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As with any sleep environment, ensure the baby is not too warm and there are no items near their face that may interfere with breathing. Concern has been raised of potential hip dysplasia in infants from cradleboard use. To avoid this, allow the infant a slight bend of the knee, and when swaddling do so snugly, but not too tightly. Babies may be taken out for tummy time, bath time, massage and other normal activities. Although extensive research does not exist, the videos and articles below go further in depth.
Videos:
Articles:
Help Me Grow Washington is part of a national resource and referral linkage system that guides families to connect with community supports. Through Help Me Grow (HMG), families and communities can easily access the resources they need, when they need them.
Help Me Grow Washington is supported through a network of communities, collaborating across programs, services, and supports to contribute to the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional well-being of young children and their families. It builds on existing resources and is tailored based on the community’s strengths and aspirations for their young children and families. In Alaska and Minnesota, Tribes have adapted the HMG resources, such as developmental screenings, to fit tribe-specific culture including language.
WithinReach, a non-profit organization that implements HMG in the state of Washington, has contracted with a Native-owned firm in Spokane, Kauffman and Associates, Inc., to engage with Tribes and Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs). Tribes are invited to share their ideas and guide HMG adaptations in their communities for Native families with young children.
To join the discussion on guiding the adaptation of the Help Me Grow, we invite you to reach out to Janet Gordon. She can be reached at janet.gordon@kauffmaninc.com or by calling 509.904.6284. To learn more about Help Me Grow Washington, please visit https://helpmegrowwa.org/ or email Lark Kesterke at larkk@withinreachwa.org.
Help Me Grow Washington Strategic Planning Update, Help Me Grow Blog
MIECHV Program Reauthorization Included in Final Appropriations Package with Tribal Set-Aside Increase
On December 29, 2022, the Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022 (H.R. 8876) was included in the final appropriations package, also known as the omnibus, for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. Notably, the omnibus reauthorized the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (MIECHV) and increased funding through FY 2027. The program supports home visit programs, including the Tribal Home Visiting Program (THVP), for expectant and new parents who live in communities that are at risk for poor maternal and child health outcomes. To continue improving the infant and maternal health of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities, the bill provides a notable improvement to the THVP program by doubling the Tribal set-aside (from 3% to 6%) starting in FY 2023. The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) has advocated for the reauthorization of MIECHV and increasing funding for the Tribal set-aside and continues to advocate on behalf of AI/AN mothers and infants.
The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is making it much easier for individuals interested in becoming foster parents to apply.
DCYF launched a new online application portal that streamlines the process and features user-friendly tools. The new portal aids efforts to increase and diversify the population of licensed and kinship caregivers, group care facilities, and Child Placing Agencies (CPAs).
The Washington Caregiver Application Portal (WA CAP) automates existing paper practices that:
- Streamline the Home Study Process used by both DCYF and CPAs
- Provide a single application source to prospective and existing caregivers
- Support providers in both English and Spanish
- Allow applicants and existing caregivers to upload required documentation and track progress
- Allow electronic signature
WA CAP was created by Binti, a child welfare software provider that has helped modernize data systems for government and private agencies across the country.
DCYF’s transition to WA CAP is expected to:
- Decrease the time it takes families to qualify as caregivers
- Decrease placement interruptions for children in care
- Decrease the drop-out rate of licensed homes
- Increase the number of licensed kinship caregivers to improve access to resources
As a reminder, new foster parent applications are on pause until March 1, 2023. This does not apply to kinship applications, license renewals, and those getting licensed through a Child Placing Agency.
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is coordinating rule development with tribal governments by convening a tribal-state workgroup to inform rule development. Final rules will be the subject of a formal Tribal consultation.
Definition of Indian Child
DCYF is updating the definition for “Indian child” in WAC 110-110-0010 and has filed a CR-101 Notice of Intent.
Rules are needed for the delivery of child welfare services, and more specifically, for DCYF to better identify when to apply state and federal Indian Child Welfare Acts codified in chapter 13.38 RCW and 25 U.S.C. chapter 21, respectively.
To learn more about the rule making process or to see what rules have recently been filed, please visit our website. Submit questions or comments to our rules coordinator at dcyf.rulescoordinator@dcyf.wa.gov.
IICW/Active Efforts Social Service Specialist (SSS3) - Vancouver This DCYF position closes on Thursday, March 2, 2023.
Administrative Assistant (AA2) - Remote This remote position will provide administrative support to DCYF’s Office Of Tribal Relations. This position closes on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023.
