Beginning July 1, 2022, child care licensors from the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) will conduct all monitor visits unannounced and on-site. The visits will use a baseline checklist that focuses on the highest risk Washington Administrative Codes (WAC) and those that are necessary to meet federal requirements.

After a year and a half of planning, hard work, and tenacity from many people behind the scenes, the cosmetology program at Echo Glen Children's Center has launched. In May 2022, staff, students, and visitors attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the occasion.

DCYF and Binti, a child welfare software provider, have joined together to launch the Washington Caregiver Application Portal (WA CAP) this fall, which will allow prospective foster parents to complete the application process online. 

In accordance with the latest collective bargaining agreement with Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 925, licensed family home providers will receive a monthly cost of care rate enhancement of $2,000 for each service month they are eligible beginning July 2022 and ending June 2023.