These are residential homes licensed to care for up to six non-related residents. They provide room, board, laundry, necessary supervision, and necessary help with activities of daily living, personal care, and social services. RCW 70.128.010.
If you are considering care in an adult family home.
- Please read our brochure, Choosing Care in an Adult Family Home or Assisted Living Facility
- Look for an adult family home in your county with the Adult Family Home Locator
- Apply for state-funded care in an adult family home at your local Home & Community Services Office
If you want to open an Adult Family Home (AFH)
REQUIRED -- Register online for an orientation class for prospective AFH providers at a participating community college.
In this one-day course you will learn about resident rights, and whether you are prepared to take on the responsibility of being an adult family home provider, and an overview of regulations and laws pertaining to adult family homes. You can view additional, detailed information on various topics related to AFH at http://www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/residential-care-services/afh-information.
Where can I attend an orientation class?
Classes are offered at six locations across the State of Washington. To register for a class, visit http://www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/residential-care-services/afh-line-orientation-class-registration and select the registration link that corresponds to the location where wish to attend.
I took an orientation class over a year ago and then had some delays in getting around to applying for a license. Now I am ready to apply for a license. Do I need to attend orientation class again?
You need to take the Adult Family Home Prospective Provider Orientation class within a year of applying for a license.
I am opening a second adult family home; what do I need to do?
Contact the Business Analysis & Applications Unit at (360) 725-2420.
Once I've attended an orientation class, what is the next step toward becoming licensed?
You will need to complete and submit the application packet correctly, according to the instructions provided on the application.
How long does it take to become licensed?
There is no specific time frame for becoming licensed. It depends on how quickly the application is completed accurately and scheduling of the initial licensing visits
AFH Building Codes & Inspections
More Information
More information for AFH providers