Thriving Families Campaign Updates - June 2023

Dear Foster Parents, Kinship Caregivers, Providers, and Tribal Partners,

To limit the emails you receive about many of DCYF's projects in the child welfare space, we have put together all the updates related to our Thriving Families campaign in this monthly roundup.

Thriving Families Updates:

D.S. Settlement

• D.S. Draft Implementation Plan feedback is due July 3. Feedback and inquiries should be sent to dcyf.dssettlementfeedback@dcyf.wa.gov. 
• D.S. Draft Implementation Plan
• D.S. Settlement webpage
• D.S. Infographic – provides an overview of the settlement, which requires the agency to better provide for stability and support of dependent children while in out-of-home care and make prompt reunification efforts with their families.

• D.S. Webinar (external) on July 12. PCG and Think of Us will be hosting an external-facing webinar to share the findings and recommendations of the stakeholder engagement work as outlined in the D.S. Settlement Agreement. Many of these findings have been integrated into the draft Implementation Plan for D.S. An invitation is forthcoming. A recording of the webinar will be posted on the D.S. webpage.

Kinship

• Beginning July 1, 2023, DCYF will process initial licenses for relative and suitable other (kinship) caregivers who pass minimal requirements. An initial license allows kinship caregivers to receive basic foster care reimbursement payments for up to 90 days while completing the full kinship license requirements.
  • At first, initial licenses will only be available when court-ordered at shelter care hearings. Once DCYF confirms the system is working, it will expand the availability of the initial license to any kinship caregiver who meets the requirements. DCYF anticipates the full rollout will be in early 2024.
  • Initial Licenses for Approved Relative and Suitable Person (Kinship) Caregivers memo

Caregiver Supports

• You are invited to attend the Caregiver Supports Webinar on July 19 at 2 p.m. The webinar will provide a refresher on the project vision and goals and review changes that can be expected in Phase 1 of the project.
  • Zoom Link:

    https://dcyf.zoom.us/j/83709370990?pwd=K01jaG5QRE42bml4UDBnTWR1K0pWdz09

  • Zoom ID: 837 0937 0990 |Password: 224529

Thriving Families is made up of multiple projects and initiatives within the child welfare space that focus on prevention, supporting families and staff, and strengthening our practice.

Learn more about this campaign by visiting the Thriving Families webpage. If you have any questions, email jill.bushnell@dcyf.wa.gov.

Natalie Green, Assistant Secretary of Child Welfare Field Operations

Steven Grilli, Assistant Secretary of Partnership, Prevention, and Services

Jenny Heddin, Assistant Secretary of Transformation

Ruben Reeves, Interim Assistant Secretary of Licensing                        

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