Negotiated Rule Making
Utilizing this Negotiated Rule Making (NRM) approach, the Licensing Division has begun the process of amending the foster care WAC 110-148 as part of the DS Settlement.
NRM is a way to develop rules by seeking consensus from delegates representing groupings made up of similar parties that are impacted by the rule. Utilizing a NRM approach to rule making has several benefits such as:
- Providing greater public access to rulemaking
- Creating more culturally and developmentally appropriate rules
- Better understanding of rule intent
- Increased compliance with rules
Listening and Learning Sessions
After reviewing the feedback received from FC NRM Orientations, the WAC Focus spreadsheet, and survey, the FC NMR team has identified twenty-one WAC to discuss during the Listening and Learning Sessions beginning June 2024. These sessions will be an opportunity to hear caregiver, CPA and Stakeholder’s perspective on foster care rules and begin the revision process prior to negotiations beginning October 2024. We will also begin the process of identifying representatives who are interested in participating in the negotiation process. As a caregiver, you will receive credit for one training hour for every session you attend!
To accommodate your busy schedule, Listening and Learning sessions will be held virtually through Zoom. We are holding two sessions a week, covering the same WAC for each meeting. This will give you an opportunity to attend a session that works for you. Here are the details and Zoom link for each meeting:
Dates:
June 4, 2024: 6 to 7:30 p.m. | Zoom Link
June 6, 2024: 10 to 11:30 a.m. | Zoom Link
Agenda:
- 110-148-1305: What definitions do I need to know to understand this chapter?
- 110-148-1345: Who must have access to my home?
- 110-148-1410: What information is confidential and what information can I share about a child or a child's family?
Dates:
June 11, 2024: 6 to 7:30 p.m. | Zoom Link
June 13, 2024: 10 to 11:30 a.m. | Zoom Link
Agenda:
- 110-148-1375: What training am I required to have before I become licensed?
- 110-148-1340: What do I do to renew my license?
- 110-148-1380: What training must I complete after I am licensed?
- 110-148-1385: How do you decide the capacity for my home?
Dates:
June 18, 2024: 6 to 7:30 p.m. | Zoom Link
June 20, 2024: 10 to 11:30 a.m. | Zoom Link
Agenda
- 110-148-1515: What are the requirements regarding food?
- 110-148-1520: What services am I expected to provide for children in my care?
- 110-148-1525: What are the educational and vocational instruction requirements for children in care?
Dates:
June 25, 2024: 6 to 7:30 p.m. | Zoom Link
June 27, 2024: 10 to 11:30 a.m. | Zoom Link
Agenda
- 110-148-1430: What are other reporting requirements?
- 110-148-1440: What are the requirements for my home and property?
- 110-148-1455: How must I keep children safe around bodies of water?
Dates:
July 9, 2024: 6 to 7:30 p.m. | Zoom Link
July 11, 2024: 10 to 11:30 a.m. | Zoom Link
Agenda
- 110-148-1405: What are the requirements for keeping children's records?
- 110-148-1470: What are the general requirements for bedrooms?
- 110-148-1475: What are the requirements for sharing bedrooms?
Dates:
July 16, 2025: 6 to 7:30 p.m. | Zoom Link
July 18, 2024: 10 to 11:30 a.m. | Zoom Link
Agenda
- 110-148-1395: Do I have to admit or retain all children?
- 110-148-1615: What are the requirements for disciplining children?
- 110-148-1620: When may a child be restrained?
Dates:
July 23,2024: 6 to 7:30 p.m. | Zoom Link
July 25, 2024: 10 to 11:30 a.m. | Zoom Link
Agenda
- 110-148-1540: What privacy must I provide for children in my care?
- 110-148-1545: What belongings will foster children take when they leave my home?
Ways to Engage
- Stay informed on the project through the Foster Care WAC Amendments website
- Recommend changes to current WAC through the Foster Care email at: dcyf.fostercarenrm@dcyf.wa.gov
- Provide feedback as negotiated WAC are posted for review on the website beginning July 2024
- Participate in Listening and Learning sessions in June and July 2024
- Participate as a representative in the hybrid negotiation in October 2024
If you have any questions, email dcyf.fostercarenrm@dcyf.wa.gov.
Project Timeline
- Oct. 1, 2023 – Dec. 31, 2023: Foster Care NRM Preparation
- Jan. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2024: Foster Care NRM Development and Hybrid Negotiation
- Oct. 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025: Foster Care NRM In-Person Negotiations
- April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025: Foster Care NRM WAC Polishing and Filing
- July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026: Foster Care NRM Rule Training and Implementation
- July 1, 2026: Foster Care WAC compliance
