|
Dear Contracted Family Time Providers,
The rise in COVID-19 activity and the Nov. 15 Proclamation by Gov. Jay Inslee has increased concerns about the safety of our children, families, staff and provider partners and created uncertainty about how some of our services should be altered as a result.
We all feel the increased tension and uncertainty that the rise in COVID-19 activity has brought and we value your dedication to providing services to our children, youth and families. We’ve heard from you that COVID-19 safety should be a driving consideration for making decisions about service provision. We’ve also heard from some of you, the importance of continued flexibility to provide services in-person where safe to do so and to maintain in-person family connections or safety services. DCYF is continuing to work with all of you and our partners to balance both public health and the needs of children and families. Below is some important information and resources regarding providing Family Time Services.
As you know, in-person family time is mandated in state law, court-ordered and statistically has a large impact on many positive outcomes for kids. Unlike the prior proclamation, there is no exemption from in-person visits allowing DCYF the flexibility to allow only virtual visits. Without such an exemption or legislative changes, we must continue to provide in-person visitation when safe to do so, adhering to all safety measures, guidance and protocol we currently are operating under. We are working with the Governor’s Office, stakeholders and our court partners to establish consistency of approach across the state for court-ordered Family Time visitation that prioritizes the safety of staff, children, parents, caregivers and providers, and also allows for continued flexibility where Family Time can be delivered safely in-person.
Moving forward, collaboration and planning for visitation between the caseworker, parents, caregiver, children and courts are key to providing a flexible visit plan which focuses on the health and safety of all involved. Additionally, we need to pay attention per CDC guidance to high-risk individuals (age, health or type of employment), locations (indoor, poor ventilation, limited space) and protective bubbling to lower risk. These factors should be considered on top of the current screening protocols already practiced. Below are the current guidance documents:
Family Time Guidance for Providers
Family Time Guidance for DCYF staff
Family Time Guidance for Parents
Family Time Guidance for Caregivers
The safety of children, youth, foster and kinship families, caregivers, staff and our tribal partners has always been, and remains, our top priority. Thank you for your continued commitment to serving children and families during this stressful time. During this pandemic, you have all stepped up, focusing on the health of our families and served as a constant in the lives of one of our state’s most vulnerable populations.
Communication is more critical right now than ever in these unprecedented times. We will continue to share information with you through email, webinars and on our COVID-19 website. If you have any questions or want to share concerns or supports needed, please contact any of the individuals listed below:
Visit Leads:
HQ: Deanna Morrison, Deanna.Morrison@dcyf.wa.gov
Region 1: Christin Stretch, Christin.Stretch@dcyf.wa.gov
Region 2: Delton Hauck, Delton.Hauck@dcyf.wa.gov
Region 3: Felix Idahosa, Felix.Idahosa@dcyf.wa.gov
Region 4: Lisa McKee, Lisa.McKee@dcyf.wa.gov
Region 5: Laneta Able, Laneta.Able@dcyf.wa.gov
Region 6: Arthur Fernandez, Arthur.Fernandez@dcyf.wa.gov
|
