Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 388-148 WAC, Licensing requirements for child foster homes, staffed residential homes, group care programs/facilities, and agencies. Specifically the following sections: WAC 388-148-0040, 388-148-0045, 388-148-0050, 388-148-0060, 388-148-0065, 388-148-0120, 388-148-0125, 388-148-0220, 388-148-0260, 388-148-0345, 388-148-0350, 388-148-0462, 388-148-0520, 388-148-0542, 388-148-0560, 388-148-0585, 388-148-0630, 388-148-0700, 388-148-0720, 388-148-0722, 388-148-0725, 388-148-0785, 388-148-0880, 388-148-0892, 388-148-0995, 388-148-1020, 388-148-1070, 388-148-1076, 388-148-1077, 388-148-1078, 388-148-1079, 388-148-1115, 388-148-1120, and other sections as may be appropriate.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.15.030.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Children's Administration plans to make changes to the recently adopted licensing standards for foster homes, group care programs, and agencies to clarify the intent. Several sections that cover the qualifications for child-placing agency staff that were inadvertently omitted with the adoption of the chapter in September 2001 have been added. Also, a change in the foster parent training requirement that will allow the licensing of foster parents more quickly.

     Several changes will allow Children's Administration to continue to receive federal funding for children placed in staffed residential homes.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Department of Health (DOH) and the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

     Process for Developing New Rule: Children's Administration will be filing emergency changes to chapter 388-148 WAC in late February 2002 and work with stakeholders in the development of permanent rule changes. The stakeholders will include licensed homes, group care program staff, child-placing agencies, Department of Health, Office of the State Fire Marshal, and other interested parties.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Jean L. Croisant, Division of Program and Policy Development, Children's Administration, P.O. Box 45710, Olympia, WA 98504-5710, (360) 902-7992, fax (360) 902-7903, e-mail loje300@dshs.wa.gov.

February 27, 2002

Brian H. Lindgren, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit

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