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:
- Parental Resilience – demonstrates the ability to bounce back from stress.
- Social Connections – demonstrates access to a strong support system to help weather challenges during hard times.
- Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development – demonstrates an understanding of a child’s developmental needs and the parenting strategies to support a child’s physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional development.
- Social and Emotional Competence of Children – demonstrates empathy and support toward a child’s social and emotional wellbeing.
- Concrete Supports in Times of Need – demonstrates an awareness of where to access essential items and resources to minimize and avoid crisis.
Twenty-eight nominees from across Washington state will be selected and recognized at a Parent Recognition Month banquet in February.
To nominate, individuals can complete the form and email their nomination to strengtheningfamilies@dcyf.wa.gov. The nomination deadline is Jan. 3, 2025.
“It is encouraging each year to read about those that are nominated and hear about their unique and remarkable stories,” said DCYF Secretary Ross Hunter. “Caregivers are often not recognized for the work they put in day after day. I’m proud that we take some time to recognize these unsung heroes.”
Visit DCYF’s Strengthening Families Washington webpage to learn more about the five protective factors.