Washington Administrative Code (Last Updated: November 23, 2016) |
Title 388. Social and Health Services, Department of |
Chapter 388-148. Licensing requirements for child foster homes. |
Section 388-148-1615. What are the requirements for disciplining children?
Latest version.
- (1) You must use discipline that is appropriate to the child's age and level of development.(2) You must establish limits and use positive methods of guidance that promote self-control, self-responsibility, self-direction, self-esteem and cooperation.(3) Positive methods include:(a) Directing children to another activity;(b) Giving choices when appropriate;(c) Time out as a method of guidance, allowing the child time to change his/her behavior;(d) Planning in order to prevent problems; and(e) Using positive reinforcement and encouraging children to express their feelings and ideas.(4) You must not use physical punishment or verbally abusive, neglectful, humiliating or frightening punishment which includes but is not limited to:(a) Spanking;(b) Cursing;(c) Threats, humiliation or intimidation; and(d) Locked time-out rooms or methods that interfere with a child's basic needs, including withholding of food.(5) You and authorized care providers are responsible for discipline; you may not give that responsibility to a child.(6) You must allow a child needed services, including contact with the child's DSHS worker, legal representatives, legal parents or other family members.(7) You will develop a written plan for disciplining children with your licensor and you must follow that plan.