Become a DD Adult Foster Home Provider
Adult Foster Homes for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AFH-IDD) in Washington County provide care and services in a safe, secure, home-like environment with the primary provider also living on-site. Care includes 24 hour supervision, the provision of room and board, assistance with the activities of everyday living and access to services which help residents thrive in our community.
Other Types of Provider Licenses
24 Hour Residence and Group homes serving people with developmental disabilities are not licensed directly by the County. If you are unsure of what type of provider license you are seeking, or would like to learn more about other types of providers please visit the State of Oregon I/DD Provider Types page:
Initial Requirements
To become a licensed Adult Foster Care Provider for Washington County Developmental Disabilities you must first meet the initial requirements:
- Must reside in a single-family* residence in Washington County that meets the structural and safety requirements of OAR 411-360. * The residence must be a detached single family dwelling (no apartments, duplex, condominiums).
- Must have one year, full time, paid experience working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
- Additionally, providers can NOT be related to the prospective foster care resident(s) by birth, marriage, or adoption.
Application Process for AFH-IDD Providers
Adult foster provider applicants must follow the steps below to become a licensed Adult Foster Care Provider for Washington County Developmental Disabilities.
Step 1 – Attend an Adult Foster Care Orientation Session
Orientations are hosted by Washington County Developmental Disabilities in the Public Services Building Auditorium from 1- 4 p.m. quarterly. This location is accessible by public transportation and is one block from the Hatfield Government Center MAX stop. Foster Care Orientation must be attended within 1 year prior to applying, the attendance certificate is valid for one year.
Adult Foster Care Orientation 1-4 pm
Public Services Building – Auditorium
155 N First Ave.
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Upcoming Session Dates:
- January 15, 2025
- April 16, 2025
- July 16, 2025
- October 15, 2025
Pre-registration is highly encouraged but not required. If you plan on attending, please register at this link:
Participants must attend the entire orientation meeting to receive credit for attending. Individuals arriving late will not receive the needed credit.
Step 2 – Complete the Adult Foster Care Basic Training Program
All DD Adult Foster Care Providers, Substitute Caregivers, and Resident Managers must complete the Adult Foster Care Basic Training Course. The course is self-paced and includes both a video series and written manual to review and study in preparation for passing the required examination.
Study the Material
Applicants must study BOTH the Course Videos AND the Course Manual below:
Prepare for Your Test
After you have attended orientation, studied the material, and are ready for testing, please email us to schedule your test. Please note the following rules when preparing for your test:
- Provider and Resident Manager applicants must pass the test within 2 attempts.
- Substitute Caregivers who do not pass the test after 2 attempts must wait 14 days between each test date to retake the test.
- Oregon Administrative Rules require all DD adult foster care providers, resident managers, and substitute caregivers to comprehend and communicate in English both orally and in writing. Interpreters are not allowed to be present during the examination.
Email to Schedule Your Test:
Step 3 – Complete the DD Adult Foster Care Provider Application
The application process and necessary forms are reviewed during the required foster provider orientation meetings. This checklist for reference of the steps to complete and required application materials is provided for your convenience:
- Please note that the application is not complete until all required information is submitted with the required non-refundable fee.
- Incomplete applications are void after 60 days of the date the application form is received. Failure to provide accurate information may result in the denial of the application.
Required Application Forms:
Please submit all the above application materials, including a copy of DD Adult Foster Care Orientation Certificate of Attendance and any additional documentation if applicable (see checklist) by mail, in person, or drop box if after hours at:
Washington County Developmental Disabilities Program
5240 NE Elam Young Parkway Ste. 150, MS 66
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Important
The application is not complete until the required information is submitted with the required non-refundable fee. You will receive information on how to pay the fee after your application has been reviewed and a licensor assigned.
Incomplete applications are void after 60 days of the date the application form is received. Failure to provide accurate information may result in the denial of the application.
Mandatory Abuse Reporting
Foster providers and their staff are mandatory reporters. Foster providers and their staff must report the abuse or neglect of individuals with developmental disabilities as defined in OAR 407-045-0260 - Adult Developmental Disabilities Abuse Rules.
Providers must keep proof of mandatory abuse report training. This training is required for the provider, resident manager, and substitute caregivers:
- Before Licensure
- Upon Hire
- Every Year
For more information on mandatory abuse reporting, please see the state’s website on How to Report Abuse or Neglect.
To report suspected abuse, visit our Abuse and Neglect page for contact information: