Communities across Washington are celebrating the adoption of children and youth out of foster care during special ceremonies this month, as they join the nation in celebrating Adoption Day.

Since Jan. 1, 2025, more than 400 children and youth have been adopted in Washington state. This month, dozens of families will finalize their adoption in courthouses, from Seattle to Spokane.

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is excited to announce a funding opportunity to provide Positive Indian Parenting (PIP) services. 

Many families in Washington state are facing challenges because of immigration-related detention or deportation. The new Resources for Families Impacted by Immigration-Related Separation Flyer is available for families who are dealing with separation or are worried it might happen.

The Ballmer Group Philanthropy announced a new grant Tuesday that would fund up to 10,000 additional seats for Washington’s Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) for the next 10 years.

ECEAP allows low-income families to access high-quality preschool. 

November 1 marks the beginning of Native American Heritage Month (NAHM), which is celebrated every year to honor and celebrate the culture, traditions, history, and contributions of American Indians and Alaska Natives. This celebration is an opportunity to educate ourselves and better understand the history of our nation and its people.

Read the full message in Español and Soomaali.

DCYF was honored to attend Washington State’s 36th Annual Centennial Accord last week, where we witnessed a historic moment: Governor Ferguson's signing of an executive order designed to strengthen how Washington consults a

Although the current government shutdown is not directly impacting DCYF programs or services, many benefits accessed by the children, youth, and families we serve are affected. 

Washington children and families are accessing child care more than ever before.   

In June 2025, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) reported that more than 63,500 children received child care through the state’s Working Connections Child Care subsidy program, marking the first time the program has served that amount of children since 2010. 

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is now accepting Unsung Hero Award nominations for 2026!