Revised Child Welfare Licensing Policy

Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families sent this bulletin at 06/22/2020 10:00 AM PDT

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Revised Child Welfare Licensing Policy

Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) Child Welfare program policy 5120 Licensing State Foster Homes is updated to align with recent change in legislation regarding requirements for when licensed foster parents move to a new home. The policy changes went into effect June 11, 2020.

A summary of the changes include:

  • A foster family’s license may remain open for 90 calendar days from their move date when they don’t have children placed in their home, have an acceptable history of child care and the family remains intact.
  • When this occurs, licensors will visit the family’s new home within 30 days of the foster parent notifying the licensor about the move to determine if minimum licensing requirements are met.
  • During this time, the foster home will be placed on no referral status and no new placements will be made until the new location is approved by the licensor.

If you have questions, please contact your DCYF Regional Licensor.