Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 388-24 describes eligibility and other factors related to the aid to families with dependent children--Foster care (AFDCFC) program. This program has been changed to the temporary assistance to needy families program. The department will repeal these rules and incorporate needed sections into the rules on the foster care program. Changes will reflect principles of clear rule writing. The entire chapter is proposed for repeal with the provisions of WAC 388-24-2430 moved to a more appropriate chapter of WAC.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.13.031, 74.04.050, 74.04.055.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The rules are proposed [to] repeal out-of-date rules and to conform rules to clear writing standards per Executive Order 97-02.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regulates aspects of out-of-home care and provides some financial assistance to the state through Title IV-B and Title IV-E of the Social Security Act.

Process for Developing New Rule: The Children's Administration, with input from the Attorney General's Office, will convene a work group consisting of department staff, assistant attorneys general, and stakeholders, including foster parents and their representatives to participate with Children's Administration in the review and development of revised rules for foster care. These rules proposed for repeal will be included in those discussions. Any revisions will be distributed generally for review and comment before finalization.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Interested parties may ask to participate in the stakeholder work group that will work with staff to develop the rules by contacting Jill Montgomery, Confidential Secretary to the Director, Division of Program and Policy Development, at (360) 902-7913 or e-mail MONJ300@dshs.wa.gov. In addition, interested parties may provide recommendations for inclusion in the proposed rule. They may review and comment on the proposed rules in writing, by electronic mail, or by telephone. They may participate in and offer testimony in public hearings that will be scheduled for the purpose of soliciting comments on the proposed rules.

August 11, 1999

Marie Myerchin-Redifer, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit