DCYF current instructions
DCYF staff are strongly encouraged to conduct a simple assessment prior to making home visits or having visits into the offices. In the assessment, ask:
- If anyone in the household is currently sick;
- Has anyone in the household been in contact with anyone known to have COVID-19;
- Is anyone in the household have underlying health conditions?
Staff will then work with their supervisors to determine appropriateness of visits based on these responses, the current county health department recommendations, and case specific circumstances.
DCYF Plans
Based on consultation with the Department of Health, we are confident that some children can safely return to in-person visits soon. DCYF developed a phased approach to resume in-person visits. Caseworkers will initiate a return to in-person visitation for specific families by using a shared planning meeting (or consultation with their supervisor and area administrator).
The following outlines the phases, effective dates, case circumstances and conditions of returning to in-person visits:
Phase 1:
| Effective Date | Case Circumstance | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| TBD | When shelter care has just been ordered for the first time and the child is newly placed in the Department’s care and custody. | All parties, including the caregiver, are in agreement with in-person Family Time taking place and all parties clear the DOH Guidance for Daily COVID-19 Screening. (In all case circumstances, screening may be completed during a shared planning meeting.)The number of people with whom the child has contact during visitation is limited to reduce exposure risk and social distancing is observed.Prior to visitation:Parents or caregivers have masks or cloth face coverings.Parties wash hands or use hand sanitizer.Surfaces are disinfected. |
| TBD | Early transitions home – for children who were in the process of being transitioned home prior to COVID-19 and for whom the goal is to be transitioned home within 90 days. | No safety threats exists and it is safe for the child/youth to be returned home.Any person involved in visitation must clear screening according to the DOH Guidance for Daily COVID-19 Screening.An FTDM is held to review and plan for the transition, including in-person visitation prior to return home.The return home has been approved by the court.The number of people with whom the child has contact during visitation is limited to reduce exposure risk and social distancing is observed.Prior to visitation:Parents or caregivers have masks or cloth face coverings.Parties wash hands or use hand sanitizer.Surfaces are disinfected. |
Phase 2:
| Effective Date | Case Circumstance | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| TBD | Any child who is placed with a relative or in a kinship care placement prior to COVID-19 and who was having in-person Family Time visitation that did not require involvement by a contracted provider. Children under 2 years old. | Both the parent(s) and kinship provider agree to in-person visitation.Any person involved in visitation must clear screening according to the DOH Guidance for Daily COVID-19 Screening.The number of people with whom the child has contact during visitation is limited to reduce exposure risk and social distancing is observed.Prior to visitation:Parents or caregivers have masks or cloth face coverings.Parties wash hands or use hand sanitizer.Surfaces are disinfected. |
| Based on county approval dates | Children in counties that have requested and been approved for a variance. | As some counties open up because the risk of COVID-19 is low, we will prioritize in-person visits in these counties. Conditions will be similar to those for other case circumstances. |
Phase 3:
| Effective Date | Case Circumstance | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| TBD | Children that had unsupervised visits prior to COVID-19.Visitation referrals to contracted visitation providers.Visitation plans not assigned to a contracted provider. | Any person involved in visitation must clear screening according to the DOH Guidance for Daily COVID-19 Screening.The number of people with whom the child has contact during visitation is limited to reduce exposure risk and social distancing is observed.Prior to visitation:Parents or caregivers have masks or cloth face coverings.Parties wash hands or use hand sanitizer.Surfaces are disinfected. |
This phased approach was developed in partnership with DCYF staff and stakeholders.
DCYF is committed to transitioning back to in-person visits as soon as possible when it is safe for children, parents, caregivers and staff. As part of that commitment, we will develop guidelines and tip-sheets and conduct webinars to ensure the phased approach is well supported.
Find these details and any updates at https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/coronavirus-covid-19/child-welfare