Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The licensing division of the department of children, youth, and families (DCYF) is revising chapter 110-148 WAC to remove child-specific items to accommodate a new WAC chapter that will outline the licensing standards for kinship caregivers. This will allow for DCYF to issue child-specific licenses to kinship caregivers and eliminate the need to use nonsafety exemptions and waivers. This will reduce barriers and create better equity for kinship caregivers trying to become licensed. These updates will also provide greater stability and outcomes for children entering foster care.

Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative rule-making process including, but not limited to, partnering with sovereign tribal nations.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Kyler McGee, phone 253-290-9317, email kyler.mcgee@dcyf.wa.gov; or Michael Williams, phone 360-688-0195, email Michael.williams2@dcyf.wa.gov, website www.dcyf.wa.gov.