5400. Child Care

Applies To:  This policy applies to Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) child welfare employees.

Policy Number & Title:  5400. Child Care

Effective Date:  July 28, 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance to Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) child welfare employees on how to authorize payment for quality child care to meet the needs of children in-home or in out-of-home care and promote safety, permanency, and well-being.

Authority

RCW 43.216.020   Department duties

RCW 43.216.250   Secretary’s licensing duties

RCW 74.13.020   Definitions

RCW 74.15.020   Definitions

Chapter 110-15 WAC  Working connections and seasonal child care subsidy programs

Policy

Caseworkers:

  1. May authorize child care for eligible children residing in their parent’s or guardian’s home and in out-of-home care, per WACs 110-15-4500 through 110-15-4580.
  2. Are responsible authorizing child care for eligible children in out-of-home care.
  3. Must verify the child meets the following eligibility criteria prior to authorizing child care:
    1. The child has an open child welfare case.
    2. The child is 12 years old or younger or is under age 19 with verified special needs per WAC 110-15-0220.
    3. The child's case plan identifies the need for child care and that need is based on the needs of the family.
  4. Must verify child care services are provided by a qualified provider, per WAC 110-15-0125.
  5. Must authorize payment within the rates established for daily child care per WACs 110-15-0200, 110-15-0205, and 110-15-0245.
  6. Must authorize payment within the rates established for special needs child care per WACs 110-15-0225, 110-15-0230, and 110-15-0235.
  7. Must notify child care providers 10 calendar days in advance of a planned termination, e.g., planned placement move, or as soon as possible for an urgent and unanticipated termination of child care services, e.g., unplanned or court ordered move.

Resources

Child Care procedures (Located in the DCYF Policies & Rules Office SharePoint) 

Original Date:  July 1, 1995

Revised Date:  July 28, 2019

Review Date:

Approved by:  Ross Hunter, Secretary