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Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) Manual  

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providers

B.  In-home / Relative Providers

Revised: May 19, 2006

Effective May 19, 2006

WAC 388-290-0130  What in-home / relative providers can I choose under the WCCC program?

  1. To be eligible as an in-home / relative provider the person must:

    1. Be an adult who is a U.S. citizen or legally residing in the United States;

    2. Meet the requirements in WAC 388-290-0135; and

    3. Be one of the following adults providing care in the home of either the child or the adult :

      1. A sibling living outside the child's home;

      2. An extended tribal family member according to chapter 74.15 RCW; or

      3. A grandparent, aunt, uncle, or great-grandparent, great-aunt or great-uncle.

  2. An adult not listed in (1)(c)(i), (ii), or (iii) of this section must:

    1. Meet the requirements in subsection (1)(a) and (b) of this section; and

    2. Provide care in the child's own home.

  3. If you use an in-home/relative provider you can:

    1. Have no more than two in home/relative providers authorized for payment during your eligibility period at the same time (not including back up providers);

    2. Have one back up provider (licensed or an in home/relative provider);

NOTE:

Sections of this WAC were moved to other WAC:

  • WAC 388-290-0138 now contains information about WCCC paying for up to 6 children.

  • WAC 388-290-0140 describes who can be a provider and that background checks are needed before payment can begin.

CLARIFYING INFORMATION

  1. For individuals listed in WAC 388-290-0130(1)(c) a “step” relative also qualifies as a relative provider as long as the relationship is not severed due to divorce.

  2. WAC 388-290-0130 (1) and (2) outline the rules of where the in-home / relative provider must provide the care.

These rules, however, are not meant to restrict the provider from providing "activities for the children that are consistent with their developmental stages" (WAC 388-290-0135 (5)(e)(ii)) outside of the home such as:

  • Taking the child to museums, the park, bowling, the movies, play groups, etc.

  • Taking the child to medical or therapeutic appointments.

EXAMPLE 1

Mark is an unrelated in-home provider for Bill’s son, Jordan.  Mark takes Jordan to the park each day then afterwards takes Jordan to his house and waits for Bill to pick Jordan up. Mark is eligible for WCCC payment while he provides care in Bill’s home and at the park. He becomes ineligible for WCCC payment when he takes Jordan to his home, as it is not the child’s home.

EXAMPLE 2

Mary applies to be the in-home/relative provider for her sisters Peggy and Stacy for the same hours. All three sisters live in different homes. Mary wants WCCC payment for both families while she takes Peggy’s children to Stacey’s house to provide care. As the eligible relative, Mary can provide care in her own home for both families. However, WCCC will not pay for her to take Peggy’s children to Stacey’s house or vice versa.

  1. A consumer can have up to two primary in-home/relative providers at one time with open authorizations during their eligibility period. They can also have one back up provider; either a licensed or an in-home/relative provider. Consumers can change providers during their eligibility period to a new provider who meets the requirements in WAC 388-290-0125.

EXAMPLE

John wants to use three in-home/relative providers for his two children. He requests one provider for both children for 2 hours before school. This provider is only available in the morning. He requests two different providers after school to care for one child each for 2 hours. All three providers meet the requirements in 388-290-0125. John needs to choose two primary providers who will have care opened for 2 hours a day, 5 days a week. The third provider could be authorized as a back up provider for lesser hours when one of the other providers is not available.

WORKER RESPONSIBILITIES

Effective December 1, 2005

WAC 388-290-0135  When I choose an in-home / relative provider, what information must I give to the department?

