(1) Any guardian who is a foster parent licensed pursuant to RCW 74.15.030 at the time a guardianship is established under this chapter and who has been the child’s foster parent for a minimum of six consecutive months preceding entry of the guardianship order is eligible for a guardianship subsidy on behalf of the child. The department may establish rules setting eligibility, application, and program standards consistent with applicable federal guidelines for expenditure of state and federal funds.

Terms Used In Washington Code 13.36.090

  • Entitlement: A Federal program or provision of law that requires payments to any person or unit of government that meets the eligibility criteria established by law. Entitlements constitute a binding obligation on the part of the Federal Government, and eligible recipients have legal recourse if the obligation is not fulfilled. Social Security and veterans' compensation and pensions are examples of entitlement programs.
  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
(2) A child is eligible for guardianship subsidies when:
(a) The child has been placed for at least six consecutive months with a guardian who has been licensed for at least six consecutive months; or
(b) The child is placed with a guardian who is already receiving a guardianship assistance subsidy for the benefit of the child’s sibling.
(3) A child need not be eligible for federal foster care reimbursement in order to qualify for state-funded guardianship assistance payments.
(4) Nothing in this section shall be construed to create an entitlement to guardianship assistance subsidies.