The legislature intends to make subsidized relative guardianships, as permitted under federal law, available to Washington families through amending the state's dependency guardianship statute and through the following implementation directives for a relative guardianship program:

     (1) Relative guardianships shall be a permissible permanency plan under this chapter for a dependent child who is Title IV-E eligible and for whom the prospective relative guardian has been the licensed foster care provider for at least six consecutive months prior to the guardianship being established;

     (2) The department shall conduct routine and cost-efficient outreach regarding the relative guardianship program through the kinship care oversight committee, the area administrations on aging, and appropriate community partners;

     (3) Relative guardianship subsidy agreements shall be designed to promote long-term permanency for the child and to support stability of the guardianship. The child's best interests shall govern the issue of whether and what kinds of supports will be available under the program; and

     (4) The subsidized relative guardianship program shall be implemented in a manner consistent with federal laws, rules, and regulations for the receipt and expenditure of federal funds for subsidies to relative guardians.

[2009 c 235 § 5.]

NOTES:

     Findings -- Intent -- 2009 c 235: See note following RCW 74.13.031.