In the spring of 2024, a cross-functional workgroup began creating a brand-new WAC Chapter to support a Kinship License.

The group worked diligently to create something that aligned with the federal recommendations and streamlined the licensing process while maintaining child safety. In the summer of 2024, kinship caregivers and community partners provided feedback through online surveys and small group interviews. In the fall of 2024, Tribal partners collaborated at Tribal Information Sessions, developing important new WACs that will better support Tribal children. The WAC chapter was then available for public comment in the winter of 2024/2025.

After over a year of work by teams across DCYF, including caregivers, community partners, and tribes, the WAC Chapter for the new Kinship License is now available. 

This WAC Chapter formalizes kinship care, extends financial support to caregivers, and supports DCYF in removing unnecessary barriers to keeping kids with kin.

We’ve also updated our webpages to be easier to understand.

Contact the project team by emailing dcyf.kinshipfeedback@dcyf.wa.gov.