Announcing New Director of Tribal Relations, Cassie Anderson
DCYF is thrilled to welcome Cassie Anderson (she/her) as the new Director of the Office of Tribal Relations (OTR). Cassie brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to serving tribal communities. She is a citizen of the Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy’s Reservation.
Cassie’s professional journey began in the non-profit sector with the NATIVE Project, followed by her transition to state service in 2006 when she joined the Children’s Administration. She has dedicated 10 years to various Indian Child Welfare programs.
In 2017, Cassie took on the role of Program and Support Services Director at the Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations. In June 2023, Cassie transitioned back to state services to serve as OTR’s Operations Manager. She played a key role in overseeing program operations and building collaborative partnerships with tribal communities. Her responsibilities included supporting tribal initiatives, enhancing service delivery for tribal children and families, and ensuring compliance with ICWA standards across state programs.
Throughout her career, Cassie has embraced roles that drive positive change, championed solutions for better outcomes, and promoted advocacy for our most vulnerable populations. Known for her dedication to open dialogue, she is committed to having courageous conversations that foster honesty, authenticity, and respect.
Cassie has a B.S. and M.S. degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology from Portland State University.
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Yakima County ICWA Courts Training
Article written by Billie Patterson, Region 2 ICW Consultant
The 2nd Annual Yakima County ICWA Courts training was held on Oct. 4 at the Legends Casino in Toppenish, WA. The full day training included topics on Qualified Expert Witness, Local Indian Child Welfare Advisory Committee, understanding and accessing cultural resources and the fundamentals of historical trauma. The keynote speaker was Melissa Sampson-Grier who gave a dynamic presentation on ICWA knowledge building and recognizing personal biases. The training was well attended with about 200 participants, including an opening blessing from three of the Yakama tribal council members. This event was sponsored by Casey Family Programs, DCYF, Yakama Nation, and Yakima County Juvenile Courts.
The Yakima County ICWA courts has now been operating for the past year under the oversight of Commissioner Robert Porter. Mr. Porter has spearheaded the organization of the ICWA courts, focusing on developing a cultural atmosphere in the court rooms, as well as prioritizing the application of active efforts when working with Native families. We have seen an increase in parent engagement and culturally related case plans in Yakima County.
DCYF Accepting Nominations for 2025 Unsung Hero Awards
DCYF is currently accepting nominations for outstanding parents, grandparents, kinship caregivers, foster parents, and community members, providing direct care to children, as part of its annual Unsung Hero Awards.
To nominate, individuals can complete the form and email their nomination to strengtheningfamilies@dcyf.wa.gov. The nomination deadline is Jan. 3, 2025.
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Tribal Early Learning Funding Available
DCYF is excited to share that a third round of Tribal Early Learning funding (TELF) is available to tribal early learning programs and tribal-serving organizations. This funding opportunity supports tribal children, prenatal to five, in early learning programs across Washington state in a culturally appropriate and inclusive manner.
Applications for the third round of funding are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024.
For information and to apply, visit the Office of Tribal Relations webpage.
Broadband Equity Assistive Technology Grants
The WA Dept. of Commerce is soliciting proposals from qualified entities to provide assistive technology and digital literacy skills training to individuals with disabilities. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Nov. 12, 2024. Download the Request for Proposal.
2024-25 Student Projects
The Northwest Center for Public Health Practice is now accepting applications to support student projects during the 2024-25 school year. Approximately twenty-one students will be awarded up to $3,500 each for public health projects conducted in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Visit Northwest Center for Public Health Practice for information and to apply.
Comprehensive Qualified Expert Witness (QEW) Training
Dec. 5-6, 2024
Day 1: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Delridge Training Hub, 4045 Delridge Way SW, Seattle, WA
Day 2: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | King County Courthouse, 516 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA
This two-day, in-person training is intended to give participants the information they need to provide Qualified Expert Witness (QEW) testimony in DCYF Indian Child Welfare cases. The training is comprised of 9.5 hours of group learning, including 3.5 hours of in-person simulation for court testimony.
Registration is required. Some classes may have prerequisites.
If you have questions, contact Sarah Lewis at szlewis@uw.edu.
Positive Indian Parenting | Train-the-Trainer
DCYF is offering Positive Indian Parenting (PIP) Train-the-Trainer trainings at no cost. Trainings are designed to prepare facilitators to educate and support Native parents using a culturally specific approach. This culturally based training program provides a manual that contains instructional materials for eight sessions, each grounded in traditional Native teachings about child rearing.
Registration preference will be given to Tribes, Native Serving Organizations, and Recognized American Indian Organizations in WA State and to the first two registrants per Tribe or Organization.
Jan. 13-16, 2025 | 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Virtual Training
- Last day to register is Dec. 20, 2024.
- Complete the Registration Form to secure your spot.
March 3-6, 2025 | 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Virtual Training
- Last day to register is Feb. 7, 2024.
- Complete the Registration Form to secure your spot.
May 20-22, 2025 | 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In-Person Training
- Address: Puyallup Tribal Health Spirit House: 2009 E. 32nd St. Tacoma, WA 98404
- Last day to register is April 28, 2024
- Complete the Registration Form to secure your spot.
Visit OTR's Training webpage for training details.
If you have questions, or require an alternate format for this information, need language interpretation services, or need another accommodation or modification to participate in this event, please contact Shannel.Squally-Janzen@dcyf.wa.gov.
