Across Washington state there are parents taking child development classes, going through substance use disorder treatment, and finding jobs, housing, and transportation to strengthen their skills and create an environment where they and their children can flourish.
DCYF staff support parents like this year-round, but every June, there is a national celebration for parents who make these significant life changes to be safe and supportive parents.
The following are just a few stories of parents who put in the work to better themselves and their circumstances to reunify with their loved ones.
Father in need of housing and medical care turns life around for daughter
A social service specialist served termination paperwork to two parents who had past struggles with substance use and were houseless. The removal of his daughter and a diagnosis of heart failure encouraged this dad to get help for his addiction. Since making that decision, he’s stayed sober, has engaged with the agency and is willing to do whatever he can to reunite with his daughter.
This father completed the Incredible Years parenting class and began Family Preservation Services.
From disengaged client to peer supporter
Before entering treatment, mom was combative and did not want to engage with DCYF staff. She entered treatment and has now been sober for 15 months. She has her youngest daughter back in her care and the case was dismissed in March 2025. Mom now fills her time with a variety of activities that bring her joy including volunteering with the Alano Club and Peer Support of Olympia, serving on an AA board for a hospital, getting her Peer Support Certificate and taking online classes for Computer Sciences.
“This has been the biggest turn around in a parent that I have ever seen, I even cried a few happy tears when her case was dismissed,” the caseworker said. “This was a huge reminder of why we all do what we do.”
Dad makes big moves create relationship with his daughter
This dad had a long history of child welfare involvement. He was in heavy addiction and was minimally engaging with DCYF. Fast forward to today, this dad is working full time for a city and just got a promotion, he has been sober for more than a year. He has his youngest daughter in his care, and she’s in daycare as well as birth to three programming.
His caseworker recently referred him to a parenting program. The program provider stated that, “baby and dad are very bonded, he is very attentive to her, he is meeting all of her needs, his home is safe and clean, and they have a great support group.”
Dad and baby continue to do well, their case was dismissed in May 2025.
Celebrating Recovery
When son was born in late 2023, dad was struggling with substance abuse and incarcerated. As soon as dad learned about his new child, he began working on the recommended services and requested visitation with his new baby through zoom and in person.
Once dad was released, he completed his substance use assessment and was referred to an inpatient program. Dad and his wife decided to relocate to be close to their support system. Dad began treatment, graduated from the program, began attending a local Celebrate Recovery gathering, and found a job.
He shares that attending outpatient treatment and talking to someone was what helped him the most to continue to stay sober, as well as having his son in his care.
Dad is recognized for overcoming barriers
When Diggle’s third child was born, he was incarcerated. As soon as he was able, he entered Family Recovery Court and began his journey to reunification. After finishing inpatient treatment and while managing other treatment, court, and family obligations, Charles supported his daughter through her complex medical issues. Read More