DSHS Kinship Publications

 

The following free publications are PDFs that can be viewed on-line. Many are available in several languages.
If you would like printed copies, go to the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services website  (look under booklets or brochures) or by:

If you don't order online, you will need the publication number which is on the back page of a publication in the format DSHS 22-###(X). Make sure to include your mailing address.

  • 2021 Healthy Youth Survey - Topic Specific Factsheets
  • WAKN Satisfaction Survey Report-2022- English
  • Case Management Closed Case Report-2022-English
  • Kinship Care in Washington State - 2020 English
  • Kinship Care in Washington StateA Historical Comparison from 2002 to 2020 English
  • Beyond the Walls: A Guide to Services for Families Affected by Incarceration! (DSHS 22-1288x) This publication provides information to families and social service staff on DSHS services along with services from other agencies that may help meet the needs of families dealing with the incarceration of a family member.
    English,  Spanish. (PDF)
  • Consent to Health Care for the Child in Your Care: A Kinship Caregiver's Guide (DSHS 22-1119x) This brochure explains a new law passed by the 2005 WA State Legislature which spells out a relative's rights and responsibilities.
    EnglishCambodianEnglishRussianSomaliSpanishVietnamese. (PDF)
  • Grandparents and Relatives Do you know about the services and supports for you and the children in your care? (DSHS 22-1120x (Rev. 7-19)) This eleven-page pamphlet provides a comprehensive list of various resources, benefits, and support services available to relatives raising children. English, Other Languages (PDF)
  • Education Advocacy Guide for Caregivers- Supporting School Success for Children and Youth in Care (22-1192)
    This guide can help caregivers better understand what education advocacy is and what is expected of students from preschool to high school.
    English (PDF)
  • A Guide to Child Support Services for Relative Caregivers, (DSHS 22-1143) describes what services the DSHS Division of Child Support (DCS) can provide to you if you are taking care of a relative’s child.
    English (PDF)
  • Relatives as Parents: A Resource Guide for Relatives Raising Children in Washington State(DSHS 22-996x) This 75 page booklet is an extensive resource guide for relative caregivers.
    English
  • Kinship Care: Relative and Suitable Other Placement (DSHS 22-1765) Outlines resources, supports and tasks related to new child welfare placement. 
    English (PDF)
  • Understanding the Dependency Court Process for Caregivers (DSHS 22-1741)
    English (PDF)
  • Washington State Kinship Care Timeline - - For professionals, advocates and relatives raising children; kinship care related legislative, policy and public information documents 

National Websites

  • AARP Grandparent Information Center - Provides an extensive range of services including a listing of local support groups, newsletters, and useful publications.
  • The Brookdale Foundation Group - The Brookdale Relatives As Parents Program - RAPP provides seed grants to support local and state agencies serving grandparents and other kin who have become the primary caretakers of their grandchildren.
  • Child Welfare League of America - The CWLA is the nation's oldest and largest membership-based child welfare organization, committed to engaging people everywhere in promoting the well-being of children, youth, and their families, and protecting every child from harm.   
  • Children of Alcoholics Foundation - COAF Ties That Bind Project - COAF provides tips for relatives who have taken over the care of a child when parents' drug or alcohol use has left them unable to care for their children.
  • Children's Defense Fund - The CDF provides a strong, effective voice for all the children of America with special attention to the needs of poor and minority children and those with disabilities.
  • Generations United - Offers information and advocacy relating to grandparent caregivers plus a very good biennial conference.
  • GrandFamilies of America -Bringing together grandparents/relative caregivers, to provide them with the education and tools, to enable them to provide 24/7 safety and permanency for the children in their care.
  • The Grandmother Project - Provides news of how grandmothers are helping grandchildren in different parts of the world.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and Grief by Ron Huxley - Articles and newsletters for Grandparents raising grandchildren.

To view one or more of these publications, you'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you don't have it on your computer, download it here. It is free software. After you download Acrobat Reader, run the installer.

If you have trouble downloading or installing, read Adobe's Technical Troubleshooting Guide. It links to several helpful troubleshooting documents.