When you choose in-home/relative child care, you must complete certain forms and give us the following:

  1. The in-home/relative child care provider's legal name, address and telephone number;
  2. A copy of the provider's valid Social Security card;
  3. A copy of the provider's photo identification;
  4. A completed background check authorization; and
  5. A form supplied by us, completed and signed by you and the provider in which both of you attest to the following:
    1. The provider is:
      1. Of suitable character and competence;
      2. Of sufficient physical and mental health to meet the needs of the children in care. If we request it, you must provide written evidence that the in-home child care provider of your choice is of sufficient physical and mental health to be a safe child care provider;
      3. Able to work with the children without using corporal punishment or psychological abuse;
      4. Able to accept and follow instructions;
      5. Able to maintain personal cleanliness;
      6. Prompt and regular in job attendance
      7. Informed about basic health practices, prevention and control of infectious disease, immunizations; and
      8. Able to provide constant care, supervision and activities based on the child’s developmental needs.
    2. The children are current on the immunization schedule as described in the National Immunization Guidelines, developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices;
    3. The home where care is provided is safe for the care of the children.

clarifying information

  1. Minor consumers, who are on a TANF grant with his/her relative, can use that adult as his/her in-home/relative provider.  The provider must meet requirements outlined in WAC 388-290-0130 and WAC 388-290-0135.

  2. WAC 388-290-0135 states photo identification for the provider is required. Photo identification can include items such as a driver's license, Washington State ID, or passport.

  3. A valid address for the provider is mandatory as important tax documents are sent on a monthly and yearly basis to the provider. Let the provider know this is the reason for the address.

    The reported address (given on the provider form) is sufficient. However, if there is reason to suspect the current address is not correct, then request verification.

    Verification can include items such as:

    • Landlord forms or shared living statements (can be used but cannot be required), or

    • A dated piece of mail the provider recently received at the reported address.

  4. WAC 388-290-0135(2) states an in-home / relative provider must submit "A …valid Social Security card...":

    1. Valid can mean the SSN:

      1. Really belongs to that person;

      2. Card and number are not fake and / or tampered with; and

      3. Can be used for employment.

    2. If there is verifiable information indicating the card and/or number are not valid, the provider has not met the WAC requirement and cannot be approved as an in-home/relative provider. For example: A provider submits a card that indicates additional verification from the INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service) is needed in order for the provider to use the SSN for employment. The provider must submit this verification from the INS in order for the SSN to be considered valid.

Please Note: If a social security card says "Valid for work only with INS verification" the individual needs to obtain a separate Employment Authorization Document (EAD) in order to engage in employment. However, if the individual has a Green Card, he/she has a right to work without further documentation.

  1. Written guidance about using in-home/relative care for the consumer is attached to the in-home/relative pending letter.

  2. Additional printed resources for parents include:

  • DSHS 22-649 Winning Ways to Talk with Young Children

  • DSHS 22-114 A Family's Guide to Early Intervention Services in Washington State

  • DSHS 22-299 Brain Research Findings and Suggested Actions

  • DSHS 22-300 Rethinking the Brain - New Insights into Early Development for parents, caregivers and policy makers

  • DSHS 22-302 Babies are Born Learning - Make Every Moment Count

  • DSHS 22-486 Include Me: Guide to Inclusive Child Care, Child care for children and youth with special needs.

Effective December 1, 2005

WAC 388-290-0138 What responsibilities does my eligible in home/relative provider have?

Your in home/relative provider must:

  1. Report within ten days changes in their legal name, address or telephone number;

  2. Report within twenty-four hours pending charges or convictions they have;

  3. Report within twenty-four hours pending charges or convictions for anyone sixteen years of age and older who lives with the provider when care occurs outside of the child's home;

  4. Bill WCCC only for care he/she provided;

  5. Not bill WCCC for more than six children at one time for the same hours of care; and

  6. Keep correct attendance records. Records must:

    1. Show both days and times the care was provided;

    2. Be kept for five years; and

    3. Be given to us, within fourteen consecutive calendar days, if we ask for them.

CLARIFYING INFORMATION

  1. A provider may want to care for more than 6 children at the same time, however, WCCC will only pay for 6. If one family has more than 6 eligible children, an ETR can be submitted.

