Foster Care WAC Amendments

You’re invited to participate in a 30-minute survey about changes to the Foster Care licensing requirements set by WAC 110-148.

Begin the survey
There is a token of appreciation for participating in the survey.

Negotiated Rule Making

Utilizing this Negotiated Rule Making (NRM) approach, the Licensing Division has begun the process of amending the foster care WAC 110-148 as part of the DS Settlement.

NRM is a way to develop rules by seeking consensus from delegates representing groupings made up of similar parties that are impacted by the rule. Utilizing a NRM approach to rule making has several benefits such as:

  • Providing greater public access to rulemaking
  • Creating more culturally and developmentally appropriate rules
  • Better understanding of rule intent 
  • Increased compliance with rules

Orientation

Orientation is an opportunity to hear details on next steps for Foster Care NRM. This is an informational meeting where the roles and responsibilities of DCYF, providers and stakeholders will be explained. In an effort to accommodate your busy schedules, there are 12 sessions to choose from.

Project Timeline

  • Oct. 1, 2023 – Dec. 31, 2023: Foster Care NRM Preparation 
  • Jan. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2024: Foster Care NRM Development and Hybrid Negotiation
  • Oct. 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025: Foster Care NRM In-Person Negotiations 
  • April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025: Foster Care NRM WAC Polishing and Filing 
  • July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026: Foster Care NRM Rule Training and Implementation
  • July 1, 2026: Foster Care WAC compliance 

Project Timeline Graphic

Ways to Engage

To accommodate individual participant schedules, commitment ability, level of investment, etc., there are multiple ways to participate in the NRM project.  

  • One option is to simply provide recommended changes to the current WAC through the NRM email. 
  • A second option is to stay connected through the Foster 
    Care NRM webpage and provide feedback as negotiated WAC are posted for review. 
  • A third option is to participate through your participant grouping meetings. 
  • A fourth option is to participate as an in-person negotiation participant grouping representative.