The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families will replace the current four-level rate assessment system with a new, seven-level caregiver supports model beginning Jan. 1, 2024.
(As part of these changes, caregivers licensed through CPAs will be paid directly by DCYF. Starting Jan 1, 2024, CPA Caregivers will need to start submitting invoices to receive payment.)
Want to ask questions? The first of many information sessions is on Oct. 11, 2023 DCYF Virtual Session – Caregiver Payments
A hearing on the proposed changes to the WACs that define this payment system will be held on October 24. You can phone in to provide public comment, or submit written comments in advance to: the DCYF Rules Coordinator by phone or email. Visit https://dcyf.wa.gov/practice/policy-laws-rules/rulemaking/participate/online for details. (By (date) October 24, 2023 )
These proposals include the rate level definitions below:
(1) Level 1: Receive the basic foster care maintenance rate. The
payment is based on the child’s or youth’s needs, who are developing
comparably to children or youth in the same age range. The payments
are based on three age categories:
(a) Birth to five years old;
(b) Six to 11 years old; or
(c) Twelve to 20 years old.
(2) Level 2: Require more support from foster parents due to the
youth being 12 years of age or older. The payment is based on the
youth’s needs, who are developing comparably to youth in the same age
range.
(3) Level 3: Are diagnosed by a licensed health care provider
with at least one chronic medical condition that requires more support
from foster parents due to the severity of their needs. Children and
youth in this level only have chronic medical conditions and do not
[ 8 ] OTS-4873.3
have other conditions that would put them in a different level of
care.
(4) Level 4: Are diagnosed by a licensed health care provider
with a developmental disability that requires more support from foster
parents due to the severity of their behaviors and needs. Children and
youth in this level only have a diagnosed developmental disability and
do not have other conditions that would put them in a different level
of care.
(5) Level 5: Are diagnosed by a licensed health care provider
with a developmental disability and have at least one chronic health
condition. Children or youth in this level will not have any other
conditions that would put them in a different level of care.
(6) Level 6: Have a current mental health diagnosis by a licensed
health care provider or current prescription medication to assist with
their mental health diagnosis.
(7) Level 7: Have complex mental health needs and need more support to help stabilize and keep the child or youth safe.
To read the changes to the WACs, see the online filing by DCYF here.
full message from DCYF (read here):
The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families will replace the current four-level rate assessment system with a new, seven-level caregiver supports model beginning Jan. 1, 2024.
Our current rate assessment tool assesses the amount of time and energy caregivers spend parenting young people placed in their care, and it does not provide corresponding services or supports. The new rate assessment system aligns supports with known information about the child or youth.
As part of these changes, caregivers licensed through CPAs will be paid directly by DCYF. Starting Jan 1, 2024, CPA Caregivers will need to start submitting invoices to receive payment.
How can CPA Caregivers prepare for this change?
- The easiest way to get paid timely is to set up Direct Deposit. With direct deposit, caregivers do not have to wait for paper checks to be sent through the mail.
- Sign up for the Social Services Payment System (SSPS) Provider Portal to simplify the payment process. In the portal you can:
- Review the invoice information you have provided and make changes.
- Easily update an address, phone number, or email address.
- Contact SSPS with questions.
- View real-time invoicing and see all remittances, invoices and tax documents in one place.
- You can find information about signing up for Direct Deposit or the Provider Portal at https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/services/foster-parenting/current-foster-parents/resources under the “Payments” heading.
If you have questions about signing up for Direct Deposit or the Provider Portal or about claiming payments from DCYF, caregivers may attend a Zoom session where a DCYF staff member will be available in real-time to answer questions.
DCYF Virtual Session – Caregiver Payments
Oct. 11, 2023 | 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Call-in Number: 1-253-215-8782
Meeting ID: 815 9333 8703
The timelines and process for completing rate assessments will also be changing. DCYF staff will make an initial assessment within the first seven days. Next, we will validate that level using information about the youth that we will get from Health Care Authority information. The new process does not include an interview with the child’s caregiver.
New Caregiver Supports Rate Assessment (Effective Jan. 1, 2024)
To learn more about the Rate Assessment Timelines, additional virtual session dates, and why changes are being made, visit the Caregiver Support Project webpage: Caregiver Supports Project | Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
If you have any questions, email [email protected].