Quarterly Report_Q4 FY2026
Program Updates
Core Trainings
Workforce Core
Since launching in September, Workforce Core has moved forward into the initial CQI process, from pilot to assessment to review and revision discussions. This quarter, a workgroup of DCYF program managers and leaders, and P4C and Alliance team members convened to discuss evaluation data and determine next steps. Through this three-meeting collaboration, the group created a proposed revision plan for WFC that outlines the needs and execution over FY27. Once these revisions are completed, WFC will join all other Alliance courses in the three-year revision schedule.
Initial evaluation data showed statistically significant gains between pre- and post- assessment, from 78% to 86%. This mirrored data collected during the WFC pilot, and is notable especially when compared with Regional Core Training, which did not have this gain.
The revision plan will address findings around how content’s placement in the schedule may impact learners’ ability to retain information. The group discussed the capacity of learners and how that could be structurally supported.
Identified revisions have started and will be launched at specific times during the coming fiscal year.
WICWA
Washington State Indian Child Welfare (WICW) training launched in April. The course deepens learners’ understanding of the Indian Child Welfare Act’s legal foundations, its historical significance, and its vital role in ensuring that Native American/Alaska Native children remain connected to their Tribal communities.
The course incorporates case scenarios and videos, which participants enjoyed and wanted more of. Notable feedback included requests for more time to be allotted, and for more voices and perspectives of tribal representatives.
"I learned a lot as to how things have changed in the last four years. There is a wealth of knowledge and support available to the social workers now."
By the Numbers
* Scale of 1 to 6
Sadistic Online Exploitation
This quarter, The Alliance partnered with DCYF and the FBI to offer a special training around Sadistic Online Exploitation. This focused on identifying and understanding signs of online exploitation and associated risks.
After participating in a related training, the Colville DCYF office identified an opportunity and brought a proposal forward to The Alliance to reach a wider DCYF audience. After speaking with the FBI facilitators, The Alliance put together a plan to offer two virtual trainings in FY26 and expanded the audience to include caregivers and CPSes in addition to DCYF staff. DCYF agreed to add the training to the training plan to garner IV-E funding.
The Alliance supported the trainers by drafting a template email that was sent to all participants with a content warning that included self-care recommendations, as well as FBI rules around recording. The Alliance also provided technical support for both virtual sessions and retained training completions.
The Alliance is currently working on providing additional resources for participants, and plans further collaboration with the trainers to offer additional sessions in FY27.
Area Administrators Summit
The 2026 Area Administrators Summit was a virtual two-day event held April 28 and 30. View the full agenda here.
This year’s summit introduced a non-consecutive two-day format, and included three-hour breakout sessions on Day 2. The nine sessions in total focused on strategic thinking, building connection, leadership, and tools and policy.
Attendees heard from experts in the field including Amelia Franck Meyer and Rebecca Jones Gaston, and a panel of parents who experienced the child welfare system and now work within it.
"Very inspiring presenter. I definitely felt some rejuvenation during this presentation and took many notes so I can refer back."
"This session was great in helping me to think more about how I can support my team in thinking differently on how we connect with parents, starting from our first contact with families."
By the Numbers
* Scale of 1 to 6
Program Managers Conference
The 2026 Program Managers Conference was a virtual two-day event held June 2 and 4. View the full agenda here.
This event also piloted a skip-day format and longer breakouts. While the format worked for some others found the breakouts too long and the break day more complicated to accommodate around. Future events will likely revert to shorter breakouts but keep the overall schedule.
Presentations focused on needs around technology, leadership skills, thoughtful facilitation, lived experience perspectives, data and Tribal relations.
Keynotes included:
- “Going Beyond Programs and Policy,” Rebecca Jones Gaston
- “Leading Under Pressure Through Change,” Daniel Hallak
"This was my favorite session! Bring Daniel back next year. I really enjoyed learning about emotionally mature leadership and truth speaker and peacekeeper. Very helpful information and I will reflect on what he taught."
"Rebecca was very engaging and shared relatable experiences in her presentation. I loved the concept of 'Leadership based on presence.' I also appreciated her talking about our influence and the prompt to reflect on the question: Where are we holding the light?"
By the Numbers
* Scale of 1 to 6
Course Launches
Click each title for a description of courses launched this quarter.
Learners develop skills to differentiate between risk and safety, and complete assessments of safety at key decision and planning points, with standardized criteria using the Child Safety Framework to reduce individual biases. Additionally, participants will value the Child Safety Framework to ensure consistent, equitable decision making. This will increase the consistency of responses across workers, offices, and regions, and will provide transparency regarding rationale for DCYF actions.
This course is a session in the five-part Child and Family Welfare Services (CFWS) In-Service training suite, a foundational training series for CFWS workers.
Participants learn to navigate the court process effectively, engage in critical thinking, clearly document and articulate assessments, and actively drive the case plan.
Learning objectives include acting ethically and with transparency.
This is part 1 of a two-part class. Participation in both courses is necessary for credit. Participants need to register for part 1 and part 2 together as the same cohort.
Participants learn to navigate the court process effectively, engage in critical thinking, clearly document and articulate assessments, and actively drive the case plan.
