The new Kinship Licensing Standards — launched July 1 — include 50% less forms for applicants to fill out. The new standards also established a kinship home study with less questions than the current community foster care licensing process while still prioritizing safety. 

Licensing is important because it opens up opportunities for financial reimbursement, respite, and other supports that help meet the needs of the children and youth being served as well as the caregivers themselves.

Additional Resources 

• Kinship Licensing Rules
• Kinship Caregiver Resources 

WA State Makes it Easier for Relatives to Become Licensed Caregivers Article