Supports and Services for Expectant and Parenting Youth in Foster Care - Washington
Youth's Parental Rights
Citation: DCYF Pol. Man.§ 4311
In policy: The unique needs of dependent youth who are pregnant or parenting must be identified and referred to services when necessary. All dependent pregnant and parenting youth must be provided with information about their rights and the duties and responsibilities of Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) during shared planning meetings.
A dependency action on a dependent youth's child is only sought if a safety threat exists that cannot be controlled.
When a dependent youth and his or her child live in the same placement and there is no need to file a dependency on that child, DCYF considers the child's home to be that of the dependent youth.
Placement Options
Citation: Admin. Code § 110-145-2120
Residential programs provide 24-hour care to expectant mothers and to new mothers with infants. A licensed group home or staffed residential facility may provide this specialized care.
Health Services
Citation: Admin. Code § 110-145-2120
The facility must provide or arrange referrals to an authorized medical care provider for prenatal and postnatal medical care, including consultation with specialists regarding prenatal care when needed.
The facility must also provide individual or group counseling sessions, if necessary, about the following topics:
- Pregnancy counseling
- Medical care planning
- An expectant mother's delivery in a licensed hospital or licensed birthing facility
- Postpartum medical examinations, as prescribed by a physician, to a new mother
Parent Preparation for Expectant Youth
Citation: Admin. Code § 110-145-2130
The facility must offer or arrange health education for pregnant and parenting mothers that includes the following areas:
- Hygiene
- Suitable preparation for childbirth
- Examinations and childbirth procedures
- Postnatal and pediatric care
- Contraception and family planning
- Nutritional requirements for mother and child
- Child health and development
- Psychological and emotional changes during and after pregnancy
Education and Services to Support Parenting Youth
Citation: Admin. Code § 110-145-2120
The facility must provide individual or group counseling sessions, if necessary, about the following topics:
- Infant and child care training
- Living arrangements
- Legal issues
- Plans for the child
- Financial, emotional, or psychological problems
- Relations with the child's other parent
- Child care, as needed
- Case management services
The issue of assisting parenting youth in finishing high school is not addressed in the laws and policies reviewed. For information on assisting youth in foster care complete high school, see Educational Supports for Youth in Foster Care - Washington | Child Welfare Information Gateway.
Economic and Concrete Supports
Citation: Admin. Code § 110-145-2120
The facility must provide or assist a parent in arranging for licensed child care when appropriate.
Services and Supports for Parenting Youth That Promote Self-Sufficiency
Citation: Admin. Code § 110-145-2120
The facility must provide or arrange the following services:
- Information and referral services for every youth
- Safe and stable housing
- An assessment of the family's needs
- Case management services
- Independent living education
- Vocational or educational guidance
Foster Care Prevention Strategy for any Child Born to the Youth
Citation: DCYF Pol. Man.§ 4311
This policy provides guidance to child welfare employees working with dependent youth who are pregnant or parenting so that their unique needs are met and their efforts to transition to adulthood are successful.