Family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) providers are people who receive child care subsidy payments through the Working Connections Child Care program. They include:
- Relatives who care for a child either in the child’s home or in their own home.
- People who are not related to the child but care for the child in the child’s home.
FFN providers play an important role in helping children grow and learn. When they understand child development, plan activities, and reach out for support, they can make a positive difference in a child’s life.
DCYF works to protect children and support FFN providers so injuries and fatalities can be prevented.
Child Fatality & Serious Injury Occurrences
| Type of Occurrence | Number of Occurrences Oct. 1, 2019 - Sept. 30, 2020 | Number of Occurrences Oct. 1, 2022 - Sept. 30, 2023 | Number of Occurrences Oct. 1, 2023 - Sept. 30, 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Serious injuries | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Substantiated child abuse incidents | 0 | 0 | 0 |
- An FFN provider can care for up to six children at one time, including their own children.
- The number of FFN providers changes over time. On October 29, 2024, there were 2,272 FFN providers in Washington state.
What Counts as a Serious Injury
DCYF defines a serious injury as any of the following:
- An injury that requires an overnight hospital stay
- Severe head or neck injury
- Choking or unexpected breathing problems
- Severe bleeding
- Shock or sudden confusion
- Unconsciousness
- Chemicals in the eyes, on the skin, or swallowed
- Near-drowning
- Broken bone
- Severe burn that needs medical treatment
- Poisoning
- Medication overdose
Substantiated Child Abuse Incidents
DCYF runs background checks on all current and potential FFN providers. The number shown in the chart represents providers whose background check status changed to “disqualified” because DCYF found they abused or neglected a child while providing care.
“Substantiated child abuse” means DCYF determined—based on the information available—that it is more likely than not that abuse or neglect happened. This definition comes from RCW 26.44.020.
A finding is considered “substantiated” if:
- It was made on or after Oct. 1, 1998; and
- The person had a chance to appeal the finding, as required by the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act.
