PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Children's Administration)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Licensing standards for special model foster homes.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.15.030.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: This resource has developed over time to care for children with special needs. The requiring skills and supports are beyond those of the general foster parent. Appropriate licensing standards do not currently exist for this resource.
The development of licensing standards for special model foster homes will provide consistent standards for all of these foster homes and provide for regular monitoring of the health and safety of children receiving care from them.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Department of Health and Office of the State Fire Marshal. Representatives of these agencies will participate in the development of the standards.
Process for Developing New Rule: Meetings with stakeholders will be held in several locations in the state. Work groups will be developed from those meetings. Additionally, DSHS welcomes the public to take part in the development of the standards for special model foster homes. Anyone interested in participating should contact the staff person indicated below. After the rules are drafted, DSHS will file a copy of the rules with the Office of the Code Reviser with a notice of the proposed rule making. A copy will be sent to everyone on the mailing list and anyone else who requests a copy.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Jean L. Croisant, Children's Administration, Division of Program and Policy Development, P.O. Box 45710, Olympia, WA 98504-5710, (360) 902-7992, TTD [TDD] (360) 902-7906, fax (360) 902-7903, e-mail loje300@dshs.wa.gov.
July 17, 2001
Brian H. Lindgren, Manager
Rules and Policies Assistance Unit