UW College of Education is seeking an Early Learning Community Outreach and Recruitment Specialist. Please email Dana Arviso if you have an interest darviso@uw.edu. Interested candidates should have the following skills/knowledge in:
- Building trusting relationships with communities of color
- Understands the early learning landscape and field in WA state
- Help the college in its outreach to communities regarding the funding available to offset the costs for undergraduates to complete their bachelors degrees in early learning
- Facilitate and manage community participation in helping us improve our early learning degree programs to be responsive to and meet the needs of diverse families and communities
Treehouse - Job Opportunities (positions open until filled):
Communications, Marketing, Design Intern (paid, short-term), the Indigenous Justice Circle (IJC).
Environmental Justice Project Coordinator, Equity in Education Coalition.
Vice President, Human Resources And Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Peninsula College, Peninsula Main Campus. Applicant screening begins February 21; however, the position will remain open until filled.
Applications for new Tribal MIECHV Development and Implementation Grants
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is now soliciting applications for the Fiscal Year 2023 Tribal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Grant Program: Development and Implementation Grants!
This funding is intended for tribal entities that do not have prior experience with implementing evidence-based home visiting programs and are not currently implementing a program. A separate NOFO (Tribal MIECHV Grant Program: Implementation and Expansion Grants, HHS-2023-ACF-ECD-TH-0241) will be available soon for entities with such prior experience (including current Tribal MIECHV grantees).
Applications are due May 1, 2023. Learn more: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=345994.
Arts in Education Project Grant
The Arts in Education (AIE) team at the Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA) is reaching out to invite new partnerships in service of student learning. Learn more about two upcoming grant opportunities that support arts and cultural learning experiences for PreK-12 students.
Now Open: AIE Project Grant
The Arts in Education (AIE) Project Grant supports collaborative arts education projects in Washington’s schools, nonprofits, tribal communities, and other community settings. This grant supports efforts to sustain and grow arts and cultural learning engagement for PreK-12 students, educators, and families. Eligible projects must be accessible to the public.
Opening March 15, 2023: Creative Start Project Grant
The Creative Start Project Grant supports projects that engage preschool to 3rd grade students in arts integrated learning. This one-year grant prioritizes the students’ creative, academic, and social emotional growth. It supports collaborations between early learning educators, schools, families, arts specialists, teaching artists, and organizations. Proposed projects should increase culturally relevant student learning in and through the arts. Eligible projects must be accessible to the public.
The Arts in Education team will host an AIE grant information session. This is a great opportunity to learn more about upcoming AIE grants and guidelines.
- February 28, 2023 |Grant Information Session | 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. | Register
Early Childhood Equity Grant - Timeline Update and Feedback Opportunity
DCYF is making refinements to the Early Childhood Equity Grant, and your feedback is vital to identify areas for improvement! We also want to inform you that we made a change to the grant timeline.
Survey
Tell us about your experience with the Early Childhood Equity Grant. We recently awarded the first round of funding, and we want to hear from providers as we refine the grant process for round 2. Even if you didn't apply for round 1, we want to hear from you!
Please take our survey here: English | Spanish | Somali
Your answers will be completely anonymous, and you can skip any questions you don't want to answer. The survey will close on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. Your feedback is important and will help DCYF make refinements for the next funding opportunity.
Timeline Update
DCYF originally stated that there would be three rounds of applications for the Early Childhood Equity Grant (Summer 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023). After carefully considering feedback from stakeholders and partners after the first round, we have decided to hold only one additional round of the grant this fiscal year instead of two. The remaining $3.4 million in funds for this period will be awarded during the second round of applications. We expect the second round of the Early Childhood Equity Grant to open in Spring 2023.
If you want to read more about the first round of the Early Childhood Equity Grant, the Fast Facts are available on our website here: English | Spanish | Somali.
Your input and feedback are greatly appreciated and will be used to inform future decisions and policies related to the Early Childhood Equity Grant.
Dreamstarter® Creative Grant
Running Strong is granting up to $25,000 each year to Native artisans who celebrate their Indigenous identity through their artwork. Dreamstarter will select up to 10 Native artists (graphic designers, beadworkers, seamstresses, painters, photographers, illustrators, potters, and more) to receive up to $2,500 each to support their work.
Grant funds may be used for supplies, materials, and equipment, workshops and seminars, stipends for culture bearers, or professional development.
Weight will be given to unique, self-driven projects over travel to or attendance of projects sponsored by other organizations. Grant may be disbursed to either individual applicant or to partnering nonprofit organization.
How To Apply:
You must be enrolled in a state or federally recognized tribal nation. Applicants should be prepared to submit documentation with the Application. If you have any questions, please email Dreamstarter@IndianYouth.org.
Important dates:
- February 9, 2023: Applications open
- April 4, 2023: Applications due
- April 18, 2023: Selected applicants notified
- May 1, 2023: Grant Monies dispersed
Learn more about by visiting: https://indianyouth.org/dreamstartercreative/apply/.
What is the Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program?
