ICPC State Pages
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About the ICPC
The Association of Administrators of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (AAICPC) was established in 1974 and consists of members from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The AAICPC has authority under ICPC to "promulgate rules and regulations to carry out more effectively the terms and provisions of this compact." The AAICPC obtains its Secretariat Services, as an affiliate of the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA).
For more information, please visit the AAICPC website.
Contact the AAICPC
American Public Human Services Association
1133 Nineteenth Street, NW
Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 682-0100
fax: (202) 289-6555
Web Manager: Carla Fults [cfults@aphsa.org]
Click on a state to see it's page:
Washington
-
Adoption
- Age of Majority
- Appeals
- Border Agreements
- Criminal Background Checks/Abuse and Neglect Registry
- Custody Matters
- NON ICPC - Consultants/Specialists
- Definitions
- Education - Public Education Costs
- Financial Plans, Medicaid, IV-E, Daycare, Payments
- Foster Care
- Home Studies (Adoption/Foster Care/Kinship/Parent/Relative)
- ICPC Processing
- Licensing/Certification/Approval
- Parental Placements
- Relative Placements
- Residential Treatment Centers/Facilities
- Supervision/Reports/Guidelines
- Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
Compact Administrators
| Compact Administrator Maya Brown |
Deputy Compact Administrator Shannon Freeman |
Consultants
| ICPC Specialist (A-H) Private/Independent Adoptions |
Administrative Assistant (A-L) Private RTC placements Packets send to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) |
| ICPC Specialist (I-Q) All Public A-D
All Public L-Q All Public R-Z |
Administrative Assistant (M-Z) Amanda Rehse
Case assignment is by the oldest child’s last name. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) - Please send all electronic versions of new ICPC requests, home studies, preliminary reports, supervision reports and 100B forms to this e-mail address. Washington state provides documents electronically within Children, Youth and Families. When mailing documents please only send ONE one-sided copy. |
| ICPC Specialist (R-Z) N/A |
Mailing Address
| Regular Mailing Address Washington DCYF- ICPC |
Federal Express Address Washington DCYF- ICPC |
Useful Telephone Numbers
| Child Abuse Hotline 1-866-363-4276 |
Juvenile Compact Office Department of Children, Youth and Families |
| Mental Health Compact Office no information provided |
Useful Websites
General Iinformation
Co-Located Compacts - ICPC, ICAMA, ICJ
Adoption
Independent /Private
Independent/Private Adoptive Placements:
Washington permits private attorney, private agency and/or independent adoptions
| Adoption Type | Yes/No |
|---|---|
| Private Agency | Yes |
| Private Attorney | Yes |
| Independent | Yes |
Adoption Statute-Non-Agency; Independent; Private Adoptions:
Chapter 26.33 Revised Code of Washington (RCW)
Washington Administrative Code (WAC), Chapter 388-27
Public
Public Adoptive Placements-Requirements
Chapter 26.33 Revised Code of Washington (RCW)
INDEPENDENT / PRIVATE / PUBLIC
The following information applies to independent, private and public adoptions
Adoption Assistance
Adoption assistance payments begins
- After the adoption is finalized
Sending State Adoption Subsidy Payments (Guidelines)
Monthly adoption support payments are determined through a discussion and negotiation process between adoptive parents and deprtment representatives based on the needs of the child and family circumstances. The payment agreed upon must not exceed the amount the child would receive if the child were in a Washington foster home.
Special Needs
Washington definition of "Special Needs"
“Special needs” means the specific factors or conditions that may prevent the child from being adopted unless the department provides adoption support services. To be considered a child with special needs the following three statements must be true:
One or more of the following factors or conditions must exist:
- The child is of a minority ethnic background;
- The child is six years of age or older at the time of application for adoption support;
- The child is a member of a sibling group of three or more
- The child is a member of a sibling group in which one or more siblings meets the definition of special needs
- The child is diagnosed with a physical, mental, developmental, cognitive or emotional disability; or
- The child is at risk for a diagnosis of a physical, mental, developmental, cognitive or emotional disability due to prenatal exposure to toxins, a history of serious abuse or neglect, or genetic history.
