Washington Administrative Code Title 110 - Children, Youth, and Families, Department of
Overview
WAC Title 110 contains the rules and regulations adopted by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). This department is responsible for protecting children, supporting families, and ensuring services for youth development, early learning, child welfare, and juvenile justice.
The title outlines the structure, responsibilities, and standards under which the department operates. Its rules have the force of law and guide how DCYF delivers services and enforces requirements.
Key Areas Covered Under WAC Title 110
The code is divided into chapters, each focusing on a specific function or program area. Here are the main domains:
1. Administration and General Rules
Defines the authority of the DCYF director and staff.
Provides rules for licensing, enforcement, hearings, and appeals.
Outlines confidentiality and records requirements, especially concerning child and family information.
2. Early Learning and Child Care
Licensing requirements for child care centers, family home child care, and school-age programs.
Health and safety standards such as staff-to-child ratios, facility requirements, emergency preparedness, nutrition, and safe environments.
Background checks and training requirements for child care providers.
Rules governing subsidies and payments to licensed providers.
3. Child Welfare Services
Procedures for child protective services (CPS) investigations.
Rules regarding foster care licensing, standards for foster families, and kinship care.
Adoption services, including qualifications for adoptive parents.
Case planning, visitation rights, and permanency planning for children in state care.
4. Juvenile Rehabilitation and Justice Programs
Standards for juvenile institutions and community programs.
Rules for rehabilitation, education, and reentry programs for youth involved in the juvenile justice system.
Due process rights of youth in custody.
5. Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT)
Provides rules for early intervention services for children with developmental delays or disabilities.
Sets standards for eligibility, service coordination, and family engagement.
6. Family Support and Prevention Services
Rules for family support programs, including prevention services designed to strengthen families and reduce child abuse/neglect.
Outlines community partnerships and grant programs administered by DCYF.
7. Appeals and Hearings
Provides parents, caregivers, or providers the right to appeal department decisions (such as license revocation or denial).
Establishes hearing procedures, timelines, and due process protections.
Purpose of WAC Title 110
The overall goals are:
Protecting children and youth from harm and neglect.
Ensuring quality early learning and child care to support healthy child development.
Promoting safe and nurturing family environments.
Providing rehabilitation and guidance for youth involved with juvenile justice.
Strengthening communities through family-focused prevention services.
Practical Impact
For different groups:
Parents and Families: Know their rights when involved with DCYF programs or investigations.
Child Care Providers: Must follow licensing rules to operate legally.
Foster and Adoptive Parents: Learn the standards they must meet.
Youth in Custody: Gain protections and access to rehabilitative programs.
Community Organizations: Follow rules to receive state contracts or funding for child/youth services.
✅ In short, WAC Title 110 is the backbone of how Washington State protects children, regulates child care, supports families, and manages youth justice.
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