Using the Negotiated Rule Making (NRM) approach, the Licensing Division updated the group care WAC 110-145 as part of the D.S. Settlement. DCYF will pause accepting new group care license applications starting Feb 1, 2026, in preparation for the New Group Care WACs that will go live on May 1, 2026.
What is Negotiated Rule Making?
NRM is a way to create and update rules by getting agreement from individuals representing groups of people that will be similarly 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
- Increased compliance with rules
New Group Care Licensing Rules Effective May 1, 2026
DCYF's Licensing Division completed the rules for chapter 110-145 WAC. The 16 remaining WACs in this chapter have been formally adopted and are now final and filed under WSR 26-08-021. We previously finalized the other 111 rules in this chapter under WSR 25-23-103.
These rules go into effect on Friday, May 1, 2026.
This was a major effort with participation from several community partners and DCYF employees. We thank everyone for their participation.
Licensing Approach
DCYF's Licensing Division (LD) is applying a Strength-Based Approach and Collaborative Compliance to build good relationships between licensors and those they are licensing. This will help the communities we support.
Learn More
- Explore the Training and Resources Hub.
- Join monthly Group Care Drop-in Sessions.
- Read the monthly Group Care emails.
For group care field practice or program-related questions please contact dcyf.groupcarequestions@dcyf.wa.gov.
