2019 Caregiver Survey Report

Between October 2018 and August 2019, DSHS surveyed 1,342 caregivers (529 licensed and 813 kinship) who had a child in care within six months of the sampling date (August and November, 2018; February and May, 2019). These caregivers were asked about their satisfaction with support, licensing, training, and information provided by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) and private agencies contracted by the Department to provide services to caregivers. They were also asked to offer recommendations for change.

Among licensed caregivers, there were statistically significant decreases in positive responses since 2018 for getting help, support, and information about the children placed with them. Positive responses for the adequacy of training increased, although the change was not statistically significant. Responses were similar for licensed and kinship caregivers for all questions, except in the area of receiving adequate information about the needs of the children. Positive responses were significantly higher for kinship caregivers, who usually know the children placed in their home. Two new questions about licensing staff show high levels of satisfaction among caregivers who have interacted with the Division of Licensed Resources. Written comments show that there are still some areas where many desire improvement, including information sharing, inclusiveness, reimbursements, and efficient processes. Suggestions for training improvement included factors affecting access, such as scheduling, the availability of online options, and child care. Caregivers continue to emphasize that participation of experienced caregivers and the ability to interact with one another add value to training.