The Department of Children, Youth & Families is in the process of amending the Group Care (110-145) Washington Administrative Code (WAC) through Negotiated Rule Making (NRM). NRM is a collaborative way to develop rules (WAC) by seeking consensus from tribal partners and groups made up of similar parties that are impacted by the rules. Participating in the NRM process would benefit tribes through the following:
- Development of more culturally and developmentally appropriate rules affecting tribal children placed in group care settings.
- Greater influence and understanding of rules that guide group care operations.
- Better provider understanding of rule intent and increased compliance with rules.
Based on other group participation, it is estimated that the commitment will include approximately one hour per week in preparation time and attendance at semi-monthly, two-hour Zoom meetings from now through June 2024. The Group Care WAC revision project is committed to meaningfully engaging with tribes and emphasizing cultural connections for tribal children.
Please see this One-Pager for more information and register by contacting the project team at dcyf.groupcarenrm@dcyf.wa.gov.