Purpose:

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), "Department" recognizes that 'external content' may be placed upon publicly accessible Internet Web pages operated by the Department. External content is content provided by entities that are not part of government. These guidelines recognize that it may be in the public interest to include links, on the Department Web pages, to resources that are provided by others on Web sites outside the Department's control. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide clear information to those entities submitting link requests. These guidelines are in compliance with the DSHS Policy for External links on DSHS Web sites.

Definitions:

"DSHS Web site" is the Internet portal operated and maintained by DSHS. It is not a forum for public communications and debate. The Web site is designed to provide information and links to other sites that provide information and government services. "DSHS Internet Properties", "DSHS Web pages", and "Web pages operated by DSHS" are those Web pages whose content is under the direction and control of DSHS, including, but not limited to, DSHS Administration, Division and Program provided internet sub-sites. "External links" means links to non-governmental Web sites and all links to Web sites other than the DSHS web properties.

Applicability:

This policy applies to the DSHS Web site and other DSHS Internet properties. Links to the following types of Web pages may be included in the DSHS web site:

1. Other Governmental Units & Educational Institutions – DSHS may provide links to other federal, state, and local governmental units that provide additional services and information the DSHS Web site users may find of interest.
2. Private Organizations, DSHS May provide links to Private organizations if these organizations offer services that complement the Purpose, information and services offered by DSHS and if the links meet the Acceptance Criteria stated in this policy.

DSHS may provide links to Web sites that are not controlled, maintained, or regulated by DSHS, and as such DSHS is not responsible for the content of those Web sites.

Use of information obtained from External Web sites is voluntary. Any information obtained from an External Web site is not guaranteed by DSHS and the user should review the accuracy of any information, before relying upon it. Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service by tradename, trademark, or otherwise does not represent endorsement or recommendation by DSHS.

Content Guidelines:

In exercising its discretion to allow external content on Web pages it operates, DSHS will use the following Acceptance Criteria, DSHS will review every request and decide whether it is appropriate and relevant:

1. The External Web site corresponds with the Purpose of DSHS.
2. The External Web site is appropriate with respect to the Purpose of DSHS.  An inappropriate Web site may include but is not limited to:
   • A commercial Web site which charges a fee for products or services online;
   • A Web site  that exhibits hate, bias, discrimination, pornography, libelous or otherwise defamatory content;
   • A Web site that advocates or promotes the use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs;
   • A Web site that lobbies, advocates, or advances the policies and priorities of a particular industry, organization or enterprise. This includes sites of non-profit organizations;
   • A Web site that furthers the agenda of a political organization or candidate running for office;
   • A Web site that promotes or makes available adult or sexually oriented entertainment or materials;
   • A Web site that promotes, opposes, or makes available weapons or gambling.

Additionally, DSHS reserves the right to deny links if it determines that a Web site contains misleading or unsubstantiated claims, conflict with the purpose of DSHS or does not meet one or more of the criteria set forth in this policy.

Oversight and Monitoring:

The DSHS Web Standards Team has established procedures to monitor the implementation and continuing oversight of these guidelines. These procedures shall include:

• A process for review of all new requests for external content links from a DSHS web page to another web page.
• Ensure compliance with the DSHS Policy for External Content prior to granting the request.
• A quarterly review of not less than seven (7) percent or a quantity of thirty-five (35) of the current direct external content links, whichever is less, to ensure that such links still comply with this policy.

Removal of Links:

DSHS reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to remove links to external content if it determines that an External Web page contains misleading or unsubstantiated claims, conflicts with the purpose of DSHS, or does not meet DSHS Administrative Policy 15.18.

Linking to the DSHS Web site:

Advance permission to link to the DSHS Web site is not necessary; however, Website users should be aware that the DSHS web site pages may change at any time without notice. Anyone linking to the DSHS Website should continuously verify links to the site.

Anyone linking to the DSHS Website shall not display DSHS Webpages within frames, present DSHS content as its own, or other wise misrepresent DSHS content, and the should not misinform users about the origin or ownership of DSHS content. Certain information on the DSHS Web site may be trademarked, service marked or otherwise protected as intellectual property.

Request a link

If you believe you have a Web site that meets the criteria after reviewing this policy,  please complete the  DSHS Link request form