Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department of children, youth, and families licensing division (LD) is updating chapter 110-145 WAC, Licensing requirements for group care facilities, and any related WAC to align with the D.S. Settlement Agreement. LD will engage in negotiated rule making (NRM) for foster care placements to be more developmentally appropriate and flexible to meet individual youth's needs. The NRM will address the requirements of the settlement, identify areas that need clarification, and make general housekeeping updates.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Not applicable.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Jason Churchwell, 316 West Boone Avenue, Spokane, WA 99201, phone 509-385-9364, email Jason.churchwell@dcyf.wa.gov, website www.dcyf.wa.gov; or Libby Wagner, 1500 Jefferson Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98501, phone 360-999-7613, email Elizabeth.wagner@dcyf.wa.gov, website www.dcyf.wa.gov.