Therapeutic Foster Network
Kinship Care
About
Kinship Care & Suitable Others Licensing
Kinship Care is when a grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, sibling, other relative, close family friend, or unrelated kin takes care of a child in their life. Youthnet believes that it’s important for a child to be with an adult that they are familiar with.
Empowering Kinship Caregivers
At Youthnet, we actively collaborate with DCYF to bolster our commitment to licensing kinship caregivers. Our focus is on nurturing familial bonds and preserving cultural connections, recognizing their pivotal roe in fostering stability for children in care. Through this approach, we aim to reduce foster care duration, foster stronger family and community relationships, and enhance children's overall well-being.
Providing Comprehensive Support
As an organization, we take pride in offering an array of support services tailored to our licensed foster homes. From financial assistance to personalized guidance from our dedicated licensors and case managers, we ensure caregivers receive the resources they need. Our holistic support extends to visit supervision, ongoing training, and round-the-clock assistance, underscoring our commitment to nurturing a supportive environment for both caregivers and children.
Embracing Trauma-Informed Care
Central to our ethos is the recognition of the profound impact of trauma on children in foster care. At Youthnet, we approach caregiving with a trauma-informed lens, prioritizing empathy and collaboration. We understand that navigating challenging behaviors is part of the journey, which is why we stand alongside our caregivers every step of the way. Moreover, our no-fee policy underscores our dedication to ensuring equitable access to our services for all caregivers and children.
Service Areas
We license kinship families in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, Island, King, Pierce, Kitsap, Clallam, Jefferson, Mason, Thurston, and Lewis Counties for children and youth of all ages.
Kinship Care FAQ
Who can I discuss a child's case with?
You should only discuss a child’s case and why they were removed with people on a need-to-know basis. A babysitter, other family members, or friends can know about your child’s allergy or behavior needs, but doesn’t need to know why the child is in your care.
Why should I license with a Child Placing Agency (CPA)?
You should license with a CPA if you desire individualized support for yourself and the child(ren) in your home. Social workers are busy with high caseloads and are focused on permanency planning. At Youthnet, you will receive a case manager who can help you understand the legal behind the scenes with DCYF as well as focusing on day-to-day support for you and your family.
What happens during the home study process?
The home study process involves completing paperwork in an online database with the support of a licensor and a series of interviews with you, your household members, and the children in your home. During the interviews, you will be asked questions about your past, your caregiving style, and why you want to be licensed. Interviews usually last 2.5 - 3 hours maximum and are on a schedule you create with your licensor. The home study interview process typically takes about 3-4 weeks depending on the number of interviews and scheduling options. There are also kinship waivers available that may help prevent barriers to licensing families.
How long will it take to become licensed?
In general, the entire licensing process takes approximately 120 days. From the time you submit your application/background packet, you and your Youthnet licensor will have 90 days to complete all remaining paperwork, documentation, interviews, and the home inspection. From there, your Youthnet licensor will write your family's Home Study and submit this to the state for approval. Their approval process typically takes about 4 weeks.
If a family wishes to pursue an "initial license" this process has a tight 90-day timeline. Youthnet will assess the ability to complete an initial license on a case by case basis, so please reach out to Youthnet to discuss the specifics of your case
What do you look for in the home inspection?
Your Youthnet licensor will do an initial walk-through of your home and let you know exactly what you need to meet the minimum licensing requirements. Most families already meet many of these requirements and just need to make a few adjustments. You can see specific checklist items on the Home Inspection Checklist for Kinship Families.