Foster families: first-aid and CPR standards
First Aid & CPR Washington
Becoming a foster family in Washington means providing a safe, temporary home to a child in state care. Among the requirements to complete for licensure: holding current first-aid, CPR and bloodborne-pathogen training.
The first-aid requirement
In Washington, the Minimum Licensing Requirements (Washington Administrative Code, chapters 110-147 and 110-148) require every caregiver over 18 to complete department-approved first-aid and age-appropriate CPR training that meets nationally recognized standards, plus bloodborne-pathogen training. This must be in place to be licensed and prepares carers for common emergencies.
These requirements are administered by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), which reimburses training costs; nurses, physicians and EMS personnel with a current license may submit it to satisfy the requirement. The certification is one requirement in addition to the home study and evaluation of parenting suitability, and must be kept current.
How to meet it
A recognized, up-to-date first-aid and CPR certificate meets this requirement. It is in addition to the required training or assessment, and is renewed periodically.
Training aligned with the latest emergency-care standards
Our CPR, AED and first-aid training is developed in line with the most recent international guidelines for emergency cardiovascular care and first aid.
We rigorously follow the recommendations of ILCOR (International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation), the international body responsible for the scientific evaluation and development of global resuscitation standards. These recommendations serve as a reference for health organizations, institutions and professional orders worldwide — and are updated as scientific and clinical evidence evolves.
Keep your skills current with confidence
Every intervention can make a difference. Keeping CPR and emergency-care skills current is both a professional requirement and a responsibility toward patients, colleagues and the public.
See the recognized first-aid courses in your regionReferences
- Washington DCYF — Minimum Licensing Requirements (WAC 110-147)
- Washington DCYF Policy 3.20.100 — Licensed Foster Family Home Required Training
- ILCOR — International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation
Content is being updated.