DCYF to Lead Task Force to Support Children, Youth Impacted by Recent Immigration Enforcement
Gov. Bob Ferguson signed an Executive Order creating a task force within the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) that will support children and youth who face the risk of family separation due to recent immigration enforcement actions.
For more information: visit our What's New blog.
Meet the Active Efforts Navigators
Article written by Jeanne Olney, ICW Quality Review Manager
It is with great pleasure that we spotlight the Active Efforts Navigators at the Office of Tribal Relations (OTR). Antonia Bancroft and Betsy Tulee serve in the role of Active Efforts Navigators and fulfill a variety of much needed roles.
Current projects include hosting a series of Virtual Resource Fairs across the state. Each fair is a resource to DCYF case workers and highlights services and supports for Native children, youth and families. The first fair was held in December 2024, the second is scheduled for Feb. 6, and the final fair will be held on May 13.
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The Navigators are also building an online service directory which will include all providers who participated in the fairs, thus creating a culturally relevant provider directory for DCYF staff usage. The team plans to continue building on this much needed resource throughout the year. Finally, the next big project that the Navigators will play a role in is the 2025 Indian Child Welfare (ICW) Case Record Reviews which will occur later in 2025.
As you may guess, the navigators are a busy team. Both Antonia and Betsy are quite knowledgeable in Indian Child Welfare Policies & Procedures and DCYF/ICW practice. They are here as a resource to the field, and we encourage you to reach out to them as ICW related questions arise. Antonia can be reached at Antonia.bancroft@dcyf.wa.gov and Betsy can be reached at betsy.tulee@dcyf.wa.gov.
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Tribal Early Learning Fund Recap
Article written by polo Hernandez, TELF Specialist
DCYF is proud to share that 16 Tribal Nations have been awarded the Tribal Early Learning Fund (TELF), a grant that serves tribal and non-tribal early learning programs. A total of approximately $6.3 million has been invested in serving 3,783 Tribal children across the state, ensuring that Tribal children have access to inclusive and culturally appropriate services.
With these funds, programs can address historical trauma through culturally appropriate mental health supports, tribal language education, Elders and storytellers in the classroom, curriculum adaptations/supplements, and the practice of traditional teachings.
In fiscal year 2024-2025, the Office of Tribal Relations awarded a total of $7.1 million serving both tribal and tribal-serving early learning programs. We look forward to continuing to share out about the important work of these providers.
Accepting Nominations for Foster Youth to Throw First Pitch at Mariners Game
Do you know a child or youth in foster care who loves baseball? DCYF is now accepting nominations for one special child or youth in foster care to throw the ceremonial first pitch at a Mariners game.
Every year, DCYF partners with the Seattle Mariners to celebrate kinship, foster, and adoptive families during their annual event, We Are Family Day, held at T-Mobile Park. To be eligible, the child or youth must:
- Have experienced foster care during the past 12 months in Washington state.
- Be at least 10 years old.
- Be prepared and comfortable standing in front of a large crowd of people and throwing a baseball to home plate.
Nominations must include:
- The young person’s first name and age.
- Information about why you think they and their caregiver are good candidates for this opportunity.
- Caregiver name(s) and contact information.
This year, in an effort to highlight the critical and supportive relationships between young people in care and their caregivers, one of the caregivers of the selected child or youth will serve as catcher.
To nominate a youth and their caregiver, email holly.luna@dcyf.wa.gov with the required information by Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. The selected nominee and their caregiver will be asked to complete a photo release with appropriate signatures.
We Are Family Day is a chance to watch a Seattle Mariners baseball game while supporting and celebrating the foster, kinship, and adoptive families in our communities. If you'd like to attend, get your tickets at https://www.mlb.com/mariners/tickets/specials/we-are-family.
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2025 Child Care Complex Needs Fund
DCYF is pleased to announce that the 2025 Child Care Complex Needs Fund application deadline has been extended. The application is now open and will close on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 5 p.m. PST. Visit DCYF's Child Care Complex Needs Fund webpage for more information.
Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program
The Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program is a national program that provides financial assistance to eligible youth to attend an accredited college, university, vocational or technical college. Dependent Youth who are attending a Running Start program could be eligible for the Dual Credit ETV program and applications are accepted year-round.
