Resource and assessment centers (RACs) are agencies that provide short-term emergency and crisis care for up to 72 hours, not including the weekends and holidays, to children who have been removed from their parent's or guardian's care by Child Protective Services or law enforcement. 

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) may license a RAC if it meets the following requirements:

• there is a demonstrated need for the center in the local community;
• the center will be primarily staffed by trained volunteers; and
• the center is not financially dependent on reimbursement from the state to operate.

There are two RACs statewide operated by one organization, one located in Bellingham and one in Ellensburg. Currently, RACs:

• can only take initial placements;
• are limited in the children they serve, ages 5-12;
• operate up to 24 hours per day, 7 days per week;
• can not provide respite care; and
• can not serve children with behavior or safety concerns.

RACs may provide care for children ages birth through 17 at the discretion of the RAC and:

• provide care for children for up to seven days, or up to 14 days with DCYF approval;
• provide respite care;
• serve children who had to leave placement for behavior of safety concerns; and
• preserve the ability to operate primarily with volunteers.