2. The state has determined that the child cannot or should not be returned to the biological parent’s home; and
3. The department or child-placing agency must document that, except where it would be against the child’s best interests, the department or child-placing agency made a reasonable but unsuccessful effort to place the child for adoption without adoption support.
WAC 388-27-0140
Finalization
Adoption may be finalized in another state:
- Yes
Before finalization can occur in Washington, child must be in adoptive placement:
- 6 months
Washington believes it is best practice to have a child in their adoptive placement for 6 months prior to the finalization of an adoption. There is no legal requirement or policy requirement for a child to be in an adoptive home for 6 months prior to adoption finalization.
Statutory code/cite for Adoption Petition
RCW 26.33.030
RCW 26.33.040
Petitions-Application of federal Indian child welfare act - Requirements - Federal servicemembers civil releif act statement and findings.
(1)(a) Every petition filed in proceedings under this chapter shall contain a statement alleging whether the child is or may be an Indian child as defined in RCW 13.38.040. If the child is an Indian child, chapter 13.38 RCW shall apply.
(b) Every order or decree entered in any proceeding under this chapter shall contain a finding that the federal Indian child welfare act or chapter 13.38 RCW does or does not apply. Where there is a finding that the federal Indian child welfare act or chapter 13.38 RCW does apply, the decree or order must also contain a finding that all notice, consent, and evidentiary requirements under the federal Indian child welfare act, chapter 13.38 RCW, and this section have been satisfied.
(c) In proceedings under this chapter, the adoption facilitator shall file a sworn statement documenting efforts to determine whether an Indian child is involved.
(d) Whenever the court or the petitioning party knows or has reason to know that an Indian child is involved in any termination, relinquishment, or placement proceeding under this chapter, the petitioning party shall promptly provide notice to the child's parent or Indian custodian and to the agent designated by the child's Indian tribe to receive such notices. Notice shall be by certified mail with return receipt requested. If the identity or location of the parent or Indian custodian and the tribe cannot be determined, notice shall be given to the secretary of the interior in the manner described in 25 C.F.R. 23.11. If the child may be a member of more than one tribe, the petitioning party shall send notice to all tribes the petitioner has reason to know may be affiliated with the child.
(e) The notice shall: (i) Contain a statement notifying the parent or custodian and the tribe of the pending proceeding; and (ii) notify the tribe of the tribe's right to intervene and/or request that the case be transferred to tribal court.
(f) No termination, relinquishment, or placement proceeding shall be held until at least ten days after receipt of notice by the tribe. If the tribe requests, the court shall grant the tribe up to twenty additional days to prepare for such proceeding.
(2) Every petition filed in proceedings under this chapter shall contain a statement alleging whether the federal servicemembers civil relief act of 2004, 50 U.S.C. Sec. 501 et seq. applies to the proceeding. Every order or decree entered in any proceeding under this chapter shall contain a finding that the federal servicemembers civil relief act of 2004 does or does not apply.
Court Jurisdiction for Adoption Cases
RCW 2.08.010 (1961); 13.04.030 (1962). Chapter 26.33 RCW Adoption
Juvenile and Family Court Division of Superior Courts handle children and family affairs.
Home Study (Adoptions)
Statutory code/cite for the Adoptive Home Studies:
Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Chaper 26.33.190 (pre-placement report)
Revised Code of Washington 26.33.200 (post placement report)
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?Cite=26.33
Prospective adoptive parents permitted to pay for a pre-adoptive home study
- Yes
Prospective adoptive parents permitted to pay for a pre-adoptive home study
- Private Adoptions: Yes
- Independent Adoptions: Yes
Age of Majority
State's age of majority
- 18 years. Some youth may chose to be in Extended Foster Care.
Statutory code/cite and the age of majority:
- Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 26.28.010 (1974 Supp.)
