Foster Care

Olympia, WA — A 12-year-old member of the Suquamish Tribe will be showing off her softball skills at the May 3 Mariners game where she will throw the ceremonial first pitch as part of an annual event during Foster Care Month.

Thanks to nominations from across the state, DCYF and Seattle’s Child recognized 28 parents, caregivers, and community members for Parent Recognition month this past February. All of the honorees were celebrated again as 140 Washingtonians gathered for the Unsung Hero Event on Feb. 26, 2026.

I recently shadowed a caseworker in Bremerton, and it gave me an even deeper appreciation for social workers.

I invite you to watch this short video to get a glimpse of what I observed: Secretary Senn Shadows a Social Worker

Baseball season is approaching, which means the Washington State Department, of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is looking for a child or youth in foster care who is "knocking it out of the park."

After spending her teenage years in the foster care system, a Spokane teen pursued her degree and is using her lived experience to give back to her hometown and advocate for youth like her. With assistance from the Education Training and Voucher Program (ETV), Aubrey Shuman recently graduated from Eastern Washington University with her social work degree.  

Communities across Washington are celebrating the adoption of children and youth out of foster care during special ceremonies this month, as they join the nation in celebrating Adoption Day.

Since Jan. 1, 2025, more than 400 children and youth have been adopted in Washington state. This month, dozens of families will finalize their adoption in courthouses, from Seattle to Spokane.

Read the full message in Español and Soomaali.

In Snohomish County, you can find a family of three that goes on bike rides, celebrates with movie nights, adventures in the forest, and has lots of laughs. This family unit was formed about two years ago when Jaxon — who was 16 months old at the time — moved to Washington to live with his grandparents Shaun and Brenda.  

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) launched new licensing standards that make it easier for relatives to become licensed caregivers, which provides additional supports to care for children and youth in foster care.  

A multi-sport athlete, choir member, and avid Seattle Mariners fan will be throwing the ceremonial first pitch during the April 27 Mariners game to celebrate Foster Care Month.