 Team building! OTR staff got together for a team gathering in September and enjoyed some time out on the water.
New Kinship Licensing WACs Open For Public Comment Dec. 16
DCYF held Tribal Roundtables in October to obtain input from tribes on the new Kinship Licensing Washington Administrative Codes (WACs). A Total of 17 tribe’s participated in the Kinship Licensing Roundtables. More than 13 WACs and definitions were reviewed for tribal feedback. Below are some of the highlights:
- A separate WAC was created outlining the specific needs of serving Indian children (110-149-0140). The new WAC addresses specific considerations when caring for native children. Streamlined WACs (110-148) from 77 to 26 WACs (110-149).
- Some of the requirements may seem vague. However, this is intentional as caregivers may only need to meet certain requirements when there is a specific need for that child. An example is provided below:
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- 110-149-0150 Conditions of the home. "Caregivers must make reasonable efforts to their home to meet the following conditions and meet the needs of the children or youth placed in their care."
- Transferred the responsibility/ownness from caregiver to licensor. Highlights include 110-149-0260 Emergency Preparedness: "Caregiver must work with their licensor", and 110-149-0330 Kinship Licensing Process. "Collaborate with their licensor"
Public Comment on the Kinship WAC is scheduled for Dec. 16, 2024 through Jan. 17, 2025.
For questions, please contact the Kinship Project team at dcyf.kinshipfeedback@dcyf.wa.gov or contact the Tribal Foster Care Licensing Consultant at Mandy.Morlin@dcyf.wa.gov.
Seeking Native Kinship Caregiver Input for Kinship Licensing Standards
Bloom Works is seeking Native Kinship Caregivers to provide input on new Kinship Support Materials that are being created as part of the new Kinship Licensing Standards.
Complete the online interest form to participate in January interview sessions.
Kinship caregivers who are selected to provide feedback will be offered $100/session for their time and participation. Participants will be given a choice of compensation delivery method: either via email or a physical card sent by mail 5-7 business days following the session.
Kinship caregiver feedback is requested for new materials in development which include:
- Kinship licensing checklist
- Payments and reimbursements
- Kinship Rules & Requirements
- Permanency outcomes overview
What to Expect at Interview Sessions:
Kinship caregivers will review the new materials, then will explore questions like:
- How useful or valuable do kinship caregivers find this content?
- How easy is it to understand and intuitively organize the information?
- How do kinship caregivers find the voice and tone of the content?
- How easily can caregivers access information that is presented on web pages given the devices (computer, phone, tablet) and medium (online, print) that are available or most comfortable for them?
Questions? Contact the project team by emailing dcyf.kinshipfeedback@dcyf.wa.gov.
Native American Apprenticeship Assistance Program
The purpose of this block grant program is to provide funds directly to Federally Recognized Tribal Nations in Washington state for disbursement to Tribal members who are currently employed in a state-registered apprenticeship. The application should be submitted by 5 p.m. on Dec. 13, 2024.
Kurt Grinnell Aquaculture Scholarships for Indigenous Students
The Kurt Grinnell Aquaculture Scholarship Foundation (KGASF) is actively soliciting scholarship applications at this time. To qualify, students or prospective students must be:
- An enrolled Member of a Tribe or First Nation, or a Member of a Metis, Inuit, Alaska or Hawaiian Native group; and
- Be enrolled to study at a university, community college or a technical or trade institution.
In addition, students should be pursuing or planning to pursue a degree or certificate focused on one of the following: Aquaculture; Fisheries; Natural resource management, or; a field closely related to the above subjects and must have a demonstrated interest in aquaculture.
Visit the Kurt Grinnell Aquaculture Scholarship Foundation for information and to apply.
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.
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Jan. 13-16, 2025 | 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Virtual Training
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March 3-6, 2025 | 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Virtual Training
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May 20-22, 2025 | 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | In-Person Training
Visit OTR's Training webpage for training details and to register or download our Training Flyer.
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.
Request a Training
Training by OTR can now be requested through the Referral for OTR Training Form. OTR provides training support within the fields of Early Learning, Indian Child Welfare, and Juvenile Rehabilitation for DCYF employees and tribal partners. For information, contact the OTR Training Coordinator at rachel.mason@dcyf.wa.gov.
2025 NW Children's Foundation Forum
Jan. 23, 2025 | Virtual
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. PT
Attendees will learn the latest research on the role of the nervous system in healing trauma, building resilience, and preventing burnout; develop an expanded understanding of a culturally responsive and expressive arts approach to healing; and gain practical tools and skills they can apply immediately to their own work. Register by visiting the NW Children’s Foundation Forum website.
CPS Caseworker/Suquamish Tribe
Position closes: Dec. 16, 2024 or until filled.
Apply online: TCW-CPS-Caseworker-In-House.pdf
Tribal Early Learning Fund Spotlight
Hearts Gathered Childcare
Located in region 1 on the Colville Indian Reservation, Hearts Gathered Childcare was awarded Tribal Early Learnings Funds (TELF) during 2023-2024. During the grant cycle, the program focused on Tribal language and literacy education, incorporating indigenous foods, outdoor-based education, and cultivating culturally responsive books and materials for the classroom.
