February 17, 2012
ADSA: AFH #2012-002
TRAINING ON NEW ADULT FAMILY HOME GUIDEBOOK
Dear Adult Family Home Provider:
This letter is to inform you that the Department, with input from external stakeholders, has developed the Adult Family Home Guidebook, written to help you and your staff more fully understand and follow Washington State's law, known as chapter 74.34 RCW – Abuse of Vulnerable Adults. A printed copy of the Guidebook will be sent to each AFH licensee in early March 2012. Following its release, the Guidebook will be accessible online at: http://www.adsa.dshs.wa.gov/professional/afh.htm.
Residential Care Services (RCS) is partnering with Washington State Residential Care Council (WSRCC) to offer training on this Guidebook. Together, we will offer fourteen (14) half-day training sessions across the state, starting the week of March 19 and continuing through the week of April 9, 2012. These training sessions also will include invited guests from the State and Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and its paid staff. RCS staff member, Pat Jennings, will be the trainer statewide. A RCS District Administrator or Field Manager will also attend each training session as a topic expert
Please refer to the enclosed training registration flyer to find the most convenient date, location, and time for you and your staff to pre-register now for one of these training classes. All licensed AFH Providers are encouraged to take advantage of this low cost continuing education training; WSRCC membership is not required to participate
WSRCC is handling all business questions associated with pre-registration processes and fee payments for this training. You can reach WSRCC's Education Director by email at cynthia@wsrcc.org, or by calling 1-888-439-8999. All AFH providers and staff who attend this four hour training will receive a Certificate of Attendance from WSRCC upon completion of the entire training.
Thank you again for your work on behalf of residents living and receiving care in our state's licensed Adult Family Homes. We ask you to unite with us as "Partners in Protection" to stay alert to possible signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect and to report suspected abuse, neglect and financial exploitation immediately per state law and AFH Licensing Requirements.
Sincerely,
Joyce Pashley Stockwell, Director
Residential Care Services
Enclosure