Services (after Age of Majority)
As the Receiving State, the following services will be provided/continued at the age of majority:
- Medicaid
Appeals
Appeals permitted:
- Home Study: No
- ICPC Decision: No
Border Agreements
Border Agreements permitted:
- Yes
Current Border Agreements with:
- Oregon
Criminal Background Checks/Abuse and Neglect Registry
Home Studies which Require Criminal / Perpetrator Record Checks
Washington requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Foster-Adopt
- Adoption
- Parent
Criminal Background Screening
The following methods are used to capture fingerprints to conduct criminal records checks/and abuse and neglect.
- Live Scan or other computerized technology
- Finger Print cards
Live scan is the preferred method of fingerprinting.
Criminal background checks/screening via Live Scan or other computerized technology are offered at the following levels:
- National
- State
- Local
Fingerprinting must be completed through the Department of Children Youth and Families process.
Background Screening
State or Local Criminal Record Checks Requirements/Process:
Persons living in the home who are 18 years or older must complete a fingerprint criminal background check. Persons 16 years or older must complete a state background check for relative, foster and adoptive placements.
Applicant will not be approved if the person has committed any of the following misdemeanor or felony offenses:
The following link, Secretary’s List of Crimes and Negative Actions, shows the criminal offenses that can disqualify a person from having unsupervised access to children in the state of Washington.
https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/secretaryslist.pdf
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Washington requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | y | y | y | ||
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y |
Wait Time for Criminal Records Results
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 15-30 days
- Local/County: 15-30 days
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: 15-30 days
- Local/County: 15-30 days
Verification of Criminal Records Results
- Signature verifying background check completed
Custody Matters - NON ICPC
(NOTE: These are private or domestic custody matters brought before the court for determination/decision)
Non-ICPC Requests - (i.e. private/domestic custody cases)
ICPC Office will not investigate a domestic or private custody matter.
- Parent vs. Parent: No
- Third Parties: No
ICPC Offices will assist with referral:
- No
Custody Investigation
All requests for custody investigation and/or home studies related to divorce custody orders should be sent to the Superior Court of the county in which the person resides. A copy of the current court order should be included.
Public Education Costs
Washington charges for public education:
- No
Washington charges the sending state for specialized services (occupational, speech therapy)
- No
Washington charges the Sending State to obtain assessments/diagnostics and/or services for education purposes:
- No
Financial Plans, Medicaid, IV-E, Daycare, Payments
FINANCIAL PLANS
Washington permits a child in the legal custody of a Sending State to apply for and receive the following state administered assistance/benefits in Washington as the Receiving State.
- Medicaid
- TANF Child Only
- TANF–Family
As the Sending state, following are considered as a viable financial/medical plan when making interstate placements:
- Applying for TANF - (Family Income Based)
- Applying for TANF - Child Only
- Title IV-E Foster Care
- Kin-Guardianship - Fostering Connections (IV-E)
- Kin-Guardianship - State
- Medicaid
As the Receiving state, following are considered a viable financial/medical plan when receiving interstate placements:
- Applying for TANF - (Family Income Based)
- Applying for TANF - Child Only
- Title IV-E Foster Care
- Title IV-E Adoption Assistance
- Sending State Adoption Assistance
- Kin-Guardianship - Fostering Connections (IV-E)
- Kin-Guardianship - State
- Medicaid
- Sending State’s Coverage for Medical Assistance
MEDICAID / MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
The state will ensure medical coverage benefits and services can be received through benefits, programs and providers in the Receiving State before placing a child across state lines.
- Other:
Medicaid
The receiving state is responsible for the Medicaid benefits of children eligible under Title IV-E. Otherwise, the responsibility is with the sending state (see Foster Care Payments).
- Yes
WAITING PERIOD FOR MEDICAID BENEFITS
Waiting period to apply for benefit assistance:
- Other:
Relative placements or non-IV-E youth, the approved caregiver must apply for medical benefits for the child through the Health Care Exchange.
