Navigating adoption through foster care

Navigating the ups and downs of adoption through foster care

Families who adopt from foster care say the experience has many emotional ups and downs. Hearing what’s worked for other families and knowing where to find support can make the process easier.

Here are four ways to stay focused during your journey:

• Expect stops and starts. Delays in paperwork or scheduling are common. Take each step as progress, even if it feels slow.
• Embrace learning. Training might feel like homework, but it gives you tools to understand trauma and parent with confidence.
• Keep perspective. Adoption is about finding the right family for a child—not the other way around. Centering the child’s needs helps you prepare for challenges with clarity and compassion.
• Reach out for support. You’re not in this alone. NWAE is here to answer questions, connect you to resources, and guide you through every stage.

Things to consider

Adopting from foster care is a meaningful journey. It’s important to understand your reasons for adopting, make sure your family is ready, and prepare for challenges along the way. When things feel challenging, take time to reflect on why you chose to adopt. Revisiting your reasons can help you stay grounded and move forward with confidence.

Common questions families ask when beginning the adoption journey

What’s the difference between private adoption and adopting from foster care?

In Washington, families who want to adopt a child or youth from foster care must first become licensed foster parents. You can choose to get licensed in one of two ways: through the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) or through a private child placing agency (CPA).

• Adopting through DCYF: When you work with DCYF, you’ll go through the state’s licensing process and be assigned a licensor who guides you through each step. Support is available, though it may be more limited than what private agencies provide.
• Adopting through a CPA: Private child placing agencies partner with the state to license foster and adoptive families and provide support. Families working with a CPA are usually assigned a caseworker who offers personalized guidance and ongoing support.

We encourage you to talk with both DCYF and a few private agencies to find the best fit for your family. Learn more about finding an agency that meets your needs.

Do I qualify?

Anyone 21 or older can apply to foster or adopt. What matters most is that you can provide a safe, stable, and loving home for a child or teen. You can:

• Rent or own your home, including apartments.
• Be single, married, or partnered.
• Be any gender or sexual orientation.
• Have a single or dual income.
• Have pets or not.
• Practice any faith or none at all.

NWAE is here to help you through every step—from your first questions to adoption finalization. As a nonprofit organization, all our services are free to families.

Learn more:

• Learn more about the adoption process.
• Join an information session.
• Schedule a meeting with our family engagement specialist. Remember, you are not alone. Northwest Adoption Exchange is here to support you through it all.