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To raise awareness about child abuse and neglect prevention, DCYF’s Strengthening Families Washington team is participating in the Pinwheels for Prevention Campaign – distributing nearly 15,000 pinwheels across the state to symbolize the joy of childhood and that every child deserves a happy, healthy upbringing.
The theme of this year’s Child Abuse Prevention Month campaign is centered on reminding us that children and locally grown and we harvest what we sow. Planting seeds of support for all children yields healthier adults with abundant futures.
DCYF recommends the following ways to help raise awareness and impact positive change virtually during this year’s Child Abuse Prevention Month:
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Follow DCYF on Facebook and share our posts widely — and encourage your friends and family to do the same. Use the hashtags #GrowingBetterTogether and #CAPMonth to let us know you're committed to helping children, families, and entire communities to flourish.
- Show support for children and families by participating in Wear Blue Day on April 1, and posting a picture or video of yourself on your favorite social media channel(s) and including the #WearBlueDay2021 hashtag.
As part of this year's Child Abuse Prevention Month activities, we are once again embarking on a coloring campaign! You can print out our coloring page at home and color it! Send a picture of the completed page to strengtheningfamilies@dcyf.wa.gov and we'll send you a packet of seeds to plant your own garden!
We have plenty of other items available for distribution or request this year as well, including:
- Pinwheel tattoos (with the protective factors listed on the back sheet) in both English and Spanish.
- Our coloring book based off the protective factors (you can see a digital copy here) we have both English and Spanish available.
- A digital only option for printing at home is also our activity packet. Available in both English and Spanish.
You can request any of these items at strengtheningfamilies@dcyf.wa.gov.
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Right now is a busy time for federal and state policy and budgeting! The Washington State Legislature is more than halfway through the first, and longer, of the biennial Legislative Sessions. The Legislative Session has been almost completely virtual, requiring flexibility and adapting to new approaches for policy makers, state agencies, and the public. There are several bills moving through the legislative process that support families, pregnancy through early childhood, and the communities and providers that support them. The Fairstart Act (SE2HB1213) continues to move through the legislative process. The most recent forecast by the Washington State Economic Revenue Forecast Council reports revenues are trending up and much improved from prior forecasts. The Legislature will consider this forecast as they propose budgets for the next two state fiscal years in the coming couple of weeks.
Additionally, Congress passed the American Rescue Act that has many provisions that increase revenue to states as well as individuals. Included in this bill was one-time COVID-19 relief funds for the Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) program of $250 million. At this time, it is estimated Washington will be eligible to receive approximately $5.5 million, however, we have limited information on the stipulations of these funds. However, the legislation outlines the following allowed used of the funds and an expiration date of Sept. 30, 2023. DCYF expects to receive more guidance from the Administration of Children and Families and will be sharing information with the Washington State Legislature as the budgeting process continues. If you have any questions, please direct them to dcyf.strengtheningfamilies@dcyf.wa.gov.
CBCAP Allowed Uses:
- Provide comprehensive support for parents
- Promote the development of parenting skills
- Increase family stability
- Improve family access to formal and informal resources; including access for unaccompanied homeless youth
- Support needs of families with children with disabilities through respite or other activities
- Provide referrals for early health and development services
- Demonstrate a commitment to parent involvement in the planning and program implementation of the lead agency and local programs funded under CBCAP
Strengthening Families Washington, in partnership with Perinatal Support Washington, is seeking applications for a Perinatal Mental Health Community Capacity Building project. We are seeking proposals from organizations interested in increasing awareness of perinatal mental health and creating resources for families within their community. Organizations will be asked to establish a Perinatal Mental Health Community Task Force and one direct service (either in-person support groups, virtual support groups, or 1:1 Parent Support). Organizations will receive a one-day Perinatal Mental Health training for their community, as well as trainings for support groups or 1:1 Parent Support and technical assistance for the task force, support groups, and 1:1 Parent Support. Interested organizations should see the application details here.
Do you know a Family Resource Center (FRC)? DCYF is trying to better understand how FRCs are serving families in our state. This work will allow DCYF to better understand the capacity, services, and stability of FRCs and their potential role in preventing child abuse and neglect. Find out more here.
Save the dates for our first ever virtual home visitor trainings! WSCADV will be sending invitations to register for each training, along with more information.
Domestic Violence Assessment & Response
Offered in two 90-minute sessions over two days.
Option 1
April 15, 10-11:30 a.m.
April 16, 10-11:30 a.m.
Option 2
April 22, 10-11:30 a.m.
April 23, 10-11:30 a.m.
Option 3
May 13, 10-11:30 a.m.
May 14, 10-11:30 a.m.
Help Strengthen Your Community by Sharing Your Story!
We all know of a family that has faced challenges. Maybe they found support, maybe things got worse before they got better. Maybe your own family has a story that needs to be shared.
Do:
- Share a story about your own family
- Share a story about someone you know or someone you helped
- Share about someone who overcame a struggle or couldn’t find the right resources
- Share as many stories as you'd like
- Compartir en español
Don't:
- Share any identifying information
- Feel like you have to be a great writer...the tools on the site will help you!
FAQ for Sensemaker tool: https://dcyf.box.com/s/mqkjyghhd9x6u7ilsz8n5igg0d57nfey
Need a ride to get the vaccine?
If you have Apple Health, you can get help.
The vaccine is an important part of ending the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re eligible, you can get yours now! And if you have Apple Health (or Medicaid), you might even be able to get a ride there. Transportation barriers shouldn’t keep you from getting protected from COVID-19.
The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) offers help with transportation for non-emergency health care appointments. Non-emergency visits are routine check-ups or other visits that don’t need treatment right away. Vaccine visits are non-emergency, so the HCA can help people get to a COVID-19 vaccine site. This is free for those with Apple Health who have no other way to get to appointments. You are eligible for transportation help if:
- You have a current ProviderOne services card (the Apple Health ID card)
- You have no other way to get to your health care appointment.
- The health care visit is covered by your Apple Health program. Visit the Apple Health website for more information about covered services (link in English).
You can read more here.
Self Care
Finding your Way in Community: Free Online Mindfulness Groups for Parents and Caregivers offered by Seattle Children’s Hospital. Offering drop-in sessions for parents of younger and older children (ongoing)
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