Most Kinship families across Washington are not involved with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. They can work with a kinship navigator at their local Area Agency on Aging for resources and information support. Kinship families caring for children with an open case or dependency with Tribal Court or the Department of Children, Youth, and Families may choose whether to become licensed, but they must have an approved home study. These families may still benefit from resources and information support from a kinship navigator in addition to DCYF staff.
Kinship Navigators or Resource Persons
Kinship navigators are people whose job is to help you “navigate” through the system. They will talk with you and help you find local services and programs. Currently, kinship navigators are available to answer questions for relatives who live in 39 counties. In some other communities, resource persons who are support group leaders or provide other kinship services are available to help you. You can see Washington State's Kinship and Tribal Navigators Serving Grandparents and Relatives Raising Children (November 2025) or go to the Kinship Care Services listing to find your Kinship Navigators or Resource Persons.
What information do you need today?
- Tribal Kinship Navigator Program - DSHS Home and Community Living Administration is committed to partnering with tribes in Washington to achieve mutual goals between sovereign governments. By developing partnerships with Tribes, existing long-term services and supports partners and providers such as state and local government and private contractors, we believe the goal of comprehensive, culturally appropriate service delivery can be achieved.
- Benefits and Services - learn about kinship navigators, financial help, childcare, free or reduced-price food, foster care resources for children with an intellectual/developmental disability, free recreational passes and more.
- Health Care - applying for children’s health coverage, finding dental care, mental health services, drug and alcohol services, informed consent for medical and mental health services, and resources for children with disabilities.
- Publications
- Kinship Reference Guide Handouts - statewide resources for caregivers on topics including healthcare, mental health, basic needs, and education.
- Legal Issues - legal options, legal services, and child support resources.
- Professionals - for professionals, advocates and relatives raising children; kinship care related legislative, policy and public information documents.
- Kinship Navigator Case Management - access our research documents for the three pilot-sites, and training videos for the case management pilot.
- Department of Children, Youth, and Families about kinship caregiving.
New Legal Assistance for Kinship Caregivers
Legal Advice and Referral for Kinship Care
LAARK is a statewide legal advice program that is housed at the King County Bar Association. The program provides free legal advice to kinship caregivers in Washington on matters related to the children in their care. Topics include minor guardianship, the child welfare system, education, housing, and public benefits.
LAARK lawyers offer free legal advice and referrals to kinship caregivers over the phone. LAARK does not assist people who are not kinship caregivers. LAARK is open to Washington state kinship caregivers and caregivers living outside the state who have legal disputes in Washington.
LAARK does not represent caregivers in court. There is no income restriction for LAARK. Apply online at LAARK’s website or call the LAARK voicemail and leave a message at 206-267-7075.
Learn more about Washington's Kinship Program services: WA Kinship Program Services designated as Nationally Exemplary Kinship Program.