DCYF WAC Updates: caregivers invited for feedback

DCYF Thriving Families Initiative is made up of multiple projects and initiatives in the child welfare space that focuses on prevention, supporting families and staff, and strengthening our practice.

Foster Care WAC Updates (part of D.S. Settlement) 

• To prepare for the next phase of amending the foster care WAC 110-148, DCYF is inviting Caregivers to Dinner and Dialogue sessions. Register for the following dates:
  • Sept. 10 – 6 to 8 p.m. in Spokane
  • Sept. 12 – 6 to 8 p.m. in Yakima
  • Sept. 24 – 6 to 8 p.m. in Vancouver
  • Sept. 26 – 6 to 8 p.m. in Renton

Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) 

• The FFPSA team is drafting a 5-Year Family First Prevention Plan for 2025 to 2029, which will further guide the implementation of prevention services focused on keeping families together and out of the child welfare system.

• To get an overview and help inform this plan, they are hosting in-person, regional collaborative forums open to anyone with a shared interested in these efforts. Register Today. 

• Please send any questions to [email protected].gov

Service Expansion

• DCYF is expanding culturally specific and responsive programs to reduce the number of Black and African American children and youth experiencing out-of-home placement. 
• DCYF will be contracting with four providers:
  
  
  • Chicago Parent Program and Bringing Back the Dads Fatherhood Engagement Groups
    • A parenting program with a fatherhood engagement component provided by the Intercultural Children and Family Services, serving King and Pierce counties.
  • Family Resiliency Services
    • A comprehensive wraparound case management and resource navigation support program provided by Greater Destiny 253, serving Pierce County.
  • Preserving Black Families Program
    • A mental health service provided by the WA Therapy Fund Foundation for Black and African American Parents with priority to parents residing in King, Pierce and Spokane counties.
  • Reaching Us Wraparound Services
    The James Matthew Commission Foundation will provide families living in Thurston and Pierce counties with service navigation, financial literacy education, Kings Wings fatherhood support groups, Confident Youth adolescent mentorship services, and parenting classes.
• Services are anticipated to begin Fall 2024. For more information, please contact Tessa Velasco at [email protected]