What is the role of social services departments?
Social Services Department in Washington State
A social services department is responsible for providing the community's underprivileged members with the opportunities they need to get by and thrive. These opportunities include public education, welfare protection, universal health care, and more.
In Washington State, this government social service agency is called the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, or DSHS.
To access their official website, you may click here.
Mission Statement
The mission statement of DSHS is “To transform lives by promoting choice, independence, and safety through innovative services.”
Main Social Services Programs Offered by Washington State
Assistance Programs
Washington State offers assistance to those less fortunate with food, cash, and medical aid, and with emergency needs.
These programs are:
- Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) coverage
- Additional Requirements for Emergent Needs (AREN)
- Diversion Cash Assistance (DCA)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)?
- Housing Assistance
For more information, you may call:
- Washington Relay Service 1-800-833-6384
- DSHS Community Services Customer Service Contact Center- (877)-501-2233
- DSHS Community Services Division Constituent Relations (800)-865-7801
Child Support Programs
Handled by the Economic Services Administration, these programs aim to promote & protect the welfare of less privileged children by assisting with family financial support to protect each child’s basic quality of life.
For more information, contact 800-442-KIDS (5437) or email at DCS-CRU@dshs.wa.gov
Youth Services Programs
Young people who are at-risk can receive support and guidance via the Washington State youth program. This program uses a peer mentoring method for youths that are in juvenile rehabilitation. Young people in foster care can also receive support through the Foster Youth Program.
For inquiries, call 1-800 723-4831 or check out their website.
Adult Care Programs
This program addresses practical caregiving support for persons 60 years of age or older. It aims to offer adult care programs and find additional care and services for all enrolled adults through respected agencies.
These agencies are:
- Area Agency on Aging (AAA)
- Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs)
- Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP)
- Home and Community Services (HCS)
- Adult Protective Services
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman
For more information, you may contact the following:
- Area Agency on Aging - 509-886-0700 or 1-800-572-4459
- Adult Protective Services - 1-877-734-6277
- Family Caregiver Support Program - 509-766-2568
- Home & Community Services - 509-764-5657 or 1-800-671-8902
- Long Term Care Ombudsman - 509-886-0700 x232 or 1-800-572-4459
Mental Health and Addiction Services Programs
This program, run by the Behavioral Health Administration, aims to provide treatment services to those who require mental and behavioral assistance. It aims to help patients recover and find new ways to assist those physically and mentally in need due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
For more information, you may email bhacommunications@dshs.wa.gov.
Disability Support Programs
Washington State also aims to support people with disabilities. This support can be through disability insurance benefits, in-home care services, and employment assistance for those with disabilities.
To find out more, take a look at the Disability Determination Services website. You can also contact the office via phone:
- Olympia Regional Office 1-800-562-6074
- Federal Way Regional Office 1-800-843-4440
- Spokane Regional Office 1-800-572-5299