To learn more about the program, eligibility, and to apply for the 2025–2026 school year, please visit the ETV webpage. To meet the priority deadline, you must submit an application by April 30, 2025. All applications received after April 30 will be awarded on an available funds basis.
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Community Reentry Services Manager (WMS1) – Spokane or Wenatchee/DCYF
Position closes: Feb. 20, 2025, 11:59 p.m.
Apply online: Community Reentry Services Manager | Career Pages
ICW Social Service Specialist 2-3 In Training (SSS3) - Spokane North/DCYF
Position closes: Feb. 20, 2025, 11:59 p.m.
Apply online: ICW Social Service Specialist 2-3 In Training | Career Pages
2025 Children’s Justice Conference Cancelled
Due to the current budget and travel constraints, the 30th Annual Children’s Justice Conference (CJC) on May 6 and 7, 2025 has been cancelled. The Children’s Justice Task Force recognizes that the CJC has served as a vital opportunity for learning, collaboration, and networking in Washington state, so the team is actively exploring alternative methods to provide training and engagement opportunities this year.
Updates on these efforts and the 2026 CJC will be shared via email and on our website in the coming months. The team is grateful for your understanding and support. Thank you for the important work you do for children and families across Washington state.
If you have any question, please contact Amy Bustamante, DCYF Children’s Justice Act Program Manager, at amy.bustamante@dcyf.wa.gov.
Teen Dating Violence Prevention Training Cohort
Throughout this six-session training series, participants will:
- Deepen our collective understanding of prevention best practices.
- Increase confidence facilitating healthy relationships activities with young people.
- Feel better equipped to support teens experiencing TDV.
- Generate actionable ideas for greater TDV prevention in our communities.
- Build connections with others who are passionate about TDV prevention & healthy relationships.
Each workshop has been approved for 2 CEUs by the Washington Chapter, National Association of Social Workers (NASW) for Licensed Social Workers, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists and Licensed Mental Health Counselors. All participants who attend 5+ sessions will receive a certificate of completion.
Visit Teen Dating Violence Prevention Cohort 2025 to register by Feb. 19.
Certified Peer Counseling Tribal Trainings
Feb 24-28, 2025 | Hosted by the Quinault Indian Nation
Ready to connect deeply with yourself and others while honoring indigenous traditions? Dive into Washington State's Certified Peer Counselor Training and experience the transformative power of empathy firsthand. For any inquiries, reach out to Jenna Cook, Peer Workforce Development Training Manager, at jenna@peerwd.org.
Family Success Parenting Conference
May 2 - 4, 2025 Great Wolf Lodge, Grand Mound, WA
Family Success NW proudly presents their inaugural conference—a gathering of parents, caregivers, and allies dedicated to supporting trauma-impacted children. Pre-register for the conference and receive early access to the discounted hotel room. Visit Family Success Northwest for more information.
Grandview Early Learning Center - Enrolling Now
Grandview Early Learning Center (GELC) is the Puyallup Tribe’s child care center.
GELC Eligibility Requirements:
- Child(ren) must be a member of a federally recognized tribe
- All children must be under 13 years old
- Parents must be working or in an educational program
- Families must live in our service area
Visit Grandview Early Learning Center | Puyallup Tribe for information and to enroll a child.
Upcoming Local Events
Healthy Heart Pow-wow
Feb. 14, 2025 | Rogers High School Gymnasium, Spokane, WA
Event is presented by the NATIVE Project. Visit Healthy Heart Powwow to view the event flyer and for more details.
Former councilman Tim Reynon appointed to governor’s office
"Puyallup Tribal Member and former councilman Tim Reynon was appointed by Gov. Bob Ferguson as the new Director of the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs. Reynon was appointed in December 2024 following the state election and officially assumed the role Jan. 15."
Former councilman Tim Reynon appointed to governor’s office | Puyallup Tribe
Seattle waterfront revamp includes new perspective from Native artists
"These new works reflect the dynamism of Coast Salish culture, which honors the past as it evolves. Qwalsius-Shaun Peterson (Puyallup), whose art will be installed across from Pier 58 this year, echoed that sentiment."
Seattle waterfront revamp includes new perspective from Native artists | The Seattle Times
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