About us

About us

Get to Know About FPAWS

About FPAWS

The Foster Parent Association of Washington State (FPAWS) is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting foster families and advocating for children’s wellbeing across Washington. For over four decades, we have been a trusted ally to foster parents, offering essential resources, education, and advocacy to help them provide safe, nurturing homes for children in need.


Our Mission

To empower foster caregivers through comprehensive training, ongoing support, and community-building programs designed to address the unique challenges of foster care.


Our Vision

FPAWS envisions a Washington State where every foster family has access to the support, resources, and training they need to succeed.
We strive for a foster care system where:

  • Families feel empowered

  • Children thrive in loving, stable environments

  • Communities unite to uplift and improve the lives of foster children

Together, we can build stronger families and brighter futures for all.


What We Do

At FPAWS, we believe no foster family should feel alone. Through our statewide efforts, we provide:

  • Annual Conferences & Workshops
    In-person and virtual training sessions designed to inform and connect caregivers.

  • Caregiver Support Line
    Compassionate, informed support available to foster, kinship, and adoptive caregivers.

  • Advocacy & Policy Work
    Collaborating with state agencies and lawmakers to drive meaningful change in the foster care system.

  • Community Engagement
    Building strong networks of caregivers, volunteers, and professionals to strengthen the foster care community.


Join Us

Whether you’re a foster parent, a volunteer, or a supporter, FPAWS invites you to be part of a mission that matters.
Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of foster families and children throughout Washington.

Get to know FPAWS — and help us build a better tomorrow for our state’s most vulnerable youth.


The History of Foster Parent Association of Washington State (FPAWS) was founded in 1971 with a mission to advocate for and support foster parents, kinship caregivers, and adoptive families throughout Washington. Established over three decades ago, FPAWS began as a grassroots effort by a small group of dedicated foster parents who recognized the need for greater resources, training, and advocacy to empower caregivers across the state. From its humble beginnings, FPAWS has grown into a vital organization that represents and supports thousands of caregivers who open their homes and hearts to children in need. Throughout its history, FPAWS has been instrumental in shaping policies that enhance the lives of foster youth and strengthen the network of support for families. Through its training programs, conferences, and ongoing support initiatives, FPAWS continues to provide caregivers with the tools and resources they need to offer stable, loving environments. Today, FPAWS remains a trusted and dedicated voice for caregivers, committed to creating a brighter future for Washington’s foster children.

 
Happy grandparents having fun times with children at home
0 K

WA Caregivers

0 k

Kinship Caregivers

0 K

Children in Foster Care

0

Trainings & Conferences

We’re here to support foster, kinship, relative families!

Fundraising for the People and Causes you Care About

Frequently Asked Questions

Have any Question?

Reach out to the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) or a licensed private agency to start the process. They will guide you on how to proceed with becoming a foster parent.

Join the FPAWS mailing list, follow FPAWS on social media, attend our conferences and trainings, monitor the DCYF website.

Visit the FPAWS website for upcoming conference and workshop announcements. Dates, locations, and registration information are typically posted here and on our social media platforms.

Join Our Team

Meet Our Executive Board

Jazz Dozier

President

Alice Lewis

Vice President

Sarah Reese

Secretary

Shala Crow

Treasurer

The Foster Parent Association of Washington State (FPAWS) is led by a dedicated and passionate board, committed to advocating for the well-being of foster parents, kinship caregivers, and foster youth across Washington. Our board members bring a wealth of experience in foster care, adoption, advocacy, and nonprofit leadership, ensuring that FPAWS remains a powerful voice and support system for caregivers statewide. Through their guidance, FPAWS continues to develop resources, organize educational events, and drive meaningful change in the foster care community. Each board member shares a deep commitment to our mission and works tirelessly to empower and uplift those who care for some of our most vulnerable children.