43401. Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP) and Extended Guardianship Assistance Program (EGAP)

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

Policy Number & Title:  43401. Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP) and Extended Guardianship Assistance Program (EGAP)

Effective Date:  June 15, 2024

Policy memo effective March 12, 2025

Purpose 

The purpose of the policy is to provide guidance on the use of the Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP) and Extended Guardianship Assistance Program (EGAP). GAP and EGAP include a monthly subsidy and Medicaid eligibility for children and youth and is available to support their care with licensed caregivers.

Authority 

42 U.S.C. 671  State plan for foster care and adoption assistance
42 U.S.C. 673   Adoption and guardianship assistance program
42 U.S.C. 675   Definitions
PL 110-351  Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008
PL 113-183   Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act
Chapter 11.130 RCW  Uniform Guardianship, Conservatorship, and Other Protective Arrangements Act 
Chapter 13.36 RCW  Guardianship 
RCW 13.38.040  Definitions
RCW 74.13.031  Duties of the Department, Child Welfare Services, Children’s Services Advisory Committee
RCW 74.13A.047   Adoption Assistance Payments, expenditure limits
RCW 74.15.020   Definitions
Chapter 110-85 WAC  Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP) and Extended Guardianship Assistance Program (EGAP)

Policy 

  1. Caseworkers must:
    1. Assess children or youth and potential guardians for GAP eligibility, per WAC 110-85-0050, as part of the concurrent planning process when guardianship has been determined to be in their best interest.
    2. Refer potential eligible licensed caregiver to the GAP gatekeeper.
  2. GAP gatekeepers must:
    1. Verify eligibility, develop, negotiate, and renegotiate with eligible caregivers for GAP and EGAP.
    2. Determine and document the GAP funding source for each child or youth.
    3. Manage and follow executed GAP and EGAP agreements to assist caregivers in caring for children and youth.
    4. Suspend or terminate GAP and EGAP agreements, if applicable.
    5. End GAP service payments at age 18 unless they qualify for EGAP.
  3. Regional administrators (RA) or designees must approve or deny GAP and EGAP agreements. 

Resources 

Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP) and Extended Guardianship Assistance Program (EGAP) procedures (Located in the DCYF Policies & Rules Office SharePoint)

Permanent and Concurrent Planning policy 

Original Date:  June 10, 2010

Revised Date:  June 15, 2024

Review Date:  June 30, 2028

Approved by:  Natalie Green, Assistant Secretary of Child Welfare Division