3.20.110 Licensed Kinship Caregiver Training

Applies to:  This policy applies to Licensing Division (LD) workers. 

Chapter Number & Title:  20. Foster Care 

Policy Number & Title: 3.20.110. Kinship License Training

Effective Date:  October 15, 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance to LD workers on the training requirements for licensed kinship caregivers.

Authority

RCW 74.13.075  Sexually aggressive youth-Defined-Services-Expenditure of treatment funds-Tribal jurisdiction-Information sharing and confidentiality
RCW 74.13.310  Foster Parent Training
RCW 74.13B.020  Family support and related services - Performance-based contracting

Policy

1. LD workers must verify:
   1. Kinship caregivers taking placement of Sexually Aggressive Youth or Physically Assaultive/Aggressive Youth (SAY/PAAY) youth as defined in RCW 74.13.075, complete SAY/PAAY online or in-person training prior to placement, per the following child welfare (CW) policies:
      1. Sexually Aggressive Youth
      2. Physically Assaultive/Aggressive Youth 
   2. Any training required in a foster parents’ compliance plan, if applicable, has been completed.
2. LD workers may:
   1. Encourage:
      1. Kinship caregivers to complete the following trainings:
         1.  Kinship Core Training (KCT)
         2.  First Aid, CPR, and Blood Borne Pathogen (BBP).
      2. Licensed kinship caregivers to complete 24 hours of caregiver continuing education every three years. 
   2. Accept up to 12 hours of training that kinship caregivers completed prior to becoming licensed:
      1. Not including KCT or First Aid, CPR, or BBP. 
      2. That has been completed within the last 12 months of LD receiving the Home Study or Reassessment Application (DCYF 10-354).
   3. Allow kinship caregivers to carry up to 12 hours into the next three-year licensing cycle if a kinship caregiver exceeds the required training hours.
   4. Accept ongoing trainings completed by one or both kinship caregivers on a license, in any combination. 
   5. Require specific and additional training for foster parents as part of a compliance plan.
   6. Utilize the Kinship License Non-Safety Exemptions/Waiver (Licensed Home) DCYF 15-411G form to waive any training.

Forms

Home Study or Reassessment Application DCYF 10-354

Kinship License Non-Safety Exemptions/Waiver (Licensed Home) DCYF 15-411G

Resources

Sexually Aggressive Youth policy

Physically Assaultive/Aggressive Youth policy

Original Date:  October 15, 2024

Review Date:  October 31, 2028

Approved by:  Ruben Reeves, Assistant Secretary of Licensing Division