Strengthening Families Washington

Strengthening Families Washington is a program within the Department of Children, Youth & Families. This program is focused on helping families become stronger together in many ways, including:

  • Home visiting
  • Community outreach and partnerships
  • Funding opportunities with local organizations

There are five protective factors known to help reduce child abuse and neglect:

  • Knowledge of parenting and child development
  • Social connections
  • Parental resiliency
  • Concrete support in times of need
  • Social and emotional competence of children/nurturing and attachment

By sharing information with parents, childcare professionals, and others who work with children, we help families grow stronger. This information helps build protective factors and creates a positive home environment that supports healthy child and youth development.

We believe in working together with parents and caregivers. If you are interested in getting involved or partnering with Strengthening Families Washington, please email strengtheningfamilies@dcyf.wa.gov. 

Every Feeling Matters: Recognizing Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)

1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men experience a perinatal mental health issue. Finding help can be hard. There are many ways to support your emotional well-being. If your symptoms get in the way of your daily functioning, it is time to seek help. You can recover from PMADs with proper treatment. Every feeling matters! Text or call the Warm Line: 1-888-404-7763. 

Have a Plan:  Shaken Baby Syndrome

Call the Parent Trust Family helpline at 1-800-932-HOPE (4673) for support.

All babies cry. It is okay. Crying is one way your baby can tell you what they need. It is normal for babies to cry two to four hours a day. Even though crying is typical, it can still be stressful. Have a plan, share your plan, and remind yourself that you are doing the best you can. 

These calming actions can be part of your plan:

  • Breathe. Take some deep breaths to help reduce feelings of anger and tension.
  • Follow the 10-foot rule. Place your baby in a safe place and walk 10 feet away until you have calmed down.
  • Take a break. Gently lay your baby down on their back and take a break.
  • Talk to someone. Call a friend or relative who will listen and be caring. It can help to share your thoughts and feelings.
  • Go for a walk with your baby. A simple walk around the block can help calm both you and your baby.
Infant Safe Sleep:  Safe Sleep for your Baby

This card shares safe sleep tips. These tips help lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation. Research shows that parents and caregivers can take specific steps to help keep babies under one year old safe while they sleep. Make sure everyone who cares for your baby knows and follows these safe sleep practices. 

The Strengthening Families framework is coordinated by the Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP) and supported by national partner organizations such as:

The Strengthening Families framework is based on research. It helps families grow stronger, supports healthy child development, and lowers the risk of child abuse and neglect. We use this framework to help build five protective factors. 

  • Parental Resilience: Help parents set goals and solve problems.
  • Knowledge of Parenting and of Child/Youth Development: Find a local parenting class or workshop.
  • Social Connections: Host a potluck or celebration.
  • Concrete Supports: Call 2-1-1 to find organizations in your area that support families.
  • Social and Emotional Development:  Create a daily routine so your child knows what to expect. 

If you are interested in opportunities or would like to partner with Strengthening Families Washington, please email strengtheningfamilies@dcyf.wa.gov.

Strengthening Families Washington is the Prevent Child Abuse Washington (PCA WA) State Chapter and administers the Children’s Trust of Washington (CTF).

The PCA WA is a chapter of the national organization Prevent Child Abuse America. Together we work to shift existing national policy and support children and families to prevent abuse and neglect from ever occurring.

Support Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention

The CTF of Washington accepts public and private donations.  

Donate

Donate to:
Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families
Children’s Trust of Washington
PO Box 40971
Olympia, WA 98504-0971

*All proceeds go to preventing child abuse and neglect

Heirloom Birth Certificates

Celebrate a new life with the official Washington State Heirloom Birth Certificate. This beautiful certificate is a lasting keepsake and a thoughtful gift.

The certificate is 8½ x 11-inch. It is an official document printed in full color and signed by the Governor. It includes the person’s name, date and place of birth, and the names and birthplaces of the parent(s).

This is available for anyone born or adopted in Washington State. Each $45 purchase also helps support families and children, with half of the proceeds benefiting the Children’s Trust Foundation of Washington. 

Order an Heirloom Birth Certificate 

Keep Kids Safe License Plate

When you buy a Keep Kids Safe license plate, you help support the health and well-being of children. Money from each plate goes back into communities across Washington to fund programs and services that support children and strengthen families.  

Order a Keep Kids Safe License Plate 

February – Parent Recognition Month

February is Parent Recognition Month, and each year we celebrate by giving Unsung Hero Awards to outstanding individuals across the state. 

Strengthen Families Locally

Strengthen Families Locally was a 5‑year project to pilot a community‑driven prevention model in four communities in Washington state. This project completed in March of 2025. To learn more about this project, see the Strengthen Families Locally Report. The DCYF Prevention Dashboard was a product of collaboration in this project between community partners, SFWA, and OIAA.

Strengthen Families Locally Report
Prevention Dashboard

This project was funded by the Children's Bureau, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, under grant #90CA1866. The contents of this website are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Children's Bureau.