  2. Some providers will not be able to care for all the families due to issues such as schedule conflicts, the location of care, or the number of children they are requesting payment for. The families and the provider will need to be contacted to resolve for whom, when and where the provider does care.

EXAMPLE

Lisa is the relative provider for Becky and Holly. Becky and Holly both have 4 children. Lisa wants to care for all 8 children during the same time of the day. WCCC will pay Lisa for a maximum of 6 children. Lisa and the parents can decide which 6 children she is available to care for by completing Section 2 of Part 2: Provider Information (DSHS 14-417) If Lisa chooses to care for all 8 children, WCCC will still only pay for 6. Payment for the other 2 children is between Lisa and the parents.

  1. For who is responsible for an overpayment, refer to the WAC 388-290-0274.

WORKER RESPONSIBILITY

Review each family’s case needs carefully when the in-home/relative provider is caring for another family’s children. When authorizing correct care to a provider caring for multiple families review, at a minimum, the:

  1. Relationship to the provider;

  2. Location of care;

  3. Schedules; and

  4. Number of children authorized for WCCC payment.

NOTE:

To search for families that a provider is caring for, access the “clients served by a provider” in WCAP under the Reports/Forms menu selection, or from the PV0 screen in SSPS WebConnect.

Character and Suitability of In-home / Relative Providers

Effective December 1, 2005
WAC 388-290-0140  When is my in-home/relative provider not eligible for WCCC payment?

We do not pay for the cost of in-home / relative care if:

  1. Your provider does not meet the requirements in WAC 388-290-0130,  388-290-0135 or 388-290-0138;

  2. Your in home/relative provider has been convicted of, or has charges pending for crimes posted on the DSHS secretary's crime and action list for background checks for ESA. You can find the complete list at http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/pdf/esa/dccel/Crime_and_Backg_Chex.pdf;

  3. We do not have background check results according to WAC 388-290-0143;

  4. The provider is:

    1. The child's biological, adoptive or step parent;

    2. The child's nonneedy or needy relative or relative's spouse or live in-partner;

    3. The child's legal guardian or the guardian's spouse or live in-partner; or

    4. Another adult acting in loco parentis or that adult's spouse or live in-partner.

  5. We do not have the results of all applicable criminal background checks under WAC 388-290-0143(1) and 388-290-0150. An in home/relative provider is not an eligible provider (per WAC 388-290-0095 and 388-290-0100) prior to receiving these background results. Providers other than in home/relative providers you can use are described in WAC 388-290-0125; or

  6. We determine your provider is not of suitable character and competence or of sufficient physical or mental health to meet the needs of the child in care, or the household may be at risk of harm by this provider, as indicated by information other than conviction information.  We will use criteria, such as the following, when reviewing information about incidents/issues/reports/findings:

    1. Recency;

    2. Seriousness;

    3. Type;

    4. Frequency; and

    5. Relationship to the direct care of a child including health, mental health, learning, and safety.

CLARIFYING INFORMATION

  1. All background check results are needed before any care is authorized. This includes the results of those living with the provider who are age 16 or older.

  2. The payment begin date is not backdated if the CBI is returned to the consumer to be completed.

  3. “Partner” refers to someone who is living as a couple with the relative, legal guardian, or in loco parentis consumer and is acting as the other parental role model. Workers are not expected to research in depth the personal relationship of the “partner” to the consumer.

WORKER RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. In order to assist in the background check process:

    1. Explain to the consumer the process and time involved in doing a background check. Remind the consumer they can use a licensed provider while waiting for the in-home/relative provider to be approved;

    2. Ask the consumer if there is anyone age 16 or older living with the relative provider when care is done in the relative’s home. This will allow the worker to send the correct number of Background Authorization forms;

    3. Remember if the applicant on the Background Authorization is 16 or 17 years old, the form must be signed by the minor’s parent/guardian.

