The Department of Children, Youth, and Families is governed by federal and state laws that are put into practice by our policies and procedures. There are other things like funding requirements, program eligibility and goals, and contracts that impact our work.
If you review the laws and rules linked on this page and think, “I want to change that,” we encourage you to contact your legislators and community organizations to find other people with ideas similar to yours. Visit the Stay Connected page to learn about different settings where you can advocate for change!
Laws
Chapter 13.34 RCW Juvenile Court Act – Dependency and Termination of Parent-Child Relationship
Chapter 13.36 RCW Guardianship
Chapter 13.38 RCW Indian Child Welfare Act
Chapter 26.33 RCW Adoption
Chapter 74.13 RCW Child Welfare Services
Chapter 74.15 RCW Care of Children, Expectant Mothers, Persons with Developmental Disabilities
Chapter 26.44 RCW Abuse of Children
Read about federal laws and learn more about how they shape child welfare services:
- Major Federal Legislation Concerned with Child Protection, Child Welfare, and Adoption
- How Federal Legislation Impacts Child Welfare Service Delivery
Rules
- Minimum Licensing Requirements for Child Foster Homes - WAC 110-148
- Minimum Licensing Requirements for Group Care Facilities - WAC 110-145
- Minimum Licensing Requirements for Child Placing Agencies - WAC 110-147
- General
- Background Check Requirements - WAC 110-04
- Child Welfare Services - WAC 110-50
Read DCYF’s child welfare policies and procedures.
Guides
- Foster Parent Rights and Responsibilities
- Rights of Children and Youth in Foster Care
- Parents’ Rights and Responsibilities
- Permanency Planning Matrix
- Caregiver Guidelines for Supporting Normal Childhood Activities for Children and Youth Experiencing Out-of-Home Care (aka Prudent Parenting)
- Reporting Responsibilities
