Rule 11.3. Notice to Foster Parents, Preadoptive Parents, Nonrelative Caregivers, or Relative Caregivers

JuCR 11.3 NOTICE TO FOSTER PARENTS, PREADOPTIVE PARENTS, NONRELATIVE CAREGIVERS, OR RELATIVE CAREGIVERS (a) Applicability. This rule applies to all proceedings under chapter 13.34 RCW to be held with respect to a child in foster care under the responsibility of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Children’s Administration (the Department). The Department is responsible for giving notice of such proceedings to the foster parents, preadoptive parents, nonrelative caregivers or relative caregivers who are providing care to the child at the time of the proceeding. (b) Content of the Notice. The notice shall specify the time, place, and purpose of the proceeding, and shall inform the foster parents, preadoptive parents, nonrelative caregivers, or relative caregivers of their right to be heard in such proceedings. (c) Method of Giving Notice. Notice may be given by any means reasonably certain of notifying the foster parents, preadoptive parents, nonrelative caregivers or relative caregivers, including but not limited to, notice in open court, mail, personal service, telephone, telegraph, and e-mail. (d) Time of Notice. Notice shall be provided at least five (5) court days before such proceedings; in cases where the foster child is placed with the foster parents, preadoptive parents, nonrelative caregivers, or relative caregiver less than five (5) court days before the proceeding, the Department shall provide notice as soon as practicable before the proceeding. (e) Verification of Notice. The Department shall provide the Court with written verification of to whom, where, when, and how notice of the proceeding was provided to the foster parents, preadoptive parents, nonrelative caregivers, or relative caregivers. (f) Party Status Not Conferred. This rule does not confer party status upon any foster parent, preadoptive parent, nonrelative caregivers, or relative caregiver solely on the basis of such notice and right to be heard at a proceeding.