    4. Screen the Background Authorization form for completeness and legibility before processing it. The Background Authorization form is a legal document, signed under penalty of perjury; no one except the person whose signature is on the bottom of the form may add or delete information.

    5. Do not deny the case if the background check process takes more than 30 days.

  2. When payment is open to a provider and there is no current background results (current meaning within the last 2 years) for either the provider or people over the age of 16 who live with the provider and care is done in the provider’s home:

    1. Give the consumer ten days notice of payment termination;

    2. Send them a new background authorization form (and Part II if needed); and

    3. Document the action taken in the consumer’s case notes.

Effective May 28, 2004

WAC 388-290-0143  Who must have a background check for the WCCC program and how often is the check done?

  1. A background check must be completed for:

    1. All in-home/relative providers who apply to care for a WCCC consumer's child; and

    2. Any individual sixteen years of age or older who is residing with a provider when care occurs outside of the child's home.

  2. A background check must be completed for individuals listed in subsection (1)(a) and (b) of this section at least every two years;

  3. Additional background checks must be completed for individuals listed in subsection (1)(a) and (b) of this section when:

    1. Any individual sixteen years of age or older is newly residing with a provider when care occurs outside of the child's home;

    2. We have a valid reason to do a check more frequently;

    3. An in-home/relative provider applies to provide care for a family such as when:

      1. A break in service occurs to the current consumer;

      2. There is a break in consumer eligibility; or

      3. A provider is currently providing care and there are no prior background results for this provider.

  4. We do not need to request a new background check for an individual in subsection (1)(a) or (b) if:

    1. We have results that were received no more than ninety days prior to the current requested start date of care; and

    2. The results indicate that there is no record.

CLARIFYING INFORMATION

If a provider is doing care for the same family or a new family, do not process a new background authorization if the background result meets requirements in WAC 388-290-0143 (4).

EXAMPLE

Chris is using Polly as his in-home/relative provider. On May 15th, the background check results indicate “No Record”.  A new consumer, Becky, wants to use Polly as her in-home/relative provider in the evenings. Polly applies to be a provider for Becky’s children on July 1st and tells you she is also a provider for Chris and just completed a background authorization. You check the Background Inquiry database or Chris’ electronic case record for the background results and confirm the check is less than 90 days old, and is a “No Record”. Polly can be approved as a provider for Becky’s case without completing a new background check.

Effective May 28, 2004

WAC 388-290-0145  Why is a background check required and will I be notified of the results?

  1. We require the background check to:

    1. Help safeguard the health, safety, and well-being of children;

    2. Reduce the possible risk of harm from persons who have been convicted or have charges pending of certain crimes having access to WCCC children; and

    3. Help you make informed decisions about individuals who have access to your children.

  2. We notify you, the WCCC consumer:

    1. Whether we can approve the provider for the WCCC program; and

    2. Of the following results from the background check:

      1. No background information is found given current sources of information;

      2. Background information is found, but the information will not disqualify the individual being checked; or

      3. Background information is found that disqualifies the individual being checked.

Effective May 28, 2004

WAC 388-290-0150  What information does the background check contain and where does it come from?

  1. The background information includes, at a minimum, criminal convictions and pending charges.

  2. Additional sources may include:

    1. Child/adult protective service case information; and

    2. Civil judgments, determinations, or disciplinary board final decisions of abuse or neglect.

  3. We obtain background information at a minimum, from the Washington state patrol under chapter 10.97 RCW via the background check central unit (BCCU).

  4. Additional sources of the background information may be obtained from:

    1. Child/adult protective service case files;

    2. Other states and federally recognized Indian tribes;

    3. The department of corrections and the courts;

    4. Law enforcement records of convictions and pending charges in other states or locations if:

      1. The individual being checked has lived in another state; and

      2. Reports from credible community sources indicate a need to investigate another state's records

    5. The individual being checked self-discloses information.

Effective December 1, 2005

WAC 388-290-0155  What happens after the WCCC program receives the background information?

