Wyoming Administrative Code Agency 049 - Family Services, Dept. of
1. What the Wyoming Administrative Code (WAC) Is
The Wyoming Administrative Code is the official compilation of all rules created by state agencies. Rules in the WAC are legally enforceable and are different from laws passed by the legislature—they are more detailed regulations that explain how laws are implemented.
Purpose: Provides guidance for state employees, ensures consistency in service delivery, and informs the public about agency requirements.
Structure: Each agency has a number (here, 049 = Department of Family Services), and within that, rules are grouped by topics, numbered, and often broken into sections.
2. Agency 049 – Department of Family Services (DFS)
The Wyoming Department of Family Services is the state agency that provides programs and services to support families, children, and vulnerable populations. The agency is responsible for areas like:
Child protective services
Foster care and adoption
Child care licensing
Adult protective services
Economic assistance programs
In the WAC, Agency 049 contains the rules and regulations that govern how DFS carries out these duties. These are the official procedures for the agency to follow.
3. Main Topics Covered in WAC 049
The WAC for DFS is divided into chapters or sections for each major program or function. Some of the main areas include:
A. Child Protective Services (CPS)
Defines the process for reporting abuse or neglect.
Outlines investigations, risk assessments, and safety plans.
Sets standards for handling cases and protecting children.
B. Foster Care and Adoption
Rules on licensing foster homes and adoption agencies.
Requirements for foster parents (training, background checks, home safety).
Procedures for placing children in foster care or adoption.
C. Child Care Licensing
Standards for child care providers (both daycare centers and family child care).
Health, safety, and staffing requirements.
Inspection and compliance procedures.
D. Economic Assistance Programs
Rules for programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or food assistance.
Eligibility criteria, application process, and benefit calculation.
E. Adult Protective Services
Rules for protecting vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Procedures for investigation and intervention.
F. General Administrative Procedures
How DFS handles complaints or appeals.
Employee conduct and agency record-keeping.
Coordination with other state agencies or courts.
4. How Rules Work in Practice
These rules are mandatory: DFS employees must follow them when providing services.
The rules provide specific steps, such as:
How quickly a child abuse report must be investigated.
Documentation requirements for foster placements.
Licensing inspection frequency and standards.
Agencies also use these rules to train staff and to guide public interactions (like what documentation parents or providers need to submit).
5. Why WAC 049 Matters
Ensures consistency: Every child or family is treated according to the same rules across Wyoming.
Protects legal rights: Families, children, and providers know the standards DFS must follow.
Provides accountability: If DFS does not follow its rules, it can be challenged in court or administrative review.
✅ Summary
Wyoming Administrative Code, Agency 049 – Department of Family Services is the collection of official rules that govern how DFS operates in areas like child protection, foster care, adoption, child care licensing, economic assistance, and adult protective services. These rules ensure consistent, safe, and legally compliant services for children, families, and vulnerable adults across Wyoming.
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