Utilizing this Negotiated Rule Making (NRM) approach, the Licensing Division has begun the process of amending the group care WAC 110-145 as part of the D.S. Settlement.
What is Negotiated Rule Making?
NRM is a way to develop rules by seeking consensus from delegates representing groupings of similar parties impacted by the rule. Utilizing the NRM approach to rule making has several benefits, such as:
- Providing greater public access to rulemaking
- Creating more culturally and developmentally appropriate rules
- A better understanding of rule intent and increased compliance with rules
Project Timeline
- December 2023 - August 2024: Virtual Negotiations
- September 2024: WAC Polishing
- October 2024 - April 2025: WAC Review, Public Comment, Filing
- May 2025 - December 2025: Training Delivery
- Jan 2026: Group Care WAC Go Live
Licensing Wide Engagement Approach
DCYF's Licensing Division is using a consistent, inclusive approach to work with providers and caregivers. The goal of this approach is to create positive relationships between licensors and licensees that will benefit the communities we serve. Learn more about this approach and the benefits of these concepts: Strength-Based Approach and Collaborative Compliance.
Group Care WAC Review Update
The WAC is currently being prepared for the public comment period which will start the last week of this month. The anticipated go live date for the amended rules is Jan. 1, 2026.
Group Care WAC Training Launches May 2025
Training on the new group care licensing rules launches May 2025 for licensing division staff, state licensed group care providers and impacted parties. The training series will be about 31.75 hours (internal) and 25.75 hours (external). The first training in this series, “Assessment & Regulation Culture” will be a virtual training focusing on using a strength-based approach and collaborative compliance to help meet the amended WAC rules expected to go live on Jan. 1, 2026.
Ways to Engage
To fit different schedules, availability, and levels of interest, participants can get involved in the Group Care NRM Project by:
- Sharing feedback during the public comment period in Spring 2025.
- Attending new training sessions in Spring 2025. More information will be available here on our website.
- Reading the monthly Group Care NRM emails
Reports
New Group Care Strategies Report, Immediate Recommendations to Enhance Practice
The new Early Implementation Work Group Report highlights current practices related to the seven areas under the Revising Licensing Standards D.S. Settlement System Improvement. A diverse group of participants including licensed caregivers and representatives from group care facilities, child placing agencies, and the Office of Tribal Relations (OTR) collaborated to identify barriers, review Prudent Parenting guidelines and create recommendations on practice improvements that can be implemented under current Washington Administrative Code (WAC) rules.
Please review the recommendations if you have not already, and where possible, work with your licensor to implement identified strategies before the new group care rules roll out.
National Review of Group Care Best Practices
As part of the DCYF contract, PCG conducted a review of national group care best practices by analyzing federal and state regulations and child welfare practices. Their findings outline best practice guidelines and data related to the D.S. Settlement Systems Improvement 4.9 Revising Licensing Standards. Read the Full Report
Questions?
- For questions related to practice or program email dcyf.groupcarequestions@dcyf.wa.gov
- For questions about the NRM process, rule intent, or training email dcyf.groupcarenrm@dcyf.wa.gov