3.20.80 Licensing Investigations

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

Chapter Number & Title:  3.20. Foster Care 

Policy Number & Title:  3.20.80 Licensing Investigations

Effective Date: October 15, 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance when conducting licensing complaint investigations to determine if a violation occurred in state licensed foster home and kinship homes. 

Authority

Chapter 74.15 RCW  Care of Children, Expectant Mothers, Persons with Developmental Disabilities
Chapter 110-148 WAC  Licensing Requirements for Child Foster Homes

Policy

  1. LD workers must complete the following when complaints are received in licensed foster homes:
    1. Conduct licensing investigations to determine if a violation of the chapter 110-148 WAC has occurred.
    2. Immediately address any violations identified during the investigation that threaten the health and safety of children or youth placed in the home. 
    3. Determine findings within 45 calendar days of the date of the complaint and notify the foster parent of the results in writing, as either a: 
      1. Valid finding, based on facts obtained during the investigation when there is reasonable cause to believe a licensing violation occurred. 
      2. Not valid finding, based on the facts obtained during the investigation when either:
        1. There is reasonable cause to believe a licensing violation did not occur.
        2. It cannot be determined a licensing violation occurred.
    4. Assist the foster parents in resolving violations that includes either:
      1. Providing them technical assistance.
      2. Completing a compliance agreement and plan. 
    5. Request an extension if they are not able to complete the investigation within 45 calendar days of the complaint.
  2. LD safety and assessment (SAM) workers and regional licensors must: 
    1. Not investigate non-CPS licensing complaints on licensed kinship caregivers. 
    2. Complete all provider actions for non-CPS complaint intakes. This includes:
      1. Documenting as “Screen Out.”
      2. Assessing for and providing supports identified for the family.
  3. LD supervisors may approve requests to extend a licensing investigation beyond 45 calendar days and must document the reason for the request.

Original Date: February 15, 1998

Revised Date:  October 15, 2024

Review Date:  October 31, 2028

Approved by:  Ruben Reeves, Assistant Secretary of Licensing Division