Amara Fostering

At Amara, we’ve seen for decades how foster caregivers can change the lives of children and families for the better. When caring people open their hearts and homes to children and teens, they can turn ordinary moments into touchpoints for connection, stability, and hope.

Amara has an expansive and inclusive definition of family because we know that a child’s entire constellation of people who love them matter. We welcome new foster caregivers from diverse backgrounds and regardless of marital status, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, home ownership, income, or education.

Learn more in our new commercial!

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Who can foster with Amara?

People from these zip codes in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties who understand that the primary goal of foster care is reunification can foster with Amara.

Additionally, foster caregivers must:

be 21 years old or older
have at least two bedrooms
pass a child abuse and criminal background check, along with any other people age 16 or older living in the home*
be able to physically care for a child
meet the state’s Minimum Licensing Requirements

Amara Tries to Keep Siblings Together

Can you care for more than one child? Siblings, especially large sibling groups, are often separated when they enter foster care. Amara strives to keep siblings together. When that isn’t possible, we encourage everyone involved in caring for siblings to build relationships so they can keep siblings connected to each other.

The Need for Foster Caregivers

In 2025 there were nearly 5,000 children in foster care in Washington. 42% of those children could not be placed with kin and needed placement in a licensed foster home.

Children in Foster Care

Children and teens in foster care come from many different backgrounds, faiths, and cultures. They range in age from newborns to 21** and have been placed in out-of-home care through no fault of their own. Circumstances beyond their control have resulted in the state removing them from their homes. In most cases, the removal is temporary and reunification is the goal.

Let's Bust Some Foster Care Myths

We know there are a lot of myths surrounding foster care. Here’s what’s true and what’s not.

I have to own my own home.

NOT TRUE! You can live in an apartment or a house (rented or owned) and should have at least two bedrooms. You can also have roommates.

We have to be heterosexual and married.

NOT TRUE! Amara is proud to work with all families regardless of race, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, and income level.

Being a foster family is expensive.

NOT TRUE! As a foster parent, you will receive a monthly stipend to help care for the child(ren) in your care that varies based on the age and needs of each child. All children in foster care have medical, dental, and vision insurance and can attend daycare or before/after school care for free at locations that accept the DCYF subsidies. There are many other resources such as WIC, clothing resources, and reimbursement for activities.

Our family has to have a stay-at-home parent.

NOT TRUE! If a single parent works or both parents in a couple work, DCYF will cover daycare or before/after school expenses for any foster child – provided they attend a location that accepts the DCYF subsidy.

I’m too young or too old to be a foster parent.

NOT TRUE! You must be 21 years or older in order to be a foster parent. “More than 2.4 million children are being raised by grandparents or are in kinship care.”~ Dave Thomas Foundation

Children and youth in foster care are juvenile delinquents, are ‘bad kids’, or did something wrong.

NOT TRUE! Children and youth come into foster care due to abuse, neglect, and parental issues such as addiction, mental health challenges, poverty, violence, or other things that make them unable to parent their child safely. Children and youth never come into foster care through any fault of their own. All children in foster care have experienced trauma and loss and will need patience, love, stability, and an adult who is committed to advocating for them and getting all their needs met.

“I have to already have kids.” or “I can’t already have kids.”

NOT TRUE! You can be a first-time parent or be a seasoned parent with other children still at home.

I can’t have pets.

NOT TRUE! Many foster parents have pets. All cats, dogs, and ferrets must be up to date on rabies vaccines and be safe around children. Many foster children respond very well to pets.

I could never be a foster parent – I would get too attached.

NOT TRUE! “Instead of letting the fear of getting too attached deter us, we should actually let the fear of these kids never feeling truly attached to someone drive us. Being afraid of getting attached is exactly what these children need – a person who cares deeply for them, regardless of their experiences or behaviors.” ~ fc media

I could never do what other foster parents do.

NOT TRUE! Foster parents are regular people just like you who have the desire and commitment to help children and families in their own communities. They make doctor appointments. They make dinner. They make mistakes. And they make kids laugh and help them feel safe.

There is nothing I can do to help kids and families near me.

NOT TRUE! You can become a foster caregiver!

* While there are some crimes that permanently disqualify an applicant from foster care or adoption, a past criminal charge or conviction will not necessarily preclude you from moving forward. We will assess criminal history as we do all other aspects of your individual and family background – in terms of its relation to your ability to provide a safe and nurturing home for children. Please contact us at Fosterinfo@amarafamily.org or 206-260-1708 with any questions.

** Some teens who “age-out” of foster care choose to extend their time in foster care until age 21. More information about Extended Foster Care is available here. Foster caregivers can still foster young people in extended foster care.