3.20.40 Use of Administrative Approvals, Waivers, and Relative Non-Safety Exemptions

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

Chapter Number & Title:  20. Foster Care 

Policy Number & Title:  3.20.40. Use of Administrative Approvals, Waivers, and Relative Non-Safety Exemptions

Effective Date:  October 15, 2024 

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance to LD employees when administrative approval, waivers, or exemptions are needed. 

Authority

RCW 43.20A.205  Denial, suspension, revocation, or modification of license
RCW 74.13.260  Site monitoring program
RCW 74.15.020  Definitions
RCW 74.15.040  Licenses for foster family homes required, Inspections
RCW 74.15.100  License application, issuance, duration, Reclassification, Location Changes
RCW 74.15.110  Renewal of licenses
RCW 74.15.120  Initial Licenses
RCW 74.15.125  Probationary licenses-Child-specific licenses
RCW 74.15.127  Expedited foster licensing process
RCW 74.15.130  Licenses, Denials, suspension, revocation, modification, Procedures, Adjudicative proceeding-Penalties
RCW 74.15.140  Action against licensed or unlicensed agencies authorized
Chapter 110-148 WAC  Licensing Requirements for Child Foster Homes

Policy

  1. LD workers must request:
    1. Administrative approvals using the Administrative Approval (Foster Home) DCYF 15-411D form when the following are met: 
      1. They are in support an exception to a minimum licensing requirements (MLR) for a foster parent or licensed kinship caregiver.
      2. The chapter 110-148 WACs allow for an exception to continue receiving federal funding.
    2. Waivers using the Licensing Waiver (Foster Home) DCYF 15-411A form when:
      1. They support an exception to an MLR for a foster parent or licensed kinship caregiver.
      2. The chapter 110-148 WACs do not allow for DCYF discretion to approve an exception to the MLR. 
    3. Relative non-safety exemptions not resulting in a loss of federal funding for licensed relatives as defined in RCW 74.15.120:
      1. Using the Kinship License Non-Safety Exemptions/Waiver (Licensed Home) DCYF 15-411G form.
      2. When they support an allowable exemption as outlined on the Kinship License Non-Safety Exemptions/Waiver (Licensed Home) DCYF 15-411G form.
  2. LD senior administrators or designees must review and approve requests for administrative approvals, waivers, and suitable other non-safety exemption requests.
  3. When LD senior administrators or designees approve waivers, they: 
    1. Must be:
      1. Time limited. 
      2. Issued for foster parents and suitable person caregivers. 
    2. May result in the loss of federal funding for all children and youth placed in the home.     
  4. LD supervisors must: 
    1. Complete a provider action in FamLink indicating the approved waiver.
    2. Notify the Financial Business Services Division (FBSD) IV-E Specialist of waiver upon approval of license. 

Forms

Administrative Approval (Foster Home) DCYF 15-411D

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

Licensing Waiver (Foster Home) DCYF 15-411A

Original Date:  September 27, 1974

Revised Date:  October 15, 2024

Review Date:  October 31, 2028

Approved by:  Ruben Reeves, Assistant Secretary of Licensing Division