In Washington State and worried about a child right now? Call the DCYF Intake Line, 24/7: 1-800-END-HARM (1-866-363-4276)
HELD & WHOLE
Serving Washington State

Every child deserves to feel held — and whole.

HELD & WHOLE listens to children, identifies gaps in support, and advocates for the resources, services, and systems that help them feel safe and supported.

Our Mission
Our mission is to become the village our children need by listening to their voices, strengthening community support, advocating for their needs, and connecting families with resources to prevent harm and help every child thrive.
What We Do

Four ways we work alongside children and families across the state.

Child-Centered Listening

We create listening opportunities where children are heard directly, on their own terms.

Community Connection

We connect children and families with the community resources they need.

Outreach & Education

We support outreach and education that raises awareness of children's needs.

Systems Advocacy

We advocate for stronger systems of support that hold up over time.

Who We Serve

Every child, birth through 18, across Washington State.

BirthAge 18

HELD & WHOLE serves children ages birth through 18 throughout Washington State, providing child-centered listening opportunities, connecting children and families with community resources, supporting outreach and education, and advocating for stronger systems of support.

The Organization focuses on all children in the community, with special attention to children affected by violence, trauma, and barriers to accessing resources.

Our Focus

All children in our community — with special care for those who need it most.

While our work reaches every child, we give special attention to children affected by violence, trauma, and barriers to accessing resources.

Children affected by violence Children affected by trauma Children facing barriers to resources
Child Protection & Safety

Keeping children safe isn't a policy on a shelf — it shapes everything we do.

Because HELD & WHOLE serves children ages birth through 18, we maintain policies designed to protect children and promote safe interactions in every setting we work in. Our procedures include:

HELD & WHOLE strives to maintain safe environments for children participating in listening sessions, outreach activities, and community programs.

The Need We See

The problems are real — and so is the difference the right support can make.

What Families Are Up Against

  • Children continue to experience domestic violence, abuse, and severe neglect — often without ever getting the help they need.
  • Families need support, but everyday barriers like internet access and paperwork stand in the way.
  • Most programs require a referral, and referrals take time children may not have.

What Becomes Possible

  • Protecting children from abuse while building the support the whole family needs to prevent it from happening again.
  • More consistent eyes on children through daycare and community systems beyond the immediate family.
  • Less clogged foster care intake, so the most severe cases get faster, more immediate attention.

How We Help Right Now

Because most programs require a referral and time to arrange, HELD & WHOLE hands families first-hand resources directly and helps them fill out the forms that get their immediate needs met. Along the way, our team builds skill in recognizing the signs of abuse and neglect, and takes part in connecting children to safety through community outreach.

Featured Resource

Family Voluntary Services (FVS)

FVS is a program parents and guardians can choose to join. It's an extension of Child Protective Services, but open to any family — not only those already in the system — which makes it a strong example of preventative support. Families can call the DCYF Intake Line to request FVS services.

WA State DCYF Intake Line · 24/7
1-800-END-HARM
(1-866-363-4276) — Washington State's toll-free hotline
Join the Village

The village doesn't build itself.

Whether you have an hour a month or a skill families need, there's a place for you at HELD & WHOLE. Reach out to volunteer, donate, or bring FVS to a family who needs it.

🎓 This site is academic in nature and used for educational purposes only as part of the Team Academy pedagogy at The Evergreen State College.