Please watch this Thank You video, available in English and Spanish.
DCYF leadership and staff would like to express gratitude to foster parents and kinship caregivers for the essential role you play in the lives of children and youth in out-of-home care.
During the month of May, Washington joins the nation in recognizing the 7,000 or so children in out-of-home care, our licensed foster homes, and kinship caregivers. As a result, Gov. Jay Inslee proclaimed May as Foster Care Month in Washington.
The COVID-19 pandemic has indelibly marked this period in our state’s history. While all families navigated the adversity and challenges of this crisis, you supported children, youth, and families experiencing foster care.
This is not an achievement to be taken lightly. You adapted to virtual Family Time visits and sought new ways to keep children and youth connected to their parents. You juggled remote education while attending to the emotional needs of children and youth who missed siblings, friends, parents, family, and community.
Your selflessness and commitment are not unique to the month of May. You open your hearts, homes, and lives to children and youth in need year-round.
We would like to also acknowledge our partners who commit to the agency’s mission to protect children and strengthen, so they flourish.
To all our foster and kinship families, thank you. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of children, youth, and families. Words alone can’t express how thankful we are for your tireless efforts and continued care. Your presence has a tremendous impact and is greatly appreciated.