We appreciate our licensed child care providers and the important work they do to care for and educate our youngest learners.

Phone lines are currently down at the DCYF Shelton office. While this issue is being addressed, please contact the Centralia office at (360) 669-2558 for assistance. 

Dear Child Care Providers,

We are aware of reports that members of the public and media are visiting child care locations run by Somali business owners in response to the media coverage about suspected fraud in Minnesota.

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) launched a new webpage that highlights podcasts, videos, and other things that are created by or in partnership with young people in juvenile rehabilitation (JR).  

On Dec. 17, 2025, DCYF child welfare staff and leadership from across Washington state gathered to discuss the impact High Potency Synthetic Opioids (HPSO) are having on families and the child welfare system.

As we near the end of the year, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate some exciting accomplishments across DCYF that are positively impacting the children, youth, and families we serve.

In 2025, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families:

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is hosting a webinar from 1 to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, to discuss the agency's 2026 budget investments.

Updated on Dec. 12, 2025. 

Due to inclement weather, the DCYF Mount Vernon office, located at 900 E College Way Ste 200, Mount Vernon, WA, 98273 will remain closed on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. 

All state-run juvenile rehabilitation facilities will be using a behavior management system that will outline the consequences for breaking rules.  

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) began implementing this system at its secure facilities earlier this year and will now expand to community facilities.