(1) Intensive family preservation services shall have all of the following characteristics:

(a) Services are provided by specially trained service providers who have received at least forty hours of training from recognized intensive in-home services experts. Service providers deliver the services in the family's home, and other environments of the family, such as their neighborhood or schools;

(b) Caseload size averages two families per service provider unless paraprofessional services are utilized, in which case a provider may, but is not required to, handle an average caseload of five families;

(c) The services to the family are provided by a single service provider who may be assisted by paraprofessional workers, with backup providers identified to provide assistance as necessary;

(d) Services are available to the family within twenty-four hours following receipt of a referral to the program; and

(e) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, duration of service is limited to a maximum of forty days, unless paraprofessional workers are used, in which case the duration of services is limited to a maximum of ninety days. The department may authorize an additional provision of service through an exception to policy when the department and provider agree that additional services are needed.

(2) Family preservation services shall have all of the following characteristics:

(a) Services are delivered primarily in the family home or community;

(b) Services are committed to reinforcing the strengths of the family and its members and empowering the family to solve problems and become self-sufficient;

(c) Services are committed to providing support to families through community organizations including but not limited to school, church, cultural, ethnic, neighborhood, and business;

(d) Services are available to the family within forty-eight hours of referral unless an exception is noted in the file;

(e) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, duration of service is limited to a maximum of six months, unless the department requires additional follow-up on an individual case basis;

(f) Caseload size no more than ten families per service provider, which can be adjusted when paraprofessional workers are used or required by the department; and

(g) Support and retain foster families so they can provide quality family-based settings for children in foster care.

(3) Preservation services shall include the following characteristics:

(a) Services protect the child and strengthen the family;

(b) Service providers have the authority and discretion to spend funds, up to a maximum amount specified by the department, to help families obtain necessary food, shelter, or clothing, or to purchase other goods or services that will enhance the effectiveness of intervention;

(c) Services are available to the family twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week;

(d) Services enhance parenting skills, family and personal self-sufficiency, functioning of the family, and reduce stress on families; and

(e) Services help families locate and use additional assistance including, but not limited to, the development and maintenance of community support systems, counseling and treatment services, housing, child care, education, job training, emergency cash grants, state and federally funded public assistance, and other basic support services.

(4) The department may offer or provide family preservation services or preservation services to families as remedial services pursuant to proceedings brought under chapter 13.34 RCW. If the department elects to do so, these services are not considered remedial services as defined in chapter 13.34 RCW, and the department may extend the duration of such services for a period of up to fifteen months following the return home of a child under chapter 13.34 RCW. The purpose for extending the duration of these services is to, whenever possible, facilitate safe and timely reunification of the family and to ensure the strength and stability of the reunification.