Washington State’s Five‑Year Title IV‑E Prevention Plan | Approved by Children’s Bureau

This milestone represents a significant achievement for DCYF and for the many partners, providers, and community members who helped shape the vision for prevention in our state.

The plan reflects thoughtful collaboration across DCYF divisions and programs, guided by the voices and lived experiences of families, tribal partners, service providers, and community organizations throughout Washington. Through listening sessions, workgroups, surveys, and ongoing dialogue, those involved played a direct and meaningful role in identifying priorities, strengthening service approaches, and ensuring the plan aligns with the needs and strengths of Washington’s children and families. This deep engagement is central to DCYF’s commitment to building a prevention‑focused system rooted in family well‑being, equity, and partnership.

Thank you to everyone who contributed their time, expertise, and insight. Your dedication has been essential in shaping a plan that will expand access to supports that help families stay safely together.

Funding Opportunities

2026 Children's Justice Conference | Tribal Scholarship

May 4-5, 2026 | Spokane, WA

To support Tribal participation and the work of those serving ICW programs, the Children's Justice Conference (CJC) is pleased to announce Tribal scholarship slots with two flexible options to best meet each Tribe’s needs.

• Two Registration Slots – Conference registration for two individuals. No Lodging.
• One Full Scholarship – Full conference registration, plus coverage for lodging.

If you have any additional questions related to the scholarship slots or to provide your Tribes scholarship appointments, email amy.bustamante@dcyf.wa.gov. 

Population Certification | FY 2026 TVSSA Formula Grant Program

The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) is seeking population certifications from federally recognized Tribes to signal their intent to apply for the noncompetitive FY 2026 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Grant Program.

Due date:  March 23, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. (Alaska time)

Visit the OCV website for information and to complete the online form. 

Career Opportunities

Director of Tribal Relations (Exempt) Olympia/DCYF
Closing date: Feb. 15, 2026, 11:59 a.m.
Apply online: Director of Tribal Relations | Career Pages

Community Facility Administrator (WMS02) - Ephrata/DCYF
Closing date: Feb. 18, 2026, 11:59 p.m.
Apply online: State of Washington Job Opportunities

Senior Director, Indian Child & Family Well-Being Programs - Denver/Casey Family Programs
Apply online: Casey Family Programs Job Opportunities

Director, Indian Child and Family Well-Being Program/Casey Family Programs
Apply online: Casey Family Programs Job Opportunities

Yeha:wi Program Manager/Mother Nation
Visit Mothernation.org for information. 

Learning Opportunities

Positive Indian Parenting | Train-the-Trainer Courses

DCYF is offering Positive Indian Parenting (PIP) Train-the-Trainer courses at no cost. These courses prepare facilitators to educate and support Native parents using a culturally specific approach. 

Organizations interested in providing PIP to their community are encouraged to register. Registration preference will be given to Tribes, Native Serving Organizations, and Recognized American Indian Organizations in Washington state. 

Please complete the Registration Form to sign up for a course listed below: 

• In-Person: March 3-5, 2026 | Port Angeles, WA
• In-Person: May 19-21, 2026 | Nespelem, WA

For questions, please contact Shannel.Squally-Janzen@dcyf.wa.gov.

Comprehensive QEW Training

March 12-23, 2026 | Webinar

This 1.5-day online training helps participants learn how to give Qualified Expert Witness (QEW) testimony in DCYF Indian Child Welfare cases.

The training covers:

• The history and effects of colonization on Native families
• Why the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) was created
• Federal and state ICWA policies
• How DCYF dependency cases work
• The role, qualifications, and process of a QEW

Participants will review two important Washington state court cases and learn how QEW testimony affects court decisions.

To register:

• CWTAP and Tribal staff: Comprehensive Qualified Expert Witness Training
• DCYF Staff register directly in the WA Learning Center

For questions, contact Sarah Lewis at szlewis@uw.edu. 

End TPR Initiative Workgroups

The End TPR initiative serves as a centralized resource for communication and collaboration among impacted families, attorneys, social workers, and advocates across jurisdictions who are focused on examining and challenging the concept of involuntarily terminating parental rights (TPR) under law. 

Join a workgroup to dive deeper. Visit The End TPR Initiative for information.

Information and Resources

For Our Lives Campaign

Fentanyl continues to take Native lives, and Tribes across Washington are responding with strength, care, and leadership. Through the For Our Lives campaign, Tribes are taking action to protect their people by expanding access to culturally grounded treatment and recovery, distributing naloxone at community gatherings, and creating space for relatives to share their stories and support one another.

The For Our Lives toolkit offers free, customizable materials for Tribes and Tribal-serving organizations, including videos, print resources, social media content, and more.

Pinwheels for Prevention Available Now Each April, people across the country join together during National Child Abuse Prevention Month to help raise awareness and promote ways we can all help to strengthen families in our communities. One of the ways we do this is through Pinwheels for Prevention. For ordering details, visit DCYF's What's New Blog.

Upcoming Local Events

Healthy Heart Pow-wow
Feb. 13, 2026 | Rogers High School Gymnasium, Spokane, WA
Visit Events – The NATIVE Project for information. 

Contact Us