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Children's Foster Care

Information and resources on becoming a foster care provider for children with developmental disabilities

Office Closure Notice

The lobby of the Developmental Disabilities office located at 3700 SW Murray Blvd, Ste. 2100, in Beaverton, will be temporarily closed effective February 5, 2024 until further notice. This office location will still accept documents in the drop box located outside of the building and is open for appointment only. If you have any questions, or need assistance, please contact the main line at: 503-846-3150. Thank you for your understanding. 

What is foster care for children with disabilities?

  • Children in the home have a disability and have special needs for daily care.
  • The special needs of the children can vary and the care a child needs is based on an individual plan specific to that child.
  • The age range is 0-18 years, but most of our referrals are for children between 12-17 years old.
  • A foster care home is a setting that is safe and secure.

What are the goals of foster care for children with disabilities?

  • Provide necessary care in a nurturing environment that supports and promotes mental, physical and emotional needs.
  • Provide a home environment to the child.
  • Help the child build positive relationships.
  • Help the child build safety skills.
  • Teach the child to become more independent in their activities of daily living (hygiene, taking care of themselves).
  • Follow plans to help reduce difficult behaviors, if needed.
  • Work with a cooperative team including parents, family members, teachers, medical providers and state guardian (if applicable).

What are the requirements to become a certified child foster home for Washington County Developmental Disabilities?

  • Be a responsible, stable, emotionally mature adult aged 21 or older who exercises sound judgment.
  • Pass an abuse and criminal background check.
  • Live in a home that meets structural and safety requirements of the Child Foster Home Oregon Administrative Rules (CFH-OAR). 
    Child Foster Home Oregon Administrative Rules (CFH-OAR) (PDF 499.5 KB)
  • Have the financial resources required to open and operate the foster home.
  • Not be related to the children by birth, marriage or adoption.
  • Demonstrate the knowledge and understating of positive discipline, and build healthy personal relationships, self-control and self-esteem.
  • Be mentally and physically capable of providing care.
  • Successfully complete a minimum of 15 hours of pre-service training.
  • Have the interest, motivation and ability to nurture children with developmental disabilities.

Further requirements are needed to be certified for children with significant medical needs. Contact [email protected] at 503-846-3646 for more information.

What are the steps to becoming a certified child foster provider for Washington County Developmental Disabilities?

  • Contact Washington County Child Foster Care certifier Leslie Alfaro at: [email protected] or 503-846-3646.
  • Complete an orientation.
  • Work with the certifier to complete documents used for certification.
  • Complete inspection of the home with the certifier and make corrections as required on initial inspection.
  • Submit completed application materials to your certifier, who will submit for approval to Oregon Developmental Disability Services.

 Contact Leslie Alfaro at 503-846-3646 or: [email protected] for more information.

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