Foster Care

The next installment of DCYF's “Day in the Life” video series follows Stephanie McCardle during her day as a Child and Family Welfare Services (CFWS) Caseworker.  

CFWS caseworkers support families throughout the life of their child welfare case providing health and safety visits, connecting families with resources, sharing updates during court hearings etc.  

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is now accepting Unsung Hero Award nominations for 2027!

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) was one of only 14 child welfare jurisdictions across the nation to be awarded a grant from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) to streamline the placement process for kin, foster families, and prospective adoptive parents.  

Washington is one of the leading states in kinship care, which is the full-time care of a child by extended family or suitable others.  

One hundred and seventy-three youth in foster care across Washington state were amongst this year’s graduating class who obtained their high school diploma or GED.  

Fostering was not part of the Agor family plan. But when Carin Agor met Cheyanne and heard that she was entering foster care, her husband and their three children welcomed Cheyanne and her sister into their home. 

For the past 10 years, Coordinated Care has partnered with the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to ensure that children and youth in foster care have access to reliable health care.

The following is DCYF's agency statement in response to the Degross v. Senn settlement agreement:

Olympia, WA — A 12-year-old member of the Suquamish Tribe will be showing off her softball skills at the May 3 Mariners game where she will throw the ceremonial first pitch as part of an annual event during Foster Care Month.

Thanks to nominations from across the state, DCYF and Seattle’s Child recognized 28 parents, caregivers, and community members for Parent Recognition month this past February. All of the honorees were celebrated again as 140 Washingtonians gathered for the Unsung Hero Event on Feb. 26, 2026.