Resources for Families Impacted by Immigration-Related Concerns
DCYF continues to monitor the impacts immigration enforcement has on families. We know that when parents are detained, children may be left behind. In addition, the atmosphere of fear weighs heavily on communities and is leading to absences from work, school and child care.
Given recent events, we urge families of mixed immigration status to identify a caregiver for their children if they were to be detained. For immigration safety planning documents and other resources, visit: Resources for Families Impacted by Immigration-Related Concerns.
Other community resources:
Rules Under Development
Child Protective Services (CPS) response to reports of alleged abuse or neglect.
DCYF is updating Child Welfare Division CPS WAC 110-30-0070 "How does CPS respond to reports of alleged child abuse or neglect?" and any other related rules.
DCYF is revising the existing rule to provide more clarity and to align with current practice on how employees respond to reports of abuse or neglect. Proposed changes include but are not limited to clarifying timelines for initial contact with children and youth and completing an investigation.
The notice of intent for this rule making was filed under WSR 25-21-107 on Oct. 20, 2025. For questions about DCYF rules or to request an alternate format for this information, please contact dcyf.rulescoordinator@dcyf.wa.gov.
Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program Senior Administrator (WMS03) Olympia/DCYF
Open Until Filled
Apply online: ECEAP Senior Administrator | Career Pages
Investigator/Analyst Supervisor/WA Attorney General's Office - Criminal Justice Division
Position closes: Nov. 13, 2025, 11:59 p.m.
Apply online: AGO Investigator/Analyst Supervisor | Career Pages
Understanding Concrete Goods
Nov. 17, 2025 | 6 to 8 p.m.
Note: To see and register for a training, you will need to log in to your existing Alliance profile or create a new one. Register Here
Hear from DCYF Community Support Services Program Manager, Jess Stigile, about the various types of short-term economic assistance available to families in Child Welfare programs and review additional basic need resources for families offered through other DCYF, state, and community-based service programs.
Positive Indian Parenting | Train-the-Trainer Courses
DCYF is offering Positive Indian Parenting (PIP) Train-the-Trainer courses at no cost. These courses prepare facilitators to educate and support Native parents using a culturally specific approach. Trainings provide participants with a manual that contains instructional materials for eight PIP sessions, each grounded in traditional Native teachings about child rearing.
Organizations interested in providing PIP to their community are encouraged to register. Registration preference will be given to Tribes, Native Serving Organizations, and Recognized American Indian Organizations in Washington state.
Please complete the Registration Form to sign up for a course listed below:
- Virtual: Jan. 12-15, 2026
- In-Person: March 3-5, 2026 | Port Angeles, WA
-
In-Person: May 2026 (location and date to be announced)
For questions, please contact Shannel.Squally-Janzen@dcyf.wa.gov.
|
Honoring Sovereignty: Understanding the Roots of Relationship
Dec. 1, 2025 | 12 p.m.
This foundational session explores the historical and legal foundations of Tribal sovereignty, helping participants understand Native Nations as distinct governments. This webinar is offered through the Alliance for Early Success' Native Communities Learning Project.
To register: Meeting Registration - Zoom
Unsung Hero Award Nominations Now Open
DCYF is now accepting Unsung Hero Award nominations for 2026! Do you know a parent, caregiver, guardian, or community member you’d like to recognize?
Send us your nomination to strengtheningfamilies@dcyf.wa.gov. For more information, visit our What's New blog.
|
Upcoming Local Events
Puyallup Tribal Wellness Powwow
Nov. 22, 2025 | Chief Leschi Schools, Puyallup, WA
Annual Wellness Powwow sponsored by the Puyallup Tribe. Dance contests for all ages from Tiny Tots to Golden Age. Representatives from Puyallup Tribe’s programs/services and more community partners will be on-site with resources. In addition to these valuable resources, we have a Bazaar set up for holiday shopping! Visit Puyallup Tribal Wellness Pow Wow for information.
WA Sees Increase in Families Receiving Child Care Subsidy
"In June 2025, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) reported that more than 63,500 children received child care through the state’s Working Connections Child Care subsidy program, marking the first time the program has served that amount of children since 2010."
Read the full article on DCYF's What's New Blog.
Honoring Community & Healing at The NATIVE Project
By Shannel Squally-Janzen, Tribal Prevention Services Specialist
In October, I had the honor of visiting The NATIVE Project in Spokane and touring their new Children and Youth Center. The space is beautiful and full of heart, with rooms for counseling, art and music therapy, and a gathering area for the Native Youth Advisory.
Staff shared that they are expanding wraparound services to include substance use treatment and behavioral health supports. Medical, dental, and care coordination services are also provided, allowing for fully integrated patient care.
Hearing about the history of The NATIVE Project was truly moving. Under the leadership of CEO Toni Lodge, The NATIVE Project continues to grow. Toni’s vision for the future and her willingness to see it through is deeply motivating and a reflection of the strength and spirit that moves this work forward.
I had the chance to join their Community Wellness Night, part of an ongoing series focused on empowerment, healing, and connection. The event included fun and creative activities for youth and opportunities for families to come together in a supportive environment. I also attended the Family First Prevention Services Act Tribal Community Gathering, where participants came together to learn and share their stories. Each participant was honored with a gift for their time and lived experience. It was inspiring to witness that level of openness and collaboration. It was a true reflection of the love, dedication, and collective strength within our Tribal communities.
Native American Heritage Month
Spokane Public Library
"This month and year round, Spokane Public Library continues to uplift and celebrate the stories of First Nations, American Indians, and indigenous communities here in the northwest and across the intercontinental United States, Canada, and Americas." Read the full article.
Visit Seattle
"Seattle’s Honors Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Native American Heritage Month with Festivities, Exhibits, and Performances." Read the full article.
Salish Current
"Native American Heritage Month offers time to examine lingering issues." Read the full article.
Eastern WA University celebrates Native American Heritage Month
"Eastern Washington University is set to bring back its Salish helmets in honor of Native American Heritage Month..." Watch the full video.
|
