3.15.30 Updating Licenses for Amendments and Changes in Circumstances

Applies to:  This policy applies to Licensing Division (LD) employees.

Chapter Number & Title:  3.15 Kinship Care 

Policy Number & Title:  3.15.30 Updating Kinship Licenses for Amendments and Changes in Circumstances

Effective Date:  July 1, 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance to LD workers completing amendments and changes in circumstances for kinship licenses. 

Authority

Chapter 74.15 RCW  Care of children, expectant mothers, persons with developmental disabilities
Chapter 110-148 WAC  Licensing requirements for child foster homes
Chapter 110-149 WAC  Kinship licensing requirements

Policy

  1. LD workers:
    1. Must complete the following when:
      1. Amending licenses due to a move:
        1. Determine if the licensed kinship caregivers meet the criteria in RCW 74.15.100.
        2. Assess the licensed kinship caregiver’s new home.
        3. Complete the license amendment when licensing requirements are met.
      2. Assessing changes in circumstance, follow the Completing Kinship Home Studies policy.
      3. Licensed kinship caregivers request to change their license to foster home licenses, notify:
        1. The family they must:
          1. Meet the licensing requirements in chapter 110-148 WAC.
          2. Complete a new home study.
        2. LD Foster Care Licensing Unit when the family is ready to apply.
    2. May issue new three-year licenses instead of completing an amendment to kinship caregivers’ existing license when they:
      1. Move within six months prior to their license expiration date.
      2. Meet renewal requirements within the move timeframes.
  2. Supervisors must approve, deny, or withdraw amendments and changes to licenses in writing. 

Resources

Completing Kinship Home Studies policy

Updating Kinship Licenses for Amendments and Changes in Circumstances procedures (located on the DCYF policies and rules intranet page, licensing division procedures)

Original Date:  July 1, 2025

Review Date:  July 31, 2029    

Approved by:  Ruben Reeves, Assistant Secretary of Licensing Division