Waiting period to receive benefits for a child who is under the legal custody/legal jurisdiction of the sending state:
- Other: Medicaid in the sending state must be turned off to open Medicaid in Washington
STATE MEDICAL INSURANCE/COVERAGE
As the Sending State, Washington will provide medical coverage if the child is NOT IV-E eligible
- Other:
As the Sending State, Washington will permit Placement Resources to apply for medical benefits in the Receiving State or use their personal insurance.
- Yes
PAYMENTS MADE
TANF Payments
- No payments can be made to non-residents. For children from out of state living in WA with relative, the relative can apply for TANF.
Adoption assistance payments begin:
- After the adoption is finalized.
Foster Care Payments
Rates paid to receiving states not to exceed Washington State maximum. Exception to policy for higher rates can be granted for extraordinary situations or for high cost-of-living areas.
Special Education Payments
- Other: No payments can be made to non-residents. Service to children here from other states are available at the option of the local school district.
Daycare Payments
- Other
Per Washington policy for a Washington placed youth in a receiving state, Washington could pay daycare if caregivers work or attend school regularly. For two parent household both parents work to qualify for child care. Requirements of licensure may apply. Children could also attend Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program, or Head Start if appropriate.
Kinship Program
TITLE IV-E
Medicaid - The receiving state is responsible for the Medicaid benefits of children eligible under Title IV-E. Otherwise, the responsibility is with the sending state (see Foster Care Payments).
- Yes
Title IV-E documentation/verification required
- Yes: Written documentation required.
Foster Care
RATES (Foster Care)
Foster care rate paid at:
- Receiving State’s rate
- Other
When a child is placed in another state in a licensed home, we pay the licensed foster parent the acceptable rate in the state in which child resides.
Washington foster care rates:
| Service Level of Care | Amount per day |
|---|---|
| 0 – 5 years $672.00 (monthly) 6-11 years $796.00 (monthly) 12 years and older $810.00 (monthly) |
REQUIREMENTS (Foster Care)
Foster Care Resource Requirements:
To be considered for a foster care license, an applicant must meet all requirements in WAC 388-148, inclucing:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=388-148
- Be at least 21 years of age.
- Have sufficient income to support themselves without relying on foster care payments.
- Discipline children in a positive manner without the use of physical punishment.
- Provide supervision appropriate to the age or specific behavior of the child as outlined by the social worker.
-
Complete a home inspection and the following training:
- First Aid/CPR
- Blood Borne Pathogens
- Licensing Orientation
- Caregiver Core Training
Any adult living in a potential foster home must:
- Complete a background clearance check with the FBI and Washington State Patrol.
- Submit tuberculosis tests dated within the last year.
Youth ages 16 to 18 in the household must complete a Washington State Patrol check.
Training (Education and Training)
- Orientation - Applicants must complete an orientation session in person or online. Caregiver Training - Applicants are required to take 30 hours of Caregiver Core Training and a First Aid/CPR and Blood Borne Pathogens course. Training courses are offered regularly in all regions of Washington State. Caregiver Core training is offered online. Ongoing Training - All licensed family foster homes are required to complete ongoing training during each three year licensing period. View Current Orientation Courses and Pre-Service Training Courses at http://www.dshs.wa.gov/ca/fosterparents/preService.asp
Home Studies (Adoption/Foster Care/Kinship/Parent/Relative)
Types of Home Studies
Washington conducts the following types of home studies:
- Relative Care
- Foster Care
- Parent Care
- Foster- Adopt
- Adoption
- Other
Non-relative/kinship families must be foster licensed.
Washington designates staff in each county/region to conduct home studies and/or process interstate placements.
- Yes
Washington considers a home study as current/valid for:
- 1 year
Private Contract Services - Home Study
As the Sending State, Washington will pay a contractor or private/independent agency in the Receiving State to conduct a home study
- Other: Washington may pay a contractor or a private/independent agency to conduct a home study. Prior approval is required and it is done on a case by case basis.
