Washington State Department of Children, Youth, & Families Volunteer Transportation Office

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families, (DCYF) oversees several services previously offered through the state Department of Social and Health Services and the Department of Early Learning. These include all programs from the Children’s Administration in DSHS such as Child Protective Services’ investigations and Family Assessment Response, licensed foster care, and adoption support. Also included are all DEL services, such as the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program for preschoolers, Working Connections Child Care, and Home Visiting.

Governor Inslee signed House Bill 1661 on July 6, 2017, creating DCYF. The new agency restructures how the state serves at-risk children and youth, with the goal of producing better outcomes in all Washington communities. Its creation follows the suggestions of the bipartisan Blue Ribbon Commission on the Delivery of Services to Children and Families convened by the governor in February 2016 to recommend a state system that focuses more clearly on preventing harm to children and youth.

DCYF is the lead agency for state-funded services that support children and families to build resilience and health, and to improve educational outcomes. We accomplish this by collaborating with state and local agencies, tribes, and other organizations in communities across the state of Washington.

Our focus is to support children and families at their most vulnerable points, giving them the tools they need to succeed. Laying a strong foundation early in life can critically impact healthy development and addressing trauma, especially at critical transition points in the lives of youth, can help ensure successful transition into adulthood.

DCYF was created to help all children get the great start and support in school and home life they deserve. We are a comprehensive agency exclusively dedicated to the social, emotional and physical well-being of children, youth and families