Family Supports and Services

Dear Director Dowd,

Home visiting programs offer a range of services for expectant parents and families with newborns and young children. These services nurture the attachment between parent and child and enrich parents' capacity to support their children's physical, social, and emotional development.

Families and children can find love and support in many ways – through places in communities that offer a sense of belonging, from teachers who inspire and lift children, or through home visitors who step in and offer support and guidance to families.

DCYF's Strengthening Families team is preparing to observe Child Abuse Prevention Month this April by raising awareness in communities about child abuse and neglect prevention.

Linking CPS-Involved Families to Early Learning and Family Support Programs

One of DCYF's critical tasks is to strengthen the linkages between our state's child welfare and early learning systems.

"The job is rewarding because I can help guide families in the right direction by showing them support and encouraging them along the way," says Kathy Eirls with Better Futures Together Family Services. "I feel like we have the ability to make a difference in the child's life, as well as the parent, by being a support that they look forward to."

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is preparing to celebrate Parent Recognition Month in February 2022 by honoring extraordinary parents, caregivers, guardians, and community members across Washington State through the annual Unsung Heroes campaign.

Story provided by DCYF partner Kindering.

Story provided by DCYF partner Kindering.