(1) A child is eligible for voluntary placement services if:

(a) The child:

(i) Is DDA-eligible under chapter 388-825 WAC;

(ii) Will enter voluntary out-of-home placement while under eighteen;

(iii) Has accessed all other available and appropriate DDA services;

(b) The child's parent, guardian, or legal custodian:

(i) Is unable to provide care for the child needs;

(ii) Has determined that the child would benefit from voluntary out-of-home placement;

(iii) Requests out-of-home placement solely because of the child's developmental disability;

(iv) Requests voluntary placement services in writing;

(v) Complies with the voluntary placement agreement; and

(i) Has available funding;

(ii) Determines that available and appropriate in-home supports do not meet the child's needs;

(iii) Determines that voluntary out-of-home placement is in the child's best interest.

(2) The department considers voluntary out-of-home placement to be in the best interest of the child if voluntary placement services:

(a) Help maintain family relationships; and

(b) Provide the least restrictive setting that will benefit the child's medical, social, developmental, and personal needs.

(3) DDA waits to determine a client's eligibility for voluntary placement services until any pending child protective services' investigations conclude.

PDFWAC 388-826-0010

Who is eligible for voluntary placement services?