The ETV program provides financial assistance for eligible youth to attend an accredited college, university, vocational or technical college. ETV awards are unique to each student and are based on the college or university’s Cost of Attendance (COA) formula, financial aid award and the student’s unmet need.
Strong Voices Arts Academy
Strong Voices Arts Academy provides outstanding arts experiences for middle school and high school students in foster care. between April 2 – April 7, 2023. OSPI believes that their experiences in meaningful arts classes will both inspire them to find their own strengths and creativity and be an avenue through which increased literacy and academic development takes place.
Nakani's Traditional Medicine Program Now Accepting Interns
Nakani’s Traditional Medicine Program (TMP) is currently taking on a limited number of interns. This internship program is a hybrid program that offers a flexible schedule and lasts 12-week. The TMP focuses on traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), traditional foods and medicines, traditional natural resources, and building community through shared experiences. TMP educational opportunities both virtual and in person are being provided to healthcare professionals, healthcare students, tribal community members, and community allies through this new internship program.
Learn more by visiting https://www.nakani.org/ or contacting traditionalmedicine@nakani.org.
Native Youth Climate Adaptation Leadership Congress (NYCALC)
NYCALC works to build student conference in their cultural identity as they learn about Indigenous traditions and climate concerns across the United States and territories. This week-long Congress from June 25 - 30, 2023, engages students as they develop conservation leadership skills and build on their knowledge and abilities to address climate challenges in their communities.
Applications are due by February 28, 2023
Where is NYCALC? National Conservation Training Center, Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Learn more by visiting HTTPS://NYCALC.ORG/.
AI/AN Kinship Caregivers and Former Foster Youth
Consultants with Bloom Works are working on behalf of DCYF along with consultants with New America New Practice Lab, to research how DCYF can create a kin-first culture and how to better support kin caregivers.
- Are you a youth (between the ages of 18-25 years old) who was cared for by a kin caregiver?
- Are you a current or former kin caregiver?
Dates: February 20 — March 10
Details to participate:
- hour-long conversation; virtual or in-person options available
- Virtual (via Zoom) and in-person options (either in your home or public place)
- $100 gift card for your time
To schedule:
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
Today, 1 in 3 high school students experiences some form of dating violence in their relationships. For Native American teens, the rate is even higher. Check out this Native-specific Resource Guide by Native Services and sign up for the upcoming webinar by NIWRC.
- Thursday, Feb. 23 | Ending Teen Dating Violence and Cultivating Healthy Relationships | 1 - 2:30 p.m. | Register
Community Based FRS Co-Design Project Town Hall
DCYF is hosting a town hall on Tuesday, Feb. 28, from 3 to 5 p.m. During the meeting, DCYF Adolescent Program Co-Design Manager Lily Cory and Adolescent Prevention Program Manager Cole Ketcherside will provide information on the Community Based Family Reconciliation Services (FRS) Co-Design Project. Attendees will have opportunities to ask questions. Please register below to attend this town hall.
- Tuesday, Feb. 28 | Community Based FRS Co-Design Project Town Hall | 3 – 5 p.m. | Register
Please note, the webinar system can only hold 2,995 participants. Once that number is reached the webinar will be locked. If you have any questions, please email us at dcyf.communityengagement@dcyf.wa.gov.
Registration Open: 2023 Child & Adolescent Mental Health ECHO for Native American Youth
This national Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) aims to build the capacity of comprehensive, integrated and responsive mental health services in community-based settings for early recognition and evidence-based management of mental health challenges for children and adolescents and to enhance the knowledge of culturally responsive treatment modalities according to practice-based and evidence-based guidelines for Native American and Alaska Native youth. The 2023 Child and Adolescent Mental Health ECHO for Native American Youth will consist of 14 sessions, taking place on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month, except during the summer, from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m., until September 21, 2023.
For more information on topics and speakers, visit the program website:
https://med.stanford.edu/cme/echos/echomentalhealth.html.
Registration is Now Open for the 2023 Children's Justice Conference
The Children’s Justice Conference (CJC) is the largest child welfare related conference in the Pacific Northwest. The CJC provides professionals from multiple disciplines a unique opportunity to receive core and advanced training and skill development in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of child maltreatment.
Tribal Early Learning Administrators, Listening Session
Swan Innovations is hosting a listening session for Tribal Early Learning Administrators regarding your experiences in transitioning children to and from early learning programs. This work is to inform systems change for equitable education in Washington state. We would like to know, what are your hopes
and dreams, fears and challenges, and what does success look like for the children and families you serve as an early learning leader in your community.
- Tuesday, Feb. 28| Tribal Early Learning Administrator Listening Session | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Register
If you have any questions regarding the listening session, please feel free to contact Cree or Dr. Martina Whelshula at: swaninnovations2@gmail.com.
