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The 2022 Legislative Session concluded last week after a whirlwind 60 days. In what was truly an incredible team effort, staff from across the agency weighed in on more than 450 bill versions to share how proposed changes would affect their work and programs. As the 2022 session concludes, we again see significant investments in DCYF. All of the agency’s proposed
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This month, DCYF is joining the country to celebrate Social Work Month.
This year's theme, "The Time is Right for Social Work," highlights how social workers have enriched our society for more than a century and how their services continue to be needed today. This month is an opportunity to recognize caseworkers from across the state who go above and beyond to provide critical services to Washington's children, youth, and families.
People become social workers because they have a strong desire to help others and make our society a better place to live for all. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social work is one of the fastest-growing professions in the United States. According to BLS, there are almost 720,000 professional social workers in our nation, but that number is expected to rise to more than 800,000 by 2030.
DCYF would like to thank all caseworkers and the people who support the work they do!
If you would like to recognize a caseworker, email nancy.gutierrez@dcyf.wa.gov.
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Passed during the 2020 Legislative Session, House Bill 2607 aims to assist young people under age 25 experiencing homelessness with obtaining state identification (ID) cards. This month, DCYF and the Department of Licensing (DOL) are announcing additional ways for contractors and licensees to assist the young people with getting these cards.
Pre-existing pathways
DOL offers pathways to get state ID cards for those who:
- Have been served by DCYF child welfare or foster care services, or
- Have been served by DCYF with juvenile rehabilitation services, or
- Are actively enrolled in K-12 education.
For young people served by DCYF, DOL accepts ID letters electronically from DCYF staff to establish proof of identity. For homeless youth who are still enrolled in school, a young person can get assistance from the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Liaison at their school, who can help through the process with DOL.
New pathways
For youth who do not fit into any of the three categories above, DOL has established a new process:
- DCYF contractors and licensees assisting young people experiencing homelessness can help them get a state ID card by contacting DOL for an ID review.
- The request can be emailed to youthidvf@dol.wa.gov. From there, DOL will determine if identity can be established based on documents presented by the young person.
Please reach out to Adolescent Housing Program Supervisor Greg Williamson with any questions at greg.williamson@dcyf.wa.gov.
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DCYF's Strengthening Families team is preparing to observe Child Abuse Prevention Month this April by raising awareness in communities about child abuse and neglect prevention.
As the Prevent Child Abuse Washington State Chapter, we encourage you to join the Pinwheels for Prevention initiative. This initiative uses pinwheels – a timeless symbol for childhood – to represent its campaign.
Last year, we distributed around 15,000 pinwheels to communities around the state. Pinwheels for Prevention is a reminder that it is not enough to respond to child abuse and neglect – we must build and support strong families through community engagement, programs, and policies. This movement works toward developing communities that are healthy, safe, and nurturing for all children and all families.
Order pinwheels today! Please share this information with your child abuse and neglect prevention partners across the state. Pinwheels can be ordered using the form found here. Pinwheels are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you have any questions, please email strengtheningfamilies@dcyf.wa.gov.
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The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is now accepting applications for the Organizational License Pilot (Spanish, Somali). This pilot project will determine feasibility of creating a license category for child care centers, with multiple sites, that operate under a single owner or entity. The pilot project is a directive from the Washington State Legislature, Senate Bill 5092 sec. 229 (19).
The pilot is open to licensed or certified child care centers, or those centers wishing to become licensed or certified, with representation from a mix of rural, urban, and suburban locations.
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Many staff are in the process of boxing up and cleaning out work spaces. In an effort to reduce injuries from unsafe and awkward lifting, please review the training listed below and follow the graphic that helps demonstrate how to properly lift objects.
Avoid sprains and strains anytime you must lift or carry heavy or awkward objects such as boxes, car seats, pans of food, equipment, etc.
Click here to take a short Learning Center training on Safe Lifting.
For more ergonomic resources, go the DCYF Ergonomics webpage.
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Did you know that if you are enrolled in a PEBB medical plan you have access to a digital lifestyle change program that combines the latest technology with ongoing support to help build healthy habits that last? Plus, your PEBB medical plan will cover the entire cost of the program.
Clinical research shows these lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by almost 60 percent.
Who is eligible?
Subscribers and their dependents (spouses, state-registered domestic partners, and children) ages 18 and older who are:
What is the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP)?
The PEBB Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) powered by Omada is a digital lifestyle change program that surrounds you with the tools and support so you can make the changes that matter most—whether that’s around eating, activity, sleep, or stress.
This support includes:
- Professional health coach
- Wireless smart scale
- Supportive peer group and more
Learn more in the Welcome to Omada video.
What if I already have diabetes?
Learn about your medical plan’s resources for managing diabetes.
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Currently, there are 106 positions open at DCYF, listed here. Some of these positions are highlighted below. The following positions are open to all, so please share with anyone who may be interested:
If you have any questions or want the Recruitment Team to highlight your job posting, please contact dcyf.jobs@dcyf.wa.gov.
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Monday, March 21 | Black Affinity Gathering | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Register
Tuesday, March 22 | 2022 Legislative Session Wrap-Up Webinar | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Join Here
Wednesday, March 23 | All Staff – Journey Ahead | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Register
Thursday, March 24 | White Responsibility Gatherings | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Register
Friday, March 25 | Understanding Tribal Sovereignty | 1 – 4 p.m. | Register
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