After we receive the background information we:

  1. Compare the background information with convictions posted on the DSHS secretary's list of disqualifying convictions for economic services administration (ESA). You can find the complete list http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/esa/dccel/policy.shtml;

  2. Review the background information using the following rules:

    1. We give the same weight to a pending charge for a crime as a conviction;

    2. If the conviction has been renamed we give the same weight as the previous named conviction. For example, larceny is now called theft;

    3. We give convictions whose titles are preceded with the word "attempted" the same weight as those titles without the word "attempted"; and

    4. We do not consider the crime a conviction for the purposes of WCCC when:

      1. It has been pardoned: or

      2. A court of law acts to expunge, dismiss, or vacate the conviction record.

  3. Notify you whether or not we are able to approve the provider for WCCC.

  4. Allow you, the consumer, to decide character and suitability of the provider when an individual is not automatically disqualified due to the background information from the record of arrests and prosecutions (RAP) sheet.

  5. Deny or stop payment when the background information disqualifies the individual being checked.

  6. Assist you in finding other child care arrangements.

Effective May 28, 2004

WAC 388-290-0160  What convictions would cause the WCCC program to permanently disqualify my in-home/relative provider?

  1. If your provider or an individual listed in WAC 388-290-0143(1) has a background containing a permanently disqualifying conviction posted on the DSHS secretary's list of disqualifying convictions for ESA, we permanently disqualify the person as an in-home/relative child care provider for WCCC. You can find the complete list at http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/esa/dccel/.

  2. If the conditions in WAC 388-290-0167(1)(a) and (b) are met, the disqualifying background of an individual sixteen years of age or over living with the provider may not permanently disqualify the provider.

Effective July 1, 2002

WAC 388-290-0165  Is there other background information or convictions that will disqualify my in-home/relative provider?

  1. We can disqualify your in-home/relative provider if the individual being checked has a background containing information other than conviction information that we determine:

    1. Makes the individual not of suitable character and competence or of sufficient physical or mental health to meet the needs of the child in care; or

    2. Puts the household at risk for harm.

  2. If an individual being checked has a background containing a five year disqualifying conviction posted on the DSHS secretary's list of disqualifying convictions for ESA, your provider is disqualified as an in-home/relative child care provider for WCCC for five years after the conviction date. You can find the complete list at http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/esa/dccel/.

  3. If an individual being checked has:

    1. A conviction listed in subsection (2) of this section, and it has been more than five years; or

    2. Any conviction other than those posted on the DSHS secretary's list of disqualifying convictions for ESA we will allow you to determine the provider's character, suitability, and competence by reviewing important information such as the:

      1. Amount of time that has passed since the conviction;

      2. Seriousness of the crime that led to the conviction;

      3. Individual's age at the time of conviction;

      4. Individual's behavior since the conviction;

      5. Number and types of convictions in the individual's background; and

      6. Individual's verification, if any, of successful completion of  all court-ordered programs and restitution.

  4. If conditions in WAC 388-290-0167(1)(a) and (b) are met, the disqualifying background of an individual sixteen years of age or over living with the provider may not disqualify the provider.

Effective July 1, 2002

WAC 388-290-0167  What happens if my in-home/relative provider, who provides care in their home, is disqualified based solely on the disqualifying background of an individual living with that provider?

  1. If we disqualify your provider based solely on the disqualifying background of an individual living with that provider, we require that:

    1. Child care occurs in the child's home away from the disqualified individual, if you wish to continue using that provider; and

    2. The parent and provider sign an agreement with us indicating that:

      1. Care occurs in the child's home; and

      2. There is no contact between the child and disqualified individual during child care hours.

  2. The parent may choose a licensed provider or submit an application for a different in-home/relative provider.

  3. If we become aware that the parent and provider are not meeting the conditions in subsection (1)(a) and (b) of this section:

    1. We terminate care without advance and adequate notice;

    2. You need to find a different provider; and

    3. You may be subject to an overpayment under WAC 388-290-0270.

clarifying information

  1. DSHS staff take several steps to assist parents in determining whether an in-home / relative provider is suitable. However the parent / guardian has ultimate responsibility to determine whether the in-home / relative provider is the most appropriate person to care for their child.

