sECTION 3:
Your Rights:
Video 1: Disablities, Race, Culture Language, Preference and (generational) Poverty.
Video 2: Domestic Violence
Quick Links to information below
Your rights:
There are publications, handouts, and questions that DCYF should be giving you and asking you when you come into contact with them. The reason we bring these up now is that these things should make clear immediately with regards to your needs and your family's needs.
Disablities
DCYF has to adhere to non-discriminatory practices when it relates to you or your child with regards to a disability. They are required to give you a notice of nondiscrimination (the foregoing link leads to the form with a variety of language options) which outlines what to do and who to call if you feel a social worker has discriminated against you for your disability. You are protected under the Americans Disability Act. Notice Of Nondiscrimination On The Basis Of Disability Under The Americans With Disabilities Act Of 1990 And Section 504 Of The Rehabilitation Act Of 1973. Specifically, under DCYF Policy 2333 2(c)(ii) the publication is required to be handed out to the youth or the youth’s parents and/or caregivers at initial contact. The policy is titled “Interviewing a Victim or Identified Child.” While the title might suggest that this information could be found elsewhere, it is, in fact, noticeably located in this policy only. Since the foregoing specifically outlines what you should receive at the beginning of the case, it’s important to understand the steps to take in case of a grievance. Both documents provide instructions for filing a grievance, but this additional publication is dedicated specifically to guiding you through the grievance process. Moreover, in compliance with the law, DCYF is obligated to address the needs of Americans with Disabilities and offer necessary resources. It is advisable to acquaint yourself with these resources, especially if you have disabilities, to understand what DCYF is mandated to provide for you.
Race, Preference, Cultural, (generational) poverty
Race and Preference: DCYF recognizes racial disparities and cultural sensitivities. The following publication is DCYF’s identification of these concerns and has set a goal to “eliminate disparities so that race and family income are no longer predictors of well-being.” If you are faced with a situation in which you feel that you are being racially discriminated against by DCYF, bring to their attention their “Strategic and Race Equity Plan“. Things like implicit bias, pre-judgement, etc, is what DCYF is attempting to eradicate. On the final page of the DCYF’s publication is a beautiful infographic describing: “creating an environment to advance racial equity.” In representation of parents for decades, we have seen the impact of speaking up against racism whether implicit (meaning someone doesn’t recognize they are doing it but are) or whether it is explicit (meaning someone knows exactly what they are doing) is essential to end these inequities. DCYF as a whole recognizes this but it is all of our jobs to help individuals who are having difficulty being advocates of racial equity. Racial equity and social justice.
As mentioned earlier in Section 2, the Child Welfare Information Gateway is a valuable resource with a wealth of information on how the child welfare system should operate. On their web page labeled Equitable Practice they state: “Equitable practice is the consistent and just treatment of all people, including individuals who belong to underserved and marginalized communities, including the LGBTQIA2S+ community. This practice is about reducing disproportionality and disparities, providing equitable access to culturally responsive services, and improving experiences and outcomes.”
This webpage provides further resources on how treatment of all individuals should be proportional and offers a vast amount of guidance on addressing and preventing racism within the child welfare system. Historical trauma among African Americans.
Cultural: Addressing racial and cultural disproportionality in child and family welfare systems is essential due to the overrepresentation of children of color, and various cultures influenced by factors such as racism, poverty, organizational culture, and resource limitations. Comprehending the expected procedures within the child welfare system regarding this matter is crucial. That’s why this culturally responsive practices from the Child Welfare Information Gateway offers numerous articles detailing the appropriate actions the department should take. Cultural competency and sensitivity play a vital role in this context, ensuring that child welfare and juvenile justice systems respond respectfully and effectively to individuals of all racial and cultural backgrounds. This is of such great importance The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) addresses in in a webpage entitled Culture and trauma. The NCTSN was created by Congress in 2000 as part of the Children’s Health Act to raise the standard of care and increase access to services for children and families who experience or witness traumatic events.
Cultivating cultural competence is crucial to breaking down systemic barriers and promoting inclusive, effective, and respectful service delivery for children and families from diverse backgrounds. So what can you do if you are encountering this within the system? First, if you are in a court case immediately speak to your court appointed attorney and bring it to their attention. If you are not court involved you most likely will not have a court appointed attorney. If you do not have an attorney consider seeking support from community organizations that align with your race, culture, or preferences. Advocates from groups such as the NAACP, cultural community centers, LGBTQIA+ community organizations, Hispanic centers, and others can offer valuable assistance. These representatives may be knowledgeable about the specific challenges you face and can provide guidance and support during interactions with DCYF. Building a network of support within these organizations can enhance your ability to navigate the child welfare system effectively. Additionally, explore local resources in Spokane, Washington, that cater to your community for tailored assistance. Possibilities could include places like: Community-minded.org, spokanenaacp.org, outspokane.org, or
hbpawa.org.
