2024 Caregiver Survey Report

Between September 2023 and September 2024, DSHS surveyed 1,342 caregivers (884 kinship and 458 foster) who had a child in care within six months of the sampling dates (August and November, 2023; February and May, 2024). These caregivers were asked about their satisfaction with the support and training provided by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) and private agencies contracted by DCYF. They were also invited to offer recommendations for change.

Satisfaction remained high in 2024, with a majority of caregivers giving positive responses to all structured questions. Kinship caregivers were more positive than foster caregivers on all items. There were also significant changes since 2023: fewer kinship caregivers said they were treated like part of the team, received adequate information, and found the support from Alliance CaRES helpful; and fewer foster caregivers said they found licensing staff knowledgeable and respectful.

In the written comments, caregivers expressed appreciation for the support from caseworkers; available resources; overall quality and helpfulness of DCYF staff and related agencies; and the helpfulness of the training. Caregiver comments also identify some areas that need work, including more consistent interactions with caseworkers, better service coordination, more information about resources, and additional financial and material support. Many caregivers also commented that they thought DCYF needed additional staff.