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As you may have noticed, DCYF has changed the name of this email to "Washington State Foster Care and Child Welfare Updates." While efforts under the Thriving Families initiative are ongoing, the agency is no longer using the name for this newsletter.
This email will continue to give you insight and updates in the foster care and child welfare space.
DCYF News
Launching MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ Constellations
MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ includes six to 10 foster or kinship families connected to an experienced caregiver known as the “Hub Home” forming a “constellation.”
Constellations help with all parts of care for youth and families as well as build community supports and resources. They also host gatherings to maintain connections with everyone in the Constellation.
Program benefits include:
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- Access to respite, training, mentoring, and community resources
- Monthly gatherings and social events
- Increased connections for caregivers, youth, and families
- More opportunities for sibling visits and reunification support
- Normalizing experiences for youth
If you are interested in being part of a MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ community, fill out the inquiry form or attend one of the monthly information sessions:
Second Thursday of the month
Time: Noon and 7 p.m.
Mockingbird Family Monthly Info Session Link
Meeting ID: 297 838 975 850
Passcode: jN9yE37U
Foster Care Negotiated Rule Making (NRM)
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Negotiations concluded May 2025. Tribal Engagement sessions will be held later this fall, with invitations sent by the Office of Tribal Relations to participants.
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DCYF internal workgroups are forming to complete updates to the home study, forms, and procedure, which will also include Child Placing Agencies and Tribal Child Placing Agencies feedback as well.
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Community members and caregivers will be able to review the WAC during the public comment period Winter 2026.
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If you have general questions, contact the FC NRM team at dcyf.fostercarenrm@dcyf.wa.gov or you can check out the webpage anytime for the latest project updates.
Child Welfare Housing Program Updates
- DCYF’s Partnership, Prevention, and Services division has begun work with DCYF’s Child Protective Services, contracted housing support organizations, and community partners to identify ways to distribute $250,000 to decrease the number of youth and families waiting for CWHP supports as part of House Bill 1177.
- Also as part of HB 1177, DCYF will be making rules for its Child Welfare Housing Program (CWHP) in the coming months.
- If you have any questions, please email Youth and Family Housing Program Manager Jess Mayrer at Jess.Mayrer@dcyf.wa.gov.
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