A Family for Every Child is an organization in Oregon that helps licensed foster families find children available for adoption. Their Matching Assistance Program (MAP) is a free program designed to help waiting families become matched with waiting foster children. The program is most beneficial to families who are seeking to adopt a foster child over the age of six with special needs. If you have an approved homestudy and foster license, you can register with MAP and you will have the opportunity to see the many children available for adoption. MAP works with agencies like AAI as a team to find families for children. Visit their website to learn more!

As a licensed foster parent, you are responsible for the safety of foster children placed in your home. The state has strict requirements regarding children's activities. Please click here to review the list of guidelines regarding child care, vacations, family recreation, sports activities, etc. to be sure you understand your role as a foster parent.

With summer in full swing, it's important for all caregivers to understand the state's travel policy. Travel for children who are in the care, custody, and control of the Department must be approved and documented in advance prior to your travel. Please notify the child's state worker of your travel plans three weeks in advance, when possible. Notification can be by voicemail message, face-to-face communication, or e-mail. The worker will initiate the approval process. Trips less than 72 hours do not require three weeks advance notice.

It is illegal to leave a child under the age of 16 unattended in a motor vehicle. Click here to see the law.

Activities in and around water increase in the summer so it is especially critical that you maintain extra vigilance of all children, especially infants, toddlers, and school age children. Please take time to thoroughly review the WAC that outlines the steps you must take to ensure children's safety around outdoor bodies of water. You can view these guidelines here. For more tips, myths, and facts about water safety, click here.

We hope that you are all having a super summer so far and that these reminders and tips were helpful.

A peaceful scene at Curlew Lake State Park.

Washington resident foster parents and registered relative foster caregivers who camp with the children in their care are entitled to free campsites in Washington State Parks. Participants in the program may camp at first-come, first-served parks or make a telephone reservation to camp in a reservation park (call 1-888-CAMPOUT or 1-888-226-7688). Eligible participants making reservations do not pay for camping but are still charged the reservation fee to hold sites in the reservation system.

To get free camping when making a reservation, tell the operator you are a foster care provider. Then, when you arrive at the park to register, show a Washington State Driver's License, along with a Foster Care ID card or your Foster Home License. Walk-in campers need to show these same documents at the park to receive a free campsite. Foster parents and registered relative caregivers also may use State Park boat launches and pumpouts for free when they camp. Please note: The foster child must arrive and camp with the caregiver the entire length of stay.

Visit the WA State Parks website to learn more about the parks and plan your next adventure!