An update on the Guidelines

The first draft of the Guidelines is written, and editing is underway. The Guidelines are expected to be released in October 2023 and several virtual introduction sessions will follow. Check this engagement page for introduction session dates and registration links. Announcement of the Guidelines release and dates for introduction sessions will be broadly sent to counties, tribes, and private licensing agencies.

Community stakeholders who participated in this effort will receive an invitation by email to attend an introduction session that highlights ways that community feedback was integrated into the Guidelines. Summaries of stakeholder engagement, including surveys from foster parents and licensing workers, engagement groups with youth and foster parents, and workgroups are available on this engagement page.

Please use this engagement page to submit any questions you have related to the Child Foster Care Licensing Guidelines.

DHS Licensing has also launched a Child Foster Care Background Studies Reform: Licensing Engagement webpage related to the changes that went into effect July 1, 2022. The purpose of this engagement page is to provide a place for licensing workers and supervisors to collaboratively discuss the changes made in the reform and the review process for assessing non-disqualifying information. The engagement page includes documents, links, and a place to share questions and ideas related to the background study reform. Monthly Community of Practice sessions for licensing workers and supervisors are hosted by DHS on the first Thursday of the month from 10:00am to 11:00am.