The federal government is proposing rules to allow for separate standards for kinship caregivers, which would remove barriers and allow kinship caregivers to receive the same financial reimbursement as non-related foster families.
DCYF supports this rule change as it aligns with DCYF's Strategic and Racial Equity Plan. You can read the full notice of proposed rulemaking here.
Comments on the proposed rule can be submitted to www.regulations.gov or cbcomments@acf.hhs.gov on or before April 17, 2023.
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The Department of Children, Youth, and Families wants to recognize fathers who have a successful outcome with their child welfare case for the Inaugural Engaging Father Celebration in June.
The recipient will receive two nights at Great Wolf Lodge Water Park-Grand Mound.
To be eligible, the father:
- Must have a child in dependency (within the past 12 months)
- Must live in Washington State
Nominations need to include the following:
- The father’s name
- Why they should be recognized
- Examples of the father demonstrating positive behavioral changes (ex: participating in the process)
This award/celebration is part of DCYF’s Engaging Fathers project (previously called Fathers Matter). Historically, child welfare agencies have a difficult time engaging with fathers. The purpose of Engaging Fathers is to partner with biological fathers throughout the dependency process.
If you know a father that would like to be considered, please email dcyf.recognition@dcyf.wa.gov nomination information by Sunday, April 30, 2023.
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Join us on Sunday, May 7, as the Mariners take on the Houston Astros to celebrate foster, kinship, adoptive families, and the people who support them.
Enjoy a fun-filled day at the ballpark, visit us on the Rooftop Boardwalk (near Section 330) for a pregame event, watch a foster youth/child throw the ceremonial first pitch, and pick up a limited-edition We Are Family Mariners-themed blanket (available to all individuals holding a specially priced We Are Family ticket).
Tickets are available at http://www.mariners.com/wearefamily for the special price of $20 for seats on the main level and $10 for view level.
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Sibling Strong Summer Camps (formerly Camp to Belong) are week-long camp experiences for siblings separated from each other by placement in foster care, relative care, or adoption through foster care. Since 2009, around 1,150 siblings have been reunited at the camp held at Miracle Ranch on Horseshoe Lake in Port Orchard.
This year Sibling Strong Summer Camp will serve up to 150 campers, ages 8-18 from Monday, June 26 through Friday, June 30.
To apply on behalf of a child, caregivers can complete the Care Provider Application by no later than April 21, 2023.
For campers who live in Eastern Washington (Region 1 and Region 2), transportation to Miracle Ranch is provided; for campers living in Western Washington (Regions 3, 4, 5, 6) transportation will be arranged by the assigned Social Service Specialist, Sibling Strong staff, caregivers, or legal guardians. DCYF shall not transport any child/youth not in the legal care and custody of DCYF and children/youth who are part of a sibling group that were separated due to an adoption, guardianship, or relative placement who reside in another state must have travel arrangements made and paid for by their legal guardians or Sibling Strong, if funds are available.
For more information, visit https://www.sibling-strong.org/
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Below you will find all CaRES' offerings for April:
TBRI Tuesday: Dive in and discuss parenting challenges using Trust Based Relational Intervention principles! Gather with other caregivers as we discuss how to connect, empower and correct children the TBRI way.
April 11, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
These virtual meetings will take place on Zoom. There is no need to register, just join us for whatever meetings fit your schedule. Click here to join the Zoom session.
*There is no need to have completed a TBRI training to attend this group. Just come and learn more!
Fostering as a Single Parent: Single foster parents manage circumstances and challenges that other groups don’t face, so we’re excited to host a drop-in group just for you! No registration required.
April 20, 8-9 p.m.
Click here to join the Zoom session.
Training Credit of the Month
Caregiver Strategies for Holidays and Celebrations: It takes intentional planning to give the children in your care a wonderful experience that includes the things that make the holiday or celebration special for everyone.
In this two-hour supportive facilitated discussion, you will talk with caregivers about ways to manage the expectations of the child, their family, and your family. You will also talk about how to make a plan to minimize the emotional challenges that sometimes come with family celebrations. Lastly, you will have an opportunity to create a celebration action-plan that is specific to your family and the child in your home.
Click here to register!
Find a complete list of CaRES support groups at AllianceCares.org
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