As the Receiving State, Washington will permit a Sending state to pay a contractor or private/independent agency in the Receiving State to conduct a home study.
- Other: The contractor or agency must be a licensed Child Placing Agency in Washington state, that foster licenses homes.
As the Receiving State, Washington will accept/update a home study that was not originally conducted by the receiving state or a private contractor acting on behalf of the Receiving State.
- Will not Update or Accept
Adoptive Home Studies
Home study for adoption conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- Yes
Prospective adoptive parents permitted to pay for a pre-adoptive home study
- Private Adoptions: Yes
- Independent Adoptions: Yes
DCPS contracts for Purchase of Services with private agencies in other states:
- Yes
Foster Care Home Study
Home study for foster care conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- Yes
Parent Home Study
If child has been removed from the parent, Washington requires a home study evaluation before reunification.
Non-Custodial Parents
Placements with non-custodial parents are not covered under the ICPC if:
Proof of Paternity is required:
- Yes : Paternity Results
Relative/Kinship Home Study
Home study for relatives conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- Yes
Define Relative
Any blood relative, including those of half-blood, and including first cousins, second cousins, nephews or nieces, and persons of preceding generations as denoted by prefixes of grand, great, or great-great;
(ii) Stepfather, stepmother, stepbrother, and stepsister;
(iii) A person who legally adopts a child or the child's parent as well as the natural and other legally adopted children of such persons, and other relatives of the adoptive parents in accordance with state law;
(iv) Spouses of any persons named in (i), (ii), or (iii) of this subsection (2)(a), even after the marriage is terminated;
(v) Relatives, as named in (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) of this subsection (2)(a), of any half sibling of the child; or
(vi) Extended family members, as defined by the law or custom of the Indian child's tribe or, in the absence of such law or custom, a person who has reached the age of eighteen and who is the Indian child's grandparent, aunt or uncle, brother or sister, brother-in-law or sister-in-law, niece or nephew, first or second cousin, or stepparent who provides care in the family abode on a twenty-four-hour basis to an Indian child as defined in 25 U.S.C. Sec. 1903(4);
Relatives must be licensed:
- No
Proof of Paternity is required:
- Yes : Paternity Results
Washington considers the following types and degrees of relation as relative placements. Individuals related in the 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree and 4th degree (You may need to refer to your state's consanguinity chart or state statute to determine relations or relative status.)
- 1st Degree (mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter)
- 2nd Degree (grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, first cousin)
- 3rd Degree (great grandmother, great grandfather, great aunt, great uncle, grand-niece, grand nephew, second cousin)
- 4th Degree (great, great-grandmother, great, great-grandfather, great, great aunt, great, great aunt, great, great uncle, great grand-niece, great grand nephew, third cousin)
- Godmother, Godfather
- Other
Regulation 7 Priority Placement
Washington performs priority placements:
No
A court ordered Priority 7 conducted if the child is in a DCF shelter or foster home for substantial period of time.
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study) - Public
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- 60 days
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- 60 days
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study) - Private
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- 60 days
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- 60 days
Washington determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:
- Date of the 100A
Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study
| Regular Mail | Express Mail | Overnight Mail | Electronic Mail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | |||
| Send home study request to Local office | y | y | ||
| Send home study report to Sending State | y | y |
Criminal Record Checks
Washington requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Foster-Adopt
- Adoption
- Parent
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Washington requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | y | y | y | ||
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y |
Wait Time for Criminal Records Results
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 15-30 days
- Local/County: 15-30 days
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: 15-30 days
- Local/County: 15-30 days
ICPC Processing And Data Collection
Washington conducts the following types of home studies:
- Relative Care
- Foster Care
- Parent Care
- Foster- Adopt
- Adoption
- Other
Non-relative/kinship families must be foster licensed.
