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December 2025 Issue:
In the edition of the Kinship Connection that was sent this morning, the article "An Important Message From the Social Service Payment System (SSPS) Regarding Payments" was not downloading properly. DCYF is resending to ensure you have the information you need.
Welcome to the Kinship Connection Newsletter. Inside this newsletter you’ll find resources that are specifically meant to support kin families.
Being with family has long-term positive impacts on mental health and placement stability. Research shows that children do better when placed with kin across every measured health factor.
Our agency is committed to placing children with kin when possible and supporting kin caregivers.
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Kinship Caregivers | Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families
Kinship Parenting — Dec. 10, 1 to 3 p.m. Register Here
This webinar acknowledges the complexities associated with caring for children who are related, including: divided loyalties, redefining roles and relationships, setting boundaries with parents and other relatives, and the range of emotions including anger, resentment, guilt and/or embarrassment that caregivers can feel. Strategies for how to manage family dynamics and conflicts, identify triggers, and effectively manage stress are shared.
Are you looking for resources on college financial aid? Check out the new resource from Grandfamilies and Kinship Support Network.
Note: This will be the last issue of this newsletter for the remainder of the year. DCYF is working on revamping its newsletters to ensure content is relevant, useful, and timely for its readers.
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Caregivers who don’t use direct deposit must complete and submit a provider registration form by May 1, 2026.
You have two options for submitting the forms:
Additionally, the direct deposit forms listed on the SSPS Main Menu with the revised date of Oct. 17, 2023, are outdated, and OFM will stop accepting them at the end of this year. Ensure you are using the forms directly from the OFM website for secure electronic submission via DocuSign.™
Note: Once notified of completion, DocuSign™ will automatically submit the forms. Please do not send PDF copies of electronically submitted forms.
To manually complete the forms, print, sign with a blue or black pen, scan to a PDF, and submit to: supplierforms@ofm.wa.gov.
Note: PDF forms with a stamped, inserted, or electronic signature will not be accepted. Forms with information crossed out or in white-out will not be accepted.
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As you've probably seen, the Alliance has launched a new training platform.
To view and register for a training, you need to complete your profile and login to the new system. Please create only one account and, when possible, use the same email as for the old system. Your certificates from the old system will be transferred to the new system. If you have questions or need help registering for the new catalog, please reach out to AllianceSupport@uw.edu.
Changing your category or profile type
Anyone can change the category of their profile at any time. In Settings, scroll down to Custom. Select the Alliance Group drop-down menu. All caregivers should select the "Caregivers" Alliance Group option. Complete the attestation then click Save to see the caregiver courses.
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