After nearly 2.5 years in foster care, Logan said yes to his forever family during a National Adoption Day celebration at Yakima County Superior Court.
Dozens of children and youth will be adopted in ceremonies across Washington Nov. 21-23 as the state joins the nation to celebrate Adoption Day.
Every year, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) joins the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) in celebrating Adoption Day to raise awareness around the continued need for adoptive families.
DCYF is currently accepting nominations for outstanding parents, grandparents, kinship caregivers, foster parents, and community members, providing direct care to children, as part of its annual Unsung Hero Awards.
For the past 13 years, DCYF has recognized caregivers who exemplify one or more of the five protective factors known to help reduce child abuse and neglect:
More than half of the children and youth in foster care are being placed with relatives in Washington State as the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) continues to embrace a kin-first culture.
The number of children in out-of-home care is now only about half of what it was when the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) was created.
There are now 4,971 children and youth in out-of-home care in Washington State. This is the lowest it’s been since the 80s and a sharp contrast from the 9,171 it was in 2018.
Foster youth turning 18 will now receive services through the age of 21 thanks to a new law that went into effect on June 6, which eliminates requirements, allowing for more youth to receive critical assistance regardless of their future plans.
A young member of the Puyallup Tribe will throw out the ceremonial first pitch during the May 12 Mariners game to celebrate Foster Care Month.
Niko, 8, was chosen to serve as DCYF's First Pitch Kid, an honor given to a child or youth in out-of-home care, as part of the We Are Family Day celebration at T-Mobile Park.
Every May, the nation celebrates the dedicated and compassionate individuals who open their homes and hearts for children and youth in out-of-home care.
Caregivers make it possible for dependent children and youth:
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) has been working with tribal partners to develop and launch an Initial License process for children in tribal jurisdiction.
Every March, the nation celebrates these individuals during Social Work Month. This year’s theme is, "Empowering Social Workers” highlighting the importance of supporting and showing appreciation for people in this profession.