Constituent Relations

Constituent Relations provides a fair and courteous process for resolving complaints relating to child protection and child welfare cases, foster home and child care licensing, child care programs, and juvenile rehabilitation services. 

Constituent Relations staff are able to provide information and education relating to the various programs within DCYF – policies, dependency process, relative placement, ICPC, adoption, foster care and child care licensing, ICW, extended foster care and independent living, contracts, and other information specific to DCYF.

(Constituent Relations does not have any legal jurisdiction in parenting plans/custody issues or family court matters, or ability to assist in child support concerns, or matters involving DSHS benefits)

Process to Resolve Concerns

  1. First attempt to resolve the complaint or concern at the lowest level by talking with the assigned worker or licensor. 
  2. If talking with the worker does not resolve the complaint or concern, then contact the worker’s supervisor.
  3. If the complaint or concern is not resolved with the supervisor, then contact the area administrator.
  4. If the complaint or concern is not resolved after contacting the area administrator, then contact DCYF Constituent Relations.

Contact information:

Phone: (360) 902-8060 or 1-800 723-4831

Email: constrelations@dcyf.wa.gov

Mailing Address:
Department of Children, Youth and Families
Attn: Constituent Relations
PO Box 45710
Olympia, WA 98504-5710

Office of the Family and Children’s Ombuds

Anyone may contact the Office of the Family and Children’s Ombuds (OFCO) if they have a complaint, or are unable to resolve a complaint with DCYF. The OFCO is an independent office within the Office of the Governor.

Contact information:

6840 Fort Dent Way, Suite 125
Tukwila, WA 98188

www.ofco.wa.gov

Phone: (206) 439-3870 or (800) 571-7321

TTY: (206) 439-3789

FAX: (206) 439-3877