About Us

We envision a world where every child who has experienced foster care has the opportunities and support they need to pursue their dreams and launch successfully into adulthood.

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Treehouse provides academic and other essential support for more than 6,000 youth in foster care across Washington state each year.

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About Us

Our Work with Youth

Young people enter foster care through no fault of their own and often experience significant loss and transitions. That’s why Treehouse relies on youth-led, relationship-based support that moves at the speed of trust. We surround every young person with the individualized services and resources they need to succeed in school and in life. 

Supporting Young People on the Path to Graduation and Beyond

Youth in foster care have tremendous potential, but they also face challenges like placement changes, school changes, learning gaps, and more. It’s difficult for young people and their caregivers and social workers to handle these complex issues alone. Treehouse has become an expert in supporting the educational success of students in foster care.

Our two education programs work together for greater impact and long-term success for all students experiencing foster care.

Woman attending an online meeting, waving hello toward the screen

Educational Advocacy works with the adults in a young person’s life—caregivers, social workers, school staff—to advocate and resolve education barriers that K–12 students in foster care face. These barriers include stabilizing school placement, arranging for transportation, attendance, access to school services, school disciplinary issues, academic remediation, and credit retrieval. By aligning the student’s support team around their educational needs, rights, and available resources, the student is better equipped to achieve in school.

Photo of two young people seated and having a discussion

Graduation Success provides weekly one-on-one educational planning, monitoring, and coaching for high school students in foster care. Treehouse specialists partner with youth to create their own plan for high school graduation and beyond. They also collaborate with caregivers, social workers, and educators to help each student navigate their education, complete high school, and launch their post–high school plan. Having a dedicated person on their side makes all the difference for a young person navigating foster care and the path to young adulthood.

Working with Young Adults to Navigate What’s Next

Throughout high school, our goal is to support young people in creating their plan for graduation and beyond. But when youth in foster care reach “the beyond,” they still need a network of support—just like their peers. After graduation, Treehouse is still there with services tailored to meet the needs of these new young adults.

Young adults can opt-in for continued coaching around topics like obtaining employment, stable housing, and/or higher education—whether that’s an apprenticeship, certification, or degree.  

When a young adult meets a barrier, we equip them with the resources to resolve it for themselves. Common queries include obtaining basic needs, coordinating housing services, and managing finances. 

Everyday Essentials and Important Experiences

Treehouse believes all young people should have access to everyday essentials and important childhood experiences. They are tools to increase engagement at school and are building blocks for identity, belonging, and success.

The Treehouse Store is a place for youth to shop with dignity for essentials and fun extras. Because we know that when youth feel good and fit in, they are more likely to go to school. The Treehouse Store offers clothing, shoes, books, school supplies, and more—all for free. During the winter months, Holiday Magic ensures all youth receive a meaningful gift during the holidays.

Treehouse also believes that young people in foster care deserve opportunities to fully participate in their school and communities. Our Just-in-Time Funding helps cover costs for extracurricular and other school activities and events that research shows lead to increased school engagement and better educational outcomes, while our Driver’s Assistance program helps pay for driver’s education and car insurance to help youth get to school and work. 

– Treehouse parent

“I’m so grateful to have had an advocate from Treehouse alongside me as I navigate through the public school system . . . Knowing that my son’s best interests are being well represented has meant the world to me.”

More About Our Work

Our Work to Improve Systems

Young people in foster care exist at the intersection of many systems, and sometimes they fall through the cracks. We’re working to improve how systems partner to support them—from foster care to education to youth justice and beyond. 

Our Work for Change

Our Impact

Whether it’s students in foster care achieving educational parity with their peers or making advancements in child welfare policies and practice, we’re changing the landscape for youth in foster care in Washington.

Our Impact

Join us in our mission to create opportunities for young people in foster care to thrive! 

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