Washington State Tribal Family Culture Craft & Listening Session
Tribal families of children in a preschool or early care program (3–5years) in Washington state are invited to participate in this virtual family voice events. Join us and make abalone shell necklaces as a family, learn how culture positively improves brain and body health, and share your voice to inform systems change for equitable education in Washington state. We would like to know: What are your hopes and dreams for your child, what does success look like for your child, and what are your fears and challenges as your child transitions into or out of a preschool program. Any questions can be directed to Swan Innovations. swaninnovations2@gmail.com
Sign up to attend this virtual event and pick your session date HERE.
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Pinwheels for Prevention Ordering Now Available
Join us in observing Child Abuse Prevention month during April. Please help us spread the word about Pinwheels for Prevention!
DCYF is observing April 2023 as Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) month 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.
This movement works towards developing communities that are healthy, safe, and nurturing for all children and all families. Please place your order for pinwheels using the form found here. Pinwheels are available on a first come, first serve basis.
This year there is also the option to plant a virtual pinwheel garden with the national office here. Virtual pinwheels start $10 each and you can dedicate them to a person or organization as well as customize a message or donation amount to either the national Prevent Child Abuse America organization or our Washington State Chapter.
If you have any questions, please email strengtheningfamilies@dcyf.wa.gov.
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Share Our Voices, Hear Our Stories is back on March 29
This webinar series is intended for Native parents, families, elders, and students as an opportunity to connect with one another, hear from respected leaders and elders, and inform the direction of Native Education in our state and region. Please join us for group and breakout conversations with your peers, centered around storytelling. Our evening will be facilitated by Dr. Iris Pretty Paint of Kauffman and Associates and Heritage University.
What: A chance to share your thoughts, ideas, and stories with each other and (through post-session write-ups) statewide organizations. Your input will help shape the future of education in our state.
Who: Specific to Native parents, families, elders, and students. If you are not a Native parent, family member, student, or elder, please refrain from joining at this time.
When: Wednesday, March 29 | 6 – 7:15 p.m.
Where: Join Zoom Webinar
This is the last scheduled session of the year. More information on previous sessions can be found at https://www.r16cc.org/news/. If you are interested in joining as part of a larger group, please reach out to Beth Geiger for suggestions on how to make the most of an in-person and Zoom collaboration at bgeiger@waesd.org.
Critical Transition Program Services for Native Youth
Adam Moore with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe is reaching out to discuss their Critical Transition Program services for native youth. They have flexible funding and are able to help with things like rent and getting a phone, amongst other things. Eligibility is aged 14-24, must have been released from an institution of care i.e. Foster care, juvenile detention, mental health facility; and have experienced homelessness in the last year or so.
Please reach out for more information or with referral information. We serve native youth across the state of Washington.
P: (360) 353-9590 Ext. 2705 | C: (360) 506-0312 | E: Ajmoore@cowlitz.org
Learn more about Practice Pathways – Training for Tribal Welfare Caseworkers
Child welfare staff from tribal programs with Title IV-B funding are invited to learn more about a new, free, training for frontline workers! The Tribal Child Welfare Practice Pathway helps workers build foundational knowledge and develop a culturally based, trauma-informed practice lens. Watch the Introducing the Tribal Child Welfare Practice Pathway Webinar to learn more about this exciting new opportunity from the Center for Tribes!
Systems Change in Tribal Child Welfare
Making lasting change in the child welfare system is profoundly challenging and yet tribal child welfare professionals across the country are doing this hard work every day. Explore these resources that address this topic from an indigenous perspective:
Cultural Practices are Prevention
Prevention services and cultural practices range from Active Efforts to Customary Adoption. Weaving cultural stories and practices into any child welfare decision-making process is also prevention. A new resource from the Center for Tribes, Levels of Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect: Strategies and Resources for Tribal Communities, describes the three main types of prevention and provides resources to help tribal child welfare programs better identify where their services fit within the prevention continuum.
National Indian Health Board (NIHB) Information Hub Learn more about ACEs and their impact on lifelong health
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can include physical or emotional abuse, neglect, witnessing violence, and other potentially traumatic events. Knowing more about ACEs and their impact on a child’s lifelong health and opportunities can inform tribal child welfare professionals in their considerations of the supports needed for future healthy development. These resources focus primarily on ACEs – and their counterpart, Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) - and American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
Find background information, training, and resources on ACEs compiled specifically for American Indian and Alaska Native individuals, families, communities, professionals, and leaders. Visit the “Resource Basket” to find peer-reviewed articles, community examples, and accessible tools used to conduct ACEs research with Tribal Nations. Find these and additional resources on the Tribal Information Exchange Adverse Childhood Experiences.
Five Native Films You Should Be Streaming in 2023, Ryan Winn
Seedlings from a Fallen Maple, written and read by Brianna G. Reed
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