Group Care Negotiated Rule Making Project

Utilizing this Negotiated Rule Making (NRM) approach, the Licensing Division has begun the process of amending the group care WAC 110-145 as part of the D.S. Settlement. DCYF will pause accepting new group care license applications starting Feb 1, 2026, in preparation for the New Group Care WACs that will go live on May 1, 2026.

What is Negotiated Rule Making?

NRM is a way to develop rules by seeking consensus from delegates representing groupings of similar parties impacted by the rule. Utilizing the NRM approach to rule making has several benefits, such as:

  • Providing greater public access to rulemaking
  • Creating more culturally and developmentally appropriate rules
  • A better understanding of rule intent and increased compliance with rules

Group Care WAC Review: Next Steps

Thanks to those of you who participated in our Public Comment period, which closed on July 8, 2025. A list of the proposed changes prior to the Public Comment period can be found beginning on Page 21 of the CR-102 document. Please note that these are draft rules that may change before the new group care licensing rules officially go into effect. View a summary of the proposed changes prior to the Public Comment Period. 

We are nearing the finish line for the Group Care WAC review. Here’s what’s next: 

  • After reviewing more than 120 public comments, 16 WACs were identified that require substantive revisions. These will go back through the full CR-102 process.
  • The remaining WACs, some with only minor edits, will proceed directly to CR-103P filing. Learn more about the Rule Making Process. 

This approach helps us ensure that meaningful changes get full review while minor updates move forward more quickly. Please see our Project Timeline section below for more details.

Project Timeline

The updated timeline sets out two filing tracks for the WAC:

  • CR-102 – the 16 WAC with substantive changes will follow the full CR-102 process.
  • All other WAC (some with only minor edits) will move directly to the CR-103P filing in Fall 2025.

Timeline & Next Steps (target dates):

  • CR-102 (16 WAC with substantive changes):
    • Internal, community partner & AAG review: Oct. 3 – 13, 2025
    • LD Leadership review: Oct. 31 – Nov. 10, 2025
    • File CR-102: Nov. 19, 2025
    • Public Comment: Nov. 20 – Dec. 23, 2025
    • File CR-103P: Mar. 31, 2026
  • CR-103P (all other WAC):
    • File CR-103P: Nov. 19, 2025

All chapter 110-145 WACs go live and take effect May 1, 2026

Group Care WAC Training Launched May 2025

Training on the new group care licensing rules launches May 2025 for licensing division staff, state licensed group care providers and impacted parties. The training series will be about 31.75 hours (internal) and 25.75 hours (external). See the Group Care Training and Resources Hub for more details. 

Licensing Wide Engagement Approach

DCYF's Licensing Division is using a consistent, inclusive approach to work with providers and caregivers. The goal of this approach is to create positive relationships between licensors and licensees that will benefit the communities we serve. Learn more about this approach and the benefits of these concepts: Strength-Based Approach and Collaborative Compliance. 

Ways to Engage

To fit different schedules, availability, and levels of interest, participants can get involved in the Group Care NRM Project by:

  • Attend new training sessions beginning in Spring 2025.
  • Join monthly Group Care Drop-in Sessions.
  • Reading the monthly Group Care NRM emails.

Reports

New Group Care Strategies Report, Immediate Recommendations to Enhance Practice

The new Early Implementation Work Group Report highlights current practices related to the seven areas under the Revising Licensing Standards D.S. Settlement System Improvement. A diverse group of participants including licensed caregivers and representatives from group care facilities, child placing agencies, and the Office of Tribal Relations (OTR) collaborated to identify barriers, review Prudent Parenting guidelines and create recommendations on practice improvements that can be implemented under current Washington Administrative Code (WAC) rules. 

Please review the recommendations if you have not already, and where possible, work with your licensor to implement identified strategies before the new group care rules roll out. 

National Review of Group Care Best Practices

As part of the DCYF contract, PCG conducted a review of national group care best practices by analyzing federal and state regulations and child welfare practices. Their findings outline best practice guidelines and data related to the D.S. Settlement Systems Improvement 4.9 Revising Licensing Standards. Read the Full Report

Questions?