What is the Reimagine DSHS initiative?
Reimagine DSHS is a strategic initiative designed to realign our organization to best meet the increasing needs of Washingtonians. Our aim is to simplify client interactions, make operations more efficient and foster stronger collaboration. This initiative helps us provide better access, support, care and resources for clients and their families.
What changes are effective May 1, 2025?
Effective May 1, 2025, DSHS has formed two new public-facing administrations:
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Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration: Now responsible for overseeing state-operated settings and comprehensive behavioral health services that serve DSHS clients who receive care in our state operated 24/7 facilities.
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Home and Community Living Administration: Will coordinate home and community-based services that support clients in their own environments. This new entity merges key functions from the community side of the Developmental Disabilities Administration and the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (including Home and Community Services, Adult Protective and Residential Care Services). We will focus on maintaining continuity across developmental disability programs, services and initiatives.
These two new administrations strategically integrate the Behavioral Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Aging and Long-Term Support Administrations, building on each administration’s core strengths and aligning them to streamline process improvements to best serve our clients and support our staff.
Why is DSHS restructuring?
We are restructuring to:
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Consolidate expertise: Bringing together key service areas (previously spread across the Behavioral Health, Developmental Disabilities and Aging and Long-Term Support Administrations), we make sure specialized knowledge is used most effectively.
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Simplify processes: Modernizing procedures like intake, enrollment and eligibility to create a more user-friendly experience.
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Improve service clarity: Providing a unified structure that makes it easier for clients and families to understand and access the services they need.
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Make operations Efficient: Aligning resources and services to better meet the evolving needs of our community.
How will these changes affect my interactions with DSHS?
For clients and external partners:
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Continuity of service: Your usual points of contact are not changing, and the quality of service you expect will continue without interruption.
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Quality of Service: While our internal structure has changed, our commitment to your service experience remains our top priority.
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Improved access: These changes are expected to lead to a more streamlined and transparent process for accessing care and support services.
Will there be any disruptions or reductions in services?
This is a comprehensive reorganization intended to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency. Planning ensures that any changes do not disrupt the services you depend on.
How can you provide input during this transition?
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Engagement opportunities: We will invite clients, client families, Tribal partners, and community partners to participate in workgroups to identify best practices and improve our service model to enhance our client’s experience. Additional information about how to get involved in these workgroups will be shared before they begin.
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Feedback channels: Share your ideas, questions or concerns by contacting us at Reimagine@dshs.wa.gov.
Will DSHS websites or online resources change?
The DSHS website and related platforms will remain unchanged at first to ensure uninterrupted access to accurate information. We will introduce updates as they are made—such as new branding or navigational changes. User access is a top priority.
Where can I find more information about these changes?
For an overview of our new structure, including organizational charts, please refer to our official announcement on the DSHS website: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/alert/organizational-changes-dshs
Any questions or comments can be directed to: Reimagine@dshs.wa.gov
Who should I contact if I have further questions or need support?
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Direct support: Contact your established DSHS service representative.
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General inquiries: Please email us at Reimagine@dshs.wa.gov for any questions or additional guidance regarding these changes.