Licensees must develop and follow policies and procedures that are approved by the department that describe their behavior management methods and meet the following requirements:

1. (1) Comply with department-approved behavior management trainings;
2. (2) Use behavior management methods appropriate to the child's or youth's developmental capabilities;
3. (3) Use positive methods of guidance and behavior management that promote self-control, self-responsibility, self-direction, self-esteem, and cooperation;

4. (4) Not use any of the following as behavior management methods:

   1. (a) Corporal punishment;
   2. (b) Verbal abuse, neglect, humiliation, intimidation, or fear;
   3. (c) Withholding of food;
   4. (d) Chores or physical labor;
   5. (e) Withholding approved contact with a child's or youth's family, fictive kin, or tribal community, unless it is approved by their representative;
   6. (f) Time out or de-escalation rooms that do not allow children or youth to exit, which are prohibited in all facilities;
   7. (g) Administering medication other than as prescribed or recommended by the manufacturer;
   8. (h) Any behavior management methods that interfere with a child's or youth's:
   9. (i) Basic needs; or

   10. (ii) Need for necessary services including contact with their:

       1. (A) Representative;
       2. (B) Attorney; or
       3. (C) Guardian ad litem; or
       4. (i) Any methods that are prohibited by WAC 110-145-3050;
5. (5) Maintain responsibility for the behavior management of children and youth in care and must not delegate that responsibility to a child or youth; and
6. (6) Immediately provide updated policies and procedures to the LD licensor for approval if behavior management methods change.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.15.030. WSR 25-23-103, s 110-145-3190, filed 11/18/25, effective 5/1/26.]