The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) does not discriminate, exclude, harass, deny service to, or treat people differently based on:
- race
- creed/religion
- color
- national origin (including preferred language)
- sex
- pregnancy
- gender identity
- sexual orientation
- disability status (including use of a dog guide or service animal)
- citizenship or immigration status
- honorably discharged veteran or military status
- status as a breastfeeding mother
- any other class protected under federal, Washington state or applicable local laws
People with disabilities can, at no cost, request DCYF to:
- make changes to how it does things (also called reasonable modifications),
- provide communication aids and services
Examples may include:
- Sign language interpreters or other communication support needed for people with disabilities impact communication.
- Such as being D/deaf, having hearing loss, low vision, or other speech disabilities
- Written documents in other formats, such as large print, electronic, and braille.
- A change in how DCYF does things to help a person with a disability use DCYF services.
If you need these services or would like more information about DCYF’s ADA Accessibility Program, email dcyf.adaaccessibility@dcyf.wa.gov. Please review DCYF’s Rights for Individuals with Disabilities Brochure for more details.
Free language services for persons who prefer to speak or write in a language other than English are available. Email dcyf.languageaccess@dcyf.wa.gov if you need spoken language services. Services include:
- Qualified interpreters
- Translations of documents, forms, and information into other languages
You can file a complaint if DCYF or one of its contracted providers has failed to provide these services or has discriminated against you based on one of the protected classes listed above by going to www.dcyf.wa.gov/service-access. DCYF and its contracted providers will not retaliate or act against you if you request modifications or file a complaint. Retaliation is not allowed. Anyone who submits a complaint is guaranteed protection from all forms of retaliation.
If you disagree with the findings, you can appeal our decision within 15 days of getting the written findings or meeting with us, whichever is later.
How to File a Formal Complaint
You may file a complaint if you think DCYF did not consider or make the changes you need, or if you think DCYF has treated you unfairly because of your disability.
