Role in Washington
DSHS manages aging and disability services, child welfare, developmental disabilities, and economic services in Washington State. It is a major pass-through entity for ACF federal funding.
Key Programs
- Aging and Long-Term Support Administration — home and community-based services
- Developmental Disabilities Administration — residential and employment services
- Children's Administration — child welfare, foster care, family preservation (Title IV-E, IV-B)
- Economic Services Administration — TANF, WorkFirst, childcare subsidies
- Refugee and immigrant assistance programs
- Area Agencies on Aging contracts and grants
Details
DSHS serves as a pass-through for significant federal ACF funding, including TANF and child welfare dollars. For healthcare-adjacent organizations, the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration and Developmental Disabilities Administration are the most relevant divisions. DSHS contracts frequently with community-based organizations for direct service delivery, making it a key funding source for social service providers.