PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Economic Services Administration)
(WorkFirst Division)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department will be writing new rules on the subject of WorkFirst services available to pregnant women and parents of infants under twelve months of age and amending WAC 388-310-200, 388-310-300 and other related rules in chapter 388-310 WAC that contain references to program eligibility and services for this population.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.050.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: On July 1, 1999, the WorkFirst exemption for the parents of infants was reduced from twelve to three months to comply with legislative intent. As a response to this change, the department is working with partners and interested organizations to develop a program (tentatively called "Pregnancy to Employment") to provide services to eligible clients during pregnancy and the first twelve months of infancy. Services will include components that address, among other issues, the following: Safe and appropriate child care, a specialized assessment of needs, a customized individual responsibility plan, links to the first steps program, referral agencies and other appropriate resources, and frequent reassessments.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: The public and interested clients are invited to participate in the development of these rule changes. During the development process, the proposed changes will be presented to a variety of individuals and groups for discussion, posted on at least one ESA website, and mailed /e-mailed to all interested parties for review and comment. DSHS works in close collaboration with other Washington state agencies such as the Employment Security Department, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, and the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development, to administer the WorkFirst program. DSHS will coordinate with all interested agencies and advisory groups during the rule development and adoption process.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Rachel Langen, WorkFirst Division, 1009 College S.E., P.O. Box 45480, Olympia, WA 98504-5480, phone (360) 413-3209, fax (360) 413-3482, e-mail langera@dshs.wa.gov.
June 25, 1999
Marie Myerchin-Redifer, Manager
Rules and Policies Assistance Unit