In 2021, the Washington State Legislature passed House Bill 1227 — the Keeping Families Together Act. The intent of the act was to safely reduce the number of children placed into foster care, reduce racial disproportionality in the child welfare system, and support relatives to take care of children when they must be placed out of home in order to protect their safety. 

Read this full article in Español and Soomaali.

DCYF is excited to share that a fourth round of Tribal Early Learning funding (TELF) is available to tribal early learning programs and tribal-serving organizations. This funding opportunity supports tribal children, prenatal to five, in early learning programs across Washington state in a culturally appropriate and inclusive manner.

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) finalizes a more comprehensive review process for transitioning eligible young individuals from secure residential facilities to community programs. 

Since January 2024, DCYF has conducted weekly multi-disciplinary committee meetings to assess placements for young people in community facilities.