View or download the full digital media kit. 

Over the course of several decades, Dr. Joel Odimba has had every job you can imagine in the child welfare space. This June he will retire after more than 30 years of public service to the state of Washington. Odimba has not only changed the lives of the families he partnered with but left his mark on the child welfare system as a whole.

Thanks to nominations from across the state, DCYF and Seattle’s Child recognized 28 parents, caregivers, and community members for Parent Recognition month this past February. All of the honorees were celebrated again as 140 Washingtonians gathered for the Unsung Hero Event on Feb. 26, 2026.

Legislature, Ballmer Group, and Department of Children, Youth, and Families celebrate landmark legislation that will bring high-quality PreK to thousands of families 

This message is also available in Español and Soomaali.

As you may have heard, the Legislature concluded its session last week and passed the supplemental operating budget, which include recommendations to address the state’s $1.9 billion budget deficit.

I recently shadowed a caseworker in Bremerton, and it gave me an even deeper appreciation for social workers.

I invite you to watch this short video to get a glimpse of what I observed: Secretary Senn Shadows a Social Worker

The DCYF Shelton Office located at 2505 Olympic Hwy N Ste 440, Shelton, WA 98584 is closed on Friday, March 6, due to a maintenance issue. Staff will be available remotely. Please contact your caseworker for assistance.

To report child abuse or neglect, call 1-866-829-2153.
 

Baseball season is approaching, which means the Washington State Department, of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is looking for a child or youth in foster care who is "knocking it out of the park."

Beginning Feb. 1, the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) will honor parents, caregivers, and advocates who have shown their commitment to help reduce child abuse and neglect.