1. (1) All children or youth placed in foster care will receive the basic foster care maintenance payment for their age category to help cover the cost of food, clothing, shelter, and personal incidentals.

   1. (a) The department must pay foster care maintenance payments to individuals:

      1. (i) That are licensed or certified foster parents when children or youth are placed in their home;

      2. (ii) Identified by the tribe when they:

         1. (A) Take placement of children or youth; and
         2. (B) Meet the licensing requirements of their tribe.

   2. (b) Residing out of Washington state, when:

      1. (i) They take placement of a Washington state child or youth;
      2. (ii) They meet the licensing requirements of the state they reside in, per WAC 110-50-0460; and
      3. (iii) Approval is received from both the sending and receiving state offices, per WAC 110-50-0100.

2. (2) The amount of the monthly foster care maintenance payment is determined using a standardized assessment tool that assesses children's and youth's needs in the following areas:

   1. (a) Physical health;
   2. (b) Mental health; and
   3. (c) Behavioral needs.

3. (3) The standardized assessment tool must be completed to determine the rate of the foster care maintenance payment:

   1. (a) Within 40 calendar days of the children's or youth's placement being documented in a licensed or certified foster home or relative or suitable persons home;
   2. (b) At least every six months after the first assessment; and
   3. (c) When there is a significant change in circumstances for children or youth.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.216.065 and 74.13.031. WSR 23-24-040, § 110-50-0440, filed 11/30/23, effective 12/31/23. WSR 18-14-078, recodified as § 110-50-0440, filed 6/29/18, effective 7/1/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090. WSR 09-16-045, § 388-25-0011, filed 7/28/09, effective 8/28/09.]