TELF funds allowed for the purchase of books and materials that supported their summer curriculum. Children and families received books and puppets (beaver, Bigfoot, and a hummingbird) to support learning and storytelling. The resources were instrumental in bringing the curriculum to life. Animals were introduced in both nsəlxcin (Okanogan language) and English. Each child wrote the word in both languages in their journal and drew a picture of the puppets. They focused on animal habitats and diet through hands-on activities that helped solidify their learning, making the experience memorable.
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Another favorite activity among the children was outdoor education, where they eagerly picked out their baskets and harvested foods and herbs from the Native Garden. The outdoor instructor and language teacher lead walks and taught nsəlxcin words for plants, discussing their healing properties. These activities allowed the children to apply their learning in practical ways, supporting their tribal cultural identities and fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment.
These initiatives received tremendously positive feedback from the families and community served. Families even requested copies of the words their children were learning so they could support the teachings at home! This level of parental engagement is a testament to the program’s success and impact.
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Region 6 Spotlight | Tribal Culture Boxes Project
Hello, my name is Lyssa Wier and I’ve been with DCYF since September 2023. I started as an Active Efforts Specialist and transitioned to the CFWS team in May, specializing in Indian Child Welfare (ICW). Before joining DCYF, I worked for five years with the Squaxin Island Tribe. ICW is not just my career focus; it’s my passion, and I’m proud to bring this commitment to my role as a Squaxin Island Tribal member.
Our team includes incredible individuals like Julie LeClair, a Skokomish Tribal Member, and our new Active Efforts Specialist. Julie’s deep knowledge of Tribal culture enriches our work, offering insights I’m learning as someone who didn’t grow up immersed in my culture. We’re also joined by Laura Burnett, pursuing her MSW through the CTWAP program. Laura is gaining expertise in ICWA and is already an exceptional advocate for Native families.
The idea for our Tribal Culture Boxes Project began a few months ago. We noticed the standard care boxes for children entering foster care and realized the need for something culturally specific. Tribal Culture Boxes are designed to help children stay connected to their heritage while educating caregivers and parents unfamiliar with Tribal traditions. These boxes will include Tribal history, traditions, and engaging activities, fostering cultural learning and connection for children, their placements, and families.
This initiative is still in its early stages but is gaining momentum. Julie dedicates time to this project alongside her other duties, and we’re excited about its potential impact. Currently, the boxes will serve children in Mason County, and we're hoping to expand to region 6. So far, we’ve received contributions from the Squaxin and Nisqually Tribes, with Chehalis exploring ways to support them.
We’re deeply committed to ensuring that Native children and their families feel seen, supported, and connected through this project. Stay tuned as we continue to grow this effort!
Healing of the Canoe
March 10-13, 2024
Suquamish, WA
Save the date for the Native youth life skills curriculum training conference. This is a 4-day intensive training for Tribes and Indigenous communities who want to develop a youth education program grounded in culture and connection. Visit Healing of the Canoe for more information.
Preserving Our Culture Bi-Monthly Girls Group
For middle/high school age Indigenous youth. Offered hybrid (zoom and in person) meetings. Dreamcatchers, medicine bags, traditional medicines, guest speakers, fieldtrips, and other activities available. Please contact Yvette Pinkham, MSW (So. Cheyenne) for information: (206) 530-0763 or ypinkham@mothernation.org.
Landmark Agreement Signed Between Tlingit & Haida and DCYF
DCYF and the Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida) have entered into a historic agreement that will provide support for child protective services, foster care, dependency guardianship, termination of parental rights, and adoption proceedings.
The agreement was signed at a ceremony held on Dec. 4 in Juneau, Alaska.
This is the first formal partnership between DCYF and an out-of-state tribe, marking a groundbreaking step in intergovernmental collaboration.
Read the full press release.
Photo above courtesy of Tlingit & Haida. Pictured: DCYF Secretary Ross Hunter (left) and Tlingit & Haida President Chalyee Éesh Richard Peterson (right).
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Inslee announces plan for new juvenile rehabilitation facility and previews possible legislative proposals
Gov. Jay Inslee and leaders from [DCYF]...previewed a proposal they’ll send to legislators in January to address the short- and long-term challenges facing JR, including urgently reducing overcrowding at Green Hill School. Read more: Inslee announces plan for new juvenile rehabilitation facility and previews possible legislative proposals | Governor Jay Inslee
Washington Marks its 20th Year Celebrating Adoption Day
Dozens of children and youth were adopted during ceremonies held across Washington Nov. 21-23 as the state joined the nation to celebrate Adoption Day. Read DCYF's What's New Blog for more.
Community Engagement Launches DCYF Connections Newsletter
DCYF's Community Engagement team has launched DCYF Connections—a new quarterly newsletter. This newsletter is intended for DCYF families and providers who want to engage with the agency, including individuals serving on DCYF advisory bodies.
Sign up today to receive these newsletters by visiting our Community Engagement webpage. To learn about upcoming meetings this winter and for legislative updates, view the recently published Winter 2024/2025 edition.
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