CURRENT CONTEXT AND STRENGTHS In this section, we examine these areas of capacity building in greater detail. We begin by sharing context and strengths, the foundation on which DCYF can build their future efforts, then identify opportunities, making recommendations for priority steps for systems transformation. Washington DCYF seeks to “create a culture of community participation in family well-being and child safety, with the intention of reducing the stigma of seeking help” and demonstrates a strong commitment to taking a community-centered approach in the supports they offer and the ways they develop prevention strategies. DCYF offers a wide array of services across the prevention service continuum — both directly and through contracting with partner organizations. Building the ways that families can voluntarily access prevention supports without first becoming formally child welfare systems-involved is an active work-in-progress for Washington DCYF. One example of such work is through “community pathway” development, as the state aspires to grow pilot programs that are already impactful and well-regarded by families — approaches such as Plans of Safe Care and Community Family Resource Centers — making them readily available as voluntary community programming. A highly valued part of the current continuum is navigational programming, which helps families find and access the supports for which they are eligible. Several navigator approaches are led and/or staffed with peer models or specialized staff, in which those providing assistance to families have similar lived experiences to those they are assisting. A further strength in Washington is the commitment to addressing the ways that material economic supports — things like food, housing, and stable income — can stabilize families. Both inside of DCYF and through the distribution of concrete supports by programs administered through partners agencies, options for meeting families’ concrete economic needs are a valuable part of the prevention continuum. DCYF is deeply committed to community input as the continuum of prevention supports continues to develop. DCYF actively engages communities to help inform decisions on the types of supports offered, program locations, family engagement strategies, and the overall experience of accessing resources. In four Washington communities, the Strengthening Families Locally initiative is partnering with community organizations, government, tribes, schools, families, and volunteers to
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