Film Screening | Native Transformations in the Pacific Northwest
the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institutes of Health’s Tribal Health Research Office are hosting a virtual documentary screening on Nov. 13 at 1:30 p.m. ET. The film follows four individuals from Tribes in the Pacific Northwest as they share their experiences of strength and resilience to overcome the impacts of the opioid crisis. Register to attend.
Fentanyl & HPSO Child and Family Safety Summit
Nov. 18, 2024 | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
NorthernQuest Casino, Airway Heights, WA
Register for the in-person regional fentanyl/High Potency Synthetic Opioid (HPSO) Safety Symposium for child welfare systemwide partners for the counties of Spokane, Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Adams, Lincoln, Whitman, Asotin and Garfield. Visit wachildadvocates.org/hpso to register.
Written responses to unanswered questions from the webinar have been provided by the Department of Health and are now available for viewing in the Q&A section of the event HUB.
ICW Tribal Consultant (SHPC4) - Region 6/DCYF
Position closes: Nov. 14, 2024, 11:59 p.m.
Apply online: ICW Tribal Consultant (SHPC4) - Region 6
ICW Active Efforts Specialist 2-3 In-Training (SSS3) - Mt. Vernon/DCYF
Position closes: Nov. 17, 2024, 11:59 p.m.
Apply online: ICW Active Efforts Specialist 2-3 In-Training (SSS3)
Native American Education Program Manager/Seattle Public Schools
Open Until Filled
Apply online: Job Opportunities | Welcome to Seattle Public Schools
Assistant Professor of Multicultural Education/Central Washington University
Open Until Filled
Apply online: Careers
2024 Missing Persons Toolkit
The Washington State Attorney General’s Office has updated its Missing Persons Toolkit and it is now available online. This toolkit provides basic information and resources to aid in the search of a loved one. View the 2024 Missing Persons Toolkit online.
Outdoor Nature Based Curriculum Renamed to Honor Late John McCoy lulilaš
DCYF has submitted a request to update the name of the curriculum referenced in WAC 110-302-0160, Foundational Quality Standards for Outdoor Nature-Based Child Care, to honor the work of the late John McCoy (lulilaš.) The curriculum is now called the John McCoy (lulilaš) Since Time Immemorial Early Learning Curriculum. These permanent rules take effect Nov. 3, 2024.
More information can be found on our DCYF website. Please reach out to Natasha.reed@dcyf.wa.gov or Kandi.latimer@dcyf.wa.gov with additional questions.
Developmental Disabilities Administration Waiver Services
Engrossed 2nd Substitute House Bill 1188 was passed in the 2023 Legislative Session, making it possible for eligible children and youth to access Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) Home and Community-Based Waivers when in a dependency, or a dependency proceeding. The resources below can help you learn more:
Reach out to your Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities Program Consultant, they are available to support you. Stay tuned for information sessions via Child Welfare’s Foundations of Practice.
Online Boarding School Survivor Healing Circle series
The National Native American Boardng School Healing Coalition invites all boarding school survivors to register to attend our six month long Online Boarding School Survivor Healing Circle series. This series is a supportive online healing circle specifically for Indian boarding school survivors and is led by Native mental health professionals and our Elder-in-Residence. Visit NABS for dates and to register.
UW Tacoma Native & Indigenous Higher Education Symposium
Nov. 22, 2024
Hosted by the University of Washington Tacoma, this free program will include guest speakers, breakout sessions, lunch and admissions information. Participants will also engage with current students, faculty, and the Chancellor’s Native Liaison team. For information and to register, visit UW Tacoma Native Symposium.
Equity in Early Education Postdoctoral Fellowship
The fellowship trains the next generation of scholars to conduct research toward equitable, impactful, and sustainable early childhood care and education systems. Visit Stanford Center on Early Childhood for information and to apply. Application deadline is Nov. 15, 2024.
Rapid-Cycle Learning Research Opportunity
The ADAPT-HV project is seeking MIECHV-funded home visiting programs to participate in a rapid-cycle learning research opportunity. Programs will work with the research team to design, adapt, and test adaptations to home visiting practices that were made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To nominate a site, email teresa@policyandresearch.com.
Free Water Testing Available
Did you know child care and early learning providers are required to test for lead and copper in their drinking water before licensing and every six years after that? The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is offering free water testing through the Environmental Protection Agency's WIIN Grant. To participate, fill out the registration form online.
Upcoming Community Events
Quinault Nation Coastal Creations Market
Nov. 15-16, 2024 | 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Taholah Community Center
Contact rezgear26@gmail.com for information.
Muckleshoot Tribe Holiday Bazaars
Nov. 15-16, 2024 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pentecostal Church
39731 Auburn Enumclaw Rd., Auburn, WA
Puyallup Tribal Wellness Pow wow & Holiday Bazaar
Nov. 23, 2024 | 1 to 6 p.m.
Chief Leschi Schools
5625 52nd St. East, Puyallup, WA
Email laricia@hotmail.com for information.
Tribal Fatherhood Support Programs
DCYF is investing funding in fatherhood support programs for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) fathers and father figures. The intent of this initiative is to build capacity to support fathers, leading to increasing family strengths, enhancing child development, and reducing the likelihood of abuse and neglect.
Read more by visiting DCYF's "What's New" Blog.
Photo courtesy of The United Indians of All Tribes Foundation; pictured: participants engage in buffalo hide tanning.
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Film Screening | The Salmon People's Struggle to Survive
The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe's documentary, The Salmon People's Struggle to Survive: The Story of Muckleshoot Fisheries, was selected and screened at the Golden Gate International Film Festival earlier this month. View the film on YouTube and visit Muckleshoot Storytelling to learn more.
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