In 2014, DCYF’s (formerly DSHS) Licensing Division created the Safety and Monitoring (SAM) section of licensing. Licensing’s Assessment program continued to complete home studies and provide some basic provider maintenance work.
Maintenance tasks include:
- Modifications
- Overcapacities
- Monitoring Training Requirements
- Monitoring Compliance with Influenza Vaccinations
- Orientation
- Completing Compliance Agreements
- Completing Licensing Actions
- Sending renewal packets
- Monitoring various other requirements
A pilot occurred in the Spring of 2020 to evaluate whether all maintenance duties could be handled by the SAM section of licensing to free up licensors to meet the state's need for licensing more homes. From this pilot, the decision was made to move forward and make a systematic change within the Licensing Division. An assessment would focus primarily on licensing homes and completing home studies while SAM would take on all the traditional maintenance duties. This restructure has been slowly rolling out throughout the state.
Due to this change, the person who typically handles your ongoing needs as a foster parent will change. The Licensing Division hopes this restructure will be a positive experience for all and leads to better outcomes and additional resources for families.
Thank you for all that you do for our children in care.
