There are a range of concrete goods and services available at DCYF to help unlicensed caregivers meet the needs of children and youth, eliminate barriers to placement, and maintain overall placement stability (some concrete goods and services are also available to licensed caregivers on a limited basis).
Goods include safety items, baby supplies, school supplies, housing goods/assistance, transportation support, clothing, personal care/hygiene items, and more. Concrete goods and services at DCYF are available for one-time or short-term needs while caseworkers support families, connecting them with long-term assistance.
For ongoing economic need, consider reaching out to your DCYF/Tribal Caseworker, Guardian ad Litem (GAL), or child’s attorney for a referral to Treehouse’s Just-In-Time Funding, Treehouse Store, or Drivers Assistance Program.
Treehouse offers eligible children and youth financial assistance for:
• Extracurricular Activities
• Educational Needs
• Career Support
• School supplies, clothing, shoes, toys and more at the Treehouse Store
• Driving Assistance
• Other items and services like bus passes, hair care, passport/birth certificate
All children/youth in Washington state care are also eligible for Safelink Wireless cell phone assistance via their enrollment in Medicaid (one phone with minutes/data per family). Any family or caseworker can make a referral on behalf of a child/youth regardless of caregiver eligibility.
Contact your caseworker if your family would like to discuss options and eligibility for concrete goods assistance or request additional help in accessing economic supports.
