4533. Behavior Rehabilitation Services

Applies To:  This policy applies to child welfare employees.

Policy Number & Title:  4533. Behavior Rehabilitation Services (BRS)

Effective Date:  November 13, 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance on Behavior Rehabilitation Services (BRS) to:

  • Safely stabilize children or youth in their homes or communities.
  • Coordinate multiple systems.
  • Assist in achieving permanent plans or less intensive services.

Authority

RCW 13.34.130  Order of disposition for a dependent child, alternatives-Placement with relatives, foster family home, group care facility, or other suitable persons
RCW 74.13.031  Duties of Department-Child Welfare Services-Children’s services advisory committee
RCW 74.13.080  Group Care Placement-Prerequisites for payments
WAC 110-50-0210  When may the Department serve a child though a behavior rehabilitation services program?
WAC 110-50-0220  What is the department’s authority to remove a child from a behavior rehabilitation services placement?

Policy

  1. Caseworkers must complete the following when accessing BRS for children or youth:
    1. Verify less intensive service options within the current placement setting or with potential caregivers don’t meet their needs prior to accessing BRS.
    2. Work with Intensive Resources Program Consultants (IRPCs) to determine when and how to access BRS.
    3. Offer BRS when the individual service needs of children or youth are beyond less intensive service options.
    4. Maintain decision making and case management for children and youth receiving BRS.
    5. Transition children or youth into less intensive service options when appropriate.
  2. IRPCs must collaborate with caseworkers considering BRS for children or youth to:
    1. Determine whether they qualify for BRS and what level of BRS is appropriate.
    2. Access BRS.
    3. Support the transition of children or youth to less restrictive service options when appropriate, including planning for permanency.

Resources

Behavior Rehabilitation Services (BRS) procedures (located on the DCYF policies and rules intranet page, child welfare division policies & procedures)

Original Date:  September 27, 1995

Revised Date:  November 13, 2025

Review Date:  November 30, 2029

Approved by:  Vickie Ybarra, Assistant Secretary of Partnership, Prevention & Services