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July 2025 Issue:
 You may qualify for free or low-cost child care through Washington state’s Child Care Subsidy program. It’s available to more families than ever, and signing up is as easy as 1, 2, 3.
If you qualify, you’ll pay no more than $165 a month. Some families pay nothing at all!
Apply online or by phone. Visit www.dcyf.wa.gov/childcare or call 844-626-8687. Help is available by phone in multiple languages.
Help spread the word! Pass this on to a family you know.
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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.
Foster Parenting & Kinship Care | Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families
The Policy and Rules Office, in collaboration with the Foster Care NRM team, are preparing the revised WAC for the first round of reviews, scheduled to begin in July 2025.
For Foster Care NRM process, rule intent, or training-related questions, email dcyf.fostercarenrm@dcyf.wa.gov. You can also visit the FC NRM webpage for updated information.
The Alliance
Alliance CaRes Newsletter
Coordinated Care
Caregiver Guides to Monthly Observances
DCYF Supports and Resources
SUD Family Navigator Training
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As the weather is warming up, it’s important to pay attention to the potential dangers associated with open windows and open water (both outside and inside your house).
According to the following articles from Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, falls are the leading cause of injury hospitalization for kids (most common between ages two to six), and drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages one to four.
Water hazards are everywhere
- Never leave young children alone in a bathtub, even for a moment. Do not use baby bath rings.
- If you have an infant or toddler, install toilet-lid latches.
Empty buckets and bathtubs after each use—never leave them unattended.
- If you have a pool or hot tub, use multiple layers of protection
Read the full article for more tips.
Prevent your kids from accidental window falls
- Only open windows that are outside of a child’s reach or climbing distance.
- Limit window openings to four inches or less by adding a window stop, which can be purchased at a hardware store or online.
- Keep furniture away from windows to discourage little climbers.
- Plant grass or shrubbery beneath windows to soften the impact surface in case of a fall.
Read the full article to keep everyone safe this summer.
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Across Washington state there are parents taking child development classes, going through substance use disorder treatment, and finding jobs, housing, and transportation to strengthen their skills and create an environment where they and their children can flourish.
Last Month was Reunification Month, where DCYF celebrates parents who make significant life changes to be safe and supportive parents.
DCYF also gave a Grays Harbor County dad the 2025 Engaging Father award for his commitment to turning his life around to provide for and support his children. Read More
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In the spring of 2024, a cross-functional workgroup began creating a brand-new WAC Chapter to support a Kinship License.
The group worked to create something that aligned with the federal recommendations and streamlined the licensing process while maintaining child safety. In the summer of 2024, kinship caregivers and community partners provided feedback through online surveys and small group interviews. In the fall of 2024, Tribal partners collaborated at Tribal Information Sessions, developing important new WACs that will better support Tribal children. The WAC chapter was then available for public comment in the winter of 2024/2025.
After more than a year of work by teams across DCYF, including caregivers, community partners, and tribes, the WAC Chapter for the new Kinship License is now available.
This WAC Chapter formalizes kinship care, extends financial support to caregivers, and supports DCYF in removing unnecessary barriers to keeping kids with kin. View the updated webpages to learn more.
Contact the project team by emailing dcyf.kinshipfeedback@dcyf.wa.gov.
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The Licensing Division (LD) has started restructuring its Kinship and Foster Care programs to better support children, youth, and families. Starting May 16 and estimated to complete by July 31, 2025, staff will specialize in foster or kinship licensing.
- Kinship caregivers received an email from WA CAP on June 16 and July 1. Paper letters including translations were mailed in early June and July for caregivers who need them.
- Foster caregivers should look for an email from WA CAP on July 7. A paper letter including translations will be mailed in early July for caregivers who need them.
- Caregivers licensed through a Tribal CPA or CPA can expect communication from their CPA directly, if they are impacted by this change.
If you have questions, comments, or suggestions, please email dcyf.licensingfeedback@dcyf.wa.gov.
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The Alliance for Professional Development, Training, and Caregiver Excellence
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Honoring Their History: Memory Preservation for Children in Care — July 8, 1 to 3 p.m.
The new training “Honoring Their History: Memory Preservation for Children in Care” focuses on how to support a child’s well-being through the recording of memories and other parts of their life during their time away from their family. This webinar introduces the idea of memory preservation as central to a child’s welfare, because it provides many benefits to emotional and mental health. Register Here
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Trauma-Informed Emotion Coaching — July 29, 1 to 3 p.m.
Emotion Coaching is a research-based method from the Gottman Institute that gives caregivers a way to help children learn about emotions. This course will help you recognize how trauma impacts emotional development and provides opportunities to practice identifying and responding to emotion. Register Here
Learn about all the upcoming classes.
Sign up to get these notices sent right to your inbox or explore the training calendar.
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