“It’s important for youth with lived experience to feel heard and empowered because so often they don’t feel empowered, they feel small.” – Mockingbird youth leader
On July 1, 2020, the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) implemented an extension of the Homeless Grace Period in the Working Connections Child Care program from four to 12 months. Families eligible for the Homeless Grace Period can receive up to full-time care and no copay.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funding for the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) Home Visiting Services Account (HVSA) home visiting programs became a reality in Washington in 2014, with the first cohort of programs receiving funding in 2015 and another cohort in 2016.
Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) staff in Educational Service District (ESD) 123 provided critical support to continue serving the children and families of Walla Walla, Prescott, Finley, Pasco and Touchet school districts throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.