DCYF recognizes that caring for children experiencing foster care comes with costs. To that end, DCYF is distributing a one-time grant to many caregivers and placement providers to offset expenses associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
DCYF recognizes that this is a difficult time for everyone, especially caregivers, and we hope that these grants provide some support for you and your family. These funds will be issued no later than Jan. 15, 2021. No action is necessary for caregivers to access these funds.
Grant awards for basic foster care placements will be $950 per child. This one-time grant will be issued to licensed and unlicensed kinship caregivers, based on the number of children - five years and older - DCYF had placed in their care during November 2020. Additionally, children must have been in your care for at least five days that month.
DCYF was given specific funding to support caregivers for potential costs associated with distance learning for school-age children. Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to expand eligibility to children under age 5 at this time. If additional resources from the state or federal government become available with a broader focus, we will distribute those funds at that time.
DCYF has compiled a list of frequently asked questions here.
If you have other questions, email timothy.kelly@dcyf.wa.gov.