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Dear Group Care Providers,
This email offers information for licensed group care facilities and other contracted providers who provide placement to children in DCYF’s custody, in the event of increased federal immigration enforcement operations with regard to children in DCYF’s custody.
On Jan. 21, 2025, the Trump Administration rescinded guidelines which previously restricted immigration enforcement activities from occurring at certain protected areas or “sensitive locations,” which included places where children gather.
If an immigration enforcement agent* comes to your facility with questions about a child in DCYF’s custody, or about the child's family, contact the child's caseworker and your licensor as soon as possible.
If a visit or request occurs outside of business hours, please contact Central Intake at 1-800-562-5624 as soon as possible. DCYF will help you with next steps.
Remember, DCYF prioritizes the confidentiality of the children and youth in our care. DCYF does not provide information to ICE or other federal immigration officials unless required by federal law, state law, or other limited circumstances.
Providers should talk to their legal counsel and consider training all staff in interacting with immigration enforcement officials, regardless of the agency involved. The Know Your Rights resource available on the Attorney General’s webpage can be a useful tool to help create relevant policy and procedures.
Several immigrant rights organizations in Washington state provide resources and information to support immigrants, including but not limited to:
Note: This general guidance is not a replacement for tailored legal advice. Providers should consult with their facility’s legal counsel to identify existing policies on interacting with immigration enforcement officers and to determine whether additional policies are needed.
If you have any questions, please contact your regional licensor.
Sincerely,
Natalie Green, Assistant Secretary of Child Welfare
Ruben Reeves, Assistant Secretary of Licensing
*U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the most well-known agency, but Customs and Border Protection and other federal entities also enforce immigration.
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