Region 5 Staff Spotlight
Article written by Kelly Linscott, Region 5 Tribal Liaison-ICW Consultant
Sarah Arnett, Region 5 Active Efforts (AE) Supervisor, and her team of Active Efforts Specialists – Lisa Caudle, Taylor Owens, Roberta Anderson, and Anthony White – are rocking Region 5 with their new unit!
Since being hired last year, Sarah has dramatically improved communication between staff, resulting in better—and faster—service being provided to the children and families we serve.
The AE team provides supports to caseworkers, tribal partners and Recognized American Indian Organizations, and tribal families across Washington. The team assists workers with Qualified Expert Witness referrals, filing out Family Ancestry Charts and submitting timely requests for legal notices. They have helped with Family Time safety assessments, court reports and active efforts declarations, and have helped with relative research.
The team routinely goes out in the field to assist parents with setting up appointments and accessing services (they recently transported a mom to the Lummi Nation several times to help her get connected to services) and can help to get parents and kids enrolled. The team follows up with tribes to make sure they have received legal notices and to let them know when a petition has been filed or when meetings have been set. They will work with tribes on information gathering for eligibility determinations.
The team enjoys brainstorming with workers and families on how they can be most effective. This wonderful team stands ready to help Region 5 with anything and everything having to do with ICWA policy implementation. Thanks to the R5 Active Efforts Unit for your stellar work!
DCYF Community Child Care Forums
Child care providers have asked for regular meetings with DCYF to discuss their challenges and receive timely answers to their questions concerning child care policy, rules, and other relevant topics. In response, DCYF has organized community child care forums across the state.
These forums are open to licensed child care centers, licensed family homes, outdoor nature-based providers, and school-age providers, including certified providers, who may be located on tribal lands.
Vancouver:
Oct. 15, 2024 | 6 to 7:30 p.m. | Register here
Tacoma/Lakewood:
Nov. 4, 2024 | 6 to 7:30 p.m. | Register here
Virtual:
Dec. 10, 2024 | 6 to 7:30 p.m. | Register here
Visit the Community Child Care Forums webpage for more information.
If you require an alternate format for this information, need language interpretation services, or need another accommodation or modification to participate in this event, please contact dcyf.communityengagement@dcyf.wa.gov.
Tribal Early Learning Fund Spotlight
Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation – Early Childhood Education Head Start
Located in Region 1, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation’s Early Childhood Education Head Start serves approximately 309 children. Below are examples of how the program used Tribal Early Learning funds.
Curriculum Adaptation, Supplements & Culturally Responsive Materials - The program continues to adapt curriculum and create culturally responsive materials with support of TELF. Classroom supplies were purchased to ensure children have a positive environment in which to grow and learn no matter their ability. Teachers were able to select their own list of supplies based on the specific needs of students.
Incorporating Indigenous Foods, Outdoor Based Education & Transportation - The program worked with a food service consultant and dietician to create an annual sustainable menu that incorporates indigenous foods, promoting health in children, family, and staff. The program treated students to a salmon ceremony in Brewster where they were able to release little salmon and eat barbecue. Teachers taught the John McCoy (lulilaš) Since Time Immemorial early learning curriculum and did a salmon study before visiting the dam.
Traditional Music & Arts - Traditional musical instruments were made (drums) or purchased (flutes), allowing students to explore using their five senses. Local artists visited classrooms to show children how to use and care for the instruments. For the program’s graduation ceremony and pow wow, local artists came to help families sew ribbon skirts and shirts. Both teachers and families learned this new skill and cultural activity.
Professional Development Training - Administrative staff and teachers were able to attend culturally responsive leadership training/retreat. This training gave support to staff and helped in increasing staff’s ability to serve children and families. Staff were encouraged to take time for themselves physically and mentally to reduce burnout and improve service.
