 7, 2026, at 10:19 a.m. PT Originally published: May 7, 2026, at 10:19 a.m. PT Every May, Foster Care Awareness Month invites communities across the country to learn more about the needs of children in the foster....

We had a great in-person Foster Care Information Session last week at our Dale Turner branch. It was a great discussion with our panel that included a current Y foster parent, Caregiver Supports Program Director, and the Y's Lead Licensor. Attendees ranged from single caregivers, caregivers with small children in the home, and caregivers whose children are all grown. Some of the attendees had done a lot of research and some were just starting their information gathering journey.

The Y is here to help new caregivers understand what is means to foster and the successes and challenges of supporting youth in out of home care.

Join us virtually on June 9th at 6:30pm for our next information session. Register today:

Y Foster Care Virtual Information Session Join us virtually to learn about the Y's Foster Care Licensing Program and answer your questions about becoming a foster parent.

May is foster care awareness month. Here are some facts about the current state of foster care in Washington State.

*There are more than 4,900 children in foster care in Washington State.

*There are fewer than 5,000 licensed foster homes available in Washington State. This means the number of homes is falling short of the number of children who need them. The shortage is particularly acute for homes willing to take sibling groups, teens, or children with higher needs.

* In WA state, nearly a quarter of brothers and sisters in foster care are separated. Nationally, the sibling situation is even more striking: between 65% and 85% of children in foster care have a sibling also in care, and of those, 53% to 80% are separated from one or more siblings because there are not enough families willing and able to foster multiple children at the same time.

* Nationally, 28% of children in foster care nationally are between ages 11 and 16. Teens are disproportionately at risk of aging out without a permanent family and in Washington, only 53% of foster youth graduated high school on time, compared to 84% of their peers statewide.

We need more families who are willing to open their homes to youth in need. Our program at the Y is designed to support you in providing a stable, loving home. Contact us today!

Our Arcadia program in Auburn is a day center and emergency night shelter for youth! They have great programming to engage participants and connect them with resources in the community.