  2. The consumer and provider are not eligible for any child care payments prior to the date all applicable background check results are received by the department. The “received date” is the date DSHS receives the information from the Washington State Patrol. That date is printed on the results letter or listed in the background inquiry data base.

  3. By signing the DSHS 14-417 WCCC Application, Part 2, Section 4, the consumer attests the in-home / relative provider meets the criteria under WAC 388-290-0135 at the time child care is authorized.

  4. An individual provider on ADATSA (Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment and Support Act) at the time of application for WCCC does not meet suitability requirements and will not be approved as an in-home / relative child care provider. Please note you may not give the details to the consumer regarding this denial. The most we can disclose is the provider did not pass the background check. You can offer to discuss it with the provider.  WAC 388-290-0135 and WAC 388-290-0140 can be used for denial reasons.

  5. An individual provider receiving General Assistance (GAU/X) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) must be evaluated for suitability to provide care before WCCC is authorized. Receipt of SSI/SSA means a disability has been validated by another reliable source and we want to determine whether the provider is likely to be able to fulfill the duties as outlined in Part II of the application. The provider does not need to disclose the disability but it may be important to know if the disability would impair the provider from doing tasks such as the following:

    • Picking up or holding a child

    • Using a phone to call in an emergency

    • Identifying when a situation would be considered an emergency

    • Driving (if transporting the child--Is there a valid driver's license)

    • Staying awake while the child is in need of supervision

    • Identifying when a situation needs adult supervision

    • Disciplining a child appropriately when needed, etc…

    If it is determined that a letter of recommendation is needed, ask for one from someone who knows the provider. Be very specific about what the provider's duties would be while watching the children so the person writing the letter can speak to those duties.  Please note you may not give the details to the consumer regarding this denial. The most we can disclose is the provider did not pass the background check. You can offer to discuss it with the provider.  WAC 388-290-0135 and WAC 388-290-0140 can be used for denial reasons.

  6. The DSHS 09-891A, "Important Notice to Parents Using Child Care," prints automatically along with the DSHS 09-653, Background Authorization, from the WCAP.  The notice gives the consumer guidance when reading the criminal history record and how the history relates to character and suitability of the provider. You can search for the form here.

worker responsibilities

  1. Ensure that a DSHS 09-653 Background Authorization form is received from individuals required to have a background check under WAC 388-290-0143. Once the provider completes and submits the form to the department, file a copy in the consumer case record (hard file or the electronic case record).

  2. Do not, at any time, fill in missing information for the applicant if the background authorization form is incomplete or illegible in any way. The form becomes invalid if anyone other than the applicant fills in the applicant’s information.

    To process a rejection letter for an incomplete or illegible form:

    1. Use the Rejection Letter (DSHS 10-385) in WCAP. Fill in the appropriate check box indicating which item is causing the rejection.

    2. Locally print the form and attach a copy of the Background Authorization Form (DSHS 09-653) submitted by the applicant.

    3. Send both forms to the consumer so the provider can make the corrections.

    4. Process the form once it is complete and correct.

  3. Do not disclose any non-conviction information about the provider to the consumer unless the provider has signed the DSHS 17-063 or another signed release of information.

Background Inquiry Results

The consumer is meant to be the primary audience for the background inquiry result’s content and instructions. Background inquiry results are received via the Background Check Inquiry database now in WCAP. The Background Check Inquiry database will hold all results of the background checks for a provider including a copy of the Record or Arrests and Prosecution (RAP) sheet. As the system is populated with data, staff can use this system to look up dates of prior checks.

