(1) The department is responsible for the safety and well-being of the children placed in its custody by the parents or the courts, and we will place children according to their best interest.

(2) We evaluate your ability to care for children. We specify the maximum number, age range, and gender of children on your license. We may base this on the skills and number of caretakers, the physical accommodations of your facility, and the children placed in your facility.

(3) Based on the evaluation, we may license you for the care of fewer children than you normally would serve in your category of care.

(4) Except for a staffed residential home for five or fewer children, the certification of occupancy from the Washington state department of health will be considered in deciding the number of children you may serve.