 Family Resource Center Landscape Study
The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is pleased to share the recently completed Family Resource Center Landscape study. This study was conducted to understand the current state of Family Resource Centers (FRCs – also called Family Support Centers) in Washington and examine their role in strengthening families and preventing child abuse and neglect. To determine which organizations in the state could be considered FRCs and learn more about their role in the community, researchers used screener questions in survey instruments that were informed by HB 1237 (2021), which set a standard definition for FRCs statewide. The definition from HB 1237 helped researchers determine the following six defining characteristics of FRC:
- Place-based
- Providing information, resources, and referrals
- Having family advocate(s)
- Providing direct family support service
- Contributing to building community and civic engagement
- Being family-focused
The study found that FRCs play a vital role in communities across the state, many offering services such as healthcare service referrals, information about public benefits, parenting education, access to emergency resources, family advocacy, and much more. It also found them to be particularly adept in helping communities meet challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
DCYF is hosting two webinars for stakeholders to learn more about the Family Resource Center Landscape Study results. Both webinars will provide the same content. Select a link below to register.
Webinar 1: Sept. 28, from 11 a.m. to noon
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://dcyf.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PiEcxLSnQoGvoQCBtAIkNQ
Webinar 2: Sept. 30, from 1 to 2 p.m.
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://dcyf.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_T7trbFyCTOW3wt0zXV7zIQ
Juvenile Rehabilitation Solitary Confinement Model Policy
DCYF adopted and published a model policy on the use of confinement in Juvenile Rehabilitation (JR) and detention facilities as required in 2SHB 2277 (2020) (Chapter 333, Laws of 2020). 2SHB 2277 required that the model policy prohibit the use of solitary confinement and include policy recommendations and limits on the use and duration of room confinement and isolation. JR worked together with the two co-chairs of the Juvenile Courts’ Detention Quality Assurance Committee and a representative from the King County Juvenile Detention Center to develop this model policy, and incorporated review and feedback from various Juvenile Court representatives.
By Dec. 1, 2021, all county detention facilities need to review and either adopt the model policy or notify DCYF why they will not adopt it, including how the detention facility’s policies and procedures differ from the model policy.
DCYF is hiring a confinement prevention administrator to provide leadership on reducing and preventing room confinement. The administrator will also provide leadership on meeting the quality assurance requirements outlined in 2SHB 2277 across state juvenile institutions and detention facilities. Beginning in 2022, the administrator will conduct site visits and periodic reviews of juvenile detention policies, procedures, and use of solitary confinement, isolation, and room confinement at least once every three years. At the end of each three-year cycle, the administrator will produce a report to the Legislature.
DCYF encourages continued investment across all institutions and detention facilities in strategies that support understanding the impact of confinement on developing brains and how to best engage young people in healthy, trauma-informed care.
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Naselle Youth Camp Receives PbS Award
We are excited to announce that DCYF’s Naselle Youth Camp recently received the Performance-based Standards (PbS) Barbara Allen-Hagen Award for reducing room confinement on campus. Naselle received this award for their great strides in reducing room confinement and centering on intervention practices that strengthen relationships and improve the quality of life for residents.
In 2019, Green Hill School received the same award for reducing room confinement and eliminating their intensive management unit. Naselle’s room confinement data shows they are below the national field average, marking DCYF as a leader in this work and ensuring agency alignment with Governor Inslee’s goals for young people in our care.
Please join us in recognizing Naselle’s incredible effort to ensure the agency is providing evidence-based, effective forms of rehabilitation so that the youth in our care flourish.
To learn more, watch this video.
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DCYF Dual License Pilot Project Status Update
DCYF recently submitted the Dual License Pilot Project Status Update to the Legislature. The progress report was prepared to comply with HB 2619 Sec. 7, which directed DCYF to establish a pilot project to create a dual license, allowing individuals to receive a combined foster care and child care license. The report addresses the agency’s progress in planning, recruiting, onboarding, and coaching dual license holders.
DCYF found that many licensed child care and foster care providers were highly interested in the pilot, and many wanted to participate. Currently, 13 providers are at varying stages in the pilot process. DCYF anticipates having 20 participants fully enrolled by fall 2021. We are already discovering various barriers and best practices to this innovative process and look forward to continuing this important work to serve children, youth, and families.
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