ICPC Placement Checklists
| Adoption | Foster | Foster-Adopt | Parent | Relative | Residential | Electronic Transmission Accepted * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICPC 100A (Placement Request) | y | y | y | y | y | y | S R L |
| ICPC – 100 B (if child is in the Receiving State) | y | y | y | y | y | y | S R L |
| Home Study Report | y | y | y | y | y | S R L | |
| Court Order | y | y | y | y | y | S R L | |
| Medical Documentation/History | y | y | y | y | y | S R L | |
| Criminal History | y | y | y | y | y | S R L | |
| Criminal Background Check/Verification | S R L | ||||||
| (License/ Certification/Approval) | y | S R L | |||||
| Financial/ Medical Plan to support placement | y | y | y | y | y | S R L | |
| Social History/ Case Plan | y | y | y | y | y | S R L | |
| Title IV-E Status | y | y | y | y | y | S R L | |
| Supervisory/ Progress Reports | y | y | y | y | y | S R L | |
| Termination of Paternal Rights | S R L | ||||||
| Consent to Adoption | S R L |
Date of Receipt - Home Study
Washington determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:
- Date of the 100A
Washington designates staff in each county/region to conduct home studies and/or process interstate placements.
- Yes
Private Contract Services - Home Study
As the Sending State, Washington will pay a contractor or private/independent agency in the Receiving State to conduct a home study
- Other: Washington may pay a contractor or a private/independent agency to conduct a home study. Prior approval is required and it is done on a case by case basis.
Criminal Records Checks
Washington requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Foster-Adopt
- Adoption
- Parent
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Washington requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | y | y | y | ||
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y |
Mailing Process - Interstate Home Study
Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study
| Regular Mail | Express Mail | Overnight Mail | Electronic Mail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | |||
| Send home study request to Local office | y | y | ||
| Send home study report to Sending State | y | y |
Wait/Processing Times
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study) - Public
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- 60 days
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- 60 days
Wait Time for Criminal Records Checks
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 15-30 days
- Local/County: 15-30 days
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: 15-30 days
- Local/County: 15-30 days
Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)
Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:
- 3-6 mos.
Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.
- 3 years
Washington offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:
- OtherOrientation, Caregiver Core Training classes and ongoing training are offered by geographical location around the state.
Wait Time for ICPC Decision
| Foster Care | Relative | Relative - Foster Care | Parent | Foster - Adopt | Adoption (Public) |
Adoption (Private) |
Adoption (Independent) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-3months | 2-3months | 2-3months | 2-3months | 2-3months | 2-3months | 1- 30 days | 1- 30 days |
Data Collection
Washington collects, tracks and reports interstate data via:
- State System (SACWS or Other Computer System/Database)
Washington collects, tracks and reports interstate home studies via
- State System (SACWS or Other Computer System/Database)
Licensing/Certification/Approval
Licensing
Dual Licensing state:
- No
Washington uses the following terms to authorize a resource family for foster care and (or) adoption after completion of education and training in state:
- Approve (Adoption)
- Verified (Foster Home)
- Certified
Washington requires the following types of placement resources to be licensed/approved/certified:
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Adoption
- Foster/Adopt
Washington resource training program is as follows:
- PRIDE (Parents Resource Information Development Education)
Washington will give full or partial credit for foster care and adoption education and training completed in another state:
- Adoption
No CreditNon-relative/kinship placement resources must be foster licensed. A foster-adoption request can be submitted. - Foster Care
OtherOther states training is considered on a case by case basis. A curriculum review is required and previous training must mirror Washington's curriculm.
Title IV-E documentation/verification required
- Yes: Written documentation required.
Requirements (Licensing)
Licensing Requirements
To be considered for a foster care license, an applicant must meet all requirements in WAC 388-148, inclucing:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=388-148
- Be at least 21 years of age.
- Have sufficient income to support themselves without relying on foster care payments.
- Discipline children in a positive manner without the use of physical punishment.
- Provide supervision appropriate to the age or specific behavior of the child as outlined by the social worker.
