Parenting can come with its challenges. Rewarding and joyful, but also difficult at times. Sometimes families encounter challenges that are especially trying for both the parent and the child.

January is National Mentoring Month – a time to celebrate mentors and encourage new folks to take a child in need under their wing. As the month comes to a close, Secretary Ross is sending a special thanks to those who’ve shared their story and to underscore the importance of supporting mentoring programs in our community.

Earlier this month, DCYF dedicated dozens of staff to the Parkland area.

Though there is not a physical office just yet, a team of around 57 staff are now dedicated to serving the Parkland community in Pierce County.

Staff came together on January 10 to celebrate the launch of this satellite office with a space-themed get-together.

For the last four months, Denisse Diaz, a caseworker out of the West Seattle office, has not let her fractured toe stop her from continuing to provide services to her clients.

Diaz, a Child Protective Services (CPS) Family Assessment Response (FAR) caseworker, continues to head to the courthouse to file paperwork, visit clients and provide assessments, all while in a walking boot.