Group Care

Group and residential care programs are each a type of live-in, out-of-home care placement in which staff are trained to work with children and youth. These placements offer a higher level of structure and supervision than what can be provided in a family home setting.

Group and residential programs are operated by private agencies licensed by DCYF and typically provide an array of services, including therapeutic services for children and families and educational and medical services for children or youth.

Pre-Application Group Care Licensing Checklist

To be considered for licensure you must submit all the documentation, not limited to the items listed below. 

Program Specifics 

  • Description of program
    • Mission and goals
    • Description of services provided
    • Resident daily schedule with meals and snacks.
  • Policies and procedures
  • Agency management
    • Current resumes
    • Proof of education
  • Emergency and evacuation plans
    • Floor plan with location of fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide   
          detectors, windows, and evacuation routes

You Must Submit Proof of the Following: 

  • Articles of incorporation
    • Proof of business license
  • Proof of zoning permissions
    • Complete through local city or county government
  • Certificate of occupancy
    • Only for group care licenses; except staffed residential license for five or fewer.
  • Fire codes
    • Compliance with the local fire department
  • Building codes
    • Compliance through local city government
    • WAC prohibits use of electronic monitoring unless for specifically noted
  • Signed and dated lease or proof of ownership
    • Permission from property owner if leasing

Pre-Service Training Log Template: 

  •   Identified training courses required for anyone providing direct care
    • Culturally responsive care
    • LGBTQIA+ affirming care
    • Trauma-informed care
    • Child abuse and neglect identification and reporting requirements
    • Client confidentiality
    • Licensing approved Behavior management and intervention techniques
    • Review of agency’s policies and procedures
  • Date of each training course
  • Duration of each training course
  • Training type (In-person, eLearning, PowerPoint, manual, etc.)
  • Signatures of personnel  
  • Date and signature of personnel’s supervisor indicating that all preservice training requirements have been completed
  • Anyone providing direct care must also show proof of:
    • Bloodborne Pathogens
    • First Aid and CPR 

Background Checks

Staff Training

Behavioral Management

Group care providers must have their direct care staff and volunteers’ complete behavior management training within 60 calendar days of working in the facility. This training must be approved by the department prior to implementation and include nonphysical methods of redirecting and controlling behavior that are appropriate to the developmental capabilities of the children and youth in care. Check out the resources box on this page for Behavior Management Trainings approved by DCYF's Licensing Division. 

WA CAP Implementation

The 2024 WA CAP implementation for group care providers and CPA licenses is delayed due to: 

  • Group Care Negotiated Rule Making (NRM) process and revisions to WAC 110-145
  • Federal rules that allow DCYF to develop new kinship licensing standards

It is important to note that CPA staff and the foster homes they certify will continue to use WA CAP and the delay will not affect them.

CPA and Group Care Agency licensing in WA CAP will be reassessed in January 2026.