Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department of children, youth, and families (DCYF) is updating administrative rules in chapter 110-30 WAC and other relayed [related] rules that govern its authority and processes for investigating referrals of alleged child abuse or neglect. These changes are being taken pursuant to chapter 441, Laws of 2023 (ESSB 5515), which amended RCW 26.44.210.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 26.44 RCW; RCW 74.13.031, 74.04.050; and chapter 441, Laws of 2023 (ESSB 5515).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: ESSB 5515, section 3 (1)(c), requires DCYF to "adopt rules to implement this section." Section 3 of this bill amended RCW 26.44.210 to expand DCYF's investigative duties to include several new program types: The Washington center for deaf and hard of hearing, substance use disorder treatment facilities licensed under chapter 71.24 RCW that treat patients on a residential basis, entities that provide behavioral health services as defined in RCW 71.24.025 on a residential basis, host homes as described in RCW 74.15.02[0] (2)(o), and residential private schools (defined in subsection 3(3) of that same bill).

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: DCYF will inform the Washington center for deaf and hard of hearing about its expanded investigative duties under this bill. DCYF will also inform the center on draft language and provide at least two opportunities for the center to offer insight and feedback.

Process for Developing New Rule: Collaboration between DCYF, the attorney general's office, the Washington center for deaf and hard of hearing, and other stakeholder groups and partners identified throughout the rule development and public hearing processes.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Melissa Sayer, phone 360-584-8666, email melissa.sayer@dcyf.wa.gov.