Reminder: Statewide Vendor Numbers Required for Payment
This is a reminder that a Statewide Vendor Number (SWV) is needed to receive payments.
An active SWN is required to receive funding from the state of Washington. Payments will be delayed for any provider who does not have an SWV number.
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If you do not have a SWV number, use the online DCYF Provider Registration and sign using DocuSign.
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If you already have an active SWV number, no action is required.
It takes approximately two weeks for the Office of Financial Management (OFM) to assign an SWV number and activate direct deposit. Submit forms as soon as possible to avoid delayed payments.
Updating Information
If you need to update your address or contact information, use the DCYF Provider Change Form. To submit a printed form, use the DCYF Provider Change Form.
Direct Deposit
Sign up to receive direct deposits by filling out the DCYF Provider Direct Deposit Form. Direct deposit is not required but strongly recommended. To submit a printed form, use the Direct Deposit Authorization.
For Questions
Tribal Community Talking Session Recap
By Shannel Squally-Janzen, Tribal Prevention Services Specialist
On Feb. 6, 2026, the Lummi Nation hosted the final Tribal Community Talking Session for the Family First Community-Based Pathways initiative. DCYF partnered with Foster America to support this community-centered conversation.
The Lummi session included both a provider discussion and a lived expert session, ensuring that community members with direct experience were centered and supported. Lived experts received a $90 gift card, with additional childcare stipends available to reduce barriers to participation. Food and snacks were provided to help create a welcoming, relational space.
A total of 33 community members participated in the Lummi sessions. Participants discussed what culturally responsive prevention looks like in their community, existing strengths and services, barriers families face when seeking support, and how state systems can better partner with Tribes.
This gathering concluded a series of six Tribal-specific sessions held statewide, with 110 total participants contributing feedback to help shape Community-Based Pathways moving forward. Next steps include the development of workgroups and additional opportunities for ongoing Tribal involvement.
To learn more or get involved, please contact Shannel Squally-Janzen at Shannel.Squally-Janzen@dcyf.wa.gov.
Image: DCYF Office of Tribal Relations staff - Natalie Adams, Shannel Squally-Janzen, Christine Sannon, and Carla Lopez-Wilkenson.
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Foster Care Negotiated Rule Making (NRM) Updates
Foster parent training requirements were negotiated through the NRM process. To determine what that would look like, DCYF consulted with lived experts, caregivers, Tribal representatives, staff, and other professionals. They identified three areas that all caregivers must be trained in: trauma-informed care, affirming and supporting LGBTQIA+, and cultural awareness.
The revised foster care licensing rules, which are WAC Chapter 110-148, will include several changes to the preservice (before getting licensed) and in-service training (renewing your license) requirements.
Training Requirements:
- Preservice training requirements:
- Includes Caregiver Core Training (CCT), CPR and First Aid, Mandatory Reporting, and Bloodborne Pathogens for all caregivers on the license.
- This is 20 hours of preservice training per caregiver.
- Currently licensed foster parents will not be required to meet additional preservice training requirements.
- For state-licensed homes:
- In-service training requirements will include three Alliance trainings and one coaching session with an Alliance mentor.
- This is 10 hours of in-service training per caregiver.
- All licensed foster parents must meet the in-service training requirements at their next license renewal.
- For Tribal Child Placing Agency (CPA) foster families:
- There is an option to substitute Positive Indian Parenting (PIP) for the in-service training requirements, as it is more culturally responsive and relevant.
- If a Tribe chooses to use PIP or another training, the number of training hours for foster parents may shift, as PIP is more than 10 hours.
- Learn more about Positive Indian Parenting:
These training requirements will not be effective until the updated WAC Chapter 110-148 is live. We encourage foster parents to start in-service training today!
For questions, contact the Foster Care NRM team at dcyf.fostercarenrm@dcyf.wa.gov, or check the website for project updates.
Funding Opportunity for Basic Needs Support Services
DCYF is inviting qualified contractors to pilot a new line of Basic Needs Support Services for families in child welfare programs. Successful bidders will work with the agency to deliver basic needs case planning activities, resource navigation services, and distribution of concrete goods to families.
The agency has issued a Request for Quotation (RFQ). These are due by March 24, 2026.
For questions, please contact Thomas Hicks, DCYF Solicitation Coordinator at thomas.hicks@dcyf.wa.gov.
WA Cares Fund Pilot Beginning in Select Counties
The WA Cares Fund helps Washington workers earn long-term care benefits. Benefits can be used for services like in-home care, a paid family caregiver, home modifications, home-delivered meals and transportation. Anyone who meets contribution and care needs requirements can access benefits starting in July 2026.
If you live in Lewis, Mason, Spokane, or Thurston counties, you may be able to get early access to benefits through the pilot program. Applications are open for pilot participants, and you can get started now by contacting the WA Cares team at 844-CARE4WA (844-227-3492) or by email.
Director of Tribal Affairs (WMS2)/WA Conservation Commission
Closes: Continuous
Apply online: State of Washington Job Opportunities
ICW South - ICW Worker/Kalispel Tribe
Apply online: ICW South - ICW Worker
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.
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:
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In-Person: May 19-21, 2026 | Nespelem, WA
For questions, please contact Shannel.Squally-Janzen@dcyf.wa.gov.
8th Annual Yakama Nation Trauma-Informed Care Conference
June 2-4, 2026 | Legends Casino Hotel in Toppenish, Washington
The upcoming conference will address important topics including Historical Trauma, Trauma-Informed Care, and Wellness/Healing Methods. This event is intended to enhance awareness among community members and professionals engaged with Native American and Alaskan Native communities. Complete the online registration form.
Weekly Girls Group Talking Circle | Mother Nation
Sundays | 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Zoom and in-person option
This is an opportunity for middle and high school age Indigenous youth. Please contact Yvette Pinkham, MSW (So. Cheyenne) for information at ypinkham@mothernation.org or call (206) 530-0763. For information, visit Mothernation.org.
Upcoming Local Events
Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Powwow
March 21, 2026 | Coastal Grand Entry 11:30 a.m.
Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, Seattle, WA
Visit United Indians of All Tribes Foundation for information.
31st Annual PI NEE WAUS ELDERS Powwow
April 4, 2026 | Grand Entry 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Kliever Armory, Portland, OR
Call Sheila Kirk (503-752-2099) or Karry Kelley (503-810-3323) for questions.
Wichoni Waste – Indigenous Wellness Retreat
April 18, 2026 | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
North Seattle College, Seattle, WA
For information, call (206) 941-3600.
Rising Generations Powwow
April 18, 2026 | 12 to 10 p.m.
Clark College, Vancouver, WA
Visit Native American Rising Generations for information.
48th Pah-Loots-Puu Powwow
April 25, 2026 | Grand Entry 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Washington State University, Pullman, WA
Visit WSU for information.
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