Learning objectives include acting ethically and with transparency.
This is part 1 of a two-part class. Participation in both courses is necessary for credit. Participants need to register for part 1 and part 2 together as the same cohort.
This course provides participants with key information about engaging with parents, children and youth, and caregivers through monthly contacts, and youth and family planning meetings to co-create case plans. Participants will use engagement strategies to facilitate difficult conversations, and value family engagement which supports best outcomes for children and youth.
This course is a session in the five-part Child and Family Welfare Services (CFWS) In-Service training suite, a foundational training series for CFWS workers. CFWS In-Service: Assessing Safety is a prerequisite to this course.
Learners will assess for and pursue the most appropriate permanency plan for each child by engaging families, caregivers, and children in the planning process; applying the CSF and SDM-RA findings to establish behaviorally specific conditions for return home; evaluating kin and foster caregivers as permanency resources; and completing the case closure and transfer steps that support a stable, well-documented transition out of DCYF involvement.
This course will inform about and deepen understanding of the developmental needs of adolescents. Participants will be able to use engagement strategies that meet these youth “where they are” to complete transition planning that incorporates their expressed desires and needs to inform these plans.
This course is a session in the five-part Child and Family Welfare Services (CFWS) In-Service training suite, a foundational training series for CFWS workers.
The goal of this training is to prepare child welfare professionals to effectively implement the CPS Family Assessment Response (FAR) approach. You will develop a deep understanding of FAR principles, including comprehensive family assessments, case planning, and ongoing monitoring to ensure child safety and well-being. Through practical skill-building, you will enhance your ability to engage families, locate and involve non-custodial parents, collaborate with tribes, and develop SMART case plans tailored to family strengths and needs. You will deepen your understanding around the value of family engagement, trauma-informed practice, and culturally responsive decision-making.
This course is a session in the five-part Child Protective Services (CPS) In-Service training suite, a foundational training series for CPS workers.
The goal of this training is to equip child welfare professionals with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to conduct complex investigations while prioritizing worker safety, child well-being, and investigative integrity. You will learn best practices for assessing risks, conducting trauma-informed interviews, and collaborating with multi-disciplinary partners to ensure thorough and legally sound investigations. Through skill-building exercises, you will develop strategies for engaging children, caregivers, and alleged perpetrators while maintaining professionalism, neutrality, and adherence to policy and procedure. You will demonstrate investigative integrity through communication with multi-disciplinary partners centered on the child’s well-being.
This course is a session in the five-part Child Protective Services (CPS) In-Service training suite, a foundational training series for CPS workers.
This training provides child welfare professionals with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to effectively assess child safety and implement appropriate interventions. You will increase your understanding of the Child Safety Framework, including Structured Decision Making (SDM) and the distinction between safety plans and protective actions. Through practice-based learning, you will enhance your ability to conduct comprehensive safety assessments, apply critical thinking, and document safety findings accurately. You will develop plans that are focused on the best interests of the child, culturally responsive, developed with the family, and strength-based, as this approach leads to the best outcomes.
This course is a session in the five-part Child Protective Services (CPS) In-Service training suite, a foundational training series for CPS workers.
This training helps learners build skills to focus and guide callers so they can provide essential information about the incident of concern. Participants will learn how to gather critical information, such as the history of the family and the children, and their cultural background to help make the best possible screening decisions.
This brief eLearning reviews federal legislation and DCYF policy requirements for screening intakes regarding currently pregnant substance using birthing parents, and newborns who experienced prenatal substance exposure.
There is a high co-occurrence of domestic violence in cases of abuse or neglect of children and youth. However, a child’s exposure to domestic violence, in or of itself, does not constitute abuse or neglect of children and youth. This training will help learners develop the skills to ask the right questions to make a prompt and accurate assessment of whether a child is in clear and present danger from domestic violence.
In this eLearning course, participants learn the specific requirements for contacting law enforcement and how to gather information from medical professionals to clarify what is needed to protect the child.
This training orients learners to some basic considerations related to screening intakes that involve a licensed foster home, child care facility, or other state-regulated facility.
Participants learn to recognize the purpose of post-permanency supports and explain the eligibility requirements, application processes, and key components of post-permanency supports within the Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP) and the Adoption Support Program.
This course enhances learners’ ability to identify, respond to, and serve children and youth experiencing sexual exploitation and/or trafficking by knowing the laws, policies, and basic concepts.
Participants gain a foundational awareness of substance use disorders and the impact on child safety in child welfare cases; learn to recognize common signs and impacts of adult substance use disorders on children and family relationships; and respond in a manner that supports the well-being of the child or youth in their care.
Participants review the basics of child sexual development and methods for talking about sexual topics with children and youth.
This training enhances learners’ ability to identify, respond to, and serve children and youth experiencing sexual exploitation and/or labor trafficking through trauma-informed and collaborative practices.
This training is designed to deepen understanding of the Indian Child Welfare Act’s legal foundations, its historical significance, and its vital role in ensuring that Native American/Alaska Native children remain connected to their Tribal communities.
Training Summary
* Data for Q2 Workforce Core completions is not available.
Training Attendance and Feedback
View Registrations and Completions for Workforce and Caregivers/Non-DCYF Staff.