-
Complete a home inspection and the following training:
- First Aid/CPR
- Blood Borne Pathogens
- Licensing Orientation
- Pre-Service Training
Any adult living in a potential foster home must:
- Complete a background clearance check with the FBI and Washington State Patrol.
- Submit tuberculosis tests dated within the last year.
Youth ages 16 to 18 in the household must complete a Washington State Patrol check.
Foster Care Placements
Out-of State homes must be fully licensed in the receiving state.
Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)
Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:
- 3-6 mos.
Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.
- 3 years
Washington offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:
- OtherOrientation, Caregiver Core Training classes and ongoing training are offered by geographical location around the state.
Parent Studies
Washington conducts the following types of home studies:
- Relative Care
- Foster Care
- Parent Care
- Foster- Adopt
- Adoption
- Other
Non-relative/kinship families must be foster licensed.
Custodial Parent Evaluated Per Reunification
If child has been removed from the parent, Washington requires a home study evaluation before reunification.
Non-Custodial Parents
Placements with non-custodial parents are not covered under the ICPC if:
Proof of Paternity is required:
- Yes : Paternity Results
Regulation 7 Priority Placement
Washington performs priority placements:
No
A court ordered Priority 7 conducted if the child is in a DCF shelter or foster home for substantial period of time.
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study)
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- 60 days
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- 60 days
Washington determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:
- Date of the 100A
Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study
| Regular Mail | Express Mail | Overnight Mail | Electronic Mail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | |||
| Send home study request to Local office | y | y | ||
| Send home study report to Sending State | y | y |
Criminal Records Checks
Washington requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Foster-Adopt
- Adoption
- Parent
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Washington requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | y | y | y | ||
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y |
Wait Time for Criminal Records Checks
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 15-30 days
- Local/County: 15-30 days
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: 15-30 days
- Local/County: 15-30 days
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- 60 days
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Washington requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | y | y | y | ||
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y |
Verification of Criminal Records Results
- Signature verifying background check completed
Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)
Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:
- 3-6 mos.
Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.
- 3 years
Washington offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:
- OtherOrientation, Caregiver Core Training classes and ongoing training are offered by geographical location around the state.
Relative Placements
Washington conducts the following types of home studies:
- Relative Care
- Foster Care
- Parent Care
- Foster- Adopt
- Adoption
- Other
Non-relative/kinship families must be foster licensed.
Relative Home Study
Define Relative
Any blood relative, including those of half-blood, and including first cousins, second cousins, nephews or nieces, and persons of preceding generations as denoted by prefixes of grand, great, or great-great;
(ii) Stepfather, stepmother, stepbrother, and stepsister;
(iii) A person who legally adopts a child or the child's parent as well as the natural and other legally adopted children of such persons, and other relatives of the adoptive parents in accordance with state law;
(iv) Spouses of any persons named in (i), (ii), or (iii) of this subsection (2)(a), even after the marriage is terminated;
(v) Relatives, as named in (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) of this subsection (2)(a), of any half sibling of the child; or
(vi) Extended family members, as defined by the law or custom of the Indian child's tribe or, in the absence of such law or custom, a person who has reached the age of eighteen and who is the Indian child's grandparent, aunt or uncle, brother or sister, brother-in-law or sister-in-law, niece or nephew, first or second cousin, or stepparent who provides care in the family abode on a twenty-four-hour basis to an Indian child as defined in 25 U.S.C. Sec. 1903(4);
Relatives must be licensed:
- No
Proof of Paternity is required:
- Yes : Paternity Results
Washington considers the following types and degrees of relation as relative placements. Individuals related in the 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree and 4th degree (You may need to refer to your state's consanguinity chart or state statute to determine relations or relative status.)
- 1st Degree (mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter)
- 2nd Degree (grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, first cousin)
- 3rd Degree (great grandmother, great grandfather, great aunt, great uncle, grand-niece, grand nephew, second cousin)
- 4th Degree (great, great-grandmother, great, great-grandfather, great, great aunt, great, great aunt, great, great uncle, great grand-niece, great grand nephew, third cousin)
- Godmother, Godfather
- Other
Regulation 7 Priority Placement
Washington performs priority placements:
No
A court ordered Priority 7 conducted if the child is in a DCF shelter or foster home for substantial period of time.