Mental Health Supports - The program used Fatherhood Is Sacred and Motherhood Is Sacred curricula. By creating a warm, judgment-free space and integrating language and culture, the program experienced a dramatic increase in participation for these educational activities. For their Pregnant Mom Program, they made baby boards and moss bags, creating a safe space, weaving culture as they learned.
Tribal Language Education & Elder Storytelling - Funding allowed for the program to provide instructional supports to teachers and families participating in ongoing learning with the Tribal Language Program. Families and children gathered for storytelling nights with drumming, singing, and storytelling. Elders instructed teachers on how to correctly tell tribal stories.
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Comprehensive Qualified Expert Witness Training
Oct. 23 - 24, 2024 | Spokane, WA
This training is intended to give participants the information they need to provide Qualified Expert
Witness (QEW) testimony in DCYF Indian Child Welfare (ICW) cases. This training provides an overview of background information on the history and impacts of colonization on Native American and Alaska Native children and families that led to the passage of the ICW Act of 1978, an introductory level overview of the federal and state Indian Child Welfare Acts, an overview of DCYF Dependency Cases, and a detailed look at QEW purpose, qualifications, and procedures.
This training is comprised of 9.5 hours of group learning, including 3.5 hours of in-person simulation for court testimony. If you are unable to attend both days, please register when your schedule allows. Registration is required. Some classes may have prerequisites.
To register:
If you have questions, contact Sarah Lewis at szlewis@uw.edu.
Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health 101
DCYF, in partnership with Parent Child Relationship Programs at the University of Washington, presents the online Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health 101 training series.
Trainings include the following topics:
• Early mental health development and impacts from adversity.
• Early primary caregiving relationships foundational to safety & development.
• How infants & toddlers communicate their emotional needs.
• Assessments, services, and supports available to support families with young children involved with the child welfare system.
To register for a course listed below, contact alissa.copeland@dcyf.wa.gov.
- Baby Cues | Oct. 16, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Parenting Behaviors & Attachment Strategies | Oct. 30, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Reflective Supervision | Nov. 6, 2024, from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Targeted Recruitment Specialist (PS5) - Region 3/DCYF
Position closes: Oct. 8, 2024, 11:59 p.m.
Apply online: Targeted Recruitment Specialist (governmentjobs.com)
ICW Active Efforts Social Service Specialist 2-3 In Training (SSS3) - Aberdeen/DCYF
Position closes: Oct. 8, 2024. 11:59 p.m.
Apply online: ICW Active Efforts Social Service Specialist (governmentjobs.com)
Regional Program Area Administrator (WMS02) - Region 6/DCYF
Position closes: Oct. 10, 2024, 11:59 p.m.
Apply online: Regional Program Area Administrator (governmentjobs.com)
2024 Citywide Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration | Seattle, WA
Monday, Oct. 14, 2024
Schedule of Events:
2024 Citywide Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration
9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Pier 62 Waterfront Park 1951
Dzidzilalich (Alaskan Way) with a march along the Seattle waterfront to King Street Station Plaza. Bring your drums and your Tribal flags!
Daybreak Star Celebration
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, 5011 Bernie Whitebear Way, Seattle WA 98199
There will be dancing, dinner, and bingo. Feel free to wear your regalia!
Other Events
Check out other events in the area!
Indigenous People’s Day Rally, March, and Round Dance for Peace
1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
King Street Station Plaza, 303 South Jackson Street.
March ends at Westlake Park, 401 Pine Street.
Indigenous Peoples Day 2024
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Washington Hall, 153 14th Ave.
Visit 2024 Indigenous Peoples’ Day Citywide Celebration for event details.
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Olympic Peninsula 3rd Annual ICWA Conference
Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024 | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Field Arts & Events Hall
201 West Front Street
Port Angeles, WA 98362
Register for this year's Olympic Peninsula ICWA Conference and experience a day of learning, networking, and collaboration. This in-person event will bring together professionals in the field to discuss important topics related to the Indian Child Welfare Act. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with experts and peers in the industry. Register online to secure your spot.
