Read the full November Secretary Newsletter.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) works diligently to improve the lives of young people that come into our care and prevent further trauma.

Join child welfare staff, court partners, caregivers and families in celebrating National Adoption Month and National Adoption Day.

In observance of National Native American Heritage Month, Boeing recently announced that it’s awarding a $45,000 grant to Mentor Washington’s Native American Career Connect STEM program. In partnership with the Nisqually Indian Tribe, this program increases Native American students' engagement and success in school through group mentorship and career exploration.

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is announcing a new funding opportunity for licensed child care providers to ensure a stable, functional and flexible child care system that supports providers and families throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vaiy was 14 years old when she entered Juvenile Rehabilitation. She attended school at Echo Glen Children's Center for two years, where she eventually took her GED test and passed on her first attempt. When Vaiy transferred to DCYF’s less restrictive Ridgeview Community Facility in 2019, she focused on finding a job in the community since she had already obtained her GED.

The Olympia School District Education Foundation (OSDEF) recently announced the addition of six new board members, including the Department of Children, Youth, and Families' (DCYF) Superintendent of Green Hill School, Jennifer Redman. 

Did you know young adults age 18 and over in Juvenile Rehabilitation (JR) have the right to vote? Washington State dictates that any time a person is convicted of a felony they lose their right to vote until they are no longer under the authority of the Department of Corrections.

Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma (SBS/AHT) is a term used to describe the full-range of signs and symptoms resulting from violent shaking or shaking and impacting of the head of an infant or small child. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) describes SBS as a subset of AHT with injuries having the potential to result in death or permanent neurologic disability.

Rashad Norris is the Director of Community Engagement at Highline Community College and Associate Adjunct Professor of Social Justice and Equity at City University.