Staff enter the provider/applicant data into the Background Check Inquiry database and send it directly to the BCCU (Background Check Central Unit). In most cases, a response will be received within 30 seconds with one of the following messages:

  1. “Provider has no record”:

    When no record is discovered, WCAP will enter the “No Record” result in the consumer’s WCAP Notes and it is also automatically logged and saved in the Background Check Inquiry database. The consumer will not receive notification of these results. Proceed with authorizing child care at this time.

  2. “This CBI has been sent to BCCU. The tracking number is XXXX. You will receive a tickle when the results are available”:

    One of the following results will be issued from this search:

    1. Record (DSHS 10-384):

      This indicates the applicant has a record that may be of concern to the WCCC consumer when making a hiring decision, however, the applicant is not disqualified. The “Record” result may include information from the Washington State Patrol (WSP), Department of Corrections (DOC), out-of-state information, or other sources, including the applicant's self-disclosure.

      The result of this search is logged and saved in the Background Check Inquiry database. A result letter is automatically imaged into the electronic case record and sent via centralized mail to the consumer*.  If the result does not come back within 30 seconds, a tickle will be generated when the results are available. The result letter will be imaged and sent even if the tickle is not worked.

      When there is only a record result, assume the consumer wants to use the provider and process the case for payment. The consumer does not need to give the department a verbal or written statement about wanting to use the provider.

    2. Disqualification (DSHS 10-386):

      This indicates disqualifying information is found and the provider is not eligible for payment. The “Disqualification” result may include information from the WSP, DOC, out-of-state information, or other sources, including the applicant's self-disclosure.

      The result of this search is automatically logged and saved in the Background Check Inquiry database. A result letter and termination letter are automatically imaged to the electronic case record and sent via centralized mail to the consumer*.  If the result does not come back within 30 seconds, a tickle will be generated when the results are available. The result letter will be imaged and sent even if the tickle is not worked.

      The consumer is still eligible for care but must choose a different provider. Give the consumer time to choose a new provider. Provide the consumer with the contact information for the Child Care Resource and Referral Agency at 1-800-446-1114. Submit a new Background Authorization form for a new in-home/relative provider or process payment for a licensed/certified provider, per the consumer's request.

    3. Thumbprint needed (DSHS 10-383):

      This indicates the system cannot perform a search on the applicant and return results without a thumbprint.

      When the “Thumbprint needed” result is returned, print both the Thumbprint Request Letter and the WSP thumbprint form from the WCAP. Send both of these letters to the consumer. The consumer must have the applicant complete the forms according to the directions and submit them to the WSP.

      WSP will process the forms and return the results to the BCCU. The BCCU will then send the results via the Background Check Inquiry database and a tickle will be generated when the results are received. Process the results according to 2 a or b of this section. The final result letter will be sent even if the tickle is not worked.

*Please note: These items must be sent from the local office when the consumer is coded with needing items in languages other than English or Spanish.

When a Person living with the provider is disqualified

  1. When a provider is disqualified due to the disqualifying background of an individual living with the provider, the provider is disqualified from providing care where the other disqualified individual lives. If a parent wants to use the disqualified provider, DSHS requires the parent and provider sign an agreement (DSHS Form 7-080) with DSHS indicating:

    1. Care will occur in the child's home; and

    2. There will be no contact between the child and disqualified individual during child care hours.

    2.

  2. A signed copy of the parent / provider agreement (DSHS Form 7-080) must be on file. Do not authorize care prior to receiving the completed agreement.

  3. If the parent is unwilling or unable to meet either of the two conditions in 1. above, they may choose a licensed provider or submit an application for a different in-home / relative provider.

  4. If DSHS becomes aware the parent and provider are not meeting conditions in 1. above, terminate care without advance and adequate notice. The parent must find a different eligible provider to continue to receive WCCC. The parent could also be subject to an overpayment.

  5. If an individual living with the provider is disqualified, a consumer cannot file for hearing.  However, a consumer can file for hearing if their provider is disqualified based on their personal background.

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