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Dear Combined In-Home Services Providers,
The rise in COVID-19 activity and the Nov. 17 Proclamation by Governor Inslee has increased concerns about the safety of our children, families, staff and provider partners and as well as 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 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 Combined In-Home Services:
Combined In-Home Services Delivery
Effective immediately and for the duration of the amended Proclamation (Nov. 17, 2020 to Dec. 14, 2020), Combined In-Home Services delivery will be primarily telehealth/remote. In-person delivery is allowable for DCYF’s highest risk cases and families already participating in in-person services when COVID-19 safety precautions can be implemented and maintained per DOH and L&I guidelines and the provider and family agree to continue to participate in the services.
DCYF’s highest risk cases include but are not limited to, “risk of out-of-home placement” or “trial return-home” cases where:
- There has been an incident of domestic violence that impacts child safety.
- A child or youth suffered serious physical injuries or serious physical conditions resulting from maltreatment.
- A child or youth shows serious emotional symptoms or lacks behavioral control that results in self-destructive behaviors or provokes dangerous reactions in caregivers.
- A child or youth is fearful of the home situation or people within the home.
- Child or youth sexual abuse is suspected, has occurred or circumstances suggest sexual abuse is likely to occur.
- None of the above criteria are present but the DCYF caseworker requests an in-person service. In these circumstances, the DCYF Regional Combined In-home Services Program Manager must review and approve in order for the in-person service referral to proceed.
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 email Taku Mineshita, System of Care & Service Array Program Manager, Taku.Mineshita@dshs.wa.gov, or 360-999-3110.
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