DCYF is a cabinet-level agency focused on the well-being of children. Their vision is to ensure that “Washington state’s children and youth grow up safe and healthy—thriving physically, emotionally and academically, nurtured by family and community.”

DCYF is the lead agency for state-funded services that support children and families to build resilience and health, and to improve educational outcomes. They accomplish this by partnering with state and local agencies, tribes and other organizations in communities across the state of Washington. Their focus is to support children and families at their most vulnerable points, giving them the tools they need to succeed.

Brain science tells us that laying a strong foundation, early in life, critically impacts healthy development. The science also tells us that addressing trauma, especially at critical transition points in the lives of youth, helps ensure successful transition into adulthood. To truly give all children the great start in school and life they deserve, DCYF was created to be a comprehensive agency exclusively dedicated to the social, emotional and physical well-being of children, youth and families — an agency that prioritizes early learning, prevention and early intervention at critical points along the age continuum from birth through adolescence.