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April 2026 Issue:
 April is National Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month, a time to reflect on what it takes to ensure all children and families can live purposeful, happy lives with hope for the future.
This year’s theme, Pinwheels of Possibility, challenges a long-standing misconception: that child abuse and neglect are the result of individual parental failure.
When families have access to support early, before challenges escalate, positive outcomes for children are possible. Every act that builds protective factors in families is an act of prevention. These can be a parent spending quality time invested in their child, a child care provider providing resources or connection to other families, or a neighbor providing a meal to a family so the family can reduce stress and enjoy each other.
Resources and Ways You Can Participate
We have limited quantity available, so pinwheels will be provided on a first come, first served basis. All proceeds go to the Children’s Trust of Washington to support community prevention efforts.
We also have free printable coloring pages, stickers, and pinwheel posters. These items can be requested by emailing strengtheningfamilies@dcyf.wa.gov.
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To make messaging more accessible for all, DCYF sends all caregiver related communications in Spanish.
If you would like to be removed from the Spanish distribution list, please respond to this email.
Receive short text messages to help with caring for the children in your home.
This Help Me Grow resource covers it all: tantrums, nutrition, brain-building activities, local events, and more!
Signing up for Lantern is free and easy – text KIDSWA to 274 448.
The draft WAC Chapter 110-148 will be ready for public feedback in the coming months! Once public comment begins, a link to the official public comment site will be available on the project webpage.
If you don't use direct deposit and haven't already, this is your last reminder to complete and submit a provider registration form by May 1.
E-sign forms using Docusign or manually complete the form, print, sign with a blue or black pen, scan to a PDF, and submit to: supplierforms@ofm.wa.gov.
Additional information can be found at Licensing for Foster Care Payments, Provider Payments FAQ, and SSPS
SUD Family Education Sessions
The Alliance
Alliance CaRes Newsletter
Coordinated Care
DCYF Supports and Resources
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DCYF is accepting nominations for the Engaging Father Award.
This award is meant to recognize fathers who have had a successful outcome with their child welfare case. The virtual ceremony will be hosted in June.
To be eligible, the father:
• Must have a child in dependency (within the past 12 months)
• Must live in Washington State
Nominations need to include the following:
• The father’s name
• Why they should be recognized
• Examples of the father demonstrating positive behavioral changes (ex: participating in the process)
Email your nominations to dcyf.recognition@dcyf.wa.gov by Thursday, April 30, 2026.
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Since 2008, DCYF and the Seattle Mariners have hosted We Are Family Day, an annual celebration of foster parents, kinship caregivers, and permanent families.
The Seattle Mariners provide discounted tickets, venue space, and a first pitch experience for a young person in foster care and a giveaway to everyone with an event ticket.
Join us on May 3 for a vendor fair, short program, and the opportunity to celebrate the important work you do as a caregiver with others in the community.
The Mariners will be playing the Kansas City Royals. Buy your tickets now.
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NYTD is a survey offered to eligible foster youth. The survey makes it possible for youth and others like them to share how they're doing as they transition out of the foster care system.
Only youth in foster care understand, and have experienced what it’s like to be in foster care. We need their input to help us get better at providing services to youth as they move from foster care into adulthood.
Youth who turn 17 between October through the following September AND take the survey, will be contacted again near their 19th and 21st birthdays to do follow-up surveys.
Learn more
By participating in the NYTD survey you:
- Teach us which services are helpful to youth as they transition out of foster care
- Show us how youth are really doing once they are out on their own
- You get prizes!
- Your story can help improve the foster care system for thousands of young people!
- Your answers are always kept private and safe.
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The Passport to Careers Program is a valuable resource that helps young people in Washington state who have experienced foster care (after age 13) or homelessness without a parent or guardian pursue education beyond high school.
The program offers both financial assistance and personalized support to help students access and succeed in postsecondary pathways, including college and apprenticeship programs. For foster parents, understanding this opportunity can make a meaningful difference in helping youth plan for their future.
Caregivers and foster parents play a critical role by encouraging early planning, assisting with applications, and helping gather necessary documentation. By staying informed and supporting youth through steps like completing financial aid forms and meeting deadlines, caregivers can help ensure students fully benefit from the program and move toward stable, successful futures.
Visit the website to learn more or passport@wsac.wa.gov.
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The Alliance for Professional Development, Training, and Caregiver Excellence
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Introduction to the Investigative Process for Caregivers — April 14, 1 to 4 p.m.
Going through an investigation can be scary. Understanding the process, knowing your rights, and being informed about the laws and process can make it a lot easier. This course provides licensed and unlicensed caregivers a deep look at the Licensing Division (LD) Child Protective Services (CPS) and Licensing Investigation processes, starting with Intake, through the investigation, and concluding with the report and the potential for appeals. Register Here
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Maintaining Children's Connections — April 23, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This course will help you understand the importance of integrating and maintaining ongoing communication and connection between siblings, including understanding sibling dynamics and the importance of sibling bonds. Register Here
Learn about all the upcoming classes.
Sign up to get these notices sent right to your inbox or explore the training calendar.
Check out the Alliance CaRes website and sign up for the monthly newsletter that includes regional and local activities.
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