DCYF is currently accepting nominations for outstanding parents, grandparents, kinship caregivers, foster parents, and community members, providing direct care to children, as part of its annual Unsung Hero Awards.
For the past 13 years, DCYF has recognized caregivers who exemplify one or more of the five protective factors known to help reduce child abuse and neglect:
The 2024 Legislature passed House Bill (HB) 2124, expanding eligibility for Working Connections Child Care (WCCC), effective Nov. 1, 2024.
DCYF will make changes that will impact some license-exempt Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN) providers’ tax filings.
Over 30 tribal-serving organizations, including 13 tribal nations, are receiving nearly $3.7 million in funds from the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to provide early learning, child care, prenatal, and home visiting programs to tribal children.
Child care providers have asked for regular meetings with DCYF to discuss their challenges and receive timely answers to their questions concerning child care policy, rules, and other relevant topics. In response, DCYF has organized community child care forums across the state.
The Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs (GOIA) has published the 2024 Centennial Accord Agency Highlights report. This annual report is mandated under Washington state’s government-to-government relationship with Indian tribes (RCW 43.376).
More than half of the children and youth in foster care are being placed with relatives in Washington State as the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) continues to embrace a kin-first culture.
Staff and young people from the Canyon View Community Facility attended a Seahawks Training Camp to kick off the football season.
“Just being that close. I've never gotten to do anything like that in my life,” said one young person. “It was definitely a life experience I will never forget."
From summer reading programs, organizing a petting zoo, and putting together book recommendations, Librarian Jen Parker-Hass has positively impacted young people and staff at Echo Glen.
Last month, her dedication was recognized when she was awarded the 2024 Employee of the Year for the Library Division by the Office of the Secretary of State.
