Foster Parenting & Kinship Care

Get Involved

Foster Parent 1624 Consultation Team

Since 2007, “1624” meetings have brought together caregivers and DCYF staff to discuss issues of concern to foster parents. The name “1624” reflects the legislative bill number that created the committee.

These meetings include foster parent representatives elected for a two-year term by other caregivers in their region, elected representatives from the Foster Parent Association of Washington State (FPAWS), and DCYF staff appointed by agency leadership. Regional members also help set dates for consultation meetings to discuss local issues.

View the meeting page

Recruitment and Retention Collaboratives (RRC)

Recruitment and Retention Collaboratives (RRC) are quarterly regional gatherings hosted by a Targeted Recruitment Specialist and a child welfare partner. They provide a place to hear about recruitment and retention data and updates and make connections with DCYF staff, child placing agency partners, and community members who are interested in recruitment and retention.

For more information, contact:

Region 1 | Gabriela Mendez
Region 2 | Melissa Almanza
Region 3 | CeCe Smith
Region 4 | John Gonzales
Region 5 | Yolonda Marzest
Region 6 | Chisana White

Find your region.

Kinship Care Oversight Committee (KCOC)

KCOC is a collective of kinship caregivers and community partners that support and strengthen kinship families.

View the KCOC page

Annual Caregiver Survey

Since 2007, DCYF has annually surveyed foster parents to learn more about their experiences and suggestions for improvements. Responses from kinship caregivers were added in 2019.

The reports offer vital information and point to opportunities to improve, change, and grow certain practices, while other information shows areas needing improvement or changes. Reports are listed by the year they are published.