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September 2025 Issue:
If you've taken trainings or looked at the caregiver course catalog recently, you've seen that The Alliance's learning management system has a new look.
A few things to note:
- You must be logged in to see the full course catalog and to register for trainings.
- Any training started in the old course catalog and not completed by the end of September will be lost, and you will have to start the training over on the new platform.
- The Licensing Division strongly recommends that applicants just starting CCT or any other trainings start it in the new catalog.
- To see courses in another language, change your locale at the bottom of the page.
If you have an existing account, you should have received an email with login information for the new system.
Many accounts were merged into the most recent account you have used, so if you are expecting an email and don't get one, please reach out to at AllianceSupport@uw.edu and include the email address you have been using. They can help you locate your account information.
Read The Alliance's announcement to learn more.
Agency News
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To make messaging more accessible for all, DCYF is now sending out all caregiver related communications in Spanish.
If you would like to be removed from the Spanish distribution list, please respond to this email.
Negotiations concluded May 2025. The draft WAC 110-148 was available on July 14 for internal comment by community partners, licensing division staff, NRM partners and child welfare representatives.
Tribal Engagement sessions will be held later this fall, with invitations sent by the Office of Tribal Relations to participants.
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. Community members and caregivers will be able to review the WAC during the public comment period Winter 2026.
If you have general questions, contact the FC NRM team at dcyf.fostercarenrm@dcyf.wa.gov. Check out the webpage for the latest project updates.
SUD Family Education Sessions: Developed with the Health Care Authority, family members, and family-led organizations. It aims to equip you with an understanding of SUD and provide helpful support strategies.
The Alliance
Alliance CaRes Newsletter
Coordinated Care
DCYF Supports and Resources
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Who has access to MyChart, the personal health database used by medical providers?
MyChart access is provided by providers at their discretion. There are several factors with MyChart access including:
- DCYF does not own or operate MyChart and, therefore, does not determine who has access and permission to view personal health history.
- Providers determine who to provide MyChart access to.
- DCYF has concerns about placement and when access is turned on or off for a foster caregiver. In other words, if a provider grants access to a caregiver, the same provider is not contacted when the placement ends and asked to end access for the previous placement.
- Finally, there may be protected information that the caregiver does not have the right to view (e.g. sexual health and substance use/treatment).
If you receive access to a child or youth’s MyChart, DCYF encourages you to review and access the information thoughtfully. If the child is no longer placed with you, please stop accessing their MyChart personal health information.
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Suicide is the second leading cause of death in children and youth ages 10- 14 and the third leading cause of death in youth age 15-24. LGBTQIA+ youth are 4x more likely to attempt suicide than their straight/cisgender peers. Involvement in foster care elevates that risk even higher.
With the discontinuation of a specific LGBTQIA+ 988 (suicide prevention line) here is a list of resources that caregivers can access for LGBTQIA+ youth in their care.
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Traveling by car can present challenges for any children, but it can become more complex when children have medical conditions or other disabilities. It is important to have the right car seat, and to make sure that it is installed correctly before you start driving.
Children with complex medical needs or other disabilities sometimes need specialized or adaptive car seats to protect them in the event of a car accident. If you have concerns about your child’s car seat needs, make an appointment to talk with their doctor.
For more information, reach out to Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health Program Consultant Megan Socea at megan.socea@dcyf.wa.gov. Megan is a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) with extra training in specialized car seats and "Safe Travel for All Children," and can help connect you with resources or a specialized CPST near you.
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As part of statewide efforts to make it easier for licensed child care providers to open their doors, the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is now offering coaching services to help individuals during the application process.
DCYF launched the Pre-Licensing Services Team, which includes licensors statewide, to help individuals wanting to become licensed child care providers. Learn More
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The Alliance for Professional Development, Training, and Caregiver Excellence
Please note: The Alliance has moved to a new learning management system, in order to register for these trainings, you must be logged in.
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Pathways to Permanency: Guardianship to Adoption — Sept. 9, 1 to 4 p.m.
In this session, you will deepen their understanding of the alternative permanent plans of Guardianship and Adoption in Child Welfare. You will explore common misconceptions that can occur between caseworkers and caregivers when discussing concurrent planning for children in out-of-home care. Additionally, best interest of the child will be discussed as it relates to the dimensions of permanency, and least restrictive plans. Register Here
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Invitation to Aggression Replacement Training — Sept. 17, 6 to 9 p.m. This focused topic training teaches what drives aggressive behavior and develops skills required to give youth a chance for success. You will learn skills to teach the children in your care increased moral reasoning, how to replace antisocial behaviors with positive alternatives, and how to respond to anger in a nonaggressive manner.
Register Here
Learn about all the upcoming classes.
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Alliance CaRES
Check out the website.
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