For Our Lives Campaign Toolkit
For Our Lives is a Native-centered awareness campaign launched in 2023 to help prevent fentanyl overdose deaths. The materials provide information about fentanyl in the drug supply, naloxone,
treatment, and recovery and moving past drug related stigma toward healing.
Customizable overdose-prevention resources are available from For Our Lives for any tribe or Native-serving organization in Washington. Visit ForNativeLives.org to request materials.
The Native Resources Hub
The Native Resources Hub is a great tool to help locate resources for all Native people in Washington state. They can assist with locating housing or food resources, mental health needs, assist with cultural connections, substance use, legal, job loss or any needed support or services.
1-866-491-1683 (open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Visit Native Resource Hub for more information and to access resources.
Healthy Native Youth | Mental Health Resources
Resources for Parents and Caring Adults
*Trigger Warning: Mind4Health shares tips and examples that depict caring adults and youth talking about suicide.
Mind4Health was designed to prepare caring adults to support and refer youth to appropriate services when they see or post concerning messages online. The gatekeeper training includes two components: an 8-week text message service and an online self-paced training.
Visit Mind4Health - Healthy Native Youth for information.
Indigenous Reads Rising
Indigenous Reads Rising is a celebration of Indigenous children’s literature of Native Nations, centering those within the United States and Canada. The site provides a resource where teachers, librarians, and readers can embrace the diversity of Indigenous children’s and teen literature.
Visit Indigenous Reads Rising for articles about best practices, book lists arranged by age category and topic, and additional resources for educators, librarians, booksellers, families, and writers alike. Indigenous Reads Rising is managed by the nonprofit We Need Diverse Books.
NDN Girls Book Club
NDN Girls Book Club is a 501 (c)3 literary organization that hosts free community workshops for Native people, especially Native youth & girls, in poetry, zine-making, editing, fiction, nonfiction, and Native literature talks. The organization aims to make accessibility to quality Indigenous literature a reality for all ages by sending out free books and literary care packages. Visit NDN Girls Book Club for more information.
Upcoming Local Events
Annual ENAEP Veteran’s Pow wow
Oct. 26, 2024, beginning at 4 p.m. | Juanita High School Athletic Center, Kirkland, WA
Visit powwows.com for the flyer and event details.
Native American Heritage Month Celebration & Auction | DCYF Office of Indian Child Welfare
Nov. 7, 2024, from 12 to 3 p.m. | West Seattle Office, 4045 Delridge Way SW, Seattle, WA
In person -or- online option
Meeting ID: 212 950 501 184 Passcode: y8VGvX
All proceeds to benefit Hummingbird Indigenous Family Services.
Yakama Nation Veteran’s Day Celebration & Pow wow
Nov. 8 & 9, 2024
Contact the Yakama Nation for more information about this event.
2024 Centennial Accord Agency Highlights
The Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs (GOIA) has published the 2024 Centennial Accord Agency Highlights report. This annual report is mandated under Washington state’s government-to-government relationship with Indian tribes.
The Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) submits agency highlights each fall to be included in the report. The full report can be accessed on GOIA’s website. Pages specific to DCYF’s contributions can be found on the Office of Tribal Relation’s Government-to-Government webpage.
DCYF Awards Nearly $3.7M to Early Learning Programs Serving Tribal Children
Over 30 tribal-serving organizations, including 13 tribal nations, are receiving nearly $3.7 million in funds from DCYF to provide early learning, child care, prenatal, and home visiting programs to tribal children. Visit our "What's New" blog to read more.
DOJ awards nearly $8 million to WA tribes, non-profits, and government entities to combat domestic violence
"The Department of Justice Office (DOJ) on Violence Against Women has awarded nearly $8 million to Western Washington tribal nations, non-profits, and government programs to provide services for victims of domestic violence, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. The grants are paid out over multi-year periods."
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