Resources For Foster Families
discounts
Free memberships for all foster care families in Pierce County. To sign up a foster family for a free membership visit the Admissions Desk at the Museum and show one of the three valid signed foster/kinship cards; either licensed, unlicensed or kinship navigator card upon admission.
Washington State History Museum
Foster families receive a very low admission rate of $1 per person or $2 per family. To access this discount show one of the three valid signed foster/kinship cards; either licensed, unlicensed or kinship navigator card and photo ID at the admissions desk during regular museum hours. The museum is also free of charge for all visitors on the third Thursday of each month from 3pm-8pm.
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).
Select bowling centers in Washington State are participating in the Kids Bowl Free program. This program is designed by bowling centers to give back to the community and provide a safe, secure, and fun way for kids to spend time this summer. Children whose age does not exceed a limit by a participating bowling center are eligible to register for 2 free games a day, all summer long, courtesy of the participating bowling centers.
The Summer Movie Express runs for 9 weeks with select titles playing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the summer. Admission to these films during the Summer Movie Express is only $1 and a portion of the proceeds goes to the Will Rogers Institute.
fun
The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is proud to support our youth in our community by providing free memberships for foster care children. Additionally, foster care children receive a 70% discount for YMCA programs that require an additional fee.
This organization provides quality clothing to children 0-18 that are placed in the foster care system in Pierce County. The goal at The Wishing Well Foundation is to help address the immediate need that caregivers face when children initially come into care by providing quality, new and gently used, name brand clothing. To access their services, a completed referral form must be made by a Social Worker, GAL/CASA, or case manager.
Girl Scouts of Western Washington
Girl Scouts supports every girl, regardless of their financial situation! Financial assistance is available to assist with memberships, uniforms and camps to allow your foster daughter to participate in this program. For more information, email FinancialAssistance@girlscoutsww.org.foster placements.
Every child in Tacoma Public Schools is eligible for this pass, which gives free admission and tickets to various events at Point Defiance Zoo + Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, and Seattle Sounders and Tacoma Rainiers games.
Most Boys & Girls Clubs have discounted rates for children on free lunches. Discounted rates are $40/month from 2PM-7PM during the school year and $40/week from 7AM-6PM in the summer. Scholarships available. Click the link above to find your local club to inquire about discounts.
parenting
Partnerships for Action, Voices for Empowerment
PAVE is a parent directed organization that works with families, individuals with disabilities, professionals and community members in all walks of life and with all types of disabilities. Since 1979, PAVE has provided information, training and support for over 1,000,000 individuals with disabilities, parents and professionals.
Pierce County Juvenile Court provides programs and services to young people and families facing real challenges.
Using iFoster’s programs and services decreases family needs, improves child and caregiver well-being, improves life-satisfaction, improves grades, and can help youth successfully transition to independence.
Fostering Together
For more resources check out the fostering together resources web page, the Washington State web site for everything foster care.
We connect families to high-quality child care and early learning programs, and we support child care providers who deliver high-quality care.
Caregiver Guidelines for Foster Child Activities
DSHS standard that is characterized by careful and thoughtful parental decisions intended to maintain a child’s health, safety, and best interest which encourage the child’s emotional growth and development.
Guide for Mandated Reporters in Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse
Washington State DSHS booklet of important information for licensed child caregivers.
Education Degree Fundamentals
BestColleges.com has built open-use guides to scholarships and careers in the field to further expedite the success that these future community educators will achieve. They contain information useful to every student, such as concentration studies, job-searching practices, and professional resources. In addition, we’ve curated a guide to the best education programs available, including school ranking, accreditation, and employment outlook information.
Financial Aid & Scholarships – https://www.bestcolleges.com/financial-aid/education-scholarships/
Career Concentrations – https://www.bestcolleges.com/careers/education/
Program Essentials – https://www.bestcolleges.com/features/best-online-masters-education-programs/
teenagers
As a parent, you are one of the biggest influences on your child’s decision to try alcohol or other drugs. There are several effective ways to discourage your kid from trying addictive substances, and you can be the biggest source of support if your child needs help recovering from addiction.
Alcohol Rehab Help is an informational web guide created for people struggling with alcohol use disorders (AUD) and co-occurring mental health disorders.
The REACH Center is a one-stop youth service center for young people 16-24 seeking to advance their educational, career, and life goals.
This program was designed to connect pregnant and parenting teens to health information, state benefit programs, and community-specific support resources. This website offers valuable information and resources for all teens including topics such as relationships, dating violence, general and sexual health, pregnancy, parenting, legal resources, and planning for the future.
This program provides funding and assistance for youth in foster care to obtain: Washington State ID Cards, Driver’s Education Courses, Washington State Learner’s Permits, Washington State Driver’s Licenses & Enhanced Driver’s Licenses and Liability Automobile Insurance.
This organization, serving at-risk youth, have a goal to get youth out of their comfort zone and experience the adventurous outdoors. Experiencing the outdoors can help them learn more about themselves as well as building teamwork with their peers or cohorts. They believe that by spending time in the wilderness, taking risks and seeking solitude, they will gain more than just adventure skills that will help them succeed and handle problems. Scholarships are available to foster care youth so that money is not a barrier to participation.
Independence for WA State Foster Youth
Resources for youth in care wanting assistance with employment, education, housing, budgeting, health issues, and self advocacy.
This club sport offers partial scholarships for youth in care, and the option to raise 100% of the remaining fees through participation in community fundraising. Fees include all gear (except shoes) and coaching. Car pools to games can be arranged. This program gives young men and women grades 7-12 a chance to build confidence and feel a sense of community in a sport that is not directly tied to one school — perfect for youth in care. Diverse coaching staff from USA, New Zealand, Samoa, and Australia. New program for grades 1-6 coming in spring of 2018.