(Generational) Poverty:
Poverty, on its own, is acknowledged as a component of the discrimination concerns described above. Poverty or “socioeconomically disadvantaged” refers to individuals or groups who face economic and social challenges that hinder their access to resources, opportunities, and a higher quality of life. These challenges may include limited financial means, inadequate access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, as well as a lack of social privileges. People who are socioeconomically disadvantaged often experience barriers that can affect their overall well-being and life outcomes. This term is commonly used in discussions about social inequality and disparities, highlighting the impact of economic factors on an individual or community’s social standing and opportunities.
Generational poverty refers to a situation in which at least two successive generations of a family continue to live in poverty. It often involves a cycle where the economic disadvantages, lack of resources, and limited opportunities experienced by one generation are passed on to the next. Families in generational poverty typically face persistent challenges in areas such as education, employment, housing, and healthcare. Breaking the cycle of generational poverty often requires comprehensive efforts addressing systemic issues, providing access to education and resources, and creating opportunities for economic mobility.
Generational trauma that can occur from poverty, generational poverty, racism, cultural descrimination, preference discrimination is also known as transgenerational trauma, which refers to the transmission of trauma from one generation to the next. It suggests that the effects of trauma, whether from events like violence, or systemic oppression, can be passed down through families and impact the mental, emotional, and even physical well-being of subsequent generations. This transmission can occur through various mechanisms, including the way trauma affects parenting styles, family dynamics, and the overall environment in which children are raised. Understanding and addressing generational trauma often involve acknowledging historical or familial traumas, seeking mental health support, and working towards breaking the cycle of trauma within a family or community.
The discussion here aims to encourage self-awareness and self-compassion, emphasizing that you may not be fully aware of the presence of generational poverty or trauma. The intention is to foster sensitivity towards oneself in recognizing and addressing these challenges. Be your own voice and advocate, emphasizing that these are the particular issues where the department should be sensitive. Remind them that these concerns are acknowledged as challenges within the child welfare system. By Family and Justice quarterly an article on how Poverty is not neglect, An article by the Child Welfare Gateway Information on how Separating Poverty from neglect.
Limited English Proficiency
ENGLISH: DCYF/CPS is obligated to communicate with you in your language. The gravity of the reason why they are involved with you and your family is significant. This can involve DCYF removing your child from your care and if you do not understand that due to limited English proficiency this a violation of your rights. Even if you feel that you have a basic understanding of English being involved with DCYF is complicated and the words they use can quickly be lost on someone with limited proficiency in English. Let DCYF know at every single stage you do not understand them fully and that English is not your first language. Demand ANY paperwork be translated and demand that DCYF get a translator. If you are struggling communicating with them look at this publication! If you do not speak English.
ESPANOL: DCYF/CPS está obligado a comunicarse con usted en su idioma. La gravedad del motivo por el que se involucran con usted y su familia es significativa. Esto puede implicar que DCYF retire a su hijo de su cuidado y, si usted no comprende que, debido a su dominio limitado del inglés, esto constituye una violación de sus derechos. Incluso si cree que tiene conocimientos básicos de inglés, participar en el DCYF es complicado y las palabras que utilizan pueden pasar desapercibidas rápidamente para alguien con un dominio limitado del inglés. Informe al DCYF en cada etapa que no los comprende completamente y que el inglés no es su primer idioma. Exija que se traduzca CUALQUIER documentación y exija que el DCYF consiga un traductor. Si tiene dificultades para comunicarse con ellos, ¡mire esta publicación! Si no hablas ingles.
SOOMAALI: DCYF/CPS waxaa ku waajib ah inay kula soo xiriiraan luqadaada. Culayska sababta ay adiga iyo qoyskaaga ugu lug leeyihiin waa muhiim. Tani waxay ku lug yeelan kartaa DCYF inay ilmahaaga ka saarto daryeelkaaga iyo haddii aadan fahmin in aqoonta Ingiriisiga xaddidan awgeed ay tani xadgudub ku tahay xuquuqdaada. Xitaa haddii aad dareento in aad leedahay faham aasaasi ah oo ku saabsan Ingiriisiga ku lug lahaanshiyaha DCYF waa mid adag oo erayada ay adeegsadaan si dhakhso ah ayay u lumin karaan qof aqoontiisa Ingiriisiga kooban tahay. U sheeg DCYF marxalad kasta oo aanad si buuxda u fahmin iyo in Ingiriisku aanu ahayn luqadaada koowaad. Codso in warqad kasta la turjumo oo la dalbado in DCYF ay hesho turjumaan. Haddii aad ku dhibtoonayso inaad la xiriirto iyaga fiiri daabacaadan! Haddii aadan ku hadlin Ingiriisiga.
