Locate Resources through Washington State's Website
Parents, counselors, or even young people themselves can find almost any resource available in Washington State through the use of internet sites. One of the first places to look for information is the official state website: http://www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily.aspx.
Since children's growth, behavior and development are constantly evolving throughout their childhood years, parents often need to locate resources to answer the questions that naturally arise. To get answers to questions regarding child care providers get the brochure "Licensed Child Care in Washington State." It is available in English and Spanish and can help parents locate a quality child care facility near where they live.
Information on how to adopt a child can be found on Washington State's website. The resources available on the site walk parents through the process and provide the papers necessary to begin the adoption process. Another area covered is foster care. Information is given on training to become a foster parent or respite provider. Child care by relatives: kinship care is also explained on the website.
Parents who worry about their child care provider neglecting or abusing their child or violating state regulations in any area of care can:
Help for parents with special needs children can be found through Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT). This agency coordinates statewide early intervention services for children who have developmental delays. A group of services are made available that intervene early in life which can make a big improvement in the child's future.
Parents-to-be can locate resources easily through the Department of Health and Department of Social and Health Services. Their First Steps program assists low-income pregnant women get social services and health care needed for a positive outcome to their pregnancies. Regional Genetic Clinics are available statewide offering testing, diagnosis, genetic counseling and treatment services. The effects of chemicals, drugs and other agents during pregnancy and lactation can be researched through CARE Northwest. This service is available to potential patients as well as healthcare professionals.
The Office of Newborn Screening provides tests for treatable disorders that can cause disabilities or even death. Follow-up services make diagnosis possible before significant or irreversible damage has occurred. The Directory of Genetic Support Groups gives comfort, emotional support and accurate information for parents whose child is diagnosed with a genetic disorder. The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has contact information on voluntary health organizations that help people with rare—orphan—diseases. NORD also assists organizations that provide services to those suffering from these illnesses.
Parents of children born in Washington up to age six can receive Health Promotion Materials from Child Profile. These will remind parents when their child's wellness exams and immunizations are due. The materials also include nutrition, growth and development, child safety and parenting information.
