Many of you amazing families take in foster children (even if this is our Post Adoptive Family Blog). Most of you have amazing and incredible stories to share of your journey working with Children's Administration (DSHS-DCFS) here in Washington and the incredible workers and staff you have had the honor of sharing the journey with. There are many honorable and committed employees at the state. However, there are times when the experience is not what we had hope or dreamed or thought was best for kids. There are times when it can get scary and a bit daunting and we feel the kids voice is not hear or that they are perhaps even in danger but we don't know where to turn. The following are some resources you can turn to share your concerns.
Fostering Together
You can always call here for
support groups, to get answers to the questions:
Is this normal? Should
I have concerns? Etc…
They can be a huge support.
FPAWs (Foster Parent Association of Washington)
You can always call here for
support groups, to get answers to the questions:
Is this normal? Should
I have concerns? Etc…
Office of the Family and
Children’s Ombudsman
1-800-571-7321
The Mission of the Office of
the Family and Children’s Ombudsman is to protect children and parents from
harmful agency action or inaction, and to make agency officials and state
policy makers aware of system-wide issues in the child protection and child
welfare system so they can improve services.
The Family and Children’s
Ombudsman investigates complaints about agency actions or inaction that
involve:
·
Any child at risk
of abuse, neglect, or other harm.
·
A child or parent
involved with child protection or child welfare services.
They intervene in cases
in which they have determined that an agency’s action or inaction is
unauthorized or unreasonable. In addition to addressing complaints, they work
to identify system-wide issues and recommend appropriate changes in public
reports to the Governor, the Legislature and agency officials.
Constituent Services
1-800-737-0617 or (outside Washington
(360) 902-7878)
The Office of
Constituent Services is a point of contact for citizens, elected officials, and
other agencies seeking information and assistance with DSHS programs. The
Office of Constituent Services is located in the Office of Policy and External
Relations. Staff in Constituent Services responds to calls, inquiries, and
complaints about services provided by DSHS. If you have questions, concerns, or
comments about DSHS programs or services, please contact our office. We will
put you in touch with the appropriate program or division.
Paulette
Caswell, LICSW
Director,
Bethany Christian Services
Serving children and families throughout the Pacific Northwest
Serving children and families throughout the Pacific Northwest
1501 N. 200th
St. Ste. 103 Shoreline, WA 98133
O – (206) 367-4604 x7972 F – (206) 367-1860
O – (206) 367-4604 x7972 F – (206) 367-1860
Regular working hours are Monday to Friday 9 a.m.
to 6 p.m.
In all things I have shown you…the Lord Jesus, … said, ‘It is
more blessed to give than to receive.’ Acts
20:25
