This page includes materials from our Group Care Information Forums and Group Care WAC Trainings to help you prepare for the new licensing rules going into effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
Group Care Information Forums
These forums are designed to keep licensors, providers and all impacted parties informed and prepared for the upcoming group care licensing rules. Each session will cover key updates and topics essential to understanding and implementing the new rules.
Get the latest updates on the Group Care Negotiated Rule Making (NRM) project updates, upcoming training, and answers to participant questions.
Length: 1 hour
Resources:
Explore Training Topics and Resources
As DCYF’s Licensing Division adopts a more collaborative, strength-based mindset, these resources are designed to support your learning and application of the new rules in practice:
- Using a Strength-Based Approach: Introduces the key principles and benefits of a strength-based approach. By emphasizing collaboration, respect, and education, a strength-based approach supports licensees in meeting standards while fostering positive relationships that strongly benefit children, families, and entire communities
- Achieving Collaborative Compliance: Explains how to use a strength-based approach for achieving collaborative compliance.
- For additional information about Group Care WAC Training, view our Frequently Asked Questions.
This training lays the foundation for the Group Care WAC Training series and equips participants with essential knowledge and skills to understand how licensing and providers can collaborate to help create effective, supportive environments for children and youth. Participants will also gain a deeper understanding of the purpose behind the new group care licensing rules and how they support both compliance and positive outcomes for children and youth.
Length: 6 hours