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October 2025 Issue:
Join DCYF and the Rotary Club of Bellevue for their next Family Fest event on Saturday, Oct. 18 in Bellevue from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The morning will begin with coffee and snacks as well as a time for foster caregivers to connect with one another. Children and youth will arrive around 11 a.m.
There will be a variety of activities to engage with the children and youth as well as lunch for all which will include pizza, salad, and cookies. The goal of this event is to give families the opportunity to get to know children and youth in DCYF custody, gain a little experience, and consider future placements. No placement decisions will be made at the event.
To attend the event, families need to have a current home approved home study. We can consider an exception for families in the process of obtaining their license who have completed background checks.
At past fall events, youth have enjoyed coming in their favorite Halloween costume, we hope you will consider joining in the fun to dress up.
To register for Family Fest, please email Megan Malinoski (megan.malinoski@dcyf.wa.gov) and Heidi Pless (heidi.pless@dcyf.wa.gov) with:
- Your name
- Contact info (e-mail and phone)
- Who will be attending
- Is your home study approved through state licensing or a Child Placement Agency (CPA)?
This event is only for foster families and children in foster care. If you are currently parenting a youth in care and would like them to attend with you, please let us know the child’s name and their social worker, and we’ll make sure they are registered. If you have biological or adopted children, please make child care arrangements.
If you have any questions about the event, please reach out. Staff will send some event guidelines and location/parking information to families prior to event.
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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.
DCYF is hosting a webinar from 1 to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, to provide updates on our Agency Request Legislation and Decision Package submissions for the 2026 Legislative Session. You will learn about what’s in the proposals and have an opportunity to ask questions. If you are not able to attend the live webinar, slides from the presentation will be available on the DCYF Government Affairs webpage a few days afterward.
Learn more and access the meeting link
Taking place on Oct. 15-16, this virtual event gathers caregivers, tribal partners, caseworkers, early learning providers, and juvenile rehabilitation staff to learn together and improve our shared practice.
Learn More
SUD Family Education Sessions: Developed with the Health Care Authority, family members, and family-led organizations. It aims to equip you with an understanding of SUD and provide helpful support strategies.
The Alliance
Alliance CaRes Newsletter
Coordinated Care
DCYF Supports and Resources
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Treehouse Driver's Assistance can pay for driving courses, as well as other expenses like practice drives, testing, and missed class fees.
Here's how to register for driving school:
1. Pick a driving school in your area. The DOL website has a list of training courses.
2. Research course dates and the school's registration process. Remember, classes fill up quickly so it's better to register early!
3. Submit a funding request with Driver's Assistance program.
Driver's Assistance covers more than just Driver's Education. Driver's Assistance can pay for auto insurance, roadside assistance (AAA Memberships), towing services, registration and title fees, basic car repairs, and gas cards while learning to drive.
If you have any questions or need assistance during the registration process, Treehouse is here to help at licensing@treehouseforkids.org or 206-267-5161.
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If you've taken trainings or looked at the caregiver course catalog recently, you've seen that The Alliance's learning management system has a new look.
A few things to note:
- You must be logged in to see the full course catalog and to register for trainings.
- Any training started in the old course catalog and not completed by the end of September will be lost, and you will have to start the training over on the new platform.
- The Licensing Division strongly recommends that applicants just starting CCT or any other trainings start it in the new catalog.
- To see courses in another language, change your locale at the bottom of the page.
If you have an existing account, you should have received an email with login information for the new system.
Many accounts were merged into the most recent account you have used, so if you are expecting an email and don't get one, please reach out to at AllianceSupport@uw.edu and include the email address you have been using. They can help you locate your account information.
Read The Alliance's announcement to learn more.
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Plan for the Great Washington ShakeOut
This year's International ShakeOut Day is Thursday, Oct. 16, when millions of people worldwide will participate in earthquake drills at work, school, or home!
At 10:16 a.m. (local time) on Oct. 16, you can join millions of people across Washington practicing earthquake safety – including staff at DCYF! While we encourage you to participate with everyone, you can register your ShakeOut drill for any day of the year, and drill at a time of your choice.
If you live or work in a coastal area, ShakeOut day is also a great time to practice your tsunami evacuation routes. Learn more about tsunami preparedness at TsunamiZone.org.
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The Alliance for Professional Development, Training, and Caregiver Excellence
Please note: The Alliance has moved to a new learning management system, in order to register for these trainings, you must be logged in.
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NEW! Navigating Food Challenges and Disordered Eating: — Oct. 17 and 18, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This training covers how to recognize and support disordered eating and recovery from disordered eating. You will learn when and how to seek professional help; feeding practices to encourage a positive eating environment for all ages; and reasons that hoarding occurs and how to respond to it. Register Here
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Behavior Management Tools for Foster Parents and Caregivers — Oct. 20 and 24, 5 to 8 p.m.
This training provides you with a foundation for understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and challenging or escalating behavior among children in out-of-home care. You will learn how to deescalate and manage behavior and get practical tools. Register Here
Learn about all the upcoming classes.
Sign up to get these notices sent right to your inbox or explore the training calendar.
Alliance CaRES
Dependency Court
Wednesday, Oct. 8 from 6 to 8 p.m.
The Dependency Court process in Washington state involves several key steps to protect children from harm and ensure their safety and well-being. Join us to learn more about the processes, rights and responsibilities that go along with attending court and how the Dependency Court Process works. Register Here
Positive Parenting with Preschoolers
Thursday, Oct. 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Toddlers and preschool-age children are driven to explore and test their independence, which can be exacerbated by changes and trauma from home displacement. This can lead to some frustrating behaviors such as biting, hitting, whining, not sharing, and tantrums. In this workshop, you will learn tools to help reduce these challenging behaviors and teach your child positive social and emotional skills. Register Here
Check out the website.
Sign up for the monthly newsletter that includes regional and local activities.
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