The new year brings a handful of changes that will increase supports to families and protect children and youth. Here is a roundup of changes you will see in 2024:
Child Welfare Updates
Changes to reporting child abuse and neglect go into effect
Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, suspected incidences of child abuse and neglect at behavioral health facilities, residential private schools, and host homes, can now be reported to DCYF. Under State Bill 5515, DCYF will now have the legal authority investigate these types of reports. The public may report to child protective services (CPS) by calling 1-866-END-HARM (866-363-4276). To learn more, visit https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/safety/report-abuse.
Caregiver supports updates in the new year
Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, DCYF will replace the current four-level rate assessment system with a new, seven-level caregiver supports model. The new rate assessment system aligns supports with known information about the child or youth. Read more about the 2024 changes to Caregiver Supports at Thriving Families Initiative Updates.
Foster care health coverage changes
If you are enrolled in foster care health coverage’s Apple Health Core Connections (AHCC) through Coordinated Care of Washington (CCW), beginning Jan. 1, 2024, you may be impacted by changes in contracted pharmacies. Watch out for new insurance cards in your mail. These new insurance cards mailed to caregivers will contain new Rx numbers. Most members will experience no change at all but will need to provide the new prescription or Rx number on their AHCC card to their regular pharmacy. A very small number of AHCC members will need to switch pharmacies; Coordinated Care will help those members find and locate a new pharmacy.
Early Learning/Child Care Updates
Fingerprint requirements back in effect for child care providers
Effective Jan. 1, 2024, all child care and early learning workers, or eligible household members, pursuant to WACs 110-06, 110-300,110-301, and 110-302, will need to comply with the fingerprint requirements to continue to be on site at a DCYF-licensed facility.