Caregiver Support Tribal Agreement and Services
A new Caregiver Supports Agreement for Tribes will provide payments to Tribes for the supportive services Tribes are providing to their unlicensed caregivers. The support payments are specific to Tribal jurisdiction youth and are paid to Tribes who entered the Agreement and are separate from foster care reimbursements paid to licensed caregivers.
Tribal Options for Participation
Tribes may choose one of the following options when considering the Caregiver Support Tribal Agreement:
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Enter into an Agreement with DCYF to receive reimbursement for Caregiver Supports services provided to unlicensed caregivers of tribal jurisdiction children.
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Utilize a regional contractor to provide caregiver support services in areas where the general Caregiver Supports contract has been implemented (see project website for more details).
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Opt-out of both the reimbursement Agreement and the use of a contractor for caregiver supports services to children and caregivers under tribal jurisdiction.
Implementation Timeline
Tribes can choose to enter into a Caregiver Support Agreement with an effective date of July 1, 2025, to begin payments for caregiver support services as described in their individualized Agreement.
Drop-In Office Hours
DCYF and OTR will co-host two Caregiver Supports drop-in office hour sessions for Tribes to ask questions, explore the Agreement, and discuss next steps.
- Tuesday, June 3 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Tuesday, June 10 from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
To receive a calendar invite for either or both sessions, please email Tribal.Relations@dcyf.wa.gov or Natalie.Adams@dcyf.wa.gov.
Additional Information and Updates
For additional project information and updates, visit Caregiver Supports Phase Two.
Engaging Fathers Virtual Award Ceremony
Join DCYF at 12 p.m. on Thursday, June 12 for the third annual Engaging Fathers Virtual Award ceremony.
Join the Meeting
This award recognizes fathers actively engaging with their children throughout the dependency process. This year, nearly 30 fathers were nominated by caseworkers, court partners, foster care parents, and more.
During this event we will show gratitude for the great work being done by fathers every day and announce this year's award winner.
Learn more at the Engaging Fathers webpage.
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Tribal Liaison/Peer Workforce Development, Office of Behavioral Health Advocacy
Please submit your resume and cover letter to
Michelle Tinkler (michelle@obhadvocacy.org) or Stephanie Lane (stephanie@peerwd.org).
Call for Presenters | ICYF 2025
Planning for this year's virtual Indigenous, Children, Youth & Families (ICYF) conference is underway! The Office of Tribal Relations (OTR) is currently accepting session proposals. We are looking for sessions that will build the knowledge and skills of those working with system-involved Native families.
Sessions will be held on Oct. 15, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Oct 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Submit your proposal to present at ICYF by filling out the Call to Presenters Form.
The deadline to submit your proposal is July 1, 2025.
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Webinar| Indian Health 101: Protecting the Health of Native Mothers, Babies, and Families
June 12, 2025 | 12 p.m.
Register Now
This 1.5 hour webinar hosted by the Alliance for Early Success and the National Indian Health Board offers an essential overview of the Indian health system, with a focus on how federal Indian law, tribal sovereignty, and the government’s trust responsibility shape access to care for Native mothers, infants, and young children.
Need Help Paying for Child Care?
You may qualify for free or low-cost child care through Washington state’s Working Connections Child Care Subsidy program. It’s available to more families than ever, and signing up is as easy as 1, 2, 3.
If you qualify, you’ll pay no more than $165 a month. Some families pay nothing at all!
Apply online or by phone. Visit www.dcyf.wa.gov/childcare or call 844-626-8687. Help is available by phone in multiple languages.
Spread the word! Pass this on to a family you know.
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Upcoming Local Events
6th Annual Mini Pow wow – Daybreak Star in Seattle, WA
May 30, 2025
Contact fostercare@unitedindians.org for information.
Franklin Pierce SD Pow wow- Tacoma, WA
May 31, 2025
For information, contact Teresa Washington at twashington@fpschools.org.
Spirit of the Eagle Pow wow- Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA
May 31, 2025
Visit EWU.edu for information.
170th Yakama Nation Treaty Day Pow wow- White Swan, WA
June 6-8, 2025
Vendors can contact Zelda Winnier at chawisapam@yahoo.com for information.
"Across three-acres of farmland in Issaquah—featuring endless muddy puddles, trails, and towering trees—children ages 2-6 attending Forest Friends Preschool learn about the boundless world around them through outside, imaginative play, featuring cows, sheep, and even alpacas."
Read DCYF's What's New Blog for more.
DOH awards funding to strengthen maternal health in Tribal and rural communities
"The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Maternal Health Innovations (MHI) Program grants. Launched in 2023 with funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the MHI Program aims to improve maternal health across Washington..." Read more: Washington State Department of Health
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