Washington State Family Resources

Locate Resources through Washington State's Website

Family Resources

Parents, counselors, or even young people themselves can find almost any resource available in Washington State through the use of internet sites. One of the first places to look for information is the official state website: http://www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily.aspx.

Since children's growth, behavior and development are constantly evolving throughout their childhood years, parents often need to locate resources to answer the questions that naturally arise. To get answers to questions regarding child care providers get the brochure "Licensed Child Care in Washington State." It is available in English and Spanish and can help parents locate a quality child care facility near where they live.

Information on how to adopt a child can be found on Washington State's website. The resources available on the site walk parents through the process and provide the papers necessary to begin the adoption process. Another area covered is foster care. Information is given on training to become a foster parent or respite provider. Child care by relatives: kinship care is also explained on the website.

Parents who worry about their child care provider neglecting or abusing their child or violating state regulations in any area of care can:

  • Look for background information about the provider;
  • Notify the local Children's Administration Office by email or phone
  • The Children's Administration website has information on reporting suspected abuse or neglect. The parent's concerns will be referred for investigation if warranted.
  • The Washington State Office of the Family and Children's Ombudsman protects parents and their children from any agency's harmful action or inaction. They make certain that agency officials and makers of state policy are aware of any issues that might apply system-wide. This can improve child protection and child welfare while in child care.
  • Help for parents with special needs children can be found through Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT). This agency coordinates statewide early intervention services for children who have developmental delays. A group of services are made available that intervene early in life which can make a big improvement in the child's future.

    Parents-to-be can locate resources easily through the Department of Health and Department of Social and Health Services. Their First Steps program assists low-income pregnant women get social services and health care needed for a positive outcome to their pregnancies. Regional Genetic Clinics are available statewide offering testing, diagnosis, genetic counseling and treatment services. The effects of chemicals, drugs and other agents during pregnancy and lactation can be researched through CARE Northwest. This service is available to potential patients as well as healthcare professionals.

    The Office of Newborn Screening provides tests for treatable disorders that can cause disabilities or even death. Follow-up services make diagnosis possible before significant or irreversible damage has occurred. The Directory of Genetic Support Groups gives comfort, emotional support and accurate information for parents whose child is diagnosed with a genetic disorder. The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has contact information on voluntary health organizations that help people with rare—orphan—diseases. NORD also assists organizations that provide services to those suffering from these illnesses.

    Parents of children born in Washington up to age six can receive Health Promotion Materials from Child Profile. These will remind parents when their child's wellness exams and immunizations are due. The materials also include nutrition, growth and development, child safety and parenting information.

    Washington Parenting Resources

    Washington State Department of Social and Health Services

  • DSHS Customer Service Center
  • P.O. Box 11699
  • Tacoma, WA 98411-9905
  • Washington State P2P Support Programs

  • State Coordinating Office
  • 2638 State Ave. NE
  • Olympia, WA 98506
  • (800) 821 - 5927
  • Email: statep2p@earthlink.net
  • http://arcwa.org/getsupport/parent_to_parent_p2p_programs
  • Parent Support Program Seattle Children's

  • MS-W3636
  • P.O. Box 5371
  • Seattle, WA 98105
  • (206) 987-1119
  • Email: lawrie.williams@seattlechildrens.org
  • http://www.seattlechildrens.org/clinics-programs/support-groups/
  • Open Doors For Multicultural Families

  • (206) 372-1072
  • Email: gingerk@multiculturalfamilies.org
  • www.multiculturalfamilies.org
  • Family Support Network/Parent to Parent of Lewis County

  • P.O. Box 870
  • Centralia, WA 98531
  • (360) 880-0672
  • Email: anaillon@reliableenterprises.org, awhite@reliableenterprises.org
  • www.reliableenterprises.org
  • Community Inclusion Program

  • 6316 South 12th Street Tacoma, WA 98465
  • 1-800-5-PARENT
  • http://www.communityinclusionprogram.org/
  • Public Health Centers

  • http://www.icc.org/public-health/washington.htm