Submitted by the Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families

The new year brings a handful of changes that will increase supports to families and protect children and youth. Here is a roundup of changes in 2024:

Child Welfare

Changes to reporting child abuse and neglect go into effect

Beginning Jan. 1, suspected incidences of child abuse and neglect at behavioral health facilities, residential private schools, and host homes, can now be reported to DCYF. Under State Bill 5515, DCYF will now have the legal authority to investigate these types of reports. The public may report to Child Protective Services by calling 1-866-END-HARM (866-363-4276). To learn more, visit https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/safety/report-abuse.

Beginning Jan. 1, patients, students, and families with loved ones at behavioral health facilities, residential private schools, and host homes can now report suspected child abuse or neglect to the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families.

Under State Bill 5515, DCYF will have the legal authority to investigate alleged child abuse or neglect at these locations, which also includes substance use disorder treatment facilities, mental health facilities, or those integrated into another setting.

“The safety of children and youth is our agency’s number one priority and this change gives us another avenue to reach families who need support,” explained Ruben Reeves, Assistant Secretary of Licensing.

Allegations of abuse or neglect that are screened in will be assigned to investigators who will make a finding as to whether the alleged abuse occurred. In the past, allegations of abuse or neglect at these locations were referred to law enforcement.

Starting July 1, 2025, residential schools must be licensed by DCYF so the findings from these CPS investigations could potentially impact their licensing standing. DCYF will also be working closely with the Department of Health which provides oversight for the behavioral and substance treatment centers to provide them with information about CPS investigations at these locations.

Caregiver supports updates in the new year

Beginning Jan. 1, DCYF will replace the current four-level rate assessment system with a new, seven-level caregiver support model. The new rate assessment system aligns supports with known information about the child or youth. Read more about the 2024 changes to Caregiver Supports at Thriving Families Initiative Updates.

For more information visit https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADEL/bulletins/37bf7bd.

Foster care health coverage changes

Those who are enrolled in foster care health coverage’s Apple Health Core Connections through Coordinated Care of Washington, beginning Jan. 1, may be impacted by changes in contracted pharmacies. Watch out for new insurance cards in the mail. These new insurance cards mailed to caregivers will contain new Rx numbers. Most members will experience no change at all but will need to provide the new prescription or Rx number on their AHCC card to their regular pharmacy. A very small number of AHCC members will need to switch pharmacies; Coordinated Care will help those members find and locate a new pharmacy.

Pharmacy coverage update information can be found at https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADEL/bulletins/38109c9

Early Learning/Child Care

Fingerprint requirements back in effect for childcare providers

Effective Jan. 1, Proclamation 20-31.12, which suspended and waived the fingerprint requirement for background checks for child care and early learning providers, will come to an end. Beginning Jan. 1, all child care and early learning workers, or eligible household members, pursuant to WACs 110-06, 110-300, 110-301, and 110-302, will need to comply with the fingerprint requirements to continue to be on site at a DCYF-licensed facility.

Child Care Background update information can be found at https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADEL/bulletins/37f1333