Raising Children Today
Information and Training
Raising a Child with an Emotional, Behavioral, or Mental Disorder
Raising a Child of a Substance Abuser
Resources for a Child with a Developmental Disability
Mentoring Children
Talking with other relatives raising children can be a tremendous source of information and support. Find a support group of other relative's caring for children.
Information and Training
Information and referral
The Family Health Hotline Take advantage of a free, statewide hotline providing information and referral on health and finding services related to raising children. They can help you with questions on health insurance, nutrition, immunization, child care, child development, children with special needs, and parent/sibling support. Call 1-800-322-2588 (TTY 711) or go to: Within Reach- Essential Resources for Family Health website.
Through the Eyes of a Child is a useful series of nine fact sheets for grandparents raising grandchildren (birth to age eight) on child development, family relationships, and the importance of contact with birth parents. To read or download the information visit University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension Fact Sheets.
The Family Help Line is a statewide, toll-free line offering information and referral; assistance with problem-solving; advocacy; coaching and support; and that increasingly rare commodity – a listening ear. The Family Help Line is a service of Parent Trust for Washington Children. Further information - including a searchable database of resources, classes, groups, and events in Washington State – can be found at Family Help Line or by calling the Family Help Line at 1-800-932-HOPE (4673).
Training
Training opportunities for relative caregivers, foster parents, and adoptive parents are available at no cost through the Resource Family Training Institute (RFTI). You will find a listing of available classroom training, interactive on-line training, and videos. Visit the Resource Family Training website.
The Parenting a Second Time Around (PASTA) Facilitator Training is available annually, in one or two locations around the state. This two day, low-cost on-site training focuses on a curriculum developed by Cornell Cooperative Extension. It helps prepare participants to conduct workshops in their local communities. For more information contact 1-800-422-3263 or email haupthp@dshs.wa.gov .
The Infant Toddler Early Intervention Program (ITEIP) coordinates a statewide effort to help families get needed services for children ages birth to 3 years old who have developmental delays.
Back to topRaising a Child with an Emotional, Behavioral, or Mental Disorder
Statewide Action for Family Empowerment of Washington (SAFE WA) is a network of family organizations focused on supporting parents and caregivers raising children with emotional, behavioral, or mental disorders.
SAFE provides various types of support, information, and training to families. Contact SAFE WA at 1-866-300-1998 or visit the SAFE WA website .
A parent advocate within DSHS' Mental Health Division can be reached at 1-800-446-0259, extension 3.
Community Connectors are parents and caregivers raising children with emotional, behavioral or mental disorders. They provide support, information and assist with problem-solving issues. To find out more or to request A Parent’s Guide to the Public Mental Health System booklet call the Mental Health Parent Advocate at 1-800-446-0259, extension 3. For more information about available mental health services visit the DSHS Mental Health website.
Back to topRaising a Child of a Substance Abuser
A variety of pamphlets, brochures, periodicals, research reports, fact sheets, training, videos on a variety of substance abuse topics are available through The Washington State Alcohol/Drug Clearinghouse.
Call the Clearinghouse at 206-725-9696 (from Seattle or out of Washington State ) or toll free at 1-800-662-9111 (from within Washington State ) or visit the Clearinghouse website .
Tips on a variety of topics 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 through the Children of Alcoholics Foundation (COAF) Ties That Bind Project. Visit the COAF's website .
Back to topMentoring Children
Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) matches caring adult mentors with children ages 7-16, to make a positive impact in their lives. Extra training is provided for mentors and families matched in our Children of Incarcerated Parents Program. For more information, contact Big Brothers Big Sisters at 1-877-700-2447 or visit the go to the Big Brothers Big Sisters website.
Back to TopModification Date: February 9, 2007. For more ways to get in touch with the Department of Social and Health Services go to the DSHS Contact Information web page. Technical Site Comments: DSHS Webmaster.
