Foster Care WAC Amendments

Negotiated Rule Making

Utilizing this Negotiated Rule Making (NRM) approach, the Licensing Division is 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.

The draft WAC 110-148 was available for internal DCYF staff, NRM participants, external partners, and more to review in summer 2025. Caregivers and the public will have an opportunity to review the WAC during public comment in early 2026. Licensing Division upgrades are occurring starting in fall 2025 through summer 2026. 

If you want to stay up to date on the latest project updates, check out the D.S. Quarterly Report/semi-annual report. 

Licensing Wide Engagement Approach

DCYF's Licensing Division is using a consistent, inclusive approach to work with providers and caregivers. The goal of this approach is to create positive relationships between licensors and licensees that will benefit the communities we serve. Learn more about this approach and the benefits of these concepts: Strength-Based Approach and Collaborative Compliance. 

Foster Care NRM Final Report Available Now 

DCYF's Licensing Division contracted with Public Consulting Group (PCG) to facilitate negotiated rule making (NRM) for the Foster Care NRM Project. PCG developed a final report highlighting information including the following:

  • Key project insights
  • Project barriers
  • Future recommendations
  • Updates on amended WAC negotiated during the Foster Care NRM negotiation sessions

Read the full report. 

Tribal Engagement Sessions

Tribal Engagement sessions will be held on Wednesday, October 1, and Thursday, October 9, 2025. Invitations will be sent by the Office of Tribal Relations to participants.  

DCYF internal workgroups are forming to complete updates to the home study, forms, and procedure, which will also include Tribal Child Placing Agency feedback as well.   

New Strategies Report, Immediate Recommendations to Enhance Practice

The new Early Implementation Work Group Report highlights current practices related to the seven areas in the D.S. Settlement Systems Improvement 4.9 Revising Licensing Standards. A diverse group of participants including licensed caregivers and representatives from group care facilities, child placing agencies, and the Office of Tribal Relations (OTR) collaborated to identify barriers, review Prudent Parenting guidelines and create recommendations on practice improvements that can be immediately implemented with current Washington Administrative Code (WAC) rules.

Ways to Engage 

  If you have any questions, email dcyf.fostercarenrm@dcyf.wa.gov.

Project Timeline

  • Fall 2023: Foster Care NRM Preparation
  • Winter, Spring, and Summer 2024: Foster Care NRM Development and Hybrid Negotiation
  • Fall 2024 and Winter 2025: Foster Care NRM Virtual Negotiations
  • Summer 2025: WAC Internal Comments, AAG Review, and Leadership Review
  • Fall 2025: Workgroups form, Engagement Sessions with Tribal Partners, and Preparing WAC for Public Comment
  • Winter 2026: File CR-102: Public Comment, develop training, and wrap-up workgroups
  • July 1, 2026: Foster Care WAC compliance