The Family Separation Rapid Response Team has released its final report. This report marks the transition to the next phase of this work, which will continue under the Governor’s Immigration Subcabinet.
The Rapid Response Team was created by Executive Order 25-04 and led by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Its goal was to recommend ways our state can better support children who are separated from their parents or caregivers because of immigration detention or deportation. The team focused on reducing harm, trauma, and long-term impacts on these children.
“The Rapid Response Team created a much-needed space for empathy, collaboration, and shared problem-solving,” said Tana Senn, DCYF Secretary. “Together, we built a shared statewide framework for understanding how children and caregivers experience the threat or reality of separation—and how systems can better respond.”
During its tenure, the Rapid Response Team:
- Brought together more than 50 state agencies, community organizations, and legal experts to address challenges faced by families affected by immigration enforcement.
- Improved understanding of how state policies connect with federal immigration enforcement.
- Worked with schools, colleges, and universities to develop helpful policy guidance.
- Created clear, easy-to-use resources for providers and families.
- Published a list of frequently asked questions to help partners, providers, and the public.
- Identified key issues for the Immigration Subcabinet to address in the future.
The full report and resources are available on the Family Separation Rapid Response Team webpage. More information about the Immigration Subcabinet can be found on the Immigration Subcabinet webpage or by emailing subcabinet@equity.wa.gov.
