4340. Guardianships

Applies To: This policy applies to child welfare employees.

Policy Number & Title: 4340. Guardianships

Effective Date: June 15, 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance on the use of subsidized and unsubsidized guardianships as a permanent plan for dependent children or youth.

Authority

Chapter 11.130 RCW Uniform Guardianship, Conservatorship, and Other Protective Arrangements Act

RCW 11.130.010 Definitions

Chapter 13.36 RCW Guardianship

RCW 13.34.130 Order of disposition for a dependent child, alternatives-Petition seeking termination of parent-child relationship-Placement with relatives, foster family home, group care facility, qualified residential treatment program, or other suitable persons-Placement of an Indian child in out-of-home care-Contact with sibling

RCW 13.34.145 Permanency planning hearing-Purpose-Time limits-Goals-Review hearing-Petition for termination of parental rights-Guardianship petition-Agency responsibility to provide services to parents-Due process rights

RCW 13.34.232 Guardianship for Dependent Child

RCW 13.34.234 Guardianship for Dependent Child and Dependency Guardianship Subsidies

RCW 74.13.031 Duties of the Department

RCW 74.13.280 Client information

Policy

Caseworkers must:
1. Hold shared planning meetings (SPM) before permanent plans of guardianship are considered for dependent children or youth. This includes discussing both the chapter 13.36 RCW guardianship and the chapter 11.130 RCW guardianship of a minor using the Permanency Planning Matrix DCYF CWP_0088 publication with the child’s or youth’s parents and caregivers, as an alternative to termination of parental rights (TPR) and adoption.
2. Follow the Placement Moves policy when considering moving children or youth placed with relatives or suitable others.
3. Not vacate guardianships or accept Voluntary Placement Agreements (VPA) for the purpose of making children or youth eligible for foster care or Extended Foster Care (EFC).
DCYF may subsidize guardianships based upon eligibility requirements.