Driver's Assistance

We can  provide reimbursements for youth state IDs, learner permits and driver’s licenses. Once licensed, Driver’s Assistance can provide limited auto insurance funding. We can also reimburse for towing fees, vehicle registration, and basic car repairs and maintenance. We make payments directly to vendors as well as provide reimbursements for drivers ed, missed drive fees, practice sessions and testing. We also offer roadside assistance through AAA Washington and gas assistance during the licensing process.

See here for more details about funding guidelines.

Youth ages 15-18* should follow these guidelines to achieve their driver’s license with the Department of Licensing:

1. Enroll and register with a DOL approved driving school.
2. Pre-apply online with the DOL to get a learner’s permit.
3. Successfully complete the driver training course.
4. Practice driving at least 40 hours during the day and 10 hours at night with someone who’s been licensed for five years or more.
5. Pass the driving test at any approved driver training and testing location.
6. Get your license!
7. Become an insured driver.

*Participants 18 and over can obtain their license without taking driver training course or getting a learner permit by passing the knowledge and drive skills test.

The following forms are what social workers need to complete and submit to the DOL for drivers under 18 on their caseload.

• DCYF 16-029 Request for Identicard Reduced Fee
• DCYF 11-077 Request for Washington State Identicard
• DCYF 02-636 Request for Washington State Instruction Permit or Personal Driver License

DCYF Practices and Procedures >

Driver’s education course prices vary across the state. Please choose the course that is the best fit for the driver. Requests over $700 may require further documentation showing an explanation of the need for services beyond standard courses.

We will pay for additional driving lessons, missed class fees, late fees, and course re-takes as needed. We pay for knowledge and drive skills testing and can pay for multiple test re-takes. Please email licensing@treehouseforkids.org if you need help finding a driving school in your area.

Yes, Driver’s Assistance will pay for driving course and test re-takes. Please submit an additional request on our website if another payment to the driving school is required.

There is not necessarily a time frame for youth obtaining their driver’s license for the first time. It’s important to note that while the driver’s education course completion doesn’t expire, some driving schools may have policies regarding how long you have to complete the course itself. The driving school will outline course expectations once enrollment is complete. Be sure to check-in with them regularly to keep up with make-ups and practice session appointments. For as long as your permit is valid you can continue to work on achieving your license. A learner’s permit will be valid for up to 1 year.

Payment processing usually takes 1-2 weeks, when there aren’t delays with the required information or documents. If funding is coming via check, it may take up to 10 days longer. Please submit your request at least 3 weeks before payment is needed.

Driver’s Assistance provides funding either by check made out directly to the merchant providing the service or by credit card payment. Checks can be mailed to the merchant or the youth and care team.

Reimbursements are issued by PayPal or check only. All reimbursements will require a receipt showing date, amount and name of vendor. Reimbursements must be requested within 60 days of payment. 

See here for the full reimbursement policy.

No. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide any reimbursements without documentation. Youth and care teams must submit a receipt, bank statement, or picture showing proof of payment made for the service being requested. Documentation should include both the youth and business name, date, and total amount paid.

Youth drivers need a valid Washington state driver’s license and reside in the same home as the vehicle owner. Youth under 18 cannot be on their own (individual) policy and must be added to another insurance policy (shared). 

Youth must have their own email address to communicate and the insurance policy owner and youth must sign our program agreements. We will also request specific policy documentation and details regarding insurance coverage.

Driver’s Assistance offers a step-down payment model for all car insurance requests, meaning youth and caregivers will be financially responsible for a portion of the insurance policy.

See here for more details.

Payments can be made as a reimbursement to the caregiver or youth, or as a payment directly to the insurance company. To pay the insurance company directly, we will require additional paperwork to be submitted authorizing access to the account for the purposes of payment. The youth or policy holder will need to make their portion of the premium payment first before Treehouse pays the remainder.

To stay within our program budget, Treehouse will not be able to make exceptions to pay above the stated percentage limits. We are happy to help individuals work to identify potential cost savings on policies — including referring you to a trusted Insurance Broker to assess if it is possible to get a lower quote from another company.

Unlike other Treehouse programs, Driver’s Assistance does not require annual referrals. Driver’s Assistance can only accept requests made through our online application. For each service, a new request will need to be submitted. Before we can make a payment, we must verify the youth’s program eligibility with the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) or the tribal social worker.

For youth enrolled in other Treehouse programs, like Graduation Success, you may qualify for payment assistance with our Just-in-Time Funding program. Be sure to ask your Treehouse specialist or coach for more assistance. If you have not participated in a Treehouse program before, we may be able to help you find another payment resource. Send an email to licensing@treehouseforkids.org to see if we have information on other financial resources in your area.