 DCYF Releases Child Care Stabilization Grants
The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) released Child Care Stabilization Grants on Oct. 13, 2021. The most recent count of applicants and corresponding funding requests are below. Applications will be reviewed to confirm eligibility before final approval and payment processing. DCYF will process payment once per month.
 You can learn more about and apply for Child Care Stabilization Grants here.
Support for Families to Navigate Expanded Access to Subsidy
With all the changes brought about by implementation of the Fair Start for Kids Act (FSKA), families might not know whether they meet new eligibility guidelines. If families haven’t qualified in the past or are new to seeking child care subsidies, they can find important resources by calling the Child Care Subsidy Contact Center at 1-844-626-8687 or by visiting www.momsrising.org/childcarehelp.
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In the News: FSKA and Early Learning Investments
Washington Legislature's investments in early learning are being recognized across the state and nation for revolutionizing the way states can equip children and families with the tools to succeed. A recent Seattle Times article highlighted national accolades that Washington has received for its incredible investments in childhood development. A number of other outlets across the state have praised recent changes to subsidy eligibility and child care resources that are now available with the passage of FSKA.
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Child Care and Early Learning Licensing Guidebook Now Available
The DCYF Licensing division recently released the complete Child Care and Early Learning Licensing Guidebook (CCELLG). The guidebook is currently available in English, with the complete Spanish and Somali versions coming soon. The CCELLG is a resource to support child care and early learning programs with the successful implementation and understanding of the Foundational Quality Standards (Chapter 110-300 Washington Administrative Code) that went into effect Aug. 1, 2019.
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Community Partnership in Developing Legislative Proposals for the 2022 Session
As we prepare for the upcoming 2022 Supplemental Session, we again have a welcome opportunity to demonstrate our values, lead with our strategic priorities, and further our mission to protect children and youth and strengthen families so they flourish. Establishing priorities and developing solutions to the complex challenges children and families face in our communities is profoundly important work. As such, when we work to develop programs and services, we do so with the partnership and support of our community.
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Community Partnerships: Collaboration with Tribes on the ICWA Decision Package
One of DCYF’s top priorities for the 2022 Session is a request for funding to better support children and families from tribal nations while involved in the child welfare system. The Government Affairs team partnered with the Office of Tribal Relations (OTR) to develop an extensive community engagement plan to craft this proposal.
To date, DCYF’s OTR has conducted approximately 40 listening sessions with tribes and tribal organizations to inform the needed changes to policies, procedures, and staffing. These listening sessions included both in- and out-of-state tribes and federally recognized and non-federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations. In addition, OTR has been working in concert with the Tribal Policy Advisory Committees’ Indian Child Welfare subcommittee (which includes representatives with 29 tribes and many tribal organizations) to inform the needs reflected in the decision package. Further, DCYF convened a special state-tribal workgroup to advise on this matter. This group meets on a bi-weekly basis and includes representatives of both the state and the tribes.
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Community Partnerships: The DCYF Placement Continuum Exceptional Placements Decision Package
Our work to expand the placement continuum of services for children and adolescents with more significant needs and placement challenges was shaped through extensive collaborative efforts. DCYF leadership engaged with the community and stakeholders to co-develop a powerful proposal to serve young people with significant needs.
DCYF leadership engaged in meetings and listening sessions with service providers, other state agencies, multiple advisory and coalition groups, including those led by youth with lived experience, survey data from youth in care, foster parent groups, nonprofit partner staff, tribal partners, child advocates, legal representatives, coordinated care and foster care nurses, and conducted two racial equity focus groups with BIPOC caregivers.
Internally, leadership consulted DCYF regional staff and administrators, placement coordinators, program managers, and field operations staff. DCYF also notes youth placement preferences in Family Team Decision Making or Shared Planning meetings and that data was incorporated into the planning process.
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DCYF Wins 2021 Rainbow Alliance and Inclusion Network (RAIN) Award
We are incredibly proud to announce that DCYF is one of three recipients of the 2021 RAIN Outstanding Agency Award for creating a safe and inclusive environment where LGBTQIA+ employees can bring their full authentic selves to work. RAIN was established in 2016 by Governor Inslee and works to help build inclusive workplaces and safe spaces in Washington. Through a commitment to living our values of inclusion, respect, integrity, and compassion in the workplace, we are better able to realize our vision of ensuring that all Washington’s children and youth grow up safe and healthy – thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community. We are very honored to be recognized by RAIN.
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