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study)
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- 60 days
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- 60 days
Washington determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:
- Date of the 100A
Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study
| Regular Mail | Express Mail | Overnight Mail | Electronic Mail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | |||
| Send home study request to Local office | y | y | ||
| Send home study report to Sending State | y | y |
Criminal Records Checks
Washington requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Foster-Adopt
- Adoption
- Parent
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Washington requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | y | y | y | ||
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y |
Wait Time for Criminal Records Checks
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 15-30 days
- Local/County: 15-30 days
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: 15-30 days
- Local/County: 15-30 days
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- 60 days
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Washington requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | y | y | y | ||
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y |
Verification of Criminal Records Results
- Signature verifying background check completed
Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)
Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:
- 3-6 mos.
Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.
- 3 years
Washington offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:
- OtherOrientation, Caregiver Core Training classes and ongoing training are offered by geographical location around the state.
Residential Treatment Centers/Facilities
Before Washington will approve a child for an interstate placement with an RTF, Certification/verification of acceptance is required from the Residential Treatment Facility (RTF).
- Yes
Residential Placements
Closest definition: "Group-care facility" means an agency, other than a foster-family home, which is maintained and operated for the care of a group of children on a twenty-four hour basis. RCW 74.15
Supervisory Reports
Washington Requires face-to-face supervision:
- Once a month
Washington will provide supervision of an interstate placement:
- Other : Until the ICPC is closed. Washington will provide supervision for youth in extended foster care, if the child was placed under an approved ICPC prior to the youth's 18th birthday, and appropriate documentation is received regarding requirements of sending state's extended foster care program.
Washington Submits a supervisory report to the Sending State
- Quarterly
Washington will send a supervision report to:
- The ICPC in the Sending State
Supervision Guidelines
Please see Regulation 11 for supervision requirements under the ICPC (Link provided below):
Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
Home study for adoption conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- Yes
Home study for relatives conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- Yes
After TPR, relatives are no longer relatives and a foster care or adoptive home study must be requested.
- Yes
Relative Home Study
Define Relative
Any blood relative, including those of half-blood, and including first cousins, second cousins, nephews or nieces, and persons of preceding generations as denoted by prefixes of grand, great, or great-great;
(ii) Stepfather, stepmother, stepbrother, and stepsister;
(iii) A person who legally adopts a child or the child's parent as well as the natural and other legally adopted children of such persons, and other relatives of the adoptive parents in accordance with state law;
(iv) Spouses of any persons named in (i), (ii), or (iii) of this subsection (2)(a), even after the marriage is terminated;
(v) Relatives, as named in (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) of this subsection (2)(a), of any half sibling of the child; or
(vi) Extended family members, as defined by the law or custom of the Indian child's tribe or, in the absence of such law or custom, a person who has reached the age of eighteen and who is the Indian child's grandparent, aunt or uncle, brother or sister, brother-in-law or sister-in-law, niece or nephew, first or second cousin, or stepparent who provides care in the family abode on a twenty-four-hour basis to an Indian child as defined in 25 U.S.C. Sec. 1903(4);
Relatives must be licensed:
- No
Proof of Paternity is required:
- Yes : Paternity Results
Washington considers the following types and degrees of relation as relative placements. Individuals related in the 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree and 4th degree (You may need to refer to your state's consanguinity chart or state statute to determine relations or relative status.)
- 1st Degree (mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter)
- 2nd Degree (grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, first cousin)
- 3rd Degree (great grandmother, great grandfather, great aunt, great uncle, grand-niece, grand nephew, second cousin)
- 4th Degree (great, great-grandmother, great, great-grandfather, great, great aunt, great, great aunt, great, great uncle, great grand-niece, great grand nephew, third cousin)
- Godmother, Godfather
- Other
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