Understanding CPS Support for Housing Needs
- Giovanne Schachere
- Sep 23
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 3
A Solutions-Based Guide for Families in Crisis
When a family is experiencing housing instability, the involvement of Child Protective Services (CPS) may raise questions and fears. At Mysti’s Adult & Family Services in Washington, we believe in empowering families through clarity, support, and access to real solutions.
This article explains what CPS can and cannot do around housing, outlines your rights as a parent, and provides direct access to local, state, and federal housing resources. The goal is not just to survive a housing crisis—but to recover, stabilize, and thrive.
What is CPS, and When Do They Get Involved?
CPS is part of Washington State’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Their legal mandate is to investigate reports of child abuse or neglect and ensure children are safe.
Housing instability alone is not a legal basis for CPS to remove children from their home. Poverty is not a crime, and RCW 13.34.030 makes it clear:
“Poverty, homelessness, or lack of adequate housing alone shall not be considered neglect.”
However, unsafe housing conditions (e.g., lack of heat, exposure to violence, drug activity, or lack of shelter) may lead to CPS involvement. Their role, ideally, is to connect families to services that can stabilize the home environment.
How CPS Can Help With Housing
CPS does not operate housing programs or pay rent directly. However, CPS can be a bridge to housing resources. Their role may include:
Referrals to Coordinated Entry (the central system for accessing shelters and housing)
Emergency shelter placements
Connections to housing case managers
Referrals to Foundational Community Supports (FCS) programs for families
Crisis planning to prevent family separation
Assistance applying for rental aid, diversion funds, or legal help
If CPS is involved with your family due to unsafe housing, you are entitled to request a housing referral or plan. You may also ask to be referred to Mysti’s Adult & Family Services, where our specialists advocate for clients through a trauma-informed, family-first model.
Programs and Resources Families Can Access
Mysti’s Adult & Family Services can help you connect with the following services. Below is a breakdown of resources by category.
Emergency and Transitional Housing (Washington State)
Coordinated Entry (statewide): Dial 2-1-1 or visit wa211.org
King County Housing: kcha.org
Seattle Housing Authority: seattlehousing.org
Drexel House, Olympia: (360) 753-3340
Pear Blossom Place (Thurston County): (360) 628-7343 For families with children or pregnant individuals
Rapid Rehousing and Diversion Programs
Diversion helps households avoid the shelter system by offering short-term support to resolve housing crises
Funding may cover deposits, rent, moving costs, or conflict mediation with family/friends
Mysti’s can initiate Diversion referrals at the point of intake or via CPS coordination
CPS workers may request assistance through the Seattle/King County Continuum of Care Diversion Program
Foundational Community Supports (FCS) Housing Program
For Medicaid-eligible adults and families
Includes a dedicated Housing Case Manager who assists with:
Housing search
Application and documentation support
Advocacy with landlords
Long-term stability plans
Mysti’s is a certified FCS provider and can initiate services immediately upon eligibility screening
Financial Assistance for Housing
State Emergency Resources
AREN (Additional Requirements for Emergent Needs) – Up to $750 for rent, utilities, or move-in costs through DSHS
Diversion Cash Assistance (DCA) – Up to $1,500 in one-time assistance for families not currently receiving TANF
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – Ongoing monthly cash + job/housing support
Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Help with utility bills
Consolidated Emergency Assistance Program (CEAP) – One-time emergency housing and utilities payment
All of the above can be accessed through your local DSHS office or at Washington Connection
Your Rights as a Parent
Under Washington State law and federal child welfare standards:
You cannot lose custody solely due to a lack of housing
You have the right to request housing support as part of any CPS service plan
You can request a referral to Mysti’s Adult & Family Services for immediate housing case management
You are entitled to a copy of any written CPS safety or service plan
You have the right to legal representation during any CPS process
If you feel your rights have been violated, you can contact:
Washington State Office of Family and Children’s Ombuds: 1-800-571-7321
How Mysti’s Adult & Family Services Can Help
As a certified Medicaid provider, we offer:
CPS-coordinated housing support
Emergency housing referrals
FCS housing and employment case management
Medicaid eligibility screening
Warm handoffs to shelters, mental health, employment, and childcare services
Trauma-informed advocacy and documentation support
Next Steps: What to Do Right Now
Call Mysti’s Intake Line: 1-800-524-4827
Request a housing intake and eligibility screening
If working with CPS, ask your caseworker to add housing services to your family service plan
Prepare documents: ID, income proof, DSHS case number, and any eviction or utility shutoff notices
Being involved with CPS does not mean your family is broken—it means your family may need temporary support to overcome a crisis. At Mysti’s Adult & Family Services, we stand by families and ensure they get the resources they need without judgment or delay.
Housing is a right. Stability is possible. We are here to help you access both.
How CPS Housing Support Works
When CPS becomes involved due to concerns about a child's safety, housing conditions are often evaluated. If the home environment is unsafe or unstable, CPS may take steps to help the family find better housing. This process usually involves:
Assessment - CPS evaluates the family's housing situation during home visits.
Referral - If housing is inadequate, CPS refers the family to housing assistance programs.
Support - CPS may provide case management to help families navigate housing applications and services.
Follow-up - CPS monitors the family's progress to ensure housing stability is maintained.
It is important to note that CPS does not directly provide housing but acts as a bridge to connect families with housing resources. Families can also seek help independently through local housing authorities and nonprofit organizations.
If you are wondering can cps help you with housing, the answer is yes, but typically through referrals and support rather than direct housing provision.
