It’s been more than 18 months since the Department of Social and Health Services was approved by the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council to launch its Trades Apprenticeship Program, only to be met head-on by a global pandemic. Despite the myriad challenges presented by COVID-19, the program got off the ground in September 2020 and now has its first three apprentices in place at ...read more
2021 DSHS News Releases
Welcome to DSHS' news releases for 2021. You may search by keyword and release number.
To read archived news releases, please choose the appropriate year below:
DSHS Trades Apprenticeship Program starts second class in eastern Washington, expands to Buckley
Tuesday, August 10, 2021 - 17:15
DSHS Office of Communications, Norah West, (360) 489-5587
August is Child Support Awareness Month
Monday, August 2, 2021 - 13:00
DSHS Office of Communications, Norah West, (360) 489-5587
OLYMPIA — As Washington state’s summer hits its stride, some thoughts can’t help but wander toward a new school year. We are still living in uncertain times, and many families remain concerned about how they will support their children. The Department of Social and Health Services’ Division of Child Support wants to remind parents this August, officially ...read more
Yakima Competency Restoration Center to close
Friday, July 2, 2021 - 12:45
DSHS Office of Communications, Tyler Hemstreet, (564) 201-0027
YAKIMA -- After serving Washingtonians in need of competency restoration services since 2016, the Yakima Competency Restoration Center will close by August 14, 2021.
The center is scheduled to close as a part of the Trueblood Contempt Settlement Agreement approved by the U.S. District Court of Washington. All patients will transfer out of the facility by July 30, 2021.
Staffed and managed by ...read more
Adult abuse cases continue to rise in Washington state as social distancing rules begin to relax
Friday, June 11, 2021 - 08:45
DSHS Office of Communications, Chris Wright, (360) 628-1043
OLYMPIA — June is Adult Abuse Awareness Month in Washington state. This annual statewide awareness campaign is designed to promote education, identification and reporting of the mistreatment of vulnerable adults throughout the state.
“Adult Abuse Awareness Month carries additional weight this year in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and prolonged stay-at-home order,” said Adult Protective Services Director Kathy Morgan. “For the past year, adult abuse was not as visible as it once was. ...read more
DSHS appoints interim CEO at Western State Hospitals Gage Center for Forensic Excellence
Thursday, April 29, 2021 - 11:30
DSHS Office of Communications, Adolfo Capestany, (360) 878-1240
The Department of Social and Health Services is reaching a major milestone this week toward Governor Inslee’s vision for a multi-biennia, statewide transformation of Washington’s behavioral health system. The plan focuses on developing a 21st century system of care by, in part, creating Forensic ...read more