Dear Providers,

We know that many of you are feeling a high level of uncertainty right now.

Over the past several weeks, the adult family home community has been impacted by a series of significant changes. The recent Washington Supreme Court ruling on live in caregivers, the upcoming changes tied to IBSS that may take effect in October, as well as federal and state changes affecting non citizen residents and the funding streams they rely on. Taken together, these developments create a complex and at times overwhelming environment for providers.

We want to assure you that Adult Family Home Council staff are working around the clock to track each of these moving pieces, advocate for you, and push for clear, practical guidance that recognizes the realities you face. As we receive more information, whether about the Supreme Court ruling, IBSS transitions, impacts to non citizen residents, or others, we will share it with you immediately through emails, trainings, and other member updates.

To better support you during this time, we have expanded our member support capacity. We now have three dedicated staff to help respond to member questions and to reduce missed calls and delayed responses. This team is here to help you triage issues, connect you to the right resources, and make sure your concerns are captured when we see patterns across homes. In addition our Regulatory Director is available to help escalate issues and our Education Coordinator is focused on getting you time sensitive information in accessible formats.

On a more personal and less strictly AFH related note, I want to share that I recently gave birth a few days ago. This is a joyful and important moment for my family, and I also want to be transparent with you about how it may affect my availability in the short term. As I navigate these significant issues affecting AFHs, adjust to life with a newborn, and continue to support members, you may notice that my individual response time is a little slower than usual.

Please know that I am still receiving and reading your emails and messages. I may not be able to respond as quickly or as often in real time, but I am working closely with our team to make sure your questions are addressed, your concerns are heard, and your issues are elevated when needed.

In the coming weeks and months, we will continue to:

• Send updates as we learn more about the Supreme Court ruling’s implementation, October funding changes, impacts on non citizen residents and anything else that will impact your home.
• Offer opportunities for you to share how these changes are affecting your homes, so we can bring real provider stories and data into our advocacy and negotiations.
• Work with our partners and policymakers to push for solutions that reflect the actual costs and responsibilities of providing care in adult family homes.
Thank you for the work you do every day, for your patience as we sort through fast moving changes, and for your grace as I personally adjust to life with a newborn. We are in this with you, and we will keep showing up for you, your staff, and your residents.

Warm regards,
Amina Teouri
Interim Executive Director
Adult Family Home Council