Group Care

Group and residential care programs (WAC 110-145) are live-in, out-of-home care placements with staff trained to work with children and youth. These programs offer more structure and supervision than family home settings.

Group and residential programs are operated by private agencies licensed by DCYF. They can provide many services, including:  

  • Therapeutic services for children and families  
  • Educational services  
  • Medical services for children or youth

Pre-Application Checklist

To be considered for a license, you must follow the agency's onboarding process. You will also need to submit all the documentation, including the items listed below. 

Program Specifics 

  • Description of program
    • Mission and goals
    • Description of services provided
    • Resident daily schedule with meals and snacks.
  • Policies and procedures
  • Agency management
    • Current resumes
    • Proof of education
  • Emergency and evacuation plans
    • Floor plan with location of fire extinguishers, smoke and carbon monoxide   
          detectors, windows, and evacuation routes

Proof of:

  • Articles of incorporation
    • Business license
  • Zoning permissions
    • Completed through local city or county government
  • Certificate of occupancy
    • Only for group care licenses; except staffed residential license for five or fewer.
  • Fire codes
    • Compliance with the local fire department
  • Building codes
    • Compliance through local city government
    • WAC prohibits use of electronic monitoring unless for specifically noted
  • Signed and dated lease or proof of ownership
    • Permission from property owner if leasing

Pre-Service Training Log Template: 

  •   Identified training courses required for anyone providing direct care
    • Culturally responsive care
    • LGBTQIA+ affirming care
    • Trauma-informed care
    • Child abuse and neglect identification and reporting requirements
    • Client confidentiality
    • Licensing approved Behavior management and intervention techniques
    • Review of agency’s policies and procedures
  • Date and length of each training course
  • Training type (In-person, eLearning, PowerPoint, manual, etc.)
  • Signatures of personnel  
  • Date and signature of personnel’s supervisor showing that all preservice training requirements are complete
  • Anyone providing direct care must also show proof of:
    • Bloodborne Pathogens
    • First Aid and CPR 

Background Checks

Staff Training

Behavioral Management

Group care providers must have their direct care staff and volunteers complete behavior management training within 60 calendar days of beginning work in the facility.  

This training must:

  • Be approved by DCYF prior to implementation
  • Include nonphysical methods of redirecting and controlling behavior. These must be appropriate to the developmental capabilities of the children and youth in care

Check out the resources box on this page for trainings approved by DCYF's Licensing Division. 

WA CAP Implementation

CPA and Group Care Agency licensing in WA CAP will be reassessed in January 2027.