Providers.
Brighter
Futures.
WASHINGTON’S CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM
IS AT A CROSS ROADS.
The organizations serving children, youth and families are facing unsustainable costs, workforce shortages, contracting pressures, and increasing demands.
When providers struggle, children and families feel the impact.
THE CRISIS IS ALREADY HERE.
Providers across Washington are facing real and urgent challenges. When the system is under strain, children and families are the ones who feel the consequences.
WORKFORCE SHORTAGES
It is increasingly difficult to recruit and retain qualified staff.
UNSUSTAINABLE RATES
Reimbursement often doesn’t reflect the true cost of delivering quality care.
CONTRACTING CHALLENGES
Complex requirements and liability exposure create barriers to sustainability.
ACCESS AT RISK
When providers reduce capacity or close programs, families have fewer places to turn.
DOMINO EFFECT.
These challenges don’t happen in isolation. They create a ripple effect that impacts the entire system — and ultimately families.
THE CHILD WELFARE
“When providers can’t sustain their programs, its children and families who are left waiting. or something along those lines”
WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?
When a child welfare provider closes a program, stops accepting referrals, can't recruit qualified staff, or can no longer operate under an unsustainable contract, the impact doesn't stay with that agency. It affects children, families, foster parents, caseworkers and communities across Washington.
Eventually, the crisis reaches everyone.
Learn more by selecting one of
our communities of practice below:
Our Impact
WACF is the unified voice for child- and family-serving agencies across Washington State. Through strategic advocacy, inclusive leadership, and collaborative problem solving, we:
Protect and uplift families by advancing policies that prioritize safety, stability, and dignity
Guide systemic change through data-informed solutions and cross-sector partnerships
Empower providers and communities with tools, training, and support to deliver high-quality care
Amplify unheard voices ensuring families, youth, and caregivers are represented in decision-making
Foster innovation, equity, and sustainability across the continuum of care helping agencies remain resilient, responsive, and rooted in best practices
Advocate for sustainable funding to ensure agencies have the resources they need to thrive—not just survive
Champion family preservation by promoting practices and policies that keep children safely connected to their families whenever possible
Together, we’re shaping a future where every child and family has the opportunity to thrive and where the organizations that serve them are equipped to do so for generations to come.
We are proud to be members of organizations that share our values and support our mission. Organizations like:
