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Dear Foster Parents and Caregivers,
Thank you for being part of the solution for very vulnerable children. We are living in very unsettling times with the COVID-19 pandemic. This makes our responsibility to the most vulnerable populations – children in out-of-home care – even greater.
In response to the current coronavirus crisis and related protective recommendations for social distancing to slow the spread of the virus, DCYF will have to do some of its work with foster children and foster families differently. I am actively exploring options to suspend most in-person visits for the next couple of months. During this time, we would propose using technology to help children stay connected to their parents and siblings through video chats and other modalities.
In the spirit of reducing the overall number of close human interactions, I am also working on options to suspend most of the in-person monthly health and safety visits with foster children. Here, we also are identifying technology options to conduct most of those health and safety check-ins remotely for the next 60 days. There are a few legal considerations we still need to iron out to make this work but I wanted you to know that I am engaging with the Governor and the Attorney General’s Office and working hard to be responsive to your concerns.
I want to reassure you that the safety of kids, foster families, and our staff is our top priority. We are doing everything we can to keep you all safe. Over the next several days you will receive additional updates and information via messages like this or through our DCYF COVID-19 page. In the meantime, visit our Foster Parenting and Kinship Care page for additional resources. If you have any questions or concerns, email dcyf.covid-19@dcyf.wa.gov.
Thank you for everything you do to support children and families.
Ross Hunter
DCYF Secretary
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