DCYF and WA legislature identifies that this is major area that needs to be addressed by the following publication that is attached. The purpose in providing this publication is so that you can see the words that DCYF and WA legislature are using in recognizing that there was a need for programs that assist with language.
Updates to Language Barriers:
“In 2021 the Washington State legislature recognized the importance of comprehensive language access supports for DCYF.” DCYF was awarded money to implement the program and to address the issues that are identified in the budget for the language access program. DCYF stated,
“There were some clear gaps that have already been identified in DCYF’s language services. DCYF’s language access services were offered in a fragmented and inconsistent manner across interagency divisions and offices.”When an agency doesn’t adequately provide for the language needs for its services, providers and clients with limited English proficiency are less likely to access needed services, are unable to equitably participate in decision making processes, are less able to understand their rights, and are less likely to stay within compliance of agency rules and regulations.”
The Language Access Plan provides the backbone infrastructure to improve DCYF’s communications with clients and providers in a linguistically and culturally responsive manner. While they were not requesting additional dollars for general translation and interpretation needs, the resources they requested are suppose to help ensure that the money spent on translation and interpretation is used effectively and efficiently, with a better eye towards equitable access to DCYF services and decision making processes. These resources will also help bring much needed consistency to how DCYF delivers
language access supports across all lines of the agency’s business – creating a centralized, cohesive team with the ability to share and implement best practices, institute new agency policies and action plans. This is supporting the work of the DCYF staff and the tens of thousands of DCYF clients and service providers. This proposal will impact all publicfacing services divisions across the agency. DCYF expects to see client satisfaction improve, increased participation by persons with limited English proficiency in the agency’s community engagement efforts, improved compliance with regulatory frameworks by service providers who are LEP, and more families and providers access resources and services that DCYF provides.”
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence, often called DV, is when someone in a family hurts or threatens to hurt another person in their home. DCYF Policy 1170 is a policy that outlines what a social worker should do to in when a family is facing domestic violence. helps people who work with children and families to understand and assist in helping those involved with domestic violence. It’s like a set of rules to keep kids safe and assist the victim.
This policy applies to people who work with kids, like Child Protective Services Social workers and others. There are laws in place that say how domestic violence should be handled.
• The policy says that these workers need to ask questions to see if domestic violence might be happening in a family. If they think it’s a problem, they have to do a special interview to find out more. If they find that the violence could hurt a child, they must take steps to keep the child safe. This might mean making a safety plan or, in some cases, taking the child away from the home. They also need to provide information and help to people who are affected by domestic violence. There are special resources and hotlines to call for support. The main goal is to keep kids safe when there is domestic violence in their families. One important thing to note is that social workers are required to talk to all parties separately if domestic violence is even suspected but not confirmed. This way in ensures that you or your children are safe when speaking about the perpetrator. If you choose to let the social worker that there is domestic violence in the home they are obligated to assist you, but you must tell them the gravity of danger you and your child are in, ask if they could put you up in a hotel to get away immediately and tell them that you do not want any of your information shared with the perpetrator. If they do not assist you or you do not feel safe revealing this to a social worker who may remove your children because of the situation, you can go to a number of other people who will assist you. For information around the state please reference below. For assistance particular to Spokane here are the following resources:
• YMCA: Eliminating racism and empowering women,
• Department of Health resources for Spokane Domestic Violence Resources,
• City of Spokane Police Dept. Domestic Violence Unit,
• Spokane domestic violence shelters,
• Spokane Regional Domestic Violence Coalition,
• Domestic Violence of indigenous people Spokane Tribe of Indians Family Violence Program: 509-258-8924 or 509-724-1053, Crime Advocate Gerald Crowshow gerald.crowshoe@spokanetribe.com
• Kalispel Tribe Victim Assistance Services lgill@kalispeltribe.com (509) 447-7155, Hotline: (877) 700-7175
• Coeur d’Alene Tribe Stop Violence Program (208) 686-0601
• Nez Perce Women’s Outreach Program (208)621-4690, 24-hour number: 1(855)803-4685 kareep@nezperce.org
• MiA Mujeres in Action La informacion esta en espanol.
Links, Forms & Publications
Links
Forms
Publications
The harm of child removal. This is an article out of Balitmore University that speaks to trauma in dealing with CPS.
National Counsel of Juvenile and Family Court Judges issued an article on Distinguishing Poverty Experienced by Families from Child Neglect.