(1) This chapter contains licensing requirements for generalized group care facilities, group homes, crisis residential centers, emergency respite centers, group receiving centers, overnight youth shelters, staffed residential homes, and resource and assessment centers. These licensing regulations are designed to ensure children in group care facilities are safe, healthy and protected from all forms of child abuse and neglect according to RCW 26.44.020(1) and chapter 388-15 WAC.

(2) These separately licensed programs may provide specialized services such as day treatment services, services to pregnant and parenting youth (maternity services), HOPE beds, responsible living skills programs and services to medically fragile children and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You must hold a group care license to provide the specialized services outlined